Mike completes 38-mile challenge on extra-long chopper-style bike
A Bridlington man who tackled Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 challenge on a home-made chopper bike has spoken about his ‘fantastic experience’.
Mike Kirby, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine health check despite having no symptoms, was raising funds for Tour de 4 2026 and Prostate Cancer UK by completing the 38-mile route around Glasgow.
Mr Kirby is looking to surpass his £3,000 fundraising target and set up a GoFundMe page, accruing £2,655 so far thanks to 91 donations.
People who would like to donate to his cause can visit https://gofund.me/098dbef47 (tinyurl.com/2v7ahyut).
Mr Kirby said: “What a fantastic experience, more than 2,500 riders setting off in blocks of about 50 at two-minute intervals from 9am, with Sir Chris Hoy and lots of celebs going first (in the wet).
“I set off about 10.05am and arrived back at the finish just before 3pm. Allowing for two feed stations/drink/toilet stops and helping a couple of ladies with a puncture I reckon it took me around 4.5 hours (8/9 MPH average), which on my 16Kg three-speed chopper I thought was very good going.
“One or two of the steeper sections saw me having to get off and push (many others did the same so I didn’t feel out of place) and lots of riders commented on my bike as they passed, quite a few knew my background story from social media as Prostate Cancer UK had made quite a feature of my participation.
“I managed to bag an interview on BBC Breakfast as well as with the GoFundMe PR people who were very interested in my fundraising ‘story’.
“I came away on a massive high, the buzz from being with 1,000 of like-minded people was amazing and will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“I might even have another go at it next year, but right now – well let’s see.
"My GoFundMe page isn’t closing until the end of September and as I smashed my £2k goal easily before the ride I set my sights on £3k.
“Post ride, I thought I might just seize-up but thanks to attending many sessions at East Riding Leisure Gym via Nick (my trainer) I suffered no problems at all.
“The bike also had a flawless ride which is down to sorting any issues at home before we went up to Glasgow a few days before the ride.”