BarbersRide 2025 - another roaring success

From Newmarket via King's Lynn and ending in Southport to raise money for charity.

There’s a deep rumble and then the riders come around the corner. They’ve been on the road since 8 in the morning - 10 hours and 220 miles. So when they’re finally on their feet the man who co-founded the event has some important things to say.

“Well done everyone - fish and chips are there, ice cream there, beers there - and tea and coffee over there.”

Richard Finney goes on to tell me, “It’s been mixed weather and we’ve had two break downs and my bike isn’t running that well, but the spirit’s been superb."

Since 2017 BarbersRide has raised almost 200 thousand pounds for charity, recently it’s been supporting Make-A-Wish, which helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses across the UK.  “It’s just such a brilliant charity,” Richard adds, “Every year the ride has got bigger and better, and there is an incredible camaraderie.”

Despite telling me he feels ‘shattered’ he’s all smiles, as are all the riders who're gathered outside Captain Fawcett - a barbershop museum in King's Lynn, which is sponsoring today's ride and is owned by Richard.  

Him and Xavier Berrell co-founded this event, wanting to combine their love of biking and barbering with raising money.

Richard Finney and Xavier Berrell, co-founders of BarbersRide

It’s Kayleigh Wood’s first long ride and says, “It was absolutely brilliant, I settled in more and more as they day went on, got soaked through twice but dry again now and am feeling happy!"

I ask how it feels driving as a pack, “You’re just one big family - all your favourite people are there, everyone understands each other - it’s such a buzz, such a buzz.  To get out for a group ride is amazing, but for a good cause too is something special.”

Kayleigh Wood

Xavier says he’s ‘desperate for a drink’, but stops to tell me, “It’s been a long day but it’s been wonderful, few bits of rain, lots of sunshine and we all got here safe - that’s fantastic.” He tells me riding together is, “Oh, a magical thing, when you roll together you move as one.”

The ride is over 6 days, making its way to Southampton and ending in Southport. Barry who took part last year says at the end, “Your body aches, and when you stand up you get a bit wobbly, you do need a few days out.” But adds it’s all worth it, “It’s super fun and great to raise money, and here I am in the sunshine with a beer in hand, life's good!”

Before the group started the journey Trudi a volunteer from Make-A-Wish thanked them saying, “Enjoy your trip, ride safe and carry on being the legends that you are.”