Over the weekend of June 26/27 10 riders set out on the roads of Tortola for a 220-mile ride to raise funds for UK charity Ambitious About Autism, and local BVI special needs school, the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, in a global ride, the Rapha Ambitious 220. Eight riders completed the full 220 miles covering 1,760 mile in two days. In total, 1,957 miles were covered.

$10,085 was raised for Eslyn Henley Richiez, and $4,553.66 for Ambitious About Autism. The generous donations of major corporate sponsors Conyers, Martin Kenney & Co, Ocorian, and Carey Olsen, were instrumental in the fundraising efforts.

Starting at 4.30am to beat the heat, the riders were hit with torrential rain for the first day as a tropical wave passed the British Virgin Islands. They endured flash flooding, water-covered potholes, lightning, poor visibility, and even worse driving throughout the day. When the clouds cleared, and the sun came out, humidity levels went through the roof. 110 miles per day was the goal, with most riders hoping to achieve more on the first day. However, after a weather-battered day, most finished the day at 110 miles. Two soldiered on, one after a car nap, to complete 150 and 140 miles for the day.

The second day saw better weather in the morning, but two riders did not make it out. Rain fell but it was not torrential like the first day. Initially, it was cloudy and overcast but sadly the sun came out for the second half of the ride day. A 17 mile per hour headwind, 80 degree heat, and 80% humidity made the last 50 miles a real challenge as the roads superheated after all the weekend’s rain. Everyone slogged it out, but the breaks became more frequent and included hose breaks and stops at the roadside “coconut water man”.

Capriccio di Mare was the official aid station for the ride, providing excellent Breakfast Pizzas, sticky buns, drinks, hearty pasta and pizza lunch, and welcome shade throughout the weekend.