Cyclist's epic 3,800 mile ride in memory of friends

A Stockport businessman is taking on the biggest physical challenge of his life by cycling 3,800 miles across America in memory of two close friends.

Matt Widdall set off  on Thursday 20th August, from Astoria on the Oregon coast, near Portland, and over the next 43 days he will cycle across the northern United States before finishing in Portland, Maine, on Monday 5th October.

The remarkable coast-to-coast journey will take him through 15 states and some of North America’s most spectacular and demanding landscapes.

Matt will ride through the Rocky Mountains, high desert, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Plains, the Midwest and along the Great Lakes. In total, he will cover approximately 6,100 kilometres and climb more than 47,000 metres the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest more than five times.

He expects to average around 135 kilometres, or 85 miles, on each riding day. But for Matt, who lives in Stockport and has spent the past 13 years working for growth capital investor BGF, this is about far more than completing an extraordinary cycling challenge.

The ride was inspired by the loss of two close friends, Alex Coxon and Neil Bowler.

Alex had been Matt’s friend since they met at school at the age of 12. He died in 2024 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

During the final months of Alex’s life, Royal Trinity Hospice provided specialist care and support to him and those closest to him. Matt is raising money for the hospice as a way of remembering his friend, thanking those who cared for him and helping other families receive the same compassion and dignity.

Matt said: “Alex was one of my oldest school friends. The care and humanity shown to him and his family by Royal Trinity Hospice left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. No family ever wants to need hospice care, but when they do, that support makes an immeasurable difference.”

Matt is also riding in memory of Neil Bowler, who lived in Lymm and was well known within Manchester’s property community.

Neil died in 2018 after suffering a cardiac arrest while taking part in the London to Manchester Great Hotel Bike Ride.

At the time, Neil was raising money for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a charity which provides bikes, adapted trikes and specialist equipment to children and young people living with and recovering from cancer. The event in which he was riding has since been renamed the Neil Bowler Hotel Bike Ride in his memory.

Matt said continuing to support the charity Neil believed in felt like a fitting way to honour both his friend’s generosity and his spirit.

The Portland-to-Portland ride is also dedicated to the courage and resilience of Alex and Neil’s wives, Sal and Rachel.

Matt has been cycling for around 12 years and has taken part in several triathlons, although most of his riding has been for fitness and enjoyment. Over time, cycling has become his main sport and an important source of friendship and personal wellbeing.

For the trans-American challenge, he will be joined by three friends Stephen Mercer, Robert Elstone and John Brooks along with a wider group of international riders. The group will have just four rest days during the entire journey.

Matt has set an initial fundraising target of £15,000, with all donations divided equally between Royal Trinity Hospice and Cyclists Fighting Cancer. His ultimate ambition is to raise £10,000 for each charity.

Royal Trinity Hospice cared for more than 2,500 people last year, both at its hospice and in patients’ homes. It needs to raise more than £14 million through fundraising this year to maintain its services.

Cyclists Fighting Cancer helps children and young people across the UK rediscover the freedom and enjoyment of cycling. Its bikes and specialist equipment can support physical rehabilitation, improve mental wellbeing and help young people regain confidence and independence.

Matt added: “There will undoubtedly be some very difficult days, physically and mentally. But knowing that every mile is helping two remarkable charities and honouring two very special friends will give me all the motivation I need.”

Supporters can follow Matt’s progress, read his updates and donate at: www.mattsp2pcycle.com