Synopsis
Four friends take up the challenge set by Rapha to complete an epic 220 mile bike ride across the UK, from South Shields to Carlisle, through Kendall and down to Manchester in under 24 hours. Through pain and suffering arises glory.
Starting their epic journey at midnight, leaving South Shields in Newcastle, over to Carlisle, down through the lakes and Kendall, ending in Manchester. They first put cleat to pedal at midnight for the promise of sunrise; a powerful natural motivator for the challenge. Fourteen hours into the challenge, with 130 miles behind them, the horizon makes way for Kirkstone Pass. This two mile stretch of road with an elevation of 256 metres, would prove a worthy challenge for our fatigued heroes. As the miles continued to fall behind them, our riders made it to the finish and completed the Ambitious 220 challenge in support of Ambitious About Autism. Even a herd of cows couldn’t prevent our riders from making the finish within 24 hours.
From the Editor...
My first feature-length film, in collaboration with Rapha Manchester in support of Ambitious about Autism.
Winner for Best Documentary, Lift-Off Film Festival Manchester 2023, Winner of the Audience Choice, Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions October 2022, and nominated for Best Feature Doc, Lift-Off Season Awards 2023.
- Marcus Brooks
About the challenge
The Ambitious 220 challenge is an annual, demanding 220-mile (approx. 354 km) cycling event from Manchester to London designed to test physical and mental endurance, raising funds for the charity Ambitious about Autism. Founded by Rapha’s Simon Mottram, it supports autistic children and young people. A virtual option also exists, allowing participants to create their own 220-themed challenge.