A cycling team from London has embarked on a 550‑kilometre journey from Makkah to Madinah, aiming to raise funds for children in developing countries suffering from congenital heart defects. The ride began on Sunday in Saudi Arabia and marks the fifth consecutive year the group has taken on the challenge.
Led by Shamsul Abdin, head of the H&K Cycle Club, the team consists of 40 riders aged 18 to 65. Abdin told Arab News that the “Hijrah Ride” retraces the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago a journey that marked the beginning of the Islamic Hijri calendar and the establishment of the first Islamic city‑state in Madinah.
Growing Team, Growing Mission
The H&K Cycle Club has grown significantly since its founding 14 years ago, expanding from just six riders to more than 40 members from cities including London, Manchester, Oxford and Birmingham. Training for the ride began in November in the freezing UK winter, with cyclists preparing to cover over 100 kilometres per day during the four‑day challenge in Saudi Arabia. The team is expected to reach Madinah on Wednesday.
The group has previously cycled across the UK and Europe including a London‑to‑Istanbul ride to raise funds for humanitarian projects through Muntada Aid, the charity that organizes the Hijrah Ride.
Pioneers of the Hejaz Route
The team was the first to complete the Hejaz route by bicycle, inspiring hundreds of other cyclists to follow in their tracks. Abdin noted that Saudi Arabia has become increasingly bike‑friendly in recent years, with new cycling lanes and greater awareness among drivers and authorities.
Facing Harsh Conditions
Riders are preparing for extreme conditions, including intense heat, strong headwinds, sandstorms and long stretches of road with no U‑turns. Many participants are returning for their fifth Hejaz ride. The group includes people from a wide range of professions from Uber and bus drivers to business analysts and entrepreneurs.
+ There are no comments
Add yours