Blog. A wheelie good day out: Summer Cycle Challenge
June 23, 2025 | Author Rosie Drew
On Monday, 23 June, cycling enthusiasts came together at Lainston House, just outside Winchester, for Hospitality Action’s annual Summer Cycle Challenge .
Held for the first time in the picturesque Hampshire countryside, riders chose from carefully planned routes ranging from 40 to 100 miles, all designed by the expert team at Andy Cook Cycling.
A record total of £37,000 has been raised so far by 67 participants, with the total expected to continue rising before fundraising closes at the end of July.
Special recognition goes to our top fundraisers, BM Cycle Squad, The QHotels Collection and Houston & Hawkes, who’ve collectively raised £3,188 for Hospitality Action. A huge shoutout to Toni Whittingham from The QHotels Collection, our top fundraiser, who raised an incredible £1,090 - an amazing achievement for a fantastic cause!
What set this event apart wasn’t just the scenery. It was the generous support along the way. Cyclists on the longer routes were welcomed at THE PIG in Brockenhurst and Chewton Glen, where they refuelled with five-star flapjacks and wood fired pizza in some of the most scenic spots in the region.
Riders on the shorter routes enjoyed a stop at the charming countryside pub The Boot Inn, which offered well-earned refreshments in the Summer heat.
At the heart of it all was community. Teams from across the hospitality sector signed up in full force, representing businesses including Red Carnation Hotels, Houston & Hawkes, The Ned London, The QHotels Collection, THE PIG, Gold Key Media, Iconic Luxury Hotels, Hatch Mansfield, and more.
This year’s challenge introduced a brand-new feature thanks to our event sponsor, Agilysys, who also provided every rider with a smart cycling jersey. Their support powered our live tracking leaderboard through Geo Tracks, allowing riders to monitor their progress in real-time and giving friends and family the chance to follow along from home. The leaderboard brought a new level of energy to the ride and encouraged competitive spirit along the way.
The day wrapped up in style back at Lainston House, where riders celebrated their efforts with a delicious BBQ and a chilled glass of Taittinger Champagne. The Cocktail Keg Company and The London Essence Co. kept the drinks flowing, and Origin Coffee was on hand for the perfect post-ride caffeine fix. Vanity Group also treated participants to wellness packs to help them recover and unwind.
Huge thanks to our event photographer Terry Hogan for capturing the day so beautifully.
We’re sending a big thank you to the amazing team at Village Hotels, who got behind the Summer Cycle Challenge in their own way by hosting a nationwide virtual 'Spinathon' across all 33 of their hotels. They raised a fantastic £2,700, a brilliant effort that’s part of our growing total.
And a special shoutout to everyone who took part in our Summer Online Auction, which was also held in honour of the challenge. Thanks to your generous bids, it raised an incredible £6,350 to help us continue supporting hospitality people when they need it most.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and supporters. Huge thanks to Lainston House, Exclusive Collection, Hatch Mansfield, Agilysys, Andy Cook Cycling, Geo Tracks, Cocktail Keg Company, Lucky Saint, Origin Coffee, Hildon Natural Mineral Water, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Iconic Luxury Hotels Limited, THE PIG, The Boot Inn, Vanity Group, Enotria & Co, Precision Fuel & Hydration and The London Essence Co.
