Meet Miles Clemson, a passionate cyclist and dedicated fundraiser for The Bike Project. Inspired by a fellow bike courier, Miles recently completed the grueling Transcontinental Race (TCR), covering over 4,000 kilometers across Europe. Driven by his love for cycling and a deep commitment to supporting refugees, Miles raised over £2,000 for The Bike Project during his incredible journey. Read on to discover how Miles stayed motivated throughout the race, his most memorable moments, and his advice for anyone looking to take on a similar challenge.
What inspired you to take on the Transcontinental Race, and why did you choose The Bike Project for your fundraising?
I’ve wanted to do the transcontinental since I first heard about it 10 years ago. I had just moved to London and was working as a bike courier, and met another courier – Emily Chappell – who had just been the fastest woman finisher on the race. I’d never cycled further than Wandsworth from Camden and had no idea that people were able to cycle that far. I remember thinking that people who could do that must be so strong, and cool, and inspirational – and never thought I’d be able to.
But after a few more years, and a few longer rides, I decided to apply. I got a place, and now I’ve done it! It makes me so happy thinking that if I’d met myself 10 years ago, I’d be really proud of who I’ve ended up becoming.
I wanted to raise money for the Bike Project because you’re a phenomenal organisation! I volunteered for a bit with you in 2015 fixing bikes.
The UK and London can be an incredibly unfriendly place at times. Having experienced how bicycles can help challenge that through freedom, friends and a bit of financial security, I wanted to make sure that the welcome they gave me to the capital is shared with everyone.
How did you stay motivated during the 4000km journey, and what was the most challenging moment?
The world, and the people I was able to meet, were incredibly beautiful. It was easy to motivate myself to have new chats, experience new landscapes or eat new food around the next corner.
That said, when things got challenging – when my bike started falling apart, or dogs were chasing me, or I ran out of food – I thought about seeing my partner Isabella at the finish line. Knowing that she’d be there motivated me throughout. That, and knowing my family and friends back home were watching.
Looking back on the entire experience, from training to crossing the finish line, what are you most proud of?
That I finished, and that I finished really well! This sounds silly, but I never really expected to finish until I finally saw Istanbul. The race is really hard – 300 people start, but around 60% have to dropout, or ‘scratch’, due to traffic incidents, injuries, dog attacks and a whole host of reasons.
A month on I still can’t believe I managed to finish and managed to have fun (almost) all the way through it!
Raising over £2,000 is an incredible achievement! What message would you like to share with those who supported you?
That they’re all excellent people (thanks Nan, Grandma and Grandpa!), who’ve supported an incredible organisation and lifted me up during 4 punctures and a broken bike computer on a dirt road in Montenegro.
For anyone considering participating in a similar challenge or fundraising for a cause they care about, what advice would you give them?
Do it! It’s a good idea to make the world we live in the world we want to live in.
With challenges I would say don’t be afraid to attempt something that you never thought you’d be able to do. Human bodies and brains are amazing – you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of. You’re capable of so much more than you think, and the journey of getting there is one you won’t regret!
It’s not too late to donate to Miles’ pledge!
Support his incredible achievements by making a donation to his fundraising page here >
Want to follow in Miles’ footsteps? Take on a challenge that excites you and raise money for The Bike Project to support refugees and people seeking asylum. Head to our fundraising page to find out more >
