A team of nearly 30 scientists and engineers cycled 260 miles between Southampton and Liverpool to fight ocean plastics.
The group from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) set off on the journey on Friday, September 13, aiming to raise awareness about microplastics and fund new lab equipment to help tackle the issue.
The team, made up of 27 cyclists and one support driver, covered 80 miles to Cirencester on the first day, followed by another 80 miles to Much Wenlock on Saturday, before completing the final 90 miles to Liverpool on Sunday.
The cyclists, who work in various roles at NOC, including robotics engineers, applied scientists, and technology experts, all live in Southampton, except for two who reside in Liverpool.
Team member Ms Richardson said: "We’re all passionate about what we do for the ocean at NOC and especially issues like microplastics.
"So I thought we could do the same journey, but in reverse, while also raising awareness and money for critical specialist equipment that will help us to protect it.
"We’re all amateur cyclists and it’s the furthest most of us has ever ridden in such a short time, so it really is quite daunting. But the support we’ve had so far has been amazing and that’s driving us on."
The group was inspired by a similar ride in 2017, when NOC staff cycled from Liverpool to Southampton for fun. As they pedalled through eight counties, the team tackled nearly 3,900 metres of hills, covering a collective total of nearly 7,500 miles.
The ride was not just about raising awareness, but also about raising funds for new laboratory equipment at NOC, the UK’s leading ocean research charity. The equipment will help scientists better understand and combat the threat of microplastics to the ocean.
The team expressed gratitude to their sponsors, Nortek and Robosys Automation, as well as supporters Lemon and Jinja Limited, the University of Southampton's Atrium and NOC Cafes, and British Cycling for their assistance with route planning.
The ride was part of a wider effort to tackle the growing issue of ocean plastics.
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