Dartmoor duo face 100-mile tandem challenge in aid of children's hospice
Ben Rowntree and Michael Newman will tackle more than 100 miles and 9,000ft of climbing across Dartmoor to raise money for Children's Hospice South West
Two Cavanna Homes employees are preparing to cycle more than 100 miles around Dartmoor on a tandem bike to raise money for Children's Hospice South West.
Ben Rowntree, a fourth-generation shareholder in the family-owned housebuilder, and strategic land manager Michael Newman will take on the challenge on Wednesday, October 7.
Their route will pass through Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge and Tavistock, with around 9,000ft of climbing planned.
The pair will complete the entire route on a tandem, having previously taken on a long-distance cycling challenge together.
Rowntree and Newman cycled 262 miles between Cavanna Homes developments across the South West in 2025, raising more than £6,100 for Children's Hospice South West.
Rowntree said the Dartmoor challenge would be difficult enough without adding the tandem element.
“Cycling 100 miles around Dartmoor is going to be tough enough, but doing it on a tandem should make things even more interesting!”
He added that the pair wanted to take on a challenge that would encourage people to support the charity.
“There are definitely some hills I’m trying not to think about too much at this stage, but knowing we’re doing it for such a brilliant cause will keep us going.”
Newman said the charity supports children and families across the region.
“Children’s Hospice South West provides incredible support to children and families across the region, so it’s a charity we’re really proud to be raising money for.”
He said the pair were expecting a long day on the bike.
“It’s going to be a long day and I’m sure there will be moments when we question why we decided a tandem was a good idea, but we’re really looking forward to it.”
Children's Hospice South West provides hospice care, emergency care, palliative care and end-of-life care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
It runs three children's hospices, including Little Bridge House in Devon, as well as facilities in North Somerset and Cornwall.
At the time of writing, Rowntree's JustGiving page showed £130 raised towards a £2,500 target from three donations.
The pair are due to set off on October 7 for their 100-plus-mile Dartmoor route.
Donations can be made through their JustGiving fundraising page.