Radio 1’s Longest Ride for Red Nose Day burst into action today as Greg James officially began his 1,000km tandem challenge on the stunning Jurassic Coast – a feat that will see him ascend higher than Mount Everest. Broadcasting live from Weymouth, Greg set off in high spirits as he tackled the first leg of this eight‑day journey. Today’s route will take him more than 120km through Sherborne, Wincanton, Radstock and surrounding towns before he aims to roll into Bristol by the end of the day.
Greg was waved off in style during a special Radio 1 Breakfast Show send‑off, cheered on by his Auntie Pam, family and fellow Radio 1 hosts Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, with the Weymouth Artillery marking the official start line with a cannon blast. Before he crossed the start line, Rock Choir performed a special rendition of Roll With It, giving Greg a musical send‑off as crowds gathered along the seafront. After powering through the first stretch, Greg welcomed his first guest on the tandem, Radio 1 listener and competition winner Jen, who brought extra pedal power and plenty of encouragement.
Before setting off, Greg said: “I wasn’t nervous, but I am now. Months of training have led to this moment and I can’t quite believe the journey is finally beginning. The support in Weymouth has been incredible, it’s given me such a lift. I want this challenge to bring people together, and if today is anything to go by, the next eight days are going to be unforgettable. It’s going to be gruelling, but absolutely worth it knowing the money we raise is going to such good causes. So, please donate!”
Alongside regular Radio 1 check-ins, Greg’s journey will be livestreamed on Youtube, as well as listeners being able to sign up for exclusive behind the scenes updates from the man himself via The Longest Ride Whatsapp group. If you want to see whether Greg will be cycling near you or are simply nosey about where he is right now, you can follow his progress via the journey tracker here.
Money raised for Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day could help fund vital projects supporting people facing incredibly tough times, both here in the UK and around the world, helping to put food on plates, provide safe places to sleep and support people who are at risk of poverty and harm. At a time when life can feel harder than ever, this challenge is about coming together and turning collective effort into real, positive change.
Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day will be broadcast live across Radio 1, Morning Live and BBC Sounds with video diary highlights shared across Radio 1 and Comic Relief’s social channels, including YouTube.
To support Greg, go to comicrelief.com/ride
