A group of cyclists, many from Harrow, have completed an extraordinary 550km journey across Iraq- raising £300,000 for charity and spreading a message of unity.
The group, known as DesiRiders, included 45 cyclists from around the world. Their seven-day ride took them from Basrah in southern Iraq to Karbala, passing through towns including Chibyish, Nasriyah, Samawah and Najaf. The effort was led by Harrow residents Raza Husain, Zaheer Merali, Imran Mamdani, and Amir Zaidi.
The route ended in Karbala, a city of major religious significance to Muslims as the burial place of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Cyclists from Sunni, Shia and Bohra backgrounds took part in the ride, aiming to show that unity and shared purpose can overcome religious divisions. The riders were warmly welcomed upon arrival in Karbala.
In addition to completing the physically demanding ride, the group raised £300,000 for the UK-based Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust.
The DesiRiders group began in 2018 when three friends went on a cycling trip through Wales. Since then, it has expanded rapidly. Their past and upcoming trips include:
- Spain to Morocco – 2022
- Geneva – 2023
- Gibraltar – 2023
- Milan to Venice – 2024
- Majorca – 2024
- Basrah to Karbala – 2025
- Barcelona and Girona – 2025
- Caspian to Mashhad (Iran) – planned for 2026
The group runs on a not-for-profit basis, with all surplus funds donated to charity.
Founder Raza Husain said: “I enjoy planning, and I enjoy cycling- so why not combine the two? The aim is to give riders a memorable experience and make connections—whether with fellow cyclists or the landscapes we pass through.”
He added: “For 2025, I initially planned a small ride in Barcelona and Girona. But thanks to FOMO from previous rides, we ended up booking for 24 people. I feel sorry for the Heathrow baggage handlers this October!”
Raza’s mantra is simple: “It’s the journey. We’ll all get there in the end.”
To follow DesiRiders’ future rides, visit their Instagram: @desiridersuk
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
