Monster climbs at altitude, high humidity and 40-degree heat – it’s fair to say the latest BikeforDGH fundraising challenge wasn’t for the fainthearted.

Thankfully, though, it was a big success. The five-day event – originally created by DGHUK Honorary Vice President John Webster in 2006 – took place in September and, thanks to the efforts of the 12 cyclists and hundreds of donors around the world, it has now raised thousands of pounds for the Homes and our sponsored children.

Starting in the Kingdom of Bhutan, this year’s route crossed 250 miles of mountainous terrain until it reached Dr Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong – where the intrepid team were given a hero’s welcome by the pupils and staff.

We asked DGHUK supporter Karen Hills, whose father and uncles grew up at the Homes, to tell us about her experience.

PS: you can still donate to the cause! To help boost the total, please visit Karen’s fundraising page on JustGiving: Karen & Janet’s cycle ride for Dr Graham’s Homes

How tough was this year’s ride, Karen?

It was a little less challenging than the last one in terms of the total amount of metres climbed, but the overall distance was greater. There also wasn’t a rest day to recover before the final day’s ride, which included a 40km continuous climb up to the town of Lava, before continuing to Kalimpong. Combining that with the higher altitude in Bhutan (average 2,300m) and the 40°C+ temperatures and high humidity when we reached India, I found this year’s ride tougher than the last one.

What was the greatest highlight?

The breathtaking scenery of the Bhutanese Himalayan foothills was very special. We enjoyed some incredible views throughout our climbs; the mountains and valleys are magnificent, and wherever you looked you could see brightly coloured prayer flags blowing in the breeze.

How did the Homes greet you when you arrived?

There was a large welcoming group at the school gates, consisting of teachers and other school workers, OGBs (old boys and girls of DGH), plus Board of Management, Global OGBs and DGHUK representatives. We were greeted with a song performed and played by a quartet dressed in traditional clothes, and then the school pipe band struck up with Scotland the Brave. They continued to play as we walked to the Betty Sheriff basketball area. The route was lined with children from the school, who clapped, welcomed us and thanked us for our efforts. After that we were guests of honour at a dance exhibition put on by several of the school children, and we were also presented with a certificate of thanks from everyone at the school.

Would you recommend BikeforDGH to anyone who might be tempted next time?

BikeforDGH is a unique experience and not your usual cycling challenge. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an incredible experience and an unusual / alternative cycling event. You will ride through areas not usually frequented by tourists, you will experience different cultures and cuisines, you will challenge yourself both physically and mentally, all while raising money for a very deserving cause.

The next BikeforDGH challenge is expected to take place in 2026.

KAREN’S BIKEFORDGH 2024 PHOTO DIARY

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu

A ‘warm up’ ride to get us used to riding at altitude (average height 2,300m) and in the heat. Over 98% of Bhutan is mountainous terrain, so tomorrow will be a different matter entirely! 😳

Day 2: Thimphu to Chuka

The gruelling climbs presented us with some stunning scenery of the Bhutanese Himalayan foothills…

Day 3: Chuka to Phuentsholing

Lovely descent, followed by a long ascent before lunch. Then a 40km downhill, navigating landslides, rockfalls, numerous switchbacks [hairpin bends]and a wet road surface following some rain. Absolutely exhausted, so it took me two hours to get down, but I made it 😁

Day 4: Phuentsholing to Oodlabari

On entering India we were greeted by the Commissioner of Alipurduar District, who was promoting our ride as an ‘eco-friendly tourism’ initiative. We were presented with coconuts and then escorted by almost the entire district police force, who cycled with us for the first 12km of our ride. Our efforts were reported in two local newspapers and Janet was interviewed for the local TV news! It was over 40° when we started riding, peaking at 45°. I struggled with dehydration in the midday heat so only managed 70km, rather than the planned 116km.

Day 5: Oodlabari to Kalimpong

Part of our planned route had been washed away in a landslide, causing our route to be changed and us being shuttled to the start of a 25-mile / 40km climb up to Lava. Only five of our group were able to complete the climb before the lunchtime cutoff and, as before, I struggled in the 40+° heat, residual dehydration from the previous four days of effort, and cumulative tiredness. After lunch we had a mainly downhill run into Kalimpong, again navigating sections of washed-out road and very large holes. It felt like a cross between downhill mountain biking and cyclocross, but on a road bike with thin tyres!

Day 5 finale: arrival at Dr Graham’s Homes

We received a very warm welcome at Dr Graham’s Homes, with a traditional song, followed by the school’s pipe band playing Scotland the Brave as we walked up past all the school kids who were clapping, welcoming us and thanking us for our efforts.

This has been an incredibly challenging, physical, and emotional five-day journey, one that will live long in my memory. We are very grateful for all the support and messages of encouragement from our family and friends. A big thank you goes to everyone who has donated towards the sponsorship of underprivileged and orphaned children at the school.

I remain extremely grateful to the benefactor who funded my dad’s accommodation and schooling at DGH back in the 1930s and early 1940s, without which I probably wouldn’t be here.

Adapted, with photos, from Karen’s Facebook page.