I’ve lived with depression and anxiety for a number of years. When I look back I can see how my feelings had been squashed or ignored (by me and/or others) or I hadn’t felt that I could voice them safely. Cycling gave me that release, that ability to process my trauma, and to connect with a world I felt increasingly removed from. Every struggle I went through, every depressive episode that dragged me down my bike was always there to help me back up.

Over time, and with the connection of others who understood, I found a new power in riding my bike, a new dynamic formed. I began to see things with a fresh perspective, and Centuries was born.

Initially an outlet for me to share, be open and honest about my experiences, connect with like-minded people and groups an idea started to grow - if cycling can help me this much, and connecting with others who share lived experiences of mental health challenges is supportive, then surely there must be the middle part of this venn diagram? Group rides!

Bringing things together in spring 2022, the first Centuries ride rolled out of Brighton and in to the Sussex lanes, and we’ve been rolling out of somewhere every month since (weather permitting).  From Rye to Chichester, Horsham to Worthing and loads of places in-between bringing people together in an inclusive, safe space where they can be open about what they’re experiencing (if they choose to), or just come along for the company and to know we ride free of judgement, and are all accepted for our true selves, Centuries is about people and about being there.*

*and bikes too, obvs.

Jonnie