When our Beat the Sun 2025 endurance cycling challenge set off, one rider stood out, for quietly demonstrating what determination, resilience and belief can achieve.
Ashley Blundell was the only female participant in last year’s event, taking on the gruelling challenge in support of vulnerable children and families in Scotland and Kenya.
What is Beat the Sun?
Beat the Sun is an annual endurance cycling challenge organised by GEF in Scotland to raise funds for vulnerable children and families in both Scotland and Kenya. Riders set off at sunrise from Peterhead Harbour and aim to cycle approximately 233 miles (375 km) to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse on the west coast, hoping to complete the route before sunset, in essence “beating the sun” across the country. Ashley was first drawn to Beat the Sun by both its scale and its purpose. “An epic challenge for a worthwhile cause,” she said. “I hadn’t heard of anything like this being done in the UK before on this scale, and I was immediately intrigued.”
Stepping into the unknown
While Ashley is a regular cyclist, long-distance endurance riding pushed her beyond familiar territory. Her only comparable experience was a 196-mile club ride completed in 2021, something that felt, by her own admission, like a distant memory.
What ultimately convinced her to sign up was the direct and transparent impact of the fundraising. “I loved that the event supports causes both locally and internationally. The funds raised go straight towards improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families. This didn’t feel like a large national organisation, it felt personal.”
Riding as the only woman
As the sole female rider in the 2025 event, Ashley says the experience was deeply meaningful. “Being the only female cyclist was an honour and something I’ll never forget.”
Ashley hopes her participation encourages other women to challenge their own perceptions of what is possible. “We often underestimate our abilities. Hopefully this shows other women that we’re capable of far more than we think, with determination and resilience, we really can rise to a challenge.”
Trusting the process
Training for Beat the Sun proved demanding, particularly in unpredictable Scottish weather. “I had to commit to getting the miles in every week, whatever the weather, and focus more on long, slow endurance rides. I also learned the importance of rest and recovery to avoid burnout.”
Despite moments of doubt, including fears about whether she would complete the challenge, Ashley trusted the process. “I only told my immediate family what I was planning, which probably wasn’t the best idea in hindsight. I would have benefited from more encouragement and support, but I’ve learned that trusting the process really does work.”
On the day of the event, the collective support from fellow cyclists, supporters and the GEF team played a crucial role. “I was completely overwhelmed by the fundraising support I received. Having the GEF team there, reminding us what we were riding for, kept us going, and seeing the updates afterwards, both here and in Kenya, has helped us understand the real and lasting impact.”
That impact has continued beyond the event. Inspired by what she learned about the charity’s work, Ashley and her family have since begun sponsoring two young boys in Kenya to support their education.
“We had very little knowledge of this gem of an organisation before Beat the Sun. Now, as a family, we’re incredibly proud to be involved.”
A message to other women
For anyone considering taking part in future challenges, Ashley’s advice is simple.
“Go for it. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Fuel properly, look after your body and remember, you’re never doing it alone. It really does become a team effort.”
For more information on this year’s Beat the Sun event, please contact: info@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org or find out more here: https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/beat-the-sun/