This year’s charity cycle will cover a 550-kilometre route from London to Amsterdam, in the name of a great cause.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the world-renowned five-day Electronic Music conference and festival gathering held annually in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is arguably one of the most awaited weeks of the year together with Miami Music Week, held every March in the USA. Several activities are carried out during ADE, not only music nights and club mayhem, but also a fair amount of talks, seminars, business opportunities, and even artists breaking down their hit records live for an audience. It’s clear that the vibe of the yearly Amsterdam meetup goes far beyond the decks, smoke and strobe lights.
One of those different activities is a cycling experience (quite Amsterdam-ey if you ask me). Bridges For Music is not your typical cycling event, though: this is a charity endurance cycle, which is a couple days long and covers several countries’ worth of land.
Held for the first time in 2014, this, which will be their seventh edition, foresees its 550-kilometre cycle ride kicking off this October 15th. The monumental reunion will depart from Resident Advisor’s HQ in Shoreditch, as a means of honouring the enterprise responsible for the first ADE cycle nine years ago. Throughout the ride, there will be various strategic pit spots, bolstered by support vehicles, expert cycle guides, energy bars, electrolytes, and good vibes along the way before crossing the finish line on 18th October and welcomed by ADE.
And don’t believe artists don’t jump in! Across its life, Bridges For Music has seen heavyweights like Richie Hawtin, Joris Voorn, Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot, Juliet Fox, and Jamiee join on two wheels. DJ Rebekah, who joined the cycle in 2019 and 2020, says: “Joining the ADE/Bridges for Music Cycle was one of the most exhilarating yet challenging experiences, a true test of fitness. All whilst raising money for an awesome cause.”
This awesome cause is, to raise money for the Bridges Music Academy in Langa Township, South Africa, and for young students living in under-resourced communities. The £250,000 raised from the event alone has already enabled the Bridges Academy to expand its program and continue its mission to change the lives of youth by ensuring that over 200 students a year receive a free education through Bridges’ growing MUSIC MBA program.
The cycle tour is open to cyclists of all experience levels. There are three groups based on fitness and ability to cycle at around 30km/h avg, 26km/h avg, and 22 km/h avg. Those who are unable to commit to the full duration of the cycle are welcome to join half or one stage of the tour. No prior cycling experience is needed, although an easy-to-follow, realistic two-to-three-month training program is recommended. A rental bike can also be arranged for £250.
Those interested in entering will receive an ADE Pro pass. The pass consists of: three nights accommodation in four-star spa hotels, tour guides and support, luggage transport, breakfast and dinner, energy snacks, an official ADE jersey, and your bike returned to London, all for a £1,100 entry fee paired with fundraising, or a £2,000 entry fee without fundraising. Sponsored entries are also available for companies who wish to enlist a team, whose logo will appear on the special ADE riders kit.
The cheaper fee comes with the requirements of setting up a fundraising page on the Bridges For Music team page, reaching out to networks to encourage donations, and collectively assisting in reaching the 50K target.
Want to take on a lighthearted challenge for a good cause? Feel free to secure your spot by signing up and purchasing your ticket at www.adecycle.com and prepare for a life experience!
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