Canterbury to Rome

The Pilgrims Ride 2025 brought together a committed team of serving personnel and veterans to cycle more than thousand miles from Canterbury to Rome, tracing the ancient Via Francigena. Over 12 demanding days, the team demonstrated unwavering resilience and camaraderie as they tackled everything from Alpine passes to torrential rain.

The journey unfolded through the vineyards of Champagne, the rolling roads of rural France, and into Switzerland, where the riders enjoyed a brief respite with sweeping descents into Montreux. One of the most impactful moments came when rider Dean Vessey shared a personal insight into his journey to 65 Degrees North, reflecting on why he joined the expedition. His words captured the deeper purpose behind the challenge, personal growth, mental strength, and rediscovering belief in oneself.

A major milestone followed with the ascent of the Great St Bernard Pass at 2,473 metres, a formidable climb and a true test of endurance. Italy then delivered its own mix of challenges and rewards:

· A long 98-mile descent into Montara and a night at a Franciscan Abbey

· A 102-mile day to Fornovo di Taro, capped with a much-needed pizza night

· A tough 1,000-metre ascent to Pietrasanta in humid conditions

· A dramatic arrival in Siena during the first torrential downpour of the trip

The penultimate day brought unexpected elevation due to a road closure at Radicofane, forcing the team over a steep climb to a mountain fort before enjoying rapid descents hitting nearly 40 mph. The final 61-mile ride into Rome, including one harmless tumble into a bush, ended triumphantly at St Peter’s Square, where the riders were greeted by Chris Trott, British Ambassador to the Holy See.

The expedition concluded at the British Embassy, where Lord Llewellyn of Steep and Colonel Erica Bridge hosted the team including the President of 65 Degrees North Lt General Sir Robert Magowan KCB CBE at Villa Wolkonsky. A tour of the Embassy and its gardens offered a meaningful moment of reflection to close the journey.

The Pilgrims Ride embodied everything 65 Degrees North stands for, recovery through challenge, strength through adversity, and the power of teamwork. Every rider pushed beyond perceived limits and carried forward a renewed sense of purpose.