Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Deacon Blue

Wages Day

Listen Live

75-year-old Ripon cyclist completes epic birthday challenge

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 06:15

Moonglu Cycling Club set off on Nigel Bower's (centre) 75th 'Big Ride' of 2025.

A member of Moonglu Cycling Club has marked his 75th birthday year by completing an ambitious endurance challenge involving long-distance cycling rides across the UK and abroad.

Nigel Bower, who is based in Ripon, set himself the goal of completing 75 Gran Fondo rides during his 75th year.

A Gran Fondo, an Italian term meaning “big ride”, typically refers to a cycling route of more than 60 miles.

Nigel completed his final ride on Sunday (21st December), setting off from Ripon on a 66-mile route.

He was accompanied by members of Moonglu Cycling Club as well as his son, Nick.

The achievement brings Nigel’s total distance for the year to approximately 5,300 miles, with more than 200,000 feet of climbing.

This elevation gain is equivalent to climbing over seven times the height of Mount Everest.

While most of the rides were centred around the Ripon area, Nigel continued the challenge while on holiday, completing a ride of more than 60 miles in Greece.

When asked about taking on the challenge, Nigel said:

“Thank you for the support from the members of Moonglu who have accompanied me on many of these rides.”

Moonglu club secretary Niel Dunkley added:

“Nigel represents what Moonglu really stands for- cycling for fun, with friends and pushing ourselves to achieve more than we may believe.”

Nigel’s accomplishment is not the only notable performance among the club’s older members. Fellow Moonglu rider Rob Wilkins finished fifth in the 70–74 male category at the UK National Gravel Bike Championships.

Moonglu Cycling Club is open to new members, with annual individual membership priced at £15.

Prospective members are able to take part in two trial rides before deciding to join. Further information is available via the club’s website at https://www.moonglucc.club/.

More from Local News

Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House

Yorkshire's biggest-ever gathering of pugs is set to take place at Harewood House next month.
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.