Prince's Trust Palace to Palace 08
The Prince’s Trust Palace to Palace Cycle Ride 2008
The Prince’s Trust – The Prince’s Trust offers practical solutions to help change young lives.
Overview
On Sunday 7th September 2008, 2,500 cyclists from across the country rode from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle to raise money for The Prince's Trust. The route started on The Mall and ran along the banks of the Thames, through Richmond Park, Chobham Common and along the usually prohibited Long Walk before finishing at The Brocas within the grounds of Eton College with spectacular views of Windsor Castle.
The event was sponsored by Heart 106.2 for the third year. Participants were refreshed by Icelandic Glacial Water and helped along by Evans Cycles. A warm down was available from LA Fitness, Piz Buin were on hand to provide sun protection and Taer Icelandic offered a much needed massage service. Amongst the participants were Prince’s Trust Ambassadors, Heart 106.2 DJ Toby Anstis and former Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.
Objective
To design and deliver a memorable, safe, cycling event providing supporters of The Prince’s Trust with a challenging day to raise funds for the cause.
Approach
Planning and implementation of a bike ride from London to Windsor, commencing outside Buckingham Palace and winding through the spectacular scenery in Surrey and Berkshire via road and the Royal Parks, finishing 45 miles later in Windsor.
The 2008 event brought some additional changes to the 2006/07 events which included an additional seven miles of route which led to a new third water station, increased signage and marshalling. The inclusion of The Long Walk in Windsor on the route which is normally forbidden meant liaising with The Crown Estate. The new finish venue at The Brocas within Eton College Grounds added the complexity of crossing the bridge which separates Windsor and Eton. The new finish village provided an increased amount of space allowing for additional participants and onsite parking for friends and family. A coach and bike shuttle service was also provided enabling cyclists to get back into Central London. The additional space also gave sponsors the opportunity to promote their products and provide support to the cyclists.
Outcome
The event was a great success and was enjoyed by over 2,000 participants. The final fundraising figures will be released later this year.
"The highlight for me was being able to cycle up The Mall at Buckingham Palace without any traffic. I felt like a royal! And then ending the ride cycling up towards Windsor Castle was very special too. And having a water stop every 10 miles!" - Sally
"Hard to pick one thing... the camaraderie between fellow bikers was fab and the sense of achievement (my first sponsored ride) but it was fantastically organised especially the spacing of the water stops...just right... and the smiley marshals. Fabulous." - Jane Cashmore
“Thank you most warmly for all the help you gave me for the Palace to Palace Prince’s Trust Cycle Ride. I am delighted to say that the fundraising for this event has exceeded expectations – my Trust was overwhelmed by enthusiasm for the event and there is a keen interest in future events from participants!’’
HRH The Prince of Wales
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''Thank you most warmly for all the help you gave me for the Palace to Palace Prince’s Trust Cycle Ride.'