Rochdale cyclists raise money for Nepal

Charity cycle ride

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A group of Rochdale cyclists have raised £1,100 to help with the relief effort in Nepal.

Led by Kevin Merriman, the group set off from The Flying Horse Hotel in Rochdale Town Centre on Saturday 23 May and rode to Hebden Bridge and back.

Supported by Motorcycle Group, the MT Heads MCC, the ride started off as planned and on time, with the group joining Rochdale Canal at Lock 50, which faces Durham Street, off of Oldham Road.

Despite meticulous planning and preparation the group were waiting for the unexpected. The group’s first casualty of the day was Chris McCaffrey whose chain snapped.

Unfortunately the group were unable to fix the chain to allow him to continue, so Chris and Kevin’s son Aaron travelled back to Littleborough to get the bike fixed. Luckily, the two managed to re-join the group five minutes after they arrived at the Park Life café in Hebden Bridge.

Once at Hebden Bridge, the group stopped for refreshments before heading back on the return journey to Rochdale.

Three miles from Todmorden, rider Gary Williams suffered a broken wheel, which was irreparable. In the spirit of the ride, Gary ran with his bike all the way to Todmorden. Kevin knew of a well-established bike shop in the town run by Harry Ingham, so Kevin and Gary stopped off at the shop whilst the rest of the group continued to Rochdale.

Mr Ingham took one look at the wheel and he and Gary agreed to simply swap one bike for another. Within two minutes the pair were back on the road and chasing after the group.

Despite a number of riders complaining of ‘numb bum’ and the ride taking its toll on riders as they hit the summit, a mile or so outside of Littleborough, the group pushed on and arrived safely back at The Flying Horse later that day.

Kevin Merriman, who organised the ride, said: “I am so chuffed with the MT Heads for their organisation - they were simply brilliant and I tip my hat off to all of them for their contribution. We can’t praise these guys enough.

“The riders for participation and our sponsors for helping us raise this amount.

“A special thanks to Gary Williams and his team who raised 50% between them and to Rafal Karlinski of KDL Decorators who provided all of the riders with souvenir t-shirts and a generous donation also.

“Once back in Rochdale, we were well greeted and served with what I can only describe as the best tomato soup in the town, with fresh bread rolls. It was a great gesture from Benjamin Bootham the landlord of The Flying Horse, who also facilitated all of the riders and marshals.”

The group are still collecting funds so anyone who wishes to donate can do so by visiting:

https://www.justgiving.com/Seikokai-International/