To rapturous applause and music blaring from loud-speakers, over 300 cyclists – a record number - were welcomed back to Hendon on Sunday after riding a combined distance of over 27,000km in the tenth BIKE4KEF.
The participants, ranging in age from 16 to 75, raised over £800,000 for KEF KIDS, a charity which supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.
The cyclists – all male – could choose between cycling routes of 50km, 100km or 100 miles through the Hertfordshire countryside.
KEF Cyclists are off to a good start (DANIEL M PHOTOGRAPHY)
First-timer Dov Kahan from Stamford Hill described the experience as “amazing”, telling the JC: “If you hadn’t practised, it wasn’t easy, but fortunately, I had practised and managed a much better time than I’d expected.”
It was the fifth KEF cycle ride for Steven Unsdorfer, 39, who rode 100km. Absorbing the carnival-like atmosphere at the post-ride barbecue in Hendon Park, he said: “It’s a great community event, run by very special people.”
With two of his daughters spending their Sundays volunteering at the charity, he said that KEF “fills a void that isn’t filled by anyone else and it does a really good job.”
KEF riders celebrating at the end of the ride (DANIEL M PHOTOGRAPHY)
Jaden Cramer, 30, was one of a group of four from South Hampstead Synagogue who cycled 100km. Speaking at the end of the race, he said: “It was incredible. We had such good support from mechanics when we had to change a tyre in the middle of nowhere. My fiancée’s brother is disabled so the charity really resonates with me.”
Fellow rider Shandon Weinstein, 29, who lives in St John’s Wood, said that he had prepared for the event by going on early morning cycle rides. “It was my first time doing Bike4Kef, but I really enjoyed it and will hopefully take part again next year.”
KEF cyclists from South Hampstead Synagogue
KEF Trustee Shmulik Halpern told the JC: “At the end of yet another successful bike ride, we thank all our riders for their participation and, most importantly, for the money raised. Despite the challenging economic situation, over 13,000 donations is phenomenal. We are deeply touched by the community’s love for KEF.”
