“Good things come to those who pedal”
For the second consecutive year, our team took part in Cycle September, the global cycling challenge organised by Love to Ride. Competing in the category for companies of 7-19 staff, we are thrilled to announce that we finished first in the Jersey leaderboard once again! This result is a true reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm of us Snappers. We’d like to extend a big congratulations to our runners-up, Jersey Finance Limited and Maison Le Pape Middle Floor, who both put in great efforts and got their teams racking up the miles. Nationally, we ranked 7th in the UK, with four of the six companies ahead of us being cycling or sustainable transport businesses, making our performance even more impressive among such specialised competition.
As team captain, I embarked on a cycling trip though Italy especially for the occasion, setting off from Bergamo over the Appenines to Florence, and then stopping in Viareggio, the picturescque Cinque Terre, Genoa, and Como. I even looped into Switzerland to cap off the journey. But whilst my ride was a great trip, the real achievement this month was the collective effort of our team.
Why does it matter?
For us, taking part in Cycle September is about more than just getting some extra miles in the saddle. It’s about addressing real-world issues and making a positive impact, both locally and globally. Here’s why we believe in this initiative:
- Lowering Emissions & Reducing Traffic Congestion: Encouraging people to leave this cars at home has the dual benefit of helping to reduce emissions and alleviating traffic congestion. On a small island like Jersey, this is particularly important, with the knock-on effect that fewer cars on the road makes cycling safer and more pleasant for everyone, hopefully leading to a positive feedback loop.
- Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle: We’re a pretty active bunch here at Snap, with cyclists, golfers, and gym enthusiasts, and between us we participate in marathons, triathlons, and the even the odd pétanque tournament. But taking part in Cycle September gives us another chance to mix up our routines and commit to new goals. Staying active is important for both physical and mental well-being, especially as we head into the dark months, and this challenge is a perfect way to reinforce that,
- Building Team Spirit: Few things bring people together like a shared challenge. Competing against other local and national businesses gives us a sense of friendly rivalry, but more importantly, it fosters team spirit. Working towards a collective goal has been great for bringing us closer as a team and keeping everyone motivated.
Highlights from This Year
This year’s challenge was filled with highlights, both on and off the bike, even despite the month’s dour weather. Aside from my personal cycling adventure though Italy, we also competed in a particularly wet Gran Fondo Jersey, and we managed to log a record number of miles from our team. It was great to see new riders joining in and seasoned cyclists pushing themselves even harder than before. The camaraderie and competition kept everyone engaged, and the results speak for themselves – not only did we top our leaderboard, but we saved 295lb of CO2 by choosing bikes over cars.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Cycle September, with plans to expand our participation even further. Whether you’re a fair-weather freewheeler or a spandex-clad speedster, we encourage everyone to get involved. There’s something powerful about seeing how a single month of cycling can make a real difference.
Here’s to more miles, fewer emission, and a healther, happier team!
Share your own Cycle September experience or ask us about how to get involved in next year’s challenge. Let’s keep the wheels turning!
