AFPA Trust BIG Cycle riders complete epic London to Amsterdam challenge

The AFPA Trust BIG Cycle 2026 delivered everything organisers had hoped for – and more – as riders overcame soaring temperatures, physical exhaustion and hundreds of kilometres in the saddle to complete the charity ride from London to Amsterdam.

What should have been a demanding four-day cycling challenge became an even greater test of resilience as the UK and the Netherlands experienced some of the hottest days of the year. Yet every rider crossed the finish line safely, raising more than £25,000 for nine charities and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Among the peloton were Emma Edwards and Hannah Berry from Asset Advantage, two of the first women to take on the BIG Cycle. Remarkably, neither owned a bike just 12 weeks before the event, making their achievement even more impressive.

Reflecting on the ride, Robert Taylor, Chair of the AFPA Trust, praised the determination shown by everyone involved.

“It was epic, it was brutal, there were tears, there were smiles, but overall, despite the hottest days on record in both the UK and the Netherlands, the peloton reached Amsterdam safely – albeit slightly toasted and in need of hydration!

“When extreme conditions happen, just like in business, you have to adapt quickly, plan to win and deliver. The whole team riding the AFPA Trust BIG Cycle to Amsterdam did exactly that and I could not be prouder of everyone involved.

“Extra respect goes to Emma and Hannah, who only acquired bikes 12 weeks before the event, and nothing was going to stop them achieving the goal of getting to Amsterdam. Helping them achieve that goal and watching their progress has been truly amazing and inspiring. This is what the BIG Cycle is all about – setting the bar high and working as a team to deliver for all.”

Taylor added: “After last year’s Storm Amy as we rode into Paris and this year’s heatwave, we do hope next year’s BIG Cycle will be kinder weather-wise. Everyone who rode for charity has earned every penny for their chosen causes. At the moment, riders have raised more than £25,000 for nine different charities. The BIG Cycle delivers BIG outcomes and life-long memories.”

For Emma Edwards, Senior Documentation & Payouts Administrator at Asset Advantage, the challenge exceeded every expectation.

“The BIG Cycle brought a whole mixture of emotions and challenges that will stay with me for a long time,” she said.

“As a non-cyclist without a bike just 12 weeks before the start, I was blissfully unaware of what lay ahead. Once I had a bike and started getting some training rides in, my main concern was whether I’d be able to complete the distance each day – particularly the daunting 87-mile ride from London to Harwich.

“I convinced myself it would be fine, as long as it wasn’t too hot… then the heatwave came.”

Despite the extreme temperatures, Emma says the support from fellow riders made all the difference.

“This was a team event, and I cannot thank the other riders and support crew enough. There were moments when that really mattered – particularly the last 10 miles on day one and throughout day two, when the relentless heat was taking its toll.”

Looking back, Emma says there were countless highlights. “Riding onto the ferry at the end of day one, arriving in Utrecht and seeing the locals cooling off in the canals, cycling through the craziness of Amsterdam, and finally celebrating with the whole team after crossing the finish line.

“But at the heart of it all was knowing that the money we’d raised will make a real difference.”

Emma has no hesitation in recommending the event to others.

“I’d say to anyone thinking about joining the BIG Cycle – do it! You’ll have the most amazing experience, meet the loveliest people and make memories you’ll never forget.

“Have I been cycling since? Yes.

“Would I do the BIG Cycle again? Absolutely.”

Her colleague, Hannah Berry, Documentation & Payouts Administrator at Asset Advantage, echoed those sentiments. “What a challenge!” she said.

“I’m overjoyed to be able to say that I’ve completed this ride. Of course, we signed up for the challenge of cycling to Amsterdam, but the unexpected heatwave really added another layer.

“Day two, after the ferry, was easily the hardest part of the cycle. Despite the conditions, it was fantastic to see everyone rise to the challenge. We all made it to the hotel and, by the next morning, everyone was ready to go again.”

For Hannah, the camaraderie stood out as much as the cycling itself.

“From the very beginning, the whole group was incredibly supportive of Emma and me, making the ride feel far less daunting than it could have been.

“I would 100% do the ride again. It was an unforgettable experience with an amazing group of people, all raising money for fantastic causes.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s considering it to sign up next year.”

The 2026 BIG Cycle once again demonstrated what makes the event so special. It is not simply about cycling hundreds of miles; it is about pushing personal boundaries, supporting one another through adversity and raising vital funds for charities that make a genuine difference.

For Emma and Hannah, who only discovered cycling a few months ago, reaching Amsterdam was a remarkable personal achievement. For everyone involved, it proved that with teamwork, determination and a shared purpose, even the toughest conditions can be overcome.

As the riders look back on four unforgettable days in the saddle, one thing is already becoming clear: many are already talking about doing it all again next year.