Martin Slays The Dragon!
- martin dickson
- Jun 24, 2025
- 2 min read
On Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, I joined over 4,500 cyclists for the legendary Dragon Ride in South Wales. For me, this wasn't just another cycling challenge; it was a deeply personal mission. I took on the notoriously gruelling Devil Route, 185 miles of relentless climbs and descents through the Welsh mountains, all in loving memory of my dear friend and colleague, Phil Toy.
Phil was an incredible person, and losing him to cancer recently truly brought home the devastating impact this disease has on so many lives. As I prepared for the Dragon Ride, every training mile was for him, and every pedal stroke on the day was a tribute to his memory and a fight for others battling cancer.
The day itself was a true test! We faced just about every type of Welsh weather you can imagine – a cool start, some light rain, a bit of sun, and then the real challenge hit.
The infamous Devil's Staircase lived up to its name, a brutal climb that pushed every ounce of my strength.
What came next was even more unexpected: heavy downpours combined with fierce headwinds that made even travelling downhill a struggle. At times, the crosswinds were so strong they had me leaning like Valentino Rossi on his MotoGP bike! It was brutal, but the thought of Phil, and the knowledge that I was riding for Macmillan Cancer Support, kept me pushing through.
Completing the Devil Route was an immense physical and emotional challenge, but knowing it was for Phil made every struggle worth it.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who supported me, I'm absolutely thrilled to share that my fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support has reached an amazing £1,229! We actually smashed my original target of £1,000, which is just phenomenal.
These funds will go directly to Macmillan, helping them continue their vital work providing care, emotional support, and practical advice to people living with cancer and their families. It means a lot to know that my ride, inspired by Phil, will help ensure that others don't have to face cancer alone.
A massive thank you to every single person who donated, sent words of encouragement, or simply believed I could do it. Your support truly made a difference on the road and in reaching this fantastic total.
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