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Yep, we’ve all done it. What starts as a general chit-chat turns in to a half-baked idea, usually over a few drinks, and 20 minutes later you come away thinking ‘What on earth have I let myself in for?’ What is strange on this occasion is that the only substance involved was caffeine!
During a coffee break at work the discussion turned to cycling and before you know it we have gone past the point of no return and signed ourselves up for a Coast to Coast (C-2-C) bike ride.
This is the most popular bike ride challenge in the UK and involves cycling from the West coast of England to the East coast of England via The Lake District and The Pennines. You start by dipping your rear tyre in the Irish Sea and finish the challenge by dipping your front tyre in the North Sea. There are a couple of alternative routes, but the one we have settled on goes from Whitehaven to Sunderland, a distance of around 133 miles – however, it is not the distance that is the problem, it’s the topography. The C2C goes through some of the most beautiful (and sometimes bleak!) landscapes in England and the route takes in plenty of hills and mountains along the way.
Some lesser men choose to do the route with support vehicles but 'Where’s the challenge in that?' we asked. Our bikes will be fitted with racks and panniers so we will lug all our gear with us.
Our itinerary is
TRAVEL – August 11th.
Cycle from home to Warrington Bank Quay station and catch the train to Carlisle, change at Carlisle for Whitehaven. Overnight accommodation in Whitehaven.
CYCLE DAY 1 – August 12th.
After Iain blows out the candles on his birthday cake, which may unfortunately take rather a long time, we cycle from Whitehaven to Penrith (via Keswick). Distance approx 53 miles. A pretty hilly day.
CYCLE DAY 2 – August 13th.
After an overnight stop we tackle the shortest but toughest section from Penrith to Allenheads, during which time we will take in the highest café in England at Hartside Top http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/hartsidetop.html
Distance approx 35 miles. A very hilly day!
CYCLE DAY 3 – August 14th.
By now we can smell an ice cold beer waiting for us as we set off from Allenheads to complete the final section from Allenheads to Sunderland. Distance approx 45 miles, hopefully some of it downhill to the East Coast. Overnight in Sunderland, where we will visit local museums, places of historical interest, perhaps some brass rubbing in local churches…
TRAVEL – August 15th.
Home to our loved ones. Cycle to Sunderland metro station. Train from Sunderland to Newcastle, Newcastle to Carlisle, Carlisle to Warrington. Cycle from Warrington Bank Quay station to home.
Job done!
Our chosen Charity is CANTreat which helps to improve the quality of the treatment environment for all NHS cancer patients.
So please dig deep and donate now.
