Nick nails epic cycle challenge for FORCE
An East Devon cyclist has raised nearly £2,500 for FORCE by riding in four countries in memory of four friends lost to cancer.
Nick Bromley began his Force 4 Life challenge after cancer claimed the lives of his girlfriend Roya Doane and three friends, Steve Butt, Bill Mitchell and Ian Hall.
He rode in Italy, France, Scotland and England, covering a total of more than 800 kilometres and each time on a different bike over varied terrain and weather conditions.
“Through cycling the 100-mile Nello ride and my own losses, I came across the cancer charity FORCE in Exeter. They do great work funding and supporting cancer research and helping those with cancer and their families,” said Nick.
“I pondered last winter how I might best use my passions for cycling and travel to help FORCE. I came up with the idea to cycle four events, in four countries, on four different bikes for four friends. Hence my Force 4 Life challenge.
“2024 was an emotional rollercoaster. Having done little cycling, my fitness had dropped off and weight put on. I had no idea in January of what I was capable, especially as I’d been suffering from a chest infection for months. To guide my event selection, I looked for rides over differing terrain that would test bike skills, speed and endurance.”
His first ride was the 264 km Colnago Classic in early April around Lake Garda followed by a 110 km 1,900 m climb through the mountains in freezing rain on a carbon/alloy race bike. It took him 4 hours 38 minutes.
The second event was a stage of the 2025 Tour de France, a 173 km ride in July starting in Vassy in the Calvados region of Normandy.
“We took a hilly route up to the Stage 5 Caen to Caen time trial (TT) and returned along the Velo Vert green route. Cycling the actual TT course immediately after the Tour was very special as we had to dodge the supporters, gendarmes and motor homes before a glorious run of 33 km across rolling countryside,” Nick recalls.
The third event was the Tour de 4, Sir Chris Hoy’s 100 km charity ride from Glasgow in September.
“I met Sir Chris in 2022 at the Goodwood Revival when we rode out together on the l’Eroica Brittania 30 km trial route and was delighted to have him sign my FORCE shirt after the ride. The Tour de 4 went through the magnificent Scottish Lowlands and on this occasion, I rode my steel touring bike.”
Nick completed the quartet of challenges with the 237 km Kernow Way in West Cornwall at the beginning of October, riding an alloy suspension mountain bike, essential for the off-road sections.
The ride comprises three loops totalling more than 300 km on roads, tracks and bridleways with short steep climbs and descents. Based near Helston, it takes in the Lizard Peninsula on the first day, north to Redruth, Portreath and Camborne on the second day, and west to Land’s End and St Just on the final day.
You can sponsor Nick’s aim of raising £4,000 at https://www.justgiving.com/page/nickbromley-force4life
