Greg James to Begin 1,000km Charity Cycle from Weymouth for Red Nose DayGreg James will set off from Weymouth as he begins “Radio 1’s Longest Ride,” an eight-day cycling challenge to raise money for Comic Relief.
Greg James to Begin 1,000km Charity Cycle from Weymouth for Red Nose Day
Greg James will set off from Weymouth as he begins “Radio 1’s Longest Ride,” an eight-day cycling challenge to raise money for Comic Relief.
The Radio 1 Breakfast Show host will start the journey from Weymouth Pavilion on Friday, March 13, departing between 8.30am and 8.40am. The official on-air launch of the challenge will take place during his breakfast programme that morning.
From the south coast, James plans to cycle around 1,000km to Edinburgh, spending roughly eight hours a day in the saddle. Along the route he will be joined at various stages by fellow Radio 1 presenters, special guests and listeners.
The challenge is raising money for Comic Relief projects that help people access food, safe shelter and protection from harm, supporting communities in the UK and around the world.
Weymouth send-off
Residents are being encouraged to line the streets and wave him off as he begins the ride from Weymouth.
The town is also planning to “turn red” in support of Red Nose Day and the cycling challenge.
Several landmarks, including the Weymouth Jubilee Clock, Nothe Fort, the town bridge and lighting along the seafront, will be illuminated in red from Thursday night to mark the occasion and raise awareness for the fundraising event.
Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Pavilion have also urged residents, schools and local businesses to take part by wearing red, decorating windows and joining the send-off.
Personal connection to Weymouth
James has strong family ties to the area and has previously described Weymouth as one of his favourite places, saying he has spent much of his life in the town and is excited to receive what he called a “proper Weymouth send-off.”
No stranger to charity challenges
The presenter has previously completed several major fundraising challenges.
In 2016, he took on the Gregathlon, completing five triathlons in five days for Sport Relief.
Two years later, in 2018, he tackled Pedal to the Peaks, cycling between and climbing the three highest peaks in the UK, raising around £1 million.
After that challenge he famously declared “never again”, but he has now come out of what he described as “challenge retirement” for what he says will be his toughest and most “ludicrous” feat yet.
