Posts in category: Uncategorized

At Bike the UK for MS, we believe everyone deserves the chance to feel the joy and freedom of being on a bike—no matter their age, ability, or diagnosis. That’s why we were thrilled to bring together two brilliant local MS communities this March for a pair of accessible cycling sessions in the Forest of Dean and Bath.

These sessions, hosted in collaboration with Goals Beyond Grass and All Cycle Bath and West, gave attendees the chance to try out a wide range of adaptive bikes, connect with others, and simply enjoy a relaxed day outdoors. From side-by-side tandems to recumbent trikes, e-bikes, and wheelchair-friendly options, there was truly something for everyone.

Forest of Dean: Snow, Sunshine and Smiles

The first session took place on Wednesday 12 March at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. Despite waking up to heavy snowfall, by the time the bikes were ready and participants had gathered, the skies cleared and the sun came out just in time.

Bike the UK for MS placement student and volunteer Olivia made the early morning journey from Lancaster to support the day, teaming up with MaryClare Faulkner, Inclusive Cycling Lead at Goals Beyond Grass, who had prepared an amazing fleet of adaptive bikes.

Eleven participants from the Gloucester, Cheltenham and Forest of Dean MS Group, led by volunteer Simon Ruffley, joined us for the ride. The group tried everything from side-by-side tandems and trikes to recumbents, e-bikes, and wheelchair-accessible cycles. Some even brought their own e-trikes!

The scenic route took riders on a gentle, sunny loop through the woods and along the trail to Cannop Ponds. Everyone cycled at their own pace, but stayed connected as a group—with assistance always close at hand. Afterward, everyone gathered at the on-site café to warm up with tea, coffee, and hot food, sharing stories and laughs over loaded fries and jacket potatoes.

As Simon summed it up so perfectly: “A very good day out. A great experience and looking forward to the next outing.”

The MS group shared their own reflections too: “What a choice there was… I think by the time we were ready, we had chosen every type of bike/trike available… A very big thank you again to Bike the UK for MS and Goals Beyond Grass for a great experience.”

Bath: Spring Sunshine and a Community Feel

Two days later, on Friday 14 March, we hosted our second session at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit in Bath, with support from Hannah Samuel at All Cycle Bath and West.

We welcomed around 10 attendees from the Bath and District MS Group, led by Group Coordinator Steve Plant, along with spouses, carers, and volunteers. As with the Forest of Dean, participants had access to a huge range of bikes, from handbikes and e-bikes to step-throughs, recumbents, side-by-sides, and more.

One participant, in his 80s and living with MS, enjoyed the ride so much that he planned to return the very next day for a public session—proof that the joy of cycling never gets old.

After the session, several members stayed for coffee and conversation, reflecting on the positive experience and the welcoming atmosphere.

Steve later shared in a message to the team: “Our group had a great time… The range of bikes and the course were superb. We will definitely be booking another session soon.”

We were also joined by representatives from Parkinson’s UK Bath, who stopped by to learn more about how sessions like these work and how they might benefit their community in future.

Why These Sessions Matter

For many people living with MS, opportunities for physical activity can be limited by symptoms, accessibility, or lack of confidence. These sessions aimed to break down those barriers and show that, with the right support and equipment, cycling can be for everyone.

We’re so proud of the welcoming, flexible environments created at both events—places where people could try something new, move their bodies, and feel part of a wider community. Huge thanks go to our partners Goals Beyond Grass, All Cycle Bath and West, and the fantastic MS group volunteers and organisers who helped bring it all to life.

Join Us Again: MS Awareness Week Accessible Cycling Events

We’re excited to be running another round of accessible cycling sessions during MS Awareness Week 2025, with the aim of shining a light on the facilities and options available to help people living with MS stay active and engaged.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Wednesday 30 April, 1–2pm – Forest of Dean
  
• Thursday 1 May, 12–1pm – Moredon, Swindon (run in partnership with Becky Cox of British Cycling)
  
• Friday 2 May, 11am–12pm – Odd Down, Bath
  

We’re especially excited to welcome Mark Sinclair to the Bath session. Mark, a Bike the UK for MS alumni, completed our John O’Groats to Land’s End ride on his trike before transitioning to a wheelchair. He’s now training as a competitive hand cyclist (recently classified as H3 by British Cycling) and plans to race in the Disability Series this year. Mark is also tackling the London Marathon this April, kicking off his bid to complete the London Classics, raising funds for Bike the UK for MS along the way. He will be in Bath to share his journey of living with MS.

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider looking to adapt, these sessions are for you. Come along, give it a try, and discover the joy of cycling your way.

To learn more or sign up for a session, contact us at info@biketheukforms.org, sign up here or visit our website www.biketheukforms.org.

From the Battlefield to the Bike: Meet Matt Obeng

Life is full of unexpected paths, and for Matt Obeng, cycling became the road that led him to healing and connection. A former serviceman with two active combat tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2008, Matt dedicated nearly a decade to the army before transitioning to civilian life in 2010. Now working as a Security Administrator for Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, he resides in Banbury, Oxfordshire, where he raises his three children—Olivia, Melissa, and Zack.

For Matt, cycling isn’t just a hobby; it’s an escape, a mission, and a way to make an impact. Affectionately known as Chicken Man among his Bike the UK for MS family, Matt has found meaning in every mile he rides.

Finding an Escape: How Cycling Became Therapy

Leaving the military presented Matt with new challenges, particularly in regard to his mental health. He struggled to find an outlet that could help him reconnect with people and regain a sense of purpose. That’s when a friend stumbled upon Bike the UK for MS and suggested he check it out.

“I think she knew I wouldn’t follow it through,” Matt laughs, “so she went ahead and reached out to James from the organisation. Before I knew it, I had his details, and something about the mission just clicked. I signed up for my first ride.”

What made this ride different from his previous charity cycling events was the opportunity to meet MS patients and their families along the way. “In past charity rides, I raised money, but I never really saw who benefited from it. With Bike the UK for MS, I got to meet the people whose lives we were directly impacting—that changed everything for me.”

Why MS? A Cause That Deserves More Awareness

Before joining Bike the UK for MS, Matt had little knowledge about multiple sclerosis. But as he dug deeper, he was struck by how severe and life-changing MS can be, yet how little attention it receives compared to other illnesses. The more he learned, the more passionate he became about using his cycling to raise awareness and support for those affected by MS.

More Than Just a Ride: The Power of Connection

What keeps Matt coming back every year isn’t just the cycling—it’s the people.

“Not often do I find myself around people with the same passion and purpose. The teamwork and the way we look out for each other during rides inspire me to return, year after year.”

Through Bike the UK for MS, Matt has forged deep friendships with fellow riders and the MS community itself. Seeing the joy and hope that the rides bring to MS patients has been a profound motivator for him.

Riding Year After Year: A Tradition

For Matt, participating in Bike the UK for MS isn’t just an event—it’s a yearly tradition that fuels his soul. “Riding with Bike the UK for MS is the most therapeutic experience I look forward to each year. It gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that my passion for cycling is making a real difference.”

The Strength of Community: A Team Like No Other

Each ride feels like a reunion of family, with riders coming together from all walks of life. Matt describes the alumni network as a global community of individuals who inspire and uplift one another. Every year, he walks away with not only new memories but also new lessons that enhance his life outside of cycling.

Unforgettable Moments: Riding Alongside MS Fighters

Out of all the moments on his many rides, one experience stands out: riding alongside Mark Sinclair, an MS patient who tackled Land’s End to John O’Groats on his trike despite having MS. Seeing Mark’s determination and resilience made Matt reflect on his own struggles with PTSD.

“Hearing the stories of MS patients and seeing their strength first hand—it’s an eye-opener. It makes you realise how much people endure and how important it is that we keep raising awareness and funds.”

Changing Perspectives: What the Ride Has Taught Me

Every year, Matt gains a deeper understanding of MS and the importance of ongoing research. “The more we ride, the more people become aware of the condition, and the more we show newly diagnosed patients that research is still ongoing.”

He has also learned something invaluable about himself: his ability to make a difference. “I’ve realised that I have a purpose, and even a small contribution can touch lives in ways I never expected.”

Advice for Future Riders: It’s Not a Race, It’s a Journey

Matt encourages anyone considering the challenge to take the leap.

“It’s not about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about the impact you make and the people you meet along the way. This journey will change you—just like it has changed me.”

Matt’s journey with Bike the UK for MS is a testament to the power of resilience, connection, and finding inspiration through giving back. Whether he’s pedalling up steep climbs or sharing stories with MS patients, his commitment remains the same: to ride for those who can’t and to inspire those who can.

Are you ready to take on your own adventure? Join Bike the UK for MS and be part of something truly life-changing. Want to support Matt’s 2025 ride on King Alfred’s Way? Donate to his challenge here.