Hotel experts cycling from London to Manchester for AHC 2015
The ride has been organised in aid of employment charity Springboard UK, which helps disadvantaged people find work in the hospitality sector.
The cyclists set off from London's St Pancras at 6.30 am this morning (12 October), and will rest overnight in Leicester with the aim of arriving at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester on Tuesday evening.
While some are planning to tackle to 350km distance over two days, others will be foregoing rest and biking for an estimated 15 hours straight.
Cyclist Michael Marfurt, of CBRE Hotels, said: “This ride has been two years in the planning, has involved many hours training, early starts and weekend rides and we are now all eager to get on the road.
“We have been overwhelmed by the industry’s support to date and you’ll see all those companies who have kindly sponsored us featured on our cycling jersey. The ride is going to be tough but we’re looking forward to working as a team and completing the challenge. “
The team hope the ride will become an annual event for the hotel community and hope to encourage other cyclists to take part next year.
Anne Pierce, CEO of Springboard UK, said: “We are delighted CBRE are raising funds for The Springboard Charity, which helps young people achieve their potential, relieves unemployment for people of any age and alleviates poverty by nurturing each group into worthwhile employment in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.”
This year’s AHC - running from 14 – 15 October - will be themed around the importance of communicating with guests as a means to compete with online travel agents (OTAs) such as TripAdvisor.
Speakers include Jon Yantin, commercial director of F&B at The ONE Group, and Saatchi & Saatchi executive chairman Kevin Roberts.
To support The AHC Cycle Ride and donate click here.
