Havant Rugby Club cyclists to take on punishing 100-mile challenge
Cyclists are preparing for an epic challenge this weekend
A team of 60 riders from Havant Rugby Club will take on a gruelling 100-mile (163km) charity cycle through the New Forest National Park on Saturday 06 June, raising funds for education charity School Of Hard Knocks.
Setting off from and finishing at the Gang Warily Recreation Centre, the 60-strong squad’s ride is expected to take between 6 - 8 hours, tackling over 1100 metres of elevation across the route.
The challenge is the latest community-led fundraising event the club has undertaken for SOHK, a charity that uses rugby alongside mentoring and group personal development sessions to help young people facing hardship to re-engage with education and unlock their potential.
The ride builds on the success of last year’s event, which saw 28 brave riders complete a 200km challenge around the Isle of Wight, raising more than £38,000 including Gift Aid. The funds are equivalent to an entire year of SOHK’s schools programme for 40 young people who are at risk of losing out on vital learning. Havant RFC member and SOHK Chairman, Jim Cameron says: “Havant RFC kindly chose SOHK to benefit from the ride as the Club fully values the transformative power of rugby and how it can change a young person’s life, not to mention its incredible impact on local communities. I have experienced and seen that first hand both through SOHK and Havant RFC. We at SOHK are very thankful to the Club and all involved for this massive effort.”
Club representatives hope to build on last year’s fundraising total and continue supporting SOHK’s work with young people across the U.K.
Supporters can donate and follow the team’s progress via: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/havant4sohk2026
Challenge celebrations The local community is warmly invited to a post-cycle fundraising after party from 18:30 to 23:00 on Saturday 6 June at Lovedean Lane, Waterlooville. The evening will feature live music from Cadency and Michelle Lewis, alongside food, drinks and entertainment, with proceeds to charity. Tickets are available at: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=17835