From the roads and container ports of the United Kingdom, to the coasts and jungles of Goa, two members of our team completed an amazing 250km cycling journey for a vital charitable cause.

In February, Sean Hayward and Pete Radburn traded the familiar surrounds of Hayward Transport’s Walsall headquarters and the world of container haulage for the whir of bicycle wheels in Goa, navigating the vibrant landscapes of western India, from sun-drenched coasts and plains, to luscious jungles, and exhilarating rivers and waterfalls. This was much more than just a scenic adventure; the ‘Most Exotic Bicycle Tour Goa’ is an essential fundraising mission organised by the British Asian Trust.

Founded in 2007 by King Charles III when he was still HRH The Prince of Wales, the British Asian Trust is a charity with a mission to tackle poverty and inequality in South Asia. Systemic changes have threatened to erase gains in the welfare of children across the region, with the poorest and most disadvantaged children suffering the most. The aim of the Most Exotic Bicycle Tour Goa 2025 is to raise a target of £500,000, as a team of riders (including our very own Sean and Pete) navigate 250km through Goa in just 4 days.

The funds raised will go towards empowering vulnerable communities, particularly focusing on improving livelihoods and creating sustainable solutions to break the cycle and build a brighter future for young people in need across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Having learned about the amazing work of the British Asian Trust, Sean and Pete found it impossible to pass up the chance to be involved in this project, working together with likeminded people to tackle a hugely physical challenge to provide a better future for so many children.

Arrival Day – Tuesday 4th February

Following as much training as possible at home, Sean and Pete joined their team on Tuesday 4th February at Beleza Resort in Colva. This day provided a fantastic opportunity to meet the other riders, get their bike fittings done, and be briefed about the journey they would be starting the next day. The riders also got the chance to meet children who had been helped by the work of the British Asian Trust, which was a very special experience, driving home how much this fundraising mission really means.

Day 1 – Wednesday 5th February – Colva to Palolem (57km)

After an early breakfast the first day of cycling began on small coastal roads with stunning views of Goa’s beaches. It was a gentle start for the first 18km, with mostly flat terrain; however, after the first stop of the day, the route got increasingly hillier! After lunch, following a visit to Cabo de Rama, an ancient fort with a still-active chapel, the afternoon’s ride featured some more challenging climbs, before ending on an easier section on the golden sands of Palolem. It was a very challenging day of cycling, but the beautiful views made up for this!

Day 2 – Thursday 6th February – Palolem to Natures Nest (65km)

Following a transfer to avoid a big hill, DAY 2 of the ride began with breakfast at a farm resort, before a ride along well-maintained roads through the lush greenery of Goa. The trees surrounding the roads provided shade from the sun, as the team moved towards the jungle. After lunch, the next portion of the journey was through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and on to the hotel for the night at Natures Nest, near Dudhsagar. 

Day 3 – Friday 7th February – Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to Panjim (60km)

Day 3 was an early start, with the team taking a Jeep safari and walking to Dudhsagar Falls. The day’s ride started off mostly flat, passing through scenic river crossings and peaceful villages, before a short distance along a highway. A hillier stretch of road brought wonderful views of Mandovi River, before the team passed through Old Goa, including the world-renowned Church of St Francis of Assisi and the Basilica of Born Jesus. The day’s journey ended with the chance to admire the distinct blend of Portuguese and Indian architecture on the approach to Panjim.

Day 4 – Saturday 8th February – Panjim to Ashwem (59km)

The final day of the ride saw Sean, Pete and the team depart Panjim, heading towards Ribandar to take a ferry to Chorao Island to commence the cycling. The last 59km consisted of flat roads past amazing open landscapes. The team enjoyed a well-earned lunch at Sublime, a very special restaurant set in an old Portuguese villa. From the restaurant in Assagao, the afternoons ride saw the team heading west to the coast, following the Goa shoreline to Siolim, before crossing the river for the final stretch to the finish line in Ashwem.

Before starting the Most Exotic Bicycle Tour Goa, Sean and Pete set an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000; however, after just a few days, we surpassed this target and instead set our sights on raising £10,000.

To date, we have raised a total of £14,250 for the British Asian Trust. We can’t thank our supporters enough for their generosity to help improve the lives of so many children in South Asia. 

We are so proud to have played our small part in the British Asian Trust’s goal to raise £500,000 through this epic two-wheeled journey through Goa. 

If you would like to support Haywards and donate to our fundraising pot for the British Asian Trust, you can give now!