Spirits were high as riders John Pye, Phil Nevet, Ray Lydon, Mark Hiley, Dave Sayers and Ronnie Fletcher, together with the support vehicle crew Nicky Swan (plus badge !) and young Noah set off for Lancaster at tea-time on Friday 1st May. The destination was the Penny Bridge Hotel where after a few Wainwrights the challenge ahead did not seem too bad.
Saturday morning and the weather was reasonable as we set off for Morecambe and a “before” photo at the Eric Morecambe statue on the seafront – Bridlington 170 miles !
Within a few miles of setting off from Morecambe, the weather became cold, wet and unusually the wind was a strong easterly (head wind) and these combined to make riding conditions very difficult. Arriving in Settle, a stop for over-shoes was made before taking on the steep climb out of town which proved to be too much for all but the king of the mountains, Ronnie Fletcher, with each of the other riders being forced to walk at least some of the 20% gradient.
Weather conditions worsened as the many hills were climbed and the miles were clocked up so that we were running well behind schedule and eventually completed the 112 miles to York by 9.45pm on the Sarurday night, some 12 hours after setting off!
A full English breakfast on the Sunday morning was eaten whilst watching the rain teeming down outside, so after fashioning rain jackets from some spare bin bags, we set off on the remaining 62 miles to Bridlington. Despite the bad weather, we made good time and the rain eventually stopped by the mid-afternoon stop in Driffield, with our arrival on Bridlington seafront at 4.15 bathed in sunshine with a welcoming party of family and friends – never have fish and chips (and champagne !) tasted so good.
Despite the gruelling nature of the ride, and a few “never again” moments, this coast to coast was very worthwhile with £1,416.25, (including gift aid) raised in sponsorship for nsif.
Special thanks go to Ronnie Fletcher for organising the ride and drumming up a lot of support, again, for this excellent cause, but thanks also to the other riders and support team who gave up their weekend to take part.
Here’s to the next one !