A peloton of cyclists from London recently geared up for the annual British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride, aided in part by sponsorship from Bath-based electric bike manufacturer Powabyke.

Patrick Butler, a non-executive board member of Powabyke and long-time cycling enthusiast, rallied friends and colleagues to take part in the challenge on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, with support from one of the UK's innovators in the world of alternative transport.

Powered vehicles are not allowed on the ride, so, rather than lending the team a selection of their stylish electric bikes to allow them to complete the challenge without breaking a sweat, Powabyke boosted the team with sponsorship and paid for their red and blue jerseys to improve the team’s aerodynamics!

The Powabyke team so far has managed to raise an impressive £4,510, smashing the totals raised in previous years, and they hope that this total will be added to over the coming weeks.

With the aim of entering their largest ever team, completing the challenge faster and raising more money through sponsorship than in previous years, Patrick and the Powabyke team put in a sterling performance on the day, and some even had enough energy to cycle back to London again!

Patrick Butler commented, “This is the fourth year that I have entered the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride. I have always enjoyed cycling – I used to cycle to school and now I cycle to work and cycle around London wherever and whenever I can. The last few years I have been taking it a bit more seriously, doing longer rides and challenging myself more.”

“Through the event the British Heart Foundation are encouraging more people to get on their bikes, which is what Powabyke are doing too. Not everyone is able to make the leap easily, but a Powabyke can help to break down that barrier and make it easier for people to get back onto two wheels.”

Next year though the race organizers may have to pay close attention to the bikes entered in the event – the latest design from Powabyke is so sleek you wouldn’t even realise it was an electric cycle!