Team NeuroVelo supporting London's Air Ambulance Charity
Overview
My name is David Robinson, and I am a movement and manual therapist in my mid-fifties who has devoted most of my life to health and fitness, firmly believing that I was making the informed/educated choices and following the correct path. However, everything changed for me dramatically at around 10 am on 13th July 2023 when I suffered a stroke caused by a left parietal intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH). While many would consider this an overwhelming ordeal—and it certainly was frightening to those close to me—it became a major turning point.
Since then, my goal has been to guide others who may be starting what I now see as a remarkable journey. I want to offer comfort and a belief that a stroke doesn’t have to signal the end; instead, it can mark the start of a new chapter in our life journey. These events can create deep emotions and fears, yet if approached with a positive attitude, an event such as a stroke can also be filled with meaning and even, on occasion, a great amount of laughter.
This new chapter has given me the chance to understand myself better and, over time, view the world from a fresh perspective, which I hope will help me grow into a better and more complete person by reflecting honestly and impartially on my past decisions and beliefs.
I have reached a place of acceptance regarding my situation and, in many ways, believe this stroke was a vital part of my life’s story, almost a clause in a sacred contract, serving as a catalyst that set me on a promising new trail.
Why London’s Air Ambulance
London's Air Ambulance has provided critical care to a significant number of individuals (between 1,800 and 2,000) in the past few years, many of whom sustained head injuries as a result of road accidents and falls.
In 2024 and 2025, respectively, 2,058 and 2,031 individuals were treated - an average of five patients per day. London’s Air Ambulance states that road user incidents, such as those involving cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists, account for approximately one-third of all its cases, with 66 transport-related injuries recorded in a single quarter of 2025.
It must be noted that while not all cases involve head trauma, the LAA team annually handles over 400 falls from heights and numerous road traffic crashes, which are both significant contributors to severe head injuries.
Given the frontline role of London’s Air Ambulance in responding to accidents involving head injuries and cyclists, aligning with this charity is highly fitting.
Project – Team NeuroVelo’s Ultra 200 Escapade Cycle Ride
The Ultra 200 Cycle Ride is a 206.5-mile (332.3 km) endurance challenge to be completed in June 2027, within a 24-hour timescale (day to be confirmed), with a fundraising goal of £50,000. Four cyclists will undertake the course simultaneously, without support vehicles or external assistance.
All bikes used in this event will be built in-house by our team to the highest possible specifications, using components donated by selected suppliers to create high-level performance gravel endurance bikes. Upon completion, several of these bikes will be raffled to generate additional fundraising.
The raffle will be managed by an external crowdfunding platform to retain transparency, with the goal of raising an additional £15,000 through ticket sales of between £5.00 and £10.00.
The Riders
Riders - To be confirmed
The Route
Start: Crystal Palace Sports Centre to Richmond Park, Roehampton Gate
The Ultra 200 Escapade Cycle Ride begins at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre. Riders set off on the opening segment, heading directly towards Roehampton Gate in Richmond Park. This initial stretch, covering 12 miles (19.3 km), serves as an introduction to the challenge, offering a steady start that allows us to settle into a rhythm for the ride before we have to tackle longer and more demanding stages.
En Route: Weybridge to Oldiham
Upon leaving Richmond Park, we will continue our journey through Weybridge, Sheerwater, Brookwood, Farnborough North, and Oldiham. This stage traverses varied landscapes, transitioning from urban settings to rural countryside. The changing scenery not only adds visual interest for filming but also presents a range of cycling conditions, making this portion of the route both engaging and demanding for all involved.
Winchester Checkpoint
The route reaches Winchester (SO23 0QW), where we will pass the Royal Mail Postbox checkpoint at Chalk Ridge. Situated 76.6 miles (122.3 km) into the challenge, this checkpoint is a crucial milestone. Here, we will be able to assess our progress, regroup as a team, check /do maintenance on the bikes and prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the more demanding sections that lie ahead.
The South Downs Way Segment
Departing from Winchester, the route joins The South Downs Way, adding another 100 miles to the journey. This segment will guide us through the picturesque Sussex countryside and challenging terrain, culminating at The Kiosk, Foyle Way (BN20 7XL) in Eastbourne. This point marks another major milestone at 176.6 miles (284.2 km), giving us, as a team, the satisfaction of having navigated a significant and scenic stretch of the event.
The Home Straight
The final section leads to Rye Harbour, with 29.9 miles (48.1 km) remaining to the finish line. This last stretch will test the endurance and determination of us as a team as we approach the conclusion of the challenge.
Altogether, the Ultra 200 Escapade Cycle Ride covers a total distance of 206.5 miles (332.3 km), bringing together a diverse range of landscapes, checkpoints, and experiences for those taking part.
