We are cycling the Coast to Coast route this August- it's only a few short weeks away and we are training hard for it. We will be cycling with our Dad, Pete, and the Diamond family, with backup support from our Mum Marella. It's 137 miles, up hill and down dale, and it will be fun, but exhausting!
We also wanted to raise some money for our local hospice, Blythe House, so we are hoping that every hard earned mile will also achieve a little cash for them.
Hopefully Mum will keep you updated on our progress via Facebook, and take some photos along the way. Mum has also pledged 10% of all her orders for Phoenix Trading taken in July and August, you can visit her website at www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/marellacairns
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17.7.10- we've upped the target as we have alerady smashed the original £200 with off line donations! Thankyou all who have contributed!
31.7.10 It's getting closer- the boys have done a couple of rides around Cannock Chase and coped really well with the steep hills and drops. Jamie fell off but fortunately bounced! I'm busy planning high carb meals and snacks to see them through....
12.8.10. It's now day 2 of the Big Ride and everyone is well with no injuries or scrapes. Yesterday started well from Workington at 11.30 with the Team reaching Keswick by 3.30. After a "lunch stop" at Booths supermarket, they carried on to Greystoke, reaching the pub by 6.30. The boys appeared knick knacked but on reaching the campsite managed to play football and bounce on the trampoline until bedtime! Today should tell a different story as they have the first of the "big" hills- Hartside to tackle.
I am in Ulverston getting my clutch fixed by the nice Keith Edwards Motors as otherwise we may not be able to tow the caravan across the moor to Stanhope!
Clutch finally fixed at 5.15- then had to drive back to Troutbeck, collect bike trailer and then on to Garrigill to start ferrying boys back to campsite. Unfortunately, the pub there has now closed down- beware any future C2Cers! It was raining and cold and some had to stay behind awaiting the second car. Thankfully a VERY kind lady in the village took them in for a cuppa and a warm or else we may have had hypothermia on our hands.
However- the big news for the C2Cers is that they got up Hartside! Yay! At 1903 feet it is very nearly a mountain, out in the middle of the wild moors. Very exposed, and possibly quite dangerous at times!
13.8.10. Moved camp today to Westgate near Stanhope. By the time we had put our awning up in a gale (yes, I know it's August!) and got back to Garrigill, it was rather late. Because of the weather we decided to abandon the ride for today and go for it tomorrow.
14.8.10 Started out bright and early but morale low amongst the team. Got some big hills to climb today and the boys not looking forward to it at all. Even worse, the original plan to avoid the extra big hill at Stanhope has had to be abandoned as it is grouse shooting season, and the "shortcut" across the moor is closed, so the team have to do an extra 3 hills! They also managed and extra 7 miles which says a lot for Pete Annie and Ian's exceptional persuasion and motivational skills! Collected them at Rowley for the biggest shepherds pie in the world! Amazing what you can cook in a caravan...
15.8.10 Motivation high this morning as I dropped the team in Rowley. we were joined by Jill and Dave Stevens, friends of Annie and Ian from Newcastle who have come to wave them on. The weather thankfully has changed and is bright and sunny, perfect cycling conditions once more.
Much of todays route is either flat or downhill, a long ride along the banks of the Tyne. They stopped at the Millennium bridge, met by Jill and Dave who were shouting their support. Then the bridge closed- which was an excellent diversion for 6 boys (plus a couple of big ones!)
They finally arrived at Tynemouth about 4pm- tired but very very happy! Lets hear it for them- for Pudsey and Blythe House! I am very very proud of them all!
