I sat at my desk on a Tuesday afternoon and hit the registration button for the Ride MK 100km cycling event… and within seconds, I thought to myself, “What have I actually signed up for?”
I know how it feels to commit to something ambitious when you’re already stretched thin running a business. But then I read about Ride High and what they do for vulnerable children across Milton Keynes, and suddenly those 100 kilometres didn’t seem quite so daunting.
So on Sunday, June 14th, I’ll be swapping my usual marketing strategy sessions for a day out on my bike, joining fellow cyclists at Ride High in Loughton to tackle a 100km route across Milton Keynes.
This isn’t just about proving something to myself (though I’m sure my legs will have plenty to say about that), it’s about supporting an organisation that’s genuinely changing lives in our community.
How Ride High Is Changing Lives in Milton Keynes
Ride High supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Milton Keynes. They help these young people build confidence, improve their mental well-being, and believe in themselves again. I know how frustrating it can be when you see young people struggling with isolation and low self-esteem; there’s a sense of helplessness that comes with it, and that’s where Ride High steps in.
Take Grace’s story. She was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, which left her isolated at home and unable to attend college in person. Being referred to Ride High gave her the opportunity to reconnect with her passion for animals, build confidence, and begin socialising again in a safe and supportive environment.
She said it best herself: “Ride High gave me confidence. I didn’t feel judged or restricted by my condition, it helped me get out, meet new people and start to feel like me again.
That’s the kind of transformation that makes every gruelling training mile worth it. Every pound raised helps provide a safe, supportive environment where children can feel heard, make friends, and develop the skills they need for the future.
How You Can Support Ride High, Too
If you’d like to support me and help more young people access the opportunities Ride High provides, I’ve set up my online fundraising page on Enthuse. No contribution is too small; whether that’s making a small donation or sharing my page with people in your network who may want to help. I’ll also be posting updates on my training to keep you all engaged (and to keep myself accountable).
If you work for a company that offers match funding and you’d like to ride alongside us, I’d encourage you to ask about it. Many businesses will match what you raise, which effectively doubles the impact of your contribution.
There’s also a fun incentive for early fundraisers. The first 30 people to set up a fundraising page will receive a free water bottle from Trek Milton Keynes. And if you reach your fundraising target within one week after the event, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Trek voucher. Each full target raised equals one entry, and if you double your target, you get another entry.
Don’t underestimate the power of community support. We can all make a difference when we rally behind a cause that matters. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and I genuinely hope you’ll join me in supporting Ride High!
Key Event Details You Need to Know
The Ride MK 100km is happening on Sunday, June 14th at Ride High in Loughton (postcode MK5 8EJ). The 100km ride kicks off at 7:30 AM sharp, with registration opening at 6:50 AM. I’ll be receiving my full event pack around the 1st of June with everything I need to know ahead of the day.
If you’re thinking about entering yourself, now’s the time. The preparation is well underway, and there’s still time to get some miles in and start your own fundraising journey. The Ride High team are incredibly supportive, and the whole event is built around the idea that while taking part is an amazing achievement, it’s the fundraising that truly changes lives.
Backing the Milton Keynes Community at redrose.digital
One of the reasons I wanted to take on this challenge is because, at redrose.digital, we partner with local businesses and nonprofits every day, and seeing organisations like Ride High making a genuine difference in Milton Keynes feels worth getting behind.
And even though I’ll be spending more time on a bike than behind a laptop on June 14th, helping businesses stay true to their values and grow with confidence is still what we do best. If you’re navigating the challenges of growing your business and want straightforward, honest marketing advice, I’m always happy to have a conversation. You can reach out to me (David) directly via our contact page here. We’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ride MK 100km
When and where is the Ride MK 100km taking place?
The event is happening on Sunday, June 14th at Ride High in Loughton, MK5 8EJ. The 100km ride starts at 7:30 AM, with registration opening at 6:50 AM. It’s an early start, but that’s part of the adventure.
How does Ride High help children in Milton Keynes?
Ride High provides a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. They help young people build confidence, improve their mental well-being, and develop essential life skills. Many of their programmes involve interaction with horses and other animals, which creates a unique therapeutic environment. The charity focuses on helping children who might otherwise feel isolated or misunderstood.
How can I donate to support the Ride MK 100km?
You can support my Ride MK 100km challenge by visiting my Enthuse fundraising page. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly to helping children like Grace regain their confidence and independence. You can also share the page with your network; sometimes a share is just as valuable as a donation because it reaches people who might want to contribute.
What happens if I want to enter the Ride MK 100km myself?
If you’re inspired to take on the challenge yourself, you can register through the Ride High website. The event is open to cyclists of various abilities, and the fundraising element is what makes it special. You’ll be part of a community of people all working towards the same goal of supporting vulnerable children in Milton Keynes.
Are there any added bonuses for taking part and fundraising?
Yes, actually. The first 30 people to set up a fundraising page receive a free water bottle from Trek Milton Keynes. Additionally, if you reach your fundraising target within one week after the event, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Trek voucher. Each full target raised equals one entry, so if you double your target, you get another entry. It’s a nice way to recognise the effort people put in.
What’s your advice for anyone considering taking on a physical challenge for charity?
Don’t overthink it. Yes, 100km is a distance that sounds intimidating when you first say it out loud. But when you connect it to a cause that matters, like supporting children’s mental well-being, the challenge becomes about something bigger than yourself. That’s what gets you over the finish line.