London cyclists create Pudsey bear Strava artwork for charity
Cyclists Design Pudsey Image On App For Charity
Photo credit: Nico Georgiou
Pudsey's boundaries extend from Brent in the northwest part of London all the way to Hackney in the east.
A team of cyclists participated in a 70-mile (113 km) journey through London to form an image of Pudsey, the mascot for Children in Need, on a cycling app, with the aim of raising money for the charity.
Nico Georgiou, a fashion designer from Hither Green in southeast London, took a month to map out a challenging route before guiding the cycling event through the city on November 1.
It required 12 hours and numerous twists and turns to recreate the iconic bear, complete with his bandana and eye patch, as faithfully as possible using the Strava Art app.
"It's challenging to pedal at such a slow pace, but it's necessary to stay on course," Mr. Georgiou shared with BBC London.
Photo credit: Nico Georgiou
Nico Georgiou (in the middle) expresses, "my bicycle is like my pencil."
He mentioned, "We faced some challenges with a couple of flat tires and park closures that didn't make things any easier."
At one point, the only way we could stick to the route we had to follow was to lift our bikes and walk through a building in Belsize Park.
"When we informed the construction workers on site that the entire project was for Children In Need, they generously allowed us to pass."
During some segments of the journey, Mr. Georgiou was joined by around twelve cyclists from the Rapha Cycling Club and the Chain Gang Cyclists, most of whom were sporting Pudsey-themed headbands.
Donna McConnell, a member of the group, expressed, "Pudsey is a beloved character. If you mention Pudsey to anyone in the UK, they can instantly picture him."
"We're thrilled to have been able to offer support in this way to Children in Need."
During the lockdown, Mr. Georgiou started enjoying the hobby of making art using a cycling application.
He mentioned, "I needed something to support my mental well-being, and I find great happiness in designing these paths and watching them become a reality."
"I have a knack for drawing, but when it comes to Strava, my bike serves as my tool."
In the past, he has crafted and finished paths that showcase an Olympic discus thrower, a cyclist, and a tiger in honor of the Chinese New Year. However, he considers Pudsey to be his favorite so far.
“I thought it would be adorable to feature Pudsey, and bringing him into the spotlight like this makes it feel truly meaningful,” he mentioned.
The team has successfully collected over £1,000 for the charity and has created a fundraising page to inspire additional contributions.
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