Riding for 1,500 Trees

eEnergy’s Journey to Net Zero Through the Tour de Anglia: Cycling 190km to Power Change

On August 22-24, 2024, a group of eEnergy’s most determined riders embarked on a two-day cycling challenge across the scenic Norfolk countryside. Leading the pack was Harvey Sinclair, eEnergy’s CEO and co-founder, along with David Nicholl (Former Chair and co-founder), Wayne Harris (Technical Strategy Director), Lawrence Salisbury (Technical Solutions Director), Luca Feser (World Record-Breaking HODL Ocean Rower), and Cass Swallow (Brand & Creative Specialist). Providing crucial support from the electric support vehicle was Abi Wall, eEnergy’s Chief People Officer. Together, the team powered through 190km with the commitment that each kilometre ridden would result in a tree being planted via Ecologi.

Day One: King’s Lynn to Cromer—Sun, Wind, and the Wild Norfolk Roads.

The journey kicked off from the humble surroundings of a Travelodge in King’s Lynn after a filling breakfast at Starbucks. Fuelled by the dubious decision of the previous night’s curry, the eEnergy team set off like the Red Arrows, each darting in different directions. The miscommunication caused no small amount of stress for Abi in the electric support vehicle, who nearly collided with Cass while trying to chase down the others.

Once the team settled into a rhythm, the real ride began. Dressed in eEnergy-branded lycra (with some kits notably too tight for comfort), the riders set their sights on Cromer, a 90km journey that would test their endurance. The scenery was breathtaking—Norfolk at its best, with its tree-lined lanes, coastal roads, and rolling countryside. The wind, still lingering from a storm, made the going tough, but the beauty of Sandringham, the royal family’s estate, provided an inspiring backdrop as they pushed towards the coast.

While the rest of the team took coffee breaks in places like Hunstanton, Cass, riding a mountain bike instead of a road bike, had no such luxury. His trusty but inappropriate bike left him battling against the elements without rest, skipping the camaraderie and coffee to ensure he kept pace.

Their next significant stop was the Dun Cow pub in Salthouse, where the riders collapsed into chairs and reflected on their progress. As they headed towards Cromer, the roads were as challenging as ever, but the goal was in sight. Arriving at The Grove Hotel, they were greeted by serene gardens and outstanding hospitality. After a quick dip in the cold British sea, the team rested, but not without incident. David provided some comic relief, loudly lamenting the sharp rocks beneath his feet as he struggled to join the team in the water.

Day Two: Cromer to Southwold—Relentless Rain and Unstoppable Resolve.

Day two greeted the team with the ominous sight of rainclouds. Undeterred, they geared up once more, with Lawrence and Wayne ensuring they applied their trusted Dr. Balls balm for extra comfort during the ride. The first stop was the Beach Rock Bistro, and as the rain intensified, the journey began to feel like a true test of spirit. Cass, in his determined wisdom, soldiered on without rest, sustained by little more than power bars and his drive to plant as many trees as possible.

Abi, conflicted in her role, juggled between the peloton and Cass, whose only companions were Talk Sport and the occasional photo he sent back to the office. The day’s route took the riders through Great Yarmouth, where they sought solace in a dry change of clothes and brief shelter from the relentless downpour. Every kilometre was hard-earned, but the promise of trees being planted kept spirits alive.

Despite the miserable weather and the extra distance—100km this time—the team finally arrived in Southwold. The rain may have dampened their kit, but it couldn’t diminish their sense of pride. They had battled the elements, fatigue, and sore muscles, but every tree planted was worth it.

Norfolk’s Beauty and the Power of Camaraderie.

Throughout the ride, Norfolk showed off its finest assets—from picturesque villages like Hunstanton and Cromer to the rugged beauty of its coastline. The country lanes, often flanked by towering trees, offered moments of solace and wonder, even in the worst of conditions.

While Cass’s solo struggle on his mountain bike was notable, the camaraderie between Harvey, David, Wayne, and Lawrence as they cycled together provided an emotional lift for the entire team. Abi’s support from the EV was invaluable, offering moral and logistical support, though she was torn between the main peloton and Cass’s determined lone ride. The team will never forget the images sent back to the office by Cass as he rode with the rain pelting down, committed to the cause.

A Ride to Remember—For eEnergy, the Environment, and Our Team.

The Tour de Anglia wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a testament to eEnergy’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, teamwork, and a shared mission. For every kilometre covered, a tree was planted, and by the end of the journey, eEnergy had planted 1,500 trees—not only to capture the 190km ridden by the team but also to honour the spirit of camaraderie, and for those team members who, due to personal reasons, were unable to join the ride at the last minute.

The impact of the ride stretches far beyond the miles covered and the trees planted. It’s a lasting legacy of eEnergy’s determination to make a difference—for the planet, for their colleagues, and for the future. Through stormy weather, challenging roads, and personal sacrifices, the eEnergy team demonstrated that no matter the conditions, they will continue to push forward—one pedal, one tree, and one shared vision at a time.

Route Highlights:

• Day 1: King’s Lynn to Cromer (90.7 km)
  Key Stops: Lighthouse Close, Hunstanton; The Dun Cow, Salthouse
  Notable Sights: Sandringham Estate, Norfolk countryside, Cromer coastline
• Day 2: Cromer to Southwold (100.1 km)
  Key Stops: Beach Rock Bistro; Great Yarmouth
  Notable Sights: Great Yarmouth beachfront, Southwold pier, stunning coastal views