Bridges For Music Returns For Its Annual Ade Cycle And Transformative Social Impact

Words: Matt Mode

August 2, 2024

Non-profit organisation and record label Bridges For Music will return to ADE with their annual 500 KM charity cycle this October, continuing to incite social change through the power of music.

Finding continued kinship at Amsterdam’s yearly event celebrating the strength of dance music’s unique community, the ride has proven to be the most highly anticipated charity cycle in the music industry with past participants including Richie Hawtin, Parallelle, Maga, Joris Voorn, Chris Lienbing, Pan-Pot, Juliet Fox, Jamiee, and more. Last year’s cycle brought together over 50 riders from different 15 countries to raise over 70K towards Bridges For Music’s mission to provide for under-serviced youth in South Africa.

Powered by AlphaTheta and in partnership with ADE, all funds raised by the ride will help expand the capacity of Bridges’ programs by contributing to the construction of a new facility for younger kids in need. In addition, it will support the after-school program, which provides an essential space for children ages 8-18 to access creative education in music, dance and mindfulness.

This year’s cycle will introduce a fresh challenge with a slightly updated route from London to Amsterdam. The 4-stage ride departs Sunday 13th October from the Resident Advisor HQ in Shoreditch and arrives at ADE Wednesday 16th October and will take riders through the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Jamie Kemp, Director of Toolroom Records summarises the impact of the cycle, “Simply put this is a life changing experience! I keep saying, I am not sure there is any other way I want to arrive at ADE…If you are thinking about doing it, just do it! You will be supported every km/mile/inch of the way.”

The ride will save approximately 175kg of CO2 emissions that would ordinarily be produced for each flight from London to Amsterdam. This means that for each of the 50 riders, at least 8,750 kilograms of CO2 emissions will be saved. In return for supporting the cause and travelling to ADE with less environmental impact, those participating in the ride will receive an ADE Pro Pass, three nights accommodation in with spa hotels along the route, tour guides and support, luggage transport, breakfast, lunch & dinner, energy snacks, and an official ADE jersey. Bikes can be returned to London in addition to a £1,500 entry fee paired with fundraising.

Those who are unable to commit to the full duration of the cycle are welcome to join halfway or for one stage of the cycle tour. No prior cycling experience is required to complete the ride and those who don’t own their own bike can arrange for a rental. Sponsored entries are also available for companies who wish to enlist a team and your team logo will appear on the special ADE riders kit and coverage across the cycle as a team sponsor

As always, the ride welcomes cyclists of various abilities and enthusiasm with participants organised into groups based on ability to cycle at around 30km/h avg, 26km/h avg, and 22 km/h avg with support vehicles, expert cycle guides, and more provided along the route. Demonstrating Bridges’ commitment to the highest level of safety and support, paramedics from the Tour De France were involved every step of the route last year with each group guided by professional cyclists with some on Team GB for the Olympics.

Keleigh Batchelor, Marketing Manager, AlphaTheta EMEA shared, “It is our honour to sponsor the Bridges for Music cycle to ADE once again. Activities like this encourage participants to engage their physical and mental wellbeing – which can be very powerful and healing. Aligning these elements in dynamic group fosters a sense of community, raises awareness all while generating crucial funds for this incredibly transformative musical initiative. If you’ve ever been tempted, now is your chance, it will be the most fulfilling and exhilarating thing you will do this year!”