Propel’s Jon Maycock to cycle 500 miles for charity

Jon Maycock, Commercial Director at Propel Finance, is gearing up for a gruelling 500-mile bike ride this July as he takes on the Bristol to Bordeaux Cycle Challenge for the fourth time – this time with a deeply personal mission: to raise vital funds for Props, a Bristol-based charity supporting young adults with severe learning disabilities.

Taking place from July 9th to 12th, the four-day ride will see around 65 cyclists of varying ages and abilities depart from Bristol and pedal their way to its French twin city, Bordeaux, hoping to raise £100,000 for Props. Now in its 15th year, the Bristol to Bordeaux Cycle Challenge is considered one of the UK’s premier charity cycling events.

Maycock, who first participated in the challenge in 2014 as a personal fitness goal, says his motivation has since evolved. “This time, it’s all about the charity,” he said. “After 18 months of gathering dust, I decided the bike needed a challenge… 6 weeks to go from zero to 500 miles in 4 days… somehow figure the bike will cope better than me. But an amazing charity supporting adolescents with learning difficulties to find their place… any donations straight to the charity and very gratefully received.”

Props, the charity Jon is riding for, works to empower young adults with learning disabilities through hands-on training and employment opportunities. From running a café and a garden centre to operating a brewery with a bar, Props is creating inclusive workplaces and reshaping societal perceptions.

“Every single penny donated goes towards Props – a small charity with big ambitions of breaking down barriers and creating work opportunities for young adults who have learning disabilities,” Maycock added. Importantly, Jon Maycock is covering all his own costs for the ride, ensuring that every donation goes directly to the charity’s work.

Participants in the Bristol to Bordeaux Cycle Challenge can choose between two routes: the full 500-mile “Extreme” challenge or a shorter 300-mile “Classic” version. The event is fully supported with medics, mechanics, and logistics teams, allowing riders to focus purely on the challenge and the cause.

For Maycock, the ride offers more than just a physical challenge. “It’s something I genuinely enjoy – having a goal outside of work helps keep me focused professionally and gives me the headspace I need for my own mental health,” he said.

To support Jon and donate to Props, visit: https://www.propsbristol.org/fundraising/jon-m-rides-bristol-to-bordeaux-2025/