Join Rapha in London & around the world to ride for Japanese earthquake victims

Cycling clothing firm Rapha is planning a series of rides around the world to help support victims of last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The country is one of the North London-based brand’s key overseas markets – it is due to open a Rapha Cycle Club in Tokyo next month, and also sponsors a group of riders based there.

The London ride takes place this Sunday 20th March starting at 9am outside Barnet Cinema. Rapha stresses that it’s a ride of solidarity, not a race, and riders taking part are asked to donate a minimum of £10 which will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
Donations, which will be matched by the company, are also being accepted through the Rapha website, where further information on the rides is available.

Named Rapha Rides For Tohoku, besides London there will be similar events held in a number of cities in Japan, as well as Seoul, New York City, Portand and possibly other cities – you can check the Rapha iPhone app to see if there is a ride near you.

In a press release, the company said: “Rapha are planning a series of rides around the world in support of the victims of the worst disaster in Japan since the 2nd World War.

“For the last four years Rapha has had a team of riders based in Nagano, Japan, who have been documenting their rides, the Yonretto, on Rapha.cc. The devastation after the earthquake and following Tsunami is enormous, and Rapha will be supporting Japan by holding a series of global rides. Anyone can take part and participants will be asked to make a donation prior to hitting the bike and the roads in support of Japan.”