On 1 April 2026, Oscar Sampson and Jamie Tappin (both East 2025) set off from Cranleigh on an ambitious charity cycling challenge to the southern tip of Spain.

Keen to make the most of their gap years, the pair combined their love of adventure with a desire to support causes close to their hearts. Over 34 days, they cycled an extraordinary 2,450 kilometres (1,522 miles), taking just one well-earned rest day—spent, appropriately, wine tasting in Bordeaux.

Travelling by bicycle offered a perspective that few tourists experience. Rather than flying between destinations, Oscar and Jamie immersed themselves in the changing landscapes, cultures and communities of rural France and Spain. Each day brought subtle differences in scenery, language and local traditions, revealing a side of both countries that is often overlooked.

Oscar cycled in support of SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa India), a charity dedicated to protecting rhinos and other endangered species across Africa and India. Through funding anti-poaching units and wildlife sanctuaries, SORAI helps rescue, rehabilitate and safeguard vulnerable animals from extinction.

Jamie chose to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in honour of Chris Maxfield, his guitar teacher of ten years and a close family friend, who had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. Chris has inspired countless musicians at Cranleigh over the years through his exceptional teaching, and Jamie wanted to support both him and the many families whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Among the many memorable moments of the journey, the crossing of the Pyrenees on Day 17 stood out as a particular highlight. Carrying fully loaded bicycles with around 30 kilograms of panniers, the climb from France into Spain was the toughest day of the expedition. Encouraging messages written in Basque on the road helped spur them on during the steepest sections, and the breathtaking view from the summit made every effort worthwhile before the long descent into Spain.

Mechanical problems became an inevitable part of life on the road, leaving both riders adept at repairing punctures. More significant breakdowns, however, often highlighted the extraordinary kindness of strangers. When Jamie's pannier rack broke beyond a roadside repair, the pair were left stranded. Local farmers, despite speaking no English, quickly came to their rescue, taking them to a nearby barn where they found the tools needed to repair the bike and get the journey back on track.

The following day, while cycling through a small Basque village, Oscar and Jamie discovered preparations underway for a community festival. After striking up conversations with local residents, they were invited to join the celebrations, enjoying traditional food, drink and music. When another mechanical issue emerged before they set off again, their new hosts stepped in once more, ensuring the bikes were roadworthy before they continued.

Later in the journey, from Days 28 to 32, the pair met Hans and Marcel, two retired Swiss cyclists travelling a remarkably similar route. Having taken a gap year together decades earlier, the friends had decided to embark on another cycling adventure in retirement. While Oscar and Jamie relied on a Garmin for navigation, Hans and Marcel navigated the old-fashioned way, using a 1:25,000 paper map. After discovering that the younger cyclists had survived largely on croissants, cookies, and ham-and-cheese baguettes throughout the trip in order to keep costs down, the Swiss pair treated them to a proper evening meal—an act of generosity that neither rider will forget.

Reflecting on the challenge, both Oscar and Jamie agreed that the greatest lesson extended far beyond the physical achievement of cycling across Europe. They discovered that some of the most rewarding experiences came simply from talking to people they met along the way. Time and again, complete strangers offered friendship, hospitality and practical help when it was needed most.

Their biggest takeaway was simple: perhaps the old saying "don't talk to strangers" deserves to lose its first word. Without the kindness of those they met, many of the journey's most memorable moments—and perhaps even the completion of the ride itself—would never have been possible.

To donate to their charities please follow the links below:

Jamie’s wheely long bike ride for Cancer Research UK 

Oscar’s fundraising page (SORAI)