Two wheels, one cause... Irish duo complete epic fundraiser cycle from Ratoath to Istanbul

A MEATH MAN and his Cork pal set out on 6th July 2025 from Ratoath to complete a gruelling 3,620km cycle to Istanbul in order to raise money for Doctors Without Borders, a charity which cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters and exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries and currently under extreme pressure in Gaza.

On Friday 22nd August, Ratoath native Conor Kavanagh and Enda Francis-Devine of Cork arrived at their final destination of Istanbul, crossing the bridge to Asia and completing their journey.

Throughout the trip, the two men totaled forty-six days, 27,013m of elevation (the height of Mt Everest over three times), thirteen countries, two time zones, ten hostels, only one puncture, two police escorts, and €21,462 raised for their chosen charity, Doctors Without Borders.

The biggest challenges the men faced on their journey were the wild dogs in Turkey, the heat (cycling in up to 40°C), camping in wolf and bear territory in the Bosnian and Serbian mountains, cold weather and rain while crossing the Alps, a twelve hour vomiting bug on a Bosnian riverbank, navigating the highways into Istanbul, and just eating enough food to attempt to maintain the calories they needed to cover up to 120km a day. And of course, the pain of sitting on a bicycle seat all day long.

The highlights were camping in beautiful landscapes, meeting incredibly friendly people every day, each border crossing being a victory, the bikes holding up well with little to no issues, and getting off the bike for the final time on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait.

Well done to the two men on their phenomenal journey and for raising a significant amount for their chosen charity.

Donations are still open and can be made here.