Ben Rowntree and Michael Newman’s 100-mile Dartmoor tandem ride

Somewhere past Okehampton this October, two grown men on a single bicycle are going to find out exactly how many hills fit into 100 miles of Dartmoor.

Ben Rowntree, a fourth-generation shareholder at Cavanna Homes, and the housebuilder’s Strategic Land Manager Michael Newman will set off on Wednesday 7 October on a tandem bike ride around the moor in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, taking in Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge and Tavistock along the way.

A hundred miles, one bike, two people

A century ride is hard enough on its own. Doing it two-up on a tandem, over Dartmoor’s climbs, is a different proposition. Ben admits some sections are already on his mind before he has turned a pedal.

“Cycling 100 miles around Dartmoor is going to be tough enough, but doing it on a tandem should make things even more interesting!” he said. “We wanted to take on something that would be a genuine challenge and hopefully give people a good reason to get behind us.

“There are definitely some hills I’m trying not to think about too much at this stage, but knowing we’re doing it for such a brilliant cause will keep us going. Every donation, however big or small, will make those 100 miles feel worthwhile.”

Michael, who will be sharing the saddle for the full route, is expecting the day to test the pair’s patience as much as their legs.

“It’s going to be a long day and I’m sure there will be moments when we question why we decided a tandem was a good idea, but we’re really looking forward to it,” he said. “We’d love as many people as possible to support us and help us raise a fantastic amount for the charity.”

Why Children’s Hospice South West

The ride is raising money for Cavanna Homes’ charity partner, Children’s Hospice South West, which supports children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region, including at Little Harbour, its hospice in mid Cornwall.

“Children’s Hospice South West provides incredible support to children and families across the region, so it’s a charity we’re really proud to be raising money for,” Michael said.

Not their first long ride together

Ben and Michael have previous when it comes to putting themselves through it for the charity. In 2025 the pair rode 262 miles between Cavanna Homes developments across the South West, raising more than £6,100 for Children’s Hospice South West. Earlier this year, the housebuilder’s annual charity golf day added a further £7,500 to the total.

Donations ahead of the 7 October ride are being welcomed now, through the pair’s JustGiving fundraising page.