On Your Bike – Coast 2 Coast Challenge

As the sun sets across the beautiful countryside of Whitehaven, 30 cyclists stock up on carbohydrates and prepare for the morning ahead.
An early start and the famous ritual begins with dipping the bike tyres in Whitehaven bay. Off the cyclists go, full of energy and enthusiasm apart from one rider setting off the wrong way!!

Throughout the day the tough journey naturally breaks the group into two teams with support vehicles at the ready, just in case. Nature, punctures & breakdowns do not stop the riders on their quest – from broken chains & spokes to stampeding horses. One persistent rider, refusing to give in to the comforts of the support bus pushes his bike up the Pennines and walks the cleats straight off the bottom of his cycling shoes! With Flip flops his only option to start day 2 he’s greeted at the top with laughter and cheer by the rest of the group.

Day 2 and the cyclists wake up slightly soar from the day before, but ready to complete the Coast to Coast challenge. With multiple Pennine climbs to start the day the group quickly breaks into multiple teams & solo riders – regrouping at the lunch break for the long ride down into Newcastle. With the occasional puncture and odd call of support, the day begins to draw into early evening and the riders click up a gear and cycle onto the home straight, finishing with smiles and sigh of relief whilst dipping their tyres into Tynemouth bay.

Marcus Torincsi from 2 Sisters Food Group comments “the participation and dedication shown by the riders has been phenomenal. The riders really supported each and there was such great team spirit. It’s great knowing all this hard work and raising funds will make a huge difference to a child’s life.”

Alexa Southall adds, “Marcus and his team have been fantastic in organising this event, even down to the weather! A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event such a huge success. I can officially reveal this event has raised over £12,000. This is a fantastic amount and really made a difference, I can’t wait to tell the parents of the many children who will receive help and support as a result of this fundraising challenge.”