Blog. Bike to Care

In just a few days, Bike to Care en Bourgougne, a charity bike ride raising funds for Hospitality Action (amongst others), will zoom through the hills of Côte D’Or in France, so we wanted to share some more insight into the activity, talking to David Stephan, Export Director of Louis Jadot, who stands behind its organization.

How did you become involved in the Bike to Care initiative?

We were in the midst of the COVID pandemic and we wanted to bring some help to the Hospitality Industry. I suggested the idea of raising money to Pierre-Henry and Thibault Gagey at Louis Jadot to help and give back in the way of an endurance cycling challenge. It then became a Burgundy initiative thanks to the support of many friends winemakers in Burgundy as well as our partners around the world.

As well as playing a huge role in making this event happen you’ll be taking part, have you participated in anything similar before?

Yes, I was part of No Kid Hungry / Chef Cycle in California.

Is there a particular part of the course you’re most looking forward to?

Both routes are superb, it seems like the Côte de Nuits one will be the most challenging, but riders will have a fantastic event to look forward to upon arrival, which should provide much needed courage! I am looking forward to that one in particular!

What will be your motivation to finish the course?

When we launched the project, we did want to raise money and give back to the hospitality Industry but also, we were so much looking to gather again with friends. I will finish the course to show my commitment to raise funds, but also as a way to thank everyone, to be part of this great human adventure.

How will you celebrate at the end of the challenge?

We will celebrate being together, by sharing great food and bottles of wine and I cannot thank everyone enough for their commitment to Bike to Care en Bourgogne, whether they be our friends winemakers for Burgundy as well as our friends from the rest of the world. And next, we will look forward to Bike to Care 2023!

On 9th and 10th May 2022, hospitality personalities, chefs and sommeliers will come together in Beaune to push themselves to their physical limits by participating in a test of cycling endurance. Across subsequent days, Bike to Care will see international teams covering 100km of Burgundy’s viticultural heartland twice over. Representing the UK will be two teams of 8 cyclists, composed of personalities from the hospitality sector - from sommeliers and chefs to managing directors.

To find out more details and support the fundraising team, please visit the dedicated JustGiving page here.