ABOUT US.
Welcome to the Birmingham Irish Cycle Appeal (BICA) website, where cycling meets charity. Established in 1999, BICA is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) dedicated to raising funds for great causes through extreme cycling challenges.
In 2024, we celebrated our 25th anniversary, having raised over £1,000,000 to support various charities and community initiatives. BICA brings together cyclists from all walks of life, united by the goal of making a positive impact through unity, resilience, and generosity.
As a CASC, BICA enjoys valuable tax benefits, ensuring that more of the funds we raise go directly to the causes we care about. By joining BICA, you become part of a community committed to cycling, giving back, and creating lasting change.
Join us today and help continue our mission of raising funds and changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.
2025 - EAST COAST.
This year’s ride promises to be another extraordinary and unforgettable adventure as BICA takes on a new challenge to celebrate its ongoing legacy. The team is gearing up to cycle the stunning east coast of Ireland, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the historic Ballynarry Castle, covering an incredible 600 miles along some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
The route will take riders through the vibrant city of Belfast before continuing southward through the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. There will be a well-earned day off in Dublin to explore the lively capital, followed by more incredible stops along the way.
This year, the ride is not just about the adventure—it’s about making a tangible difference for those in need of support. All expenses for the cyclists are covered, meaning 100% of the funds raised will go directly to charity. The team is committed to raising money for important causes and supporting organizations that provide vital services to those who need it most. The charities benefiting from this year’s ride have yet to be decided, but their impact will undoubtedly be profound, helping communities and individuals who are facing challenges.
As the team pedals through Ireland’s picturesque towns and countryside, they will be celebrating the enduring spirit of unity, adventure, and community that BICA has built over the years. This year’s ride is more than just about the miles travelled; it’s about continuing the tradition of camaraderie, pushing boundaries, and making a lasting difference. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare for another remarkable chapter in BICA’s legacy.
2024 - 32 COUNTIES.
Last year's ride was an extraordinary and unforgettable experience as BICA celebrated its 25th anniversary since its inception in 1999. In 2024, the team embarked on a special and exhilarating journey, cycling 600 miles throughout all 32 counties of Ireland.
From the rugged cliffs of Donegal to the serene lakes of County Fermanagh, each county presented its unique challenges and breathtaking vistas for the riders to conquer. As they pedalled through the diverse landscapes and vibrant communities of Ireland, they not only marked this significant milestone but also reaffirmed the enduring spirit of camaraderie and adventure that has defined BICA for a quarter of a century.
This ride was more than just a journey through miles; it celebrated the bonds forged on the open road and the memories made along the way. It stood as a testament to the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of the BICA community to push boundaries, overcome obstacles, and make a positive impact.
Reflecting on the adventure, the experience left a lasting mark, filled with incredible moments and meaningful connections that will be cherished for years to come. Over £90,000 was raised for important causes, making the ride even more meaningful.
Last year, they raised money for:
-
It Takes Balls To Talk
-
Safeline – Believe in You
-
Beads of Courage
-
UHCW Lung Cancer Research
-
Father Hudson’s Care – Tabor Living & St Chad’s Sanctuary
-
BIA Tuesday Club
2023 - WEST COAST.
In July 2023, BICA embarked on an incredible cycling adventure along the captivating west coast of Ireland. Covering a challenging 600 miles, this journey brought together over 30 dedicated cyclists and a fantastic backup team.
Their epic ride commenced at Mizen Head, a breathtaking starting point, and culminated eight days later at Malin Head, marking a momentous achievement for each participant. As they pedaled through picturesque local towns, they were immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Irish countryside.
Undoubtedly, this journey tested their mettle. The wind, rain, and sheer mileage presented formidable challenges for all riders. However, the knowledge that every pedal stroke was contributing to a great cause fueled their determination and made the journey that much more meaningful.
With every mile conquered, they aimed to raise vital funds and awareness for charities and causes close to their hearts. Together, they made a tangible difference and supported those in need. Their shared commitment to this noble mission served as a powerful motivator, propelling them forward even in the face of adversity.
As they navigated the rugged Irish landscape, the bonds of camaraderie and the spirit of solidarity were forged among their team. Together, they celebrated victories, overcame obstacles, and created lasting memories that would stay with them long after the ride was over.
This year they raised money for:
Midwifery Bereavement Facilities (Birmingham Women’s & UHCW Hospitals)
Birmingham Hospice
Soft UK
Kingsbury SEN Academy
Orlatih Quinn
Laura Lynn Hospice
BUMBLEance
Buncrana Children's Charity
Day 1
Mizen Head - Bantry
Day 2
Bantry - Tralee
Day 3
Tralee - Ballyvaughan
Day 4
Ballyvaughan - Westport
Day 5
Day off
Day 6
Westport - Bundoran
Day 7
Bundoran - Buncrana
Day 8
Buncrana - Malin Head
2022 - Cyprus.
In October 2022, BICA completed its 21st cycling expedition around the captivating island of Cyprus. Over five challenging days, our dedicated team of cyclists covered an impressive distance of 385 miles, exploring the diverse landscapes of the country.
One of the highlights of this remarkable journey was conquering the majestic Troodos mountains, which soared over 6,000 feet above sea level. The breathtaking views and exhilarating climbs tested our endurance and showcased the indomitable spirit of our cyclists.
What made this ride even more extraordinary was the collective effort to make a positive impact. Through the unwavering support and generosity of our team, sponsors, friends, and families, we raised an astounding sum of over £100,000 for a range of incredible charities and causes.
The funds raised have been allocated to support the remarkable work of organisations such as the UHCW Robotic Surgery Appeal, Kingsbury SEN Academy, Birmingham Irish Dementia Care Centre, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust, Craniaa Neuro Rehab/Newry, and Sinead O'Meara. Witnessing the profound impact of our contributions and the difference it makes to these worthy causes was an immensely gratifying experience.
As we handed over the cheques to our esteemed charity partners, it was an emotional and heartfelt moment. It served as a testament to the power of unity, determination, and generosity of the human spirit. Each donation, no matter how big or small, played a crucial role in helping us surpass our fundraising goal and create meaningful change in the lives of others.
The video below shows our journey throughout the ride. Be sure to check it out!
TESTAMONIALS.
BRETT
"Reflecting on my incredible 10-year journey with BICA fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy. Joining this remarkable community of cyclists was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined."
SHARON
"Joining BICA as a new cyclist has been a life-changing experience. The welcoming community, supportive riders, and shared sense of purpose have made my first year unforgettable. I've grown as a cyclist, found lifelong friends, and discovered the joy of making a positive impact. BICA is more than just a cycling club—it's a family that I'm grateful to be a part of."
AIDAN
"I can't express enough how grateful I am to have been part of the BICA family. The experience was truly extraordinary. From the moment I joined, I was welcomed with open arms and instantly felt a sense of belonging. The camaraderie and support among the cyclists were unmatched."