While still relatively few exist, new events are popping up in far-flung places; dotted around the globe are sportives and supported rides that go far beyond the ‘cycle iconic roads, eat cake, repeat’ routine.

Take Street Child’s West Africa Cycle Challenge, for example, which debuts in May 2017.

Pioneer spirit

A group of ‘pioneers’ will help the launch the Challenge on May 30 this year, with an intrepid bunch of cyclists pedalling from Bo in Sierra Leone to Robertsport on the coast of Liberia (a distance of 300km/180 miles) over four days, as part of a week-long trip.

And while that distance may not sound too taxing, there are a number of factors to consider.

Not that this is a typical route to ride. “As far as we know, exactly one person has ever ridden this route on a bike; a guy named Florian who volunteered for us at Street Child,” Roxanne adds.

“He had an incredible time and it was his inspirational trip that made us want to offer this up to more people. Those who do the ride in May will be the first group of many – blazing a trail for those to come.”

Tempted? Registration for the seven-day Pioneer West Africa Cycle Challenge trip, which includes a final night in Montrovia, once the cycling is done, is now open.

Taking place from May 30 to June 6, the travel package costs £750 (flights not included) and there is a £1,500 fundraising target attached. To register, or to find out more, visit www.westafricacyclechallenge.com or visit them at this week’s London Bike Show.