Boo Cycle 2025: Poole to Paris – The Return

From Cherbourg to Paris, 275 miles in just three days, the Boo Cycle team completed an unforgettable challenge for the students in Kenya whose lives we continue to change every single day.

The riders — Founder Russell Hicks, Director of Kenyan Operations Simon White, and long-time supporters David Webb, Warren Munson, and Nick White — were supported on the road by Jeremy Gill, Treasurer, driver, first aid man, and all-round super-planner. Together, they retraced the same route they first completed in 2012, showing that age, weather, and a few extra aches and pains could not stand in the way of determination and team spirit.

As Warren Munson shared before setting off:

“This isn’t just any ride—it’s a return to the same route and journey that back in 2012 was the spark that ignited my passion for cycling—and the start of countless adventures (plus a fair few mishaps and crashes to go with them!).

Why Ride to Paris?

For over 20 years, The Boo Charity has been on a mission to empower young people in Kenya through education and life skills. From Early Childhood Development projects (similar to reception in the UK), to our Life Skills Training College, and on to Roots Start Up business projects, we focus on “giving opportunity, not charity.”

Through these programmes, we have supported more than 20,000 children and young people to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable, brighter futures.

As Russell put it –

“In the end, it’s all about helping others, to provide an opportunity to those who would not even get a chance to partake in such an event, as they are subject to a level of poverty many have no concept of.

 Every day we take for granted our freedoms and ability to do the things we love doing and people we love doing it with. Simply because we live in a relatively sound democracy and freedom to evolve and grow as individuals and in business. This is so hard in the opposite & where impoverished lifestyles are hard to break. Despite all, the Boo Charity enables this to happen even in the most impoverished and politically challenging environments, all to give a young life an opportunity to have a fulfilled and sustainable life.

In my book, it’s really simple. You can pray all you like, but real change happens when you get up and make it happen.”

The Ride

The challenge began with a rough Channel crossing and a mix of nerves and excitement for the conditions ahead. Day One covered 67 miles, ending just before sunset, with the team already battling undulating hills and headwinds.

Russell Hicks was honest about the struggle:

“Day 1 Done. It wasn’t pretty for me, struggling to hang on to the back of the pack. The team were brilliant, wind covering me some of the time, but some undulating hills just killed me. Something to do with my pre-event training, which amounted to 309miles since 12th August… what in cycling you call “Too little too late” and carrying around 12 kilos more than when I last cycled a bike in 2023. All my fault, you gotta get your **** together for these things!! Nothing now other than dig deep”

Day Two, the big one, 100 miles, tested everyone’s endurance. With 25 miles down at the first coffee stop, there were still long, straight, mind-numbing roads and headwinds ahead. They pushed through, finishing just minutes before the heavens opened.

Russell again summed it up:

“The last 20miles was tough, headwind with miles counting down so slow on the straightest, mind-numbing road ever. Just plays with your mind and motivation. Nonetheless, got to the hotel after 6hrs 24mins cycling - thoroughly exhausted, legs feel like lead, arse on fire - but we made it, and the support from donors kept me going.”

Day Three saw the team tackle 2,800 ft of climbing before their exhilarating ride into central Paris. Rolling into the Arc de Triomphe was a euphoric finish, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and more than a little admiration for what they had achieved together.

More Than Just a Ride

The Boo Cycle was about more than personal achievement; it was about raising vital funds to support Boo Charity’s work in Kenya. From providing teachers, learning materials, childcare, and mentorship, to ensuring food security through sustainable farming, Boo’s projects are designed to break the cycle of poverty and give children the opportunity to thrive.

As Russell reflected at the finish line:

“Such a euphoric emotion finishing this fundraiser with such an awesome bunch of lads (Ol Boyz). Yes, they took the P out of the fat boy peddling so far, but gave a little (only a little) admiration of achievement. Thanks so much for all your amazing support.”

Thank You

The Boo Cycle team smashed their 275-mile ride, raising nearly all of their fundraising target. At the time of finishing, just £700 remained to reach the goal, a milestone that will directly change young lives in Kenya.

We could not be prouder of the riders, Simon, David, Warren, Nick, and Russell, or of Jeremy, whose planning and support kept the team safe and moving. The camaraderie, grit, and humour along the way made this another unforgettable Boo adventure.

And as the team hinted at the Arc de Triomphe, this might not be the last chapter. Watch this space for what’s next.

You can still donate and support Boo Charity’s life-changing work here