Cavanna Homes duo gear up for 100-mile Dartmoor tandem challenge
Two members of our team are swapping housebuilding for handlebars this October as they take on a 100-mile tandem bike ride around Dartmoor to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Ben Rowntree, a fourth-generation shareholder at Cavanna Homes, and our Strategic Land Manager Michael Newman will take on the challenge on Wednesday 7 October, cycling through some of Devon’s most beautiful, and notoriously hilly, countryside.
Their route will take them through Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge and Tavistock. And as if cycling 100 miles around Dartmoor wasn’t challenging enough, they’ll be completing the entire journey on a tandem.
The ride will raise money for our charity partner, Children’s Hospice South West, which provides vital care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region.
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 added: “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 challenge continues a fantastic year of fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West. Earlier in 2026, our annual charity golf day raised £7,500, while Ben and Michael are already well acquainted with long days in the saddle.
In 2025, the pair cycled 262 miles between Cavanna Homes developments across the South West, raising more than £6,100 for the hospice.
This time, they’ll set off on Wednesday 7 October with another big challenge, plenty of Dartmoor hills and just one bike between them.
To support Ben and Michael and help raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West, visit their fundraising page.
