What started as an ambitious idea became an unforgettable journey for a group of colleagues and friends from across the workplace furniture industry.
As part of the Clerkenwell to Cologne challenge, Callum Riley from DAS Business Furniture joined riders from Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) and Sagal Group to cycle nearly 600km from Clerkenwell, London, to Cologne, Germany, arriving in time for ORGATEC.
Four days, five countries and plenty of determination
The challenge began in London, with all meeting at our showroom at 3 Moorgate Place; the first leg took the team 160km to Dover. The weather had other ideas, however, with strong winds and heavy rain making the second half of the ride particularly demanding. A challenging start, but spirits remained high as the team made it to the ferry and crossed over to France.
Day two brought a welcome change in conditions. Beautiful sunshine and a strong tailwind helped the riders make their way from Dunkirk to Oudenaarde in Belgium. The day finished with a memorable climb up the famous cobbles of the Koppenberg – a fitting challenge for any cycling enthusiast!
Day three was the biggest test of the journey. Covering 188km from Oudenaarde to Maastricht, the team set off early and arrived after dark. Long hours in the saddle, tired legs and plenty of determination was needed to get everyone across the finish line.
A few Belgian beers, some well-earned rest and plenty of team encouragement helped recharge the batteries for the final push.
Day four took the riders from Maastricht to Cologne. Thankfully, the team was rewarded with sunshine and much more manageable winds as they rolled into Cologne, completing the challenge together. We were then met by all our respective teams at the finish line.
Nearly 600km later, the team had made it!
More than just a cycling challenge
While the physical challenge was significant, the ride was about something much bigger.
The Clerkenwell to Cologne challenge brought together people from DAS Business Furniture, Colebrook Bosson Saunders and Sagal Group, united by a shared goal: to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and make a positive difference to the lives of children and their families.
Each business also chose to support causes close to its heart within the wider GOSH family. For DAS, this included the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Cancer Centre.
It was a reminder of what can happen when people and businesses come together behind something that genuinely matters. The encouragement, camaraderie and support throughout the journey made every difficult mile worthwhile.
It also demonstrated something we value enormously at DAS: the importance of relationships. Our industry is built on people, collaboration and shared experiences, and this challenge was a fantastic example of that spirit in action.
From Clerkenwell to ORGATEC
Arriving in Cologne was a huge achievement, but there was little time for relaxation!
The team headed straight into three days of meetings, conversations and catching up with familiar and new faces from across the workplace and furniture industry at ORGATEC.
It was a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues, discover new ideas and celebrate everything that makes our sector such a great community to be part of.
Thank you for being part of the journey
A huge thank you to everyone who made Clerkenwell to Cologne possible.
To Callum and the fellow riders from CBS and Sagal, thank you for the determination, encouragement and good humour throughout the four days. A special thank you also to those who organised the challenge, supported the team along the way, and helped keep spirits high when things got tough.
And, of course, thank you to everyone who has donated and supported the fundraising effort so far.
The fundraising page remains open, and every contribution will help support the incredible work of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
If you would like to support the cause, you can still donate here.
Nearly 600km, four days, five countries and one shared purpose. An incredible achievement, and one that the DAS team is very proud to have been part of.
