Blog. Spotlight on: Iconic Luxury Hotels

Our 2025 Summer Cycle Challenge is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! Starting from the exquisite Lainston House in Winchester, 150 industry riders will take on scenic routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles. Along the way, cyclists will enjoy gourmet feeding stations that are anything but ordinary, including a stop at the rather fabulous, Chewton Glen. We caught up with Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director, Iconic Luxury Hotels and HA Ambassador to find out a little more.

What motivated you to participate in the Summer Cycle Challenge?

There are a number of us from Iconic Luxury Hotels who always sign up for the Summer Cycle Challenge and hence it is annual event that we always look forward to. The longer routes are inevitably challenging however it's always enjoyable and great from a teambuilding perspective. 

With a route through the New Forest, this year the event is closer to home for me personally and hence there is no way I could have missed it especially as the second stop for the 100 mile participants is Chewton Glen… this does mean though that myself and the rest of the Team from Iconic are committed to doing the longer route!

I am also one of the organisers of The Master Innholders’ ‘Twin Cities’ 3-day ride from Reims to Canterbury in September, also in aid of Hospitality Action, and hence the Summer Cycle Challenge will be a really useful training milestone for me.   

What advice would you give to first-time riders?

If you have never done anything like this before then my advice is to tell as many friends and colleagues as you can that you have signed up for it. Very quickly someone will offer to sponsor you and once you get your first donation registered, there is no turning back… you are committed! 

A spinning class is a great way to build up for your fitness is you are struggling to find time to get out on the road as much as you would like, especially if you work long days or if the roads are wet. 

Although a bit daunting for a novice cyclist, cleets make all the difference in the world and I would encourage anyone to take the plunge as soon as you feel comfortable. Lastly you don’t need lots of expensive gear however good quality Lycra cycling shorts are definitely worth investing in. 

What can cyclists expect at the Chewton Glen feeding station?

Luke Matthews, Chewton Glen’s Executive Chef loves a bit of al fresco cooking, so weather permitting expect him to be manning our woodfired pizza oven in the Kitchen Garden. We are expecting riders to be hungry by the time they hit mile 57 and thanks to the Geo-tracking technology this year sponsored by Agilysys, Luke will be able to time the pizzas to perfection. 

There will be lots of other healthy energy boosting fruit and snacks for anyone preferring not to carb load along with a selection of hot and cold drink options. In previous years we’ve had everything from a heatwave to strong winds and horizontal rain, and hence the team have been primed to study the weather forecast and ensure they are prepared with whatever the riders need be they too warm or cold. 

Riders will also be able to charge their phones, use the loos and generally recharge ready for the final leg back to Lainston House. 

Why do you think events like this are important for the hospitality community?

As a Hospitality Action Ambassador, I am always keen to participate in as many events as possible. Clearly events like this are great from a fundraising perspective however they are also brilliant for bringing the hospitality community together whether you are riding alone or coming as a group. More than ever HA needs support and the more we can expand the network of supporters, the better.

These events are incredibly well organised and with a variety of different distances, perfect for anyone who hasn’t cycled an event before or perhaps wanting to push themselves further.