Last week I completed a bike ride in aid of Refugee Support from Whitehaven on the Irish Sea to Sunderland on the North Sea coast over the highest points on the cycle network.
Setting off from Whitehaven Marina full of enthusiasm, within a few miles it was clear that I was going to need more than just enthusiasm!
First day and it was a great day riding in weather that couldn’t be better, and through spectacular scenery, the 42 miles and 4100 ft of climbing was quite tough but it was going to get tougher. I was getting lots of sponsors for the ride for Refugee Support Europe, and everyone was sending their best wishes to spur me on.
Day 2, great weather again, starting from Troutbeck climbing, climbing, climbing through Penrith over Hartside (without stopping) a couple of amazing descents from there and then the last 3 miles climbing were a real trial ( with stopping !🤪)there was a hair-raising 1 in 5 descent into Nenthead for the last mile and straight to a B&B.
On Day 3 of the ride there was more serious climbing straight out of the door of the Hotel for a lot of the day. It was the worst day for weather with a cold wind against us all the way, a long way up over the highest point in the cycle network and then heading downhill (wind was so strong we had to pedal down hill!!) finally to our B&B and a hot shower !!
Day 4, sunny again 😎 but cool, we have been so lucky it has not rained this week. 29 easier miles to the Sunderland seaside, flat or downhill. What a relief!
It’s been challenging 4 days with hard cycling at times. 138 miles and about 12000 feet of climbing done in total but incredible scenery, really good company with John Strahan cycling partner (he has been raising money for Children in Need), we’ve had a good laugh and most importantly a fantastic sum raised for refugees from all You wonderful supporters who have wished me well every day and given so generously. THANK YOU EVERYONE 👍
So far over £2000 raised for Refugee Support. My appeal doesn’t close until the 17th June so if you haven’t donated you still have chance by CLICKING HERE!
