On the 29th of April 2011 six Watton Wheeler Cycle Club members are going to ride the C2C cycle route which is a distance of 150 miles over hills, mountains and more hills from Whitehaven in the West to Tynemouth in the East. The route takes us through the Lake District and the North Pennines.
Most normal cyclists take 5 days (30 miles a day) to complete the challenge, a number go for 3 days (50 miles a day). We are not normal so are stupidly going to attempt it in 2 days. Not only in two days but 84 miles and nearly all of the hill climbing on day one, which will be a total close to 10,000 feet. Scafell Pike England’s highest mountain is 3209 feet high, the three highest mountains in the UK, Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis total only 1000 feet more, which sort of brings the extent of the challenge in to perspective. Still day two is all down hill
Who are we and why are we putting ourselves through this?
Steve Wheeler 53
I am the oldest, heaviest but probably not the wisest of the group. If this all goes horribly wrong no doubt I will get the blame for twisting peoples arms to join me on this challenge, but in reality it will all be down to Sandra my loving wife who bought me a small book one birthday with the title of "The ultimate C2C Guide" This put the idea in my mind which has now grown in to something that I just have to do. I am a glass half full type of person the more we plan this madness the glass is starting to look half empty so I will need your help and support to spur me on those long lonely climbs. Oh and the glass of Guinness will most defiantly be completely empty 2 minutes after reaching The Alenheads Inn at mile 84 on day one ;0)
I was always going to do this ride for charity and when a very close and much loved friend recently passed away I knew that it had to be the Isabel Hospice Charity for all the help and support they gave and are still giving to people coping with cancer.
Thanks so much for your support.
Chris Ollard will be 50 the day after the ride (hopefully I will get there)
Have started to write my bucket list (things to do before I die) and C2C was on there – so it was suggested that maybe I should do this now and not leave it!
Started cycling about 5 years ago – and found that it was a great way to exercise and actually see some of the local countryside
As for the Charity – It seems that everyone knows someone that has had Cancer – lucky for my family, my wife has been cured twice! But for others this is not the case and often the Hospice is where many patients end their days where the support for the rest of the family is priceless, so please try and give us a bit of support - why not consider cycling or walking yourself and donate the cost of a gallon of petrol to us!
Chris Hopper 44
I will be 44 years old when we cycle the C2C.
I have always loved cycling and was Peterborough's BMX Champion when I was about 14/15 years old! Since then I have always done some kind of cycling be it mountain biking or road.
This will be my first ride for charity and I can't think of a worthier cause than the Isabel Hospice Charity, having lost both my in-laws to cancer and a close friend of ours father has also recently lost his life to cancer.
I 'suppose I should also mention my wife, Tricia, who, when I'm out cycling on a Sunday morning, is normally running somewhere round Hertfordshire.
I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead and that you can help us raise as much as we can for this local charity who do a fantastic job for people whose lives are touched by this horrible disease.
Simon Locke 43
I will be 43 when we cycle the C2C & was introduced to cycling nearly 2 years ago by Mr Wheeler who enticed me with fantastic stories of Sunday mornings gliding through the country lanes of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Essex seeking suitable establishments selling home made cakes & copious amounts of steaming tea & coffee.
He neglected to mention the considerable amounts of energy & effort needed to propel a bike in a forward motion through our undulating landscape. Still, it gives my very forgiving wife, Cherell, a little bit of peace & quiet when I am out on a ride!
Cycling with good friends, especially on challenging rides, is always a good crack, you get to see & appreciate the beautiful, stunning parts of the country that you just don’t see when travelling in a tin box on wheels. We have cycled quite a few long rides together, the most being 130miles in a day, but nothing will compare to this adventure in the Lakes.
The Lake District is one of the most spectacular areas in the British Isles with a reputation for the possibility of equally horrendous weather, so this is a challenge of both terrain & the elements. Whatever the weather, we will all be motivated & driven by the raising of donations for our local charity, The Isabel Hospice.
Kevin Sambridge 38
My name is Kevin aged 38, have been cycling a few years now mainly for enjoyment but mostly because I love the Lycra!
As you know cancer is a horrible disease and at some point in our lives we all know someone who has suffered from this illness, please dig deep and help us raise as much money as we can.
I'm sure we will upload some photos of our epic ride once we have finished.
Nigel Hale aka Polish 38
About me ? that’s a hard one, I am 38 years old, I really got in to cycling about 2 years ago, since then I have taken part and finished many rides for charity over distances form 37 to 100 + miles, (cycling round the Isle of Wight), I lost my Grandad to Cancer over 10 years ago and I miss him SO much, he is probably the one that gets me through tough climbs/ rides etc, well, him and my VERY understanding wife and fantastic children, especially my nearly 3 year old daughter who is always there when I get back from my rides to give me a big kiss and cuddle.
I am always up for a challenge whether that’s good or bad and I attack everything I do with 110 %, this C2C with be NO exception, I do take my training very seriously trying to fit in as much as possible along with juggling a hectic family life and full time job. This year I intend to do many time trials with my own personal goals...
Bring on the 29th of April
If any of you kind people would like to get on your bikes to help raise even more money for The Isabel Hospice then go Here and sign up. You may even like to come along for a ride one Sunday morning with Watton Wheelers Cycle Club.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
