After eight incredible years, hundreds of cyclists, thousands of miles and more than £150,000 raised for the Jon Egging Trust (JET), JETRide has crossed the finish line for the final time.
Since the first riders took to the roads of Lincolnshire eight years ago, JETRide has become so much more than a cycling event. It has brought together cyclists, volunteers, businesses, RAF personnel, local communities and supporters, all united by one goal: to help young people facing adversity build aspirations and the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive.
There have been first-time cyclists and familiar faces who have returned year after year. There have been 30, 50, 75, 80 and 100-mile challenges, thousands of miles pedalled through the Lincolnshire countryside.
We’ve had mountain bikes, road bikes, Bromptons and, penny-farthings. But however people have chosen to take on JETRide, every mile has mattered.
JETRide was the idea of former Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pilot and JET supporter Duncan Mason, who wanted to create an annual cycling event that would not only offer riders a fantastic challenge, but raise vital funds in response to the growing demand for JET’s programmes.
Speaking after one of the earliest JETRides, Duncan said, “The aim with JETRide was to not only put on a fantastic day of cycling, but to create an annual event to raise funds for the increasing demand for JET’s programmes.”
Eight years later, that idea has raised more than £150,000 to date.
Those funds have helped JET continue its work with young people facing adversity, supporting them through our long-term Blue Skies programmes and Inspirational Outreach opportunities.
Part of what has made JETRide special has always been the people willing to take on the challenge.
Local cycling clubs including the Doddington Daisies, Lincoln Wheelers, Bourne Wheelers and Sleaford Wheelers have taken to the roads alongside RAF teams, families, colleagues, friends and individual riders travelling from across the country.
For some, the challenge wasn’t enough, and they found ways of making an already significant challenge considerably harder. In 2025, Richie Mason completed 50 miles on a penny-farthing, raising more than £4,400 along the way!
It takes a community
No cyclist ever crossed the JETRide finish line alone. Behind every mile ridden has been an extraordinary community of people who have given their time, skills, enthusiasm and support to make the event possible.
To every cyclist who clipped in, pushed the pedals and took on the challenge, thank you.
To RAF College Cranwell, which has provided JETRide with such an iconic home, and to the RAF personnel who have supported, volunteered and ridden alongside us over the years.
To the UAS Cadets and Air Cadets, the mechanics and medics, and everyone who has kept our riders safe and their bikes moving.
To our brilliant feed station teams, who have provided much-needed food, drink, encouragement and smiles when the legs were starting to tire.
To the JET staff and volunteers who have worked behind the scenes and out on the route, from the earliest planning through to welcoming the final riders home.
To the Lincolnshire communities, local businesses, cycling clubs, sponsors and supporters who have embraced JETRide, cheered on our riders, helped us deliver the event and fundraised alongside us.
And to the friends, families and supporters who have donated, shared fundraising pages, waited at finish lines and encouraged riders through one more mile, thank you for being part of the JETRide story.
JETRide could never have achieved what it has without you.
Eight years ago, JETRide set off with an ambition to create a great day of cycling while raising vital funds for young people. More than £150,000 and thousands of miles later, it leaves behind a legacy everyone who has been part of it can be immensely proud of.
To every person who rode, volunteered, donated, sponsored, supported, fixed, fed, cheered or helped make JETRide possible: thank you for coming along for the ride.