On Friday 4th July, pupils from Abbey Road School in West Bridgford, undertook the Great Abbey Road 24-hour Bike Challenge to raise money for Young Minds as well as the school charity.
The event was organised by Abbey Road Bike Club’s lead school teacher Mrs Dussek, parent volunteer Lou Knapper and the volunteer coaching team. A 1km course was set up on the school field including elements of the specially designed cycling track built at the school in 2021. All children and their families were invited to take part in the challenge.
The day began with children from the Bike Club riding the course in front of the whole school and their families. Every child at school had the opportunity to ride during the school day. Older students were supporting the school’s youngest children in some of the tricker parts of the course. Children enjoyed a running tally of the virtual distances travelled and cheering each other on whilst they took their turns.
The riding continued into the evening and overnight, with a child from school on the course for the entire 24-hour period. The school community pulled together to cheer each other on and family members ranging from 3 to 77 years old also rode the course. Children as young as 4 got out of bed in the middle of the night to take part in the dark!
The atmosphere was electric by 8am on Saturday morning, with over 100 people on the track for the final laps at 9am. In the last 40 minutes of the challenge alone, the riding team cycled over 500km. After 24 exhilarating hours of cycling, Abbey Road School travelled a collective 6275km – a new school record!
Abbey Road School has a strong cycling community, inspired by Helen Dussek. They previously undertook a 24-hour cycle in 2017. 18-year-old Caitlyn took part in that first event whilst she was attending the school 8 years ago and was back for the full 24 hours in 2025 as one of the coaching team! Caitlyn says “I still remember Bike Club vividly from my time at Abbey Road – those adventures, the skills I learned and the friendships I made left a lasting impact. It’s an honour to now help carry on that legacy as a level 2 British Cycling coach supporting outstanding events and helping other children follow the same path. Taking part in the 24-hour bike ride was an amazing way to raise money for charity and I hope it inspires others – just like Helen Dussek inspired me.”
This year’s 24-hour Bike Challenge displayed the joy of cycling that the school has fostered. The bike club have an annual school trip to Hick’s Lodge to tackle the off-road track together. The year 6 bike club children also go on a 3-day cycling residential to celebrate the end of their bike club experience. All students also get dedicated cycling PE lessons in extension to the standard curriculum, which supports their cycling skills and confidence throughout their time at the school.
The Great Abbey Road 24-hour Bike Challenge has not only raised significant funds for charity but has given the whole school community the opportunity to celebrate cycling together!
Written by Lyndsey Wheeler, on behalf of Abbey Road Home School Association