ACT’s commercial manager Derek Bain has raised almost £1,250 for the charity Breast Cancer Now after cycling the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100.

We have been reporting on Derek’s training progress over the summer and last weekend he participated in the 100-mile ride.

Derek successfully completed the Ride 100.

Derek says: “The race day was an early start at around 6.30am. I had the chance to chat with some other riders and everyone that I met was in a positive, upbeat frame of mind, including myself.

“It seemed that my training did actually pay off and the only real problem I had was Leith Hill, where I had to stop for a minute before continuing up the rather steep climb.

“Box Hill, which was made famous by the London Olympics, was another nice challenge. I enjoyed it and didn’t find it too much of a problem at all.

“In fact, the whole ride passed without many problems and I was pleased that all the early mornings of cycling, in the wind and rain, made the difference.”

Derek’s medal.

Derek describes the London-Surrey 100 as being “relatively flat for the first 60 miles or so”. The cyclists enjoyed closed roads in London and a chance to see many iconic capital city buildings en route.

The finish was on The Mall. Derek says: “I had promised myself a sprint finish down The Mall, right outside Buckingham Palace, and I am glad I still had the remains of some energy to get out of the saddle and do just that, even if I did get some strange looks!”

Derek was impressed by the support from both the event and members of the public lining the route.

He says: “It was a fantastic experience and the support really made the day very special indeed. In fact I had a personal message of support from a random member of the public in some outlying village in Surrey who knew my name. I’m still puzzling over that one.”

Taking part in the cycling challenge for charity.

Derek is also very grateful for the pledges of money for his chosen charity. He says: “I want to give a massive thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the charity . It really is appreciated and I have managed to raise almost £1,250 so far.”

Ken Godsman, managing director of ACT Construction (UK) Ltd, said: “Derek showed tremendous enthusiasm for this event and for the fund raising around it. He trained extremely hard for the event. Everyone at ACT was tracking him on the mobile app on the day and we were delighted to see him cross the line in a very respectable time.”

It is still not too late to donate if you haven’t already. See Derek’s fundraising page.