The 9th and 10th of October 2021 saw the inaugural Burton Bash and it was a success in every way possible.

The weather was incredible. The sunshine helped power 30+ riders cycle from Ludlow Castle to Warwick Castle, and back again! - Success

 

The ride raised over £12,000; which has been donated to the Brain Tumour Charity to support their much-needed and excellent work. - Success

 

Ben completed the ride - Success, unlike some others (mentioning no names) who had to get in the support wagon and eat their body weight in haribo to keep their blood sugar levels up!

 

From all the organisers, we unanimously agree getting everyone involved wasn’t a challenge*. Every person jumped at the opportunity to support the event in any way they could. Huge success.

 

*Note from editor. However getting everyone in the same place at the same time was a bit like herding cats!!! Or so Will claims!!!!

 

The Warwick Castle to Ludlow Castle

 

The first leg went without a hitch. Some familiar faces met at 9am for the departure, joined by new faces from Ben’s many social circles, highlighting the love and support he has.

 

One moment particularly for Clive and Brains may stand out as a ‘dampener’ on the ride (check out the gallery for video proof), but we think we can all agree the route was well planned with lumpy bits, down hill bits and a pit (pub) stop for a quick ‘medicinal’ iron supplement to replenish the low fuel levels.

 

Spurred on by the knowledge of the finishing point being the Ludlow Brewery, the Burton Bash peloton rolled into Ludlow to a wonderful greeting from friends & family. A well-deserved curry with a few isotonic drinks saw the team ready for the return journey the following day.

 

Ludlow to Warwick Castle

 

A full english breakfast, to start the day. A must. Fuelled by the wonderful cooking of the Castle Lodge Buttery, the team set off from the hooter with the addition of more familiar faces and family to tackle the first obstacle of Clee Hill, (or pavements, if you’re Mike Nyren!).

 

Sandy and Gary Burton (Ben's parent's) destroyed the Burton Bash Peloton to claim the Red polka dot jerseys of Clee Hill.

 

But what goes up must come down and boy…. was there an epic down hill section after Clee Hill. Ben and the gang flew through the next 30 odd miles ably supported by the altruistic Emma and Les in the Haribo/Veloforte/banana/Grenade bar support vehicle. (Although Gaz may claim this vehicle to be Clifty’s private taxi). Oops, we did mention names!!!!

 

The miles and hills disappeared with chatter, natter and laughter with yet more riders joining in along the route to the final meeting point. Again a pub, Obvs.

 

Once all cyclists had regrouped and were thoroughly re hydrated, Ben with his wife and two daughters cycled the last mile together, as ever supported by the Burton Bash Peloton, to cross over the finishing line at Warwick Castle to complete the Burton Bash 2021.

 

From here, a quick 500 yard dash through St Nicks car park to a welcome that will never be forgotten, from the gathering masses of friends, family and supporters of Ben and the Peloton making the 125 miles all worth it and not to mention the £12,000 that was raised for The Brain Tumour Charity!

 

Success.

 

Roll on 2022 (1st/2nd Oct) - mark it in your diary and keep an eye on your inbox, social and this website for further details.

 

We are all Team Burton

 

Much love Ben & Team Burton.