Ride for freedom: church group takes on epic cycle through four countries

A team of 11 cyclists have saddled up to take on an ambitious 2,200km (1,367-mile) ride from London to Lisbon – and all to fund freedom. 

The participants, who are all members of Christian Revival Church (CRC), have taken on this challenge to bring freedom to men, women and children who are trapped in modern slavery and human trafficking. 

They are six days into the journey and have achieved more than 60% of their fundraising goal of £60,000 to support Hope for Justice’s anti-trafficking projects around the world. 

Their JustGiving page reads: “This challenge is monumental for us, as all team members are amateur cyclists, with some just beginning their cycling journey. Every mile we pedal brings hope and freedom to those trapped in unimaginable circumstances. Donate generously and be part of this incredible journey towards justice and freedom.”

The team set off from the UK capital on Sunday (6^th July), travelling south east to Folkestone. CRC posted on Instagram on day one: “The energy was high, spirits were strong, and this is just the beginning. Let’s keep cheering them on and giving towards the goal.” 

One of the participants admitted she had not ridden a bike since lockdown when she committed to join the challenge. 

On Day 3, the group travelled through France. They passed through Le Mans, famous as the setting for the gruelling 24-hour car race. Then they cycled on to Poitiers, a city known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. 

Day 4 saw the team ride from Saintes to Bayonne via Bordeaux. The team reached the Spanish border – their halfway point – at which time they had covered an incredible 1,284.75km.  

Day 5 involved cycling from San Sebastián to Palencia, then onwards to Salamanca and towards Castelo Branco on Day 6. 

The team is due to conclude the ride on Sunday 13^th July. 

The London to Lisbon challenge, whilst a major achievement for participants, was organised with an important cause at its heart; a desire to bring freedom from human trafficking. 

The members of this epic cycle ride are Christians who attend one of CRC’s eight sites across the UK. These include London, Essex, Kent and Durham. Their aim was ultimately to fundraise to support Hope for Justice’s work to bring freedom from modern slavery. 

The participants have been referring to themselves as Freedom Riders. Some of the cyclists have been sharing their journey on social media. 

Pastor Eddie Coetzee said: “I hope that what the whole team is doing raises awareness that there are many people who are suffering – 50 million people suffering today – and nobody knows about them. So it’s a privilege to be a part of this, it’s amazing.” 

Another of the participants said via recorded video: “When I entered the year, I was asking the Lord ‘what can I do this year that I can look back and see how he used me that made an impact on someone’s life’ but I didn’t know what that would be.

“Hope for Justice do incredible work – there are people who need us to support them. Modern slavery and human trafficking are currently happening and this is giving us an opportunity to stand with Hope for Justice to give these victims a fighting chance and give them freedom. Hope for Justice helps with giving aid, reintegrating victims back into society, they help with rescue missions; there is a lot that they are doing.” 

They added later: “When the ride gets tough, it’s really all about the purpose, why we are actually doing it, and it isn’t really about us. We’re just vessels – we’re doing it for people out there who have been victims of modern slavery. So leaning back to the Lord, praising God for selecting us as these vessels to go out there and do this job.” 

CRC posted on social media: “We’re riding to bring hope, to shine light into darkness, and to declare freedom for those trapped in modern slavery. Thank you for every prayer, donation and word of support.” 

The journey has certainly been challenging at times and is putting participants through their paces. 

They have been battling the elements, including torrential rain and wind, as well as conquering uphill climbs in high temperatures. 

Members of the team described the journey as “challenging at times”, “very intense” and “exhausting”. 

They have also had to navigate cycling on the opposite side of the road, which may have resulted in a few wrong turns. 

One cyclist recounted the moment when a fellow cyclist became two-tyred to function: “We just came out of heavy rain. There was a bit of an uphill section then we came to a fork in the road where we weren’t sure which way to go. So Livingstone looks down at his maps and says, ‘We need to go this way’, then literally falls over on his bike going down the hill in the way we were meant to be going.” 

Another said: “The main challenge is that it is every day – you have to get up and do it over.” 

Ashleigh, who attends CRC’s Sevenoaks site, said: “We’re doing such an incredible trip and that’s going to see transformation and freedom to people around the world, so I’m grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to see it through. I’ve realised this is not a holiday; this is hard and I’m exhausted and mentally drained. I’m sad because I wanted to push harder but couldn’t. This is a trip for charity…it’s fighting for others.” 

Freedom Riders are aiming to raise £60,000 for Hope for Justice, in partnership with CRC Cares, which creates funds and awareness for social justice causes. 

Here is a breakdown of how your donation could help make a difference: 

To donate, visit the team’s JustGiving page: London 2 Lisbon – Freedom Riders Team is fundraising for Hope for Justice 

You can also follow their journey on Instagram @crc_london