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The Dillons’ challenge update: The final leg of The Great Divide

The final phase of the Dillons' epic 2,700 mile cycle challenge across Canada and America, in memory of Carol

On 1 July 2022, Barry Dillon and his twin sons, Ricky and Gavin, set off from Banff in Canada to take on the longest off-road cycle route in the world: The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

With a trail of almost 2,700 miles, their journey of almost 90% off-road riding has taken them to altitudes of over 3,600m in order to reach their final destination of Antelope Wells on the US/Mexican border.

The Dillons chose to take on this epic fundraising challenge for Hospiscare in memory of Carol. To donate to their challenge in support of our local hospice charity, please click here.

Our team has kept in regular contact with the Dillons and we are so proud to share the final leg of their epic adventure.

Three men crouched in front of the US/Mexican border sign at Antelope Wells

To catch up on their journey so far, please use the links below:

One month on the trail

Two months in

Three months on the trail

After entering New Mexico, the trio are on the home straight to the finish line of the trail at Antelope Wells. After a week of extreme weather, the Dillons reach Grants, New Mexico with the sun shining and around ten days of riding ahead of them before reaching their final destination. “Forever forwards”, as Barry says!

From Silver City, New Mexico, the trio set off with just three days’ riding ahead before the finish line. Barry and his sons take in the flora and fauna, from the innocuous tumble weeds to the slightly more worrisome spiders and snakes of the region!

As the trio enter Antelope Wells, the sun is beating down to welcome them across the finish line. The Dillons would like to share the following message:

“We finally made it! From Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico – 2,700 miles (ish!). Thank you to all of you lovely people who’ve donated to Hospiscare and given us words of encouragement. Thank you to everyone we’ve met along the way for your generosity and unwavering kindness.

“We cycled the GDMBR in memory of our beautiful Mum, raising vital funds for our local hospice. Please visit our JustGiving page if you’d like to donate and please feel free to share our story.”