In 2017, Nexpay sponsored two cyclists—Ben and Sean—on an epic 1,500-mile journey over 15 days, taking on five iconic Tour de France climbs. This wasn’t just about the challenge—it was a deeply personal mission. Both riders dedicated their efforts to supporting the Samaritans, in memory of five lost friends.
Their trip raised enough to fund 14 hours of life-saving calls on the Samaritans’ helpline. But the journey nearly ended in tragedy. Out of respect for everyone involved, we held back the full story—then COVID hit, and it stayed untold.
Recently, while looking through our archives, we realised this incredible story had never been shared. With the Tour de France underway, we’re proud to finally tell the story of Ben & Sean’s Excellent Adventures 2: #Ride4Five.
Follow along as we relive their adventure, honour their friends, and share some of the most stunning cycling shots you will see this year. The story is just beginning.
#gotheextramile #nexpaytour #wegotheextramile
Preface – It always begins in a pub.
As adventures often are, this particular escapade was born in a pub on a wintery afternoon in 2016. Maybe it was the warmth of the real log fire that crackled in the grate, or the deceptive winter sunshine that traced the intricate patterns of ice framed in the tiny squares of the old wooden windows… Alright, it was the Ale.
It all began innocently enough. Ben and I were reminiscing about our first “Ben & Sean’s Excellent Adventure”, which we had completed in ten days spanning July and August of 2015. We were also raising a glass to lost friends.
“I suppose we could do another.” I offered, stroking my chin thoughtfully.
“Same again, is it old chap? No problem.” Ben was already halfway to the bar.
“I mean another adventure!” I laughed. “We managed 1000 miles in ten days, with no support vehicle, and just two panniers each. I am sure we could go one better.”
I don’t want to give you the impression that Ben and I are heavy drinkers. You should have some context. Since our previous ride, I had been maintaining a steady amount of riding each week. Anything from 150 miles to 250 in a good week. And Ben still had his bike.
“You know, we could always cycle up one of the tour mountains. I have been wanting to try Mont Ventoux for a while now.” I could see that Ben was warming to the idea, his cheeks flushed, as he leaned forward in anticipation of the plan that formed, oh so easily. It is at moments like these that I like to up the ante. This type of tomfoolery and goading has been a trademark of Ben and my friendship since the day we met on the dance floors of The Monastery Nightclub, back in 1998. It has been known to get us into trouble.
“Why one climb? Aside from Ventoux, what are the classics?”
Ben loves to pontificate, and, as the landlord stoked the grate, throwing on another log, Ben wet his whistle and held court.
“Of course, Ventoux has three classic climbs, but Sault and Bedouin are the ones. Then there is Alp d’Huez, of course. Izzoard and Galibier have to be up there…”
“Right, let’s do that then…”
Ben looked puzzled for a second. Then it slowly dawned on him.
“You want to do all four?”
“I want to do all FIVE. One for each of the friends we are remembering today. Alp D’huez, Galibier, Izzoard then Mont Ventoux – Twice. But let’s do them in the middle of the ride. Let’s do 1500 Miles in Fifteen days, including those climbs!”
When faced with such flippant provocation, you often expect your friends to laugh, dismiss the idea as ridiculous and move on. There are few partners in crime as game my friend Ben.
“Do you reckon we can do it?”
“Course we can.” I sensed that he was nearly onside. I, of course, had my trump card. Ben’s brother, Grant. Gathering the glasses, I headed to the bar for a Laphroaig, nonchalently dropping the incendary device. “Has Grant done it?”
Ben smiled
“No, he hasn’t. Go on then. Let’s go.”
So it was, seven months later, that we found ourselves on the Brittany Ferry line headed for Roscoff. With us, Guy Harris, photographer and van driver, three bikes (one spare, in case of mishaps), a ton of accessories and spares, and the support of Nexpay, our main sponsor.
Neither of us could have scripted what happened in the next fifteen days. Join us for the next blog when we will cover day one. (Chartres to St Denis en Val).
