Thighs of Steel started in 2016 as a hair-brained scheme with zero budget. Now, it's exactly the same.
What has grown is our wonderful community of diverse cyclists, all united by a common cause. The individual passion of every cyclist means that, together, we have raised £651,304 (Jan/2023) for grassroots refugee projects across Europe. Check out how the money has been used by the fantastic, hard-working organisations that we have helped to fund.
Every year, the unique combinations of cyclists who come together in an explosion of adventure generate an unforgettable multitude of memories. You can find many more on our Instagram and Facebook.
What has grown is our wonderful community of diverse cyclists, all united by a common cause. The individual passion of every cyclist means that, together, we have raised £651,304 (Jan/2023) for grassroots refugee projects across Europe. Check out how the money has been used by the fantastic, hard-working organisations that we have helped to fund.
Every year, the unique combinations of cyclists who come together in an explosion of adventure generate an unforgettable multitude of memories. You can find many more on our Instagram and Facebook.
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"Pretty much the best week of my life."
Alex Keeley, 2016 |
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93 Cyclists, 50 Days & 781 Bowls Of Porridge...
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In summer 2022, 93 steely-thighed cyclists rode 5,428km and climbed more than 6 Everests in an 8-week relay through 10 different countries, sweating, crying, laughing and sweating again, from the historic port of Glasgow to the sun-soaked temples of Athens.
Supported by our beloved van Calypso, our tight-knit community raised £100,000+ in support of grassroots projects with dignified and sustainable initiatives for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in the Greece and the UK. |
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In the summer of 2021, the Thighs fam created the world's largest bike-powered GPS art: a 2,208km ride that literally made 'Refugees Welcome'
Not just a pretty picture, our cyclists raised £81,428 for grassroots refugee support projects via Choose Love
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"After joining TOS for a leg in 2016, I have been hooked ever since and think you’d be pushed to find a more fulfilling adventure that brings people together for the love of adventure, cycling and creating a better world."
Majeeda Goodall, 2017 |
Covid threw us some curve balls, including the cancellation of our planned London to Athens ride.
Instead, together with our charity partner Choose Love, we created a mass participation event called Around The World In 40 Days, which took place through lockdown in May, June and July.
While staying safe and isolated in our parks, gardens and living rooms, we came together to travel the world - all to raise vital funds for refugees facing Covid in dire conditions.
We set out to ride and roll the circumference of Planet Earth - 24,901 miles - but the endless enthusiasm of our community meant we made it round two and a half times - beat that Phileas Fogg!
Not only that, but, having set out to fundraise £20,000, our fantastic fundraisers managed to raise £133,361.
Yet another thighs-shaped testament to the epic power of the community.
Instead, together with our charity partner Choose Love, we created a mass participation event called Around The World In 40 Days, which took place through lockdown in May, June and July.
While staying safe and isolated in our parks, gardens and living rooms, we came together to travel the world - all to raise vital funds for refugees facing Covid in dire conditions.
We set out to ride and roll the circumference of Planet Earth - 24,901 miles - but the endless enthusiasm of our community meant we made it round two and a half times - beat that Phileas Fogg!
Not only that, but, having set out to fundraise £20,000, our fantastic fundraisers managed to raise £133,361.
Yet another thighs-shaped testament to the epic power of the community.
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"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 |
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2016-2019 LONDON TO ATHENS x4
Our spindly legs cycled us between London to Athens, once a year, for four straight years until Covid took over in 2020.
Every year was slightly different and our route has taken us through England, France, Germany, Belgium, up the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites, across Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia, but always always finishing in Greece.
Each year, tight-knit group of humans have cycled a serious distance, with very few showers and a lot of generous strangers. Together, we fundraised a load of money for Khora and other amazing refugee organisations.
Every year was slightly different and our route has taken us through England, France, Germany, Belgium, up the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites, across Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia, but always always finishing in Greece.
Each year, tight-knit group of humans have cycled a serious distance, with very few showers and a lot of generous strangers. Together, we fundraised a load of money for Khora and other amazing refugee organisations.
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"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 |
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"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 |
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"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 |
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"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 |
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"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 |
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"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 |
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"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.
Photos from Talk Migration May 5th 2019
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Who was involved at Talk Migration?
Help refugees
Indigo volunteers
end deportations
detention action // freed voices
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