Two men are swapping housebuilding for handlebars as they tackle a gruelling 100-mile tandem Dartmoor bike ride around Dartmoor in aid of a children’s hospice.

Ben Rowntree, a fourth-generation shareholder in the family-owned house builder, Cavanna Homes, and Michael Newman, a strategic land manager, take on the challenge on Wednesday, October 7.

The pair will cycle through Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge and Tavistock. And if covering 100 miles of hills was not challenging enough, the pair will be riding on the same bike.

They are raising money for Children’s Hospice South West, which provides care and support for young people with life-limiting conditions.

Ben said: “Cycling 100 miles around Dartmoor is going to be tough enough, but doing it on a tandem should make things even more interesting. 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 said: “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.

“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. We’d love as many people as possible to support us and help us raise a fantastic amount for the charity.”

The ride is the latest fundraising challenge by the pair. In 2025, Ben and Michael completed a 262-mile ride, raising more than £6100 for Children’s Hospice South West.

at Ben Rowntree’s Just Giving site: https://shorturl.at/JdIqw