1000 riders participate in Break the Cycle 2022

Wow! What a day!

We had riders complete our Break the Cycle Ultimate Challenge, taking on over 60 miles between Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow all the way to the home of Scottish rugby, BT Murrayfield Stadium, as well as riders on our Free Wheelers Challenge cycling 20 miles from Linlithgow to Murrayfield as well. Leading out our riders was the Olympic cycling LEGEND and long-term Social Bite supporter Sir Chris Hoy, former Scotland international rugby ICON Al Kellock who led a Glasgow Warriors team in memory of the sad passing of fellow ex international Tom Smith, and of course Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn.

Even though the day started in typical Scottish weather – wet, windy, dreich! – the one and only Mr Motivator was there to get everyone warmed up and ready to go. The sight of a thousand riders braving the conditions will live long in Social Bite memory and our continued efforts to end homelessness. As the riders clocked up the miles the weather slowly began to turn in our favour and by the time the riders started to cross the finish line at BT Murrayfield even the sun begun to appear to welcome the riders.

At BT Murrayfield we also held a Break the Cycle Wee One challenge where supporters of all ages could complete a short circuit on their bikes, with friends and family supporting them along the way. Completing your first cycling challenge at age 5 with Elaine C Smith and Sir Chris Hoy to set you off is definitely not a bad start to your cycling career!

Break the Cycle, and our amazing fundraisers, will raise vital funds to help end homelessness, specifically in three areas

• Food: Social Bite provides free food provision for anyone in need from our cafes across the year including Christmas Day, knowing that as well as the food offering this creates a positive environment where positive support relationships can be created and developed
• Homes: Following on from the success of our Social Bite Village in Edinburgh, we are on a mission to create TWO new Social Villages across Scotland. Our Village model shows how a long term community and support led approach to temporary housing can provide stability and continuity as someone begins their journey to finding permanent accommodation
• Jobs: A job can provide so much more than simply a wage; stability, purpose, and fulfilment to someone in a situation of homelessness. Our JobsFirst programme works with employers to help someone who is vulnerable gain supported employment opportunities, gaining vital skills and experience in a safe, supportive environment

We know that these programmes can have a profound impact on the life of someone who is experiencing homelessness, not only providing support, but also empowering people to transform their own lives.

Thank You to all of our Break the Cycle participants who have trained so hard, clocked up the miles, and raised funds to support ending homelessness.

Thank You!