Thighs of Steel started in 2016 as a hair-brained scheme with zero budget. Now, it's exactly the same.
What has grown is the community of diverse cyclists, united by a common cause. It is the passion of each individual that has enabled us to raise an incredible £450,000 (Jan/2021) for Grassroots refugee projects across Europe, frequently going way above the £500 sponsorship expectation. Check out here where the money is going! It is with these individuals that the multitude of memories are kept. Below you can explore images and quotes from the 2016 and 2017 rides.
What has grown is the community of diverse cyclists, united by a common cause. It is the passion of each individual that has enabled us to raise an incredible £450,000 (Jan/2021) for Grassroots refugee projects across Europe, frequently going way above the £500 sponsorship expectation. Check out here where the money is going! It is with these individuals that the multitude of memories are kept. Below you can explore images and quotes from the 2016 and 2017 rides.
"Prepare for the most exhilarating week of your life. Full of adventure, emotion and utter exhaustion. You will test your stamina, mental strength and push yourself further than you thought possible. Definitely a worthwhile endeavour, made possible by team work and camaraderie. My proudest achievement so far!"
Sof Calzone, 2016/2018 |
"On the 600km from Paris to Lyon I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of, about the kindness of strangers and the joy of new friends. It also gave me a great opportunity to talk to friends and family about the refugee crisis, and to ensure that it stays in the front of people's minds."
Mary Stevens, 2017 |
"We slept on beaches and in churchyards and next to lakes. We cycled lots of miles. We drank lots of water. We cycled more up lots of mountains. We met wonderful people. We saw beautiful views. We cycled more. We sweat buckets, we cried a bit, and we laughed a lot. We raised lots of money for an incredible place that's providing across many levels to those who have very few options. Thighs of Steel - an absolute life changer."
Bean Downes, 2017 |
"Savage uphill struggles, freewheeling voluptuous descents, torrential rains and the hot unrelenting sun on your back. It's a journey into the generosity and hospitality of strangers, into the hearts and homes of so many gentle people. The idea behind Thighs of Steel is beautiful and elegant in its simplicity."
Cosmo Murray, 2017 |
"We had all come for the same reason which brought us together amazingly quickly. The core group of riders that helped organise and facilitate the whole experience all had the same “can do” attitude and that seemed to instil huge amounts of confidence in the entire group. 100% the most enjoyable and satisfying group experience of my life, so thank you all for being a part of it!"
Dan Ballinger, 2017 |
"I volunteered at Khora for a few weeks last year, and I knew after I left I wanted to continue to help in some way. I didn’t know at the time that would mean cycling up and over the Alps, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Lycra stuffed with croissants, supported by a fantastic bunch of people and motivated by one hell of a cause. At the end I was bruised, burnt, and absolutely beaming from ear to ear!"
Iona Shaw, 2017 |
"Thighs of Steel was a challenge unlike any I had taken on before. I really pushed myself physically. Even so, I was satisfied that the money we had been raising was going to such a well deserving organisation like Khora, and that kept me focused. There were tears, sore bums, celebratory swims, delirious laughter, unplanned obstacles, early mornings, extreme heat and plenty of adventure.
It was one of the most memorable weeks I have ever had. I learnt a lot about myself whilst helping an incredible cause and making lots of new friends. Meeting kind local people who offered their land for us to camp on, filled up our endless water bottles and offered us fruit for our journey was the best part. I can’t wait for this year's cycle!" Roya Fraser, 2017 |
"Having visited Khora’s centre in Athens I can honestly say this was one of the most worthwhile endeavours I have ever been a part of.
The experiences are unforgettable, the people are delightful and the cause is important. It's worth every drop of sweat, aching muscle and second breakfast. Be a part of this. I dare you." Kate Lamb, 2016 |
"Riding through Italy was undoubtedly the best week of my 2016! It blew my mind how a bunch of strangers thrown together could bond so deeply and so immediately. Unending positivity, generosity and hilarity ensued as we pedalled and ate our way through the most stunning and varied landscapes. Utterly joyous and one of the most supportive environments I have ever been in. I can't wait for 2017!"
Eibhlin Priestley, 2016 |
Talk Migration was an event in May 2019. 45 people came together with representatives from over 5 refugee projects in the UK to discuss refugee rights, the situation as it stands and look at the different action projects took.
Talk Migration was a space to be able to learn, discuss and explore refugee rights, with the support and knowledge of people who work in the field everyday.
Talk Migration was a space to be able to learn, discuss and explore refugee rights, with the support and knowledge of people who work in the field everyday.
Who was involved at Talk Migration?
Help refugees
Indigo volunteers
end deportations
detention action // freed voices
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