Thank you for visiting Rich & Cath's fundraising site.

What are we doing?
We will start on Sunday 31 August 2008 by dipping our rears (ie wheels!) into the Irish Sea at Whitehaven and cycle approximately 140 miles (probably more due to one or two wrong turnings!), dipping our front wheels in the North Sea at Sunderland 4 days later.

We are organising the trip ourselves although it is a well-known bike route.  The highest point will be Black Hill in the North Pennines at 609 metres (1998 feet!).
To keep a record and prove we have done the journey, we will be calling at various stamping points along the way.

We are paying for the journey ourselves, staying at B&Bs along the way.  All monies received from sponsorship and fundraising events will go directly to the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.

Why are we doing it?
We have been inspired by others.  Our friend Ash recently raised over £7000 for charity doing a trek in New Zealand.  In September 2007, Jane Tomlinson lost her long battle with cancer having raised over £1.75 million for charity since she was diagnosed.  She died the same day as our Great Aunt who left us some money with which we bought our bikes.  We want to put the bikes to good use and so have planned this charity bike ride.

Why have we chosen LDSAMRA (Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue)?
The Lake District is a special place for us and we visit several times a year.

Increasing numbers of inexperienced and un-prepared people venture out onto the fells with mobile phones and gps believing these will keep them safe but still get into difficulties .  These people (with all the gear but no idea!) are stretching some Lakeland Rescue teams to breaking point.

* There are 12 Mountain Rescue Teams in the Lake District.
* They consist of 450 trained, unpaid volunteers who mostly all have day-jobs.
* They provide a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
* They are funded entirely by voluntary contributions.
* Last year they responded to 425 incidents helping more than 500 people

Volunteers have to undertake lengthy training in search skills and rescue techniques.  When the rescues are over they put in extra hours to raise funds to pay for their training and new equipment.

How can you help?
Please sponsor us for this event online.  It doesn't matter how big or small a donation - every amount counts.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Alternatively you can always sponsor us the old fashioned way with cash or cheque.

Thanks for your help

Richard & Catherine

To see the pictures from the ride -visit : www.wandzel.clara.net/theride.html

Useful Links:  www.ldsamra.org.uk; www.c2c-guide.co.uk/