Paddy McGuinness and a Raleigh Chopper

A year in 20 photographs 13/20 – Wales to Scotland on a Raleigh Chopper

Cycling guide Scot Tares from Skinny Tyres stands on Blackpool esplanade in front of other cyclists on Raleigh Choppers.

I first learned about Paddy McGuinness wanting to ride a Raleigh Chopper to raise money for BBC Children in Need in July 2024. At that time, I had to travel to Nottingham to pick up a Chopper then ride it to test the feasibility of cycling any distance on it. One strained back and a lengthy report later, I surmised it was possible. However, any attempt would be filled with caveats.

Paddy McGuinness, a Raleigh Chopper, and 300 miles

Roll on November and I found myself outside Wrexham FC stadium waiting for Paddy to begin his epic challenge: riding a Chopper from Wales to Glasgow in five days.

The documentary makers captured our faltering start. Paddy pedalled out of the stadium, chatting live on Radio 2 with Zoe Ball. Immediately, I got communications in my earpiece that he wasn’t wearing a helmet. As he emerged through the gates, I rode alongside him and stopped the convoy. I didn’t realise this was being filmed and that, embarrassingly, I would feature in the documentary.

A clip from the BBC documentary – Paddy McGuinness Ultra Endurance Challenge

Paddy McGuinness on his Raleigh Chopper succeeded in his challenge, raising an incredible total of £10 million. Thousands of his supporters packed the route. It all became quite emotional and overwhelming, but he was determined to engage with everyone along the way. We also had some amazing surprises: riding with Olympic gold medalists, Rebecca Romero and Sir Chris Hoy; riding with Giant from Gladiators, resplendent in his Lycra leotard that left nothing to the imagination; 80s and 90s chart toppers Black Lace and Chesney Hawkes performing; and Sir Tom Hunter donating a huge amount of money.

Paddy McGuiness cycles on a Raleigh Chopper with cycle chaperone and guide Scot Tares from Skinny Tyres.

There were so many standout moments. Riding up Shap through the mist, to cycling into Glasgow with streets lined with thousands of people cheering Paddy on. It is difficult to choose one image. However, the key to the challenge was Paddy and his Raleigh Chopper, Patch, so the picture I’ve chosen is the one of us meeting hundreds of other Chopper riders and riding in convoy along Blackpool esplanade.