Rochdale volunteers epic cycle ride for cash

Four volunteers from Rochdale Cycling Club rode from Whitehaven on the West Coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the East coast last weekend to raise much needed funds for the cycle club.

Valerie Craddock, Steve Durham, Pam and Joseph Wilson, her son, made this gruelling journey - covering 170 miles in total - for the cycle club that promotes health and well-being for all, including those with disabilities and who cannot afford their own cycles.

Following an early drive up to Whitehaven, the eager cyclists started in the age-old tradition of dipping their back wheels in the Irish Sea then took the excellent cycle route 52.

Sunglasses and sun cream were the order of the day, with only a slight breeze and sparse cloud cover.

The route took in Cockermouth and up to the quaint village of Bewaldeth, which consists of only a few cottages.

A short ride further to Uldale was followed by a late lunch stop at Mae's Tea Rooms in the Old School house, where the staff and the food were "wonderful".

The day's ride ended at Penrith, where the first overnight stop was scheduled. The bed and breakfast was "warm and friendly" with a full English breakfast to get the gang off to a great start on Saturday, only to be met by pouring rain. The wonderful hot summer, with the hottest weekend ever? It just disappeared to be replaced by driving winds and rain on and off for the whole day.

This part of the ride, skirting the road below Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in the country made famous by Ted Moult's old TV adverts for double glazing, took in a 1,500 foot climb and was very bleak in parts. Some stunning scenery was lost to the cloud cover, but the sights were there to "make it worthwhile". Views over Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite lake were "amazing".

After around 42 miles came a stop at Barnard Castle for a hot meal and a very late lunch whilst sat outside in the glorious sunshine, but this did not last. As the happy throng took back to their saddles, the heavens opened again.

This leg included a short section of the A66 main road, which the gorup said was "very frightening as vehicles were so fast and so close".

A later stop at a pub outside Darlington centre proved a prudent idea to have a warm up with hot chocolates and coffee all round. The bar staff were "so kind, they did not charge for the second round". They wished the group well and a sore slide back in to the saddle brought a lot more rain.

It was a late arrival at Yarm for the overnight stay but too late for a meal in. A takeaway of pizza and chips filled the void instead - 78 miles of pedalling had taken all of the riders reserve resources by this stage.

Sunday started well with a hearty cooked breakfast, but soon to be spoiled by the downpour that the pals were met with as soon as the ride started on the last leg.

This was a shorter day, but the rain, mixed with wind throughout the day, made it miserable and cold especially on the hills where the wind made it even harder to make the climbs. Some found this the hardest day. It was certainly coldest as the rain meant the riders were cold the whole time. The wind was up to 30 mph so not gale force, but hard work to ride head on in to it.

They say it was a “brilliant feeling” to reach Robin Hood's Bay and for the front tyre to be dipped in the North Sea.

Supporters Danny and Daisy, who regularly ride with the club, travelled over to meet the tired, but satisfied proud group on Sunday late in the afternoon.

To support the cause, visit:

https://www.wonderful.org/fundraiser/coasttocoastride-b4c9b1c2

Rochdale Cycling Club caters for underprivileged children, many of ethnic origin, who do not own their own bikes, adults just starting or returning to cycling, handicapped riders and cyclists with learning difficulties. The club has a wide range of bicycles which are loaned free of charge for the rides. These range from tandems for the use of visually impaired riders, trailer bikes to accommodate children from four-years-old, electric bikes for those not fit enough to ride a normal bike, and even a six-seater bike on which an adult can take out five children. Helmets are also available free for the ride if required.