The CPBF completes mammoth bike ride!

Date of article: 05-Jul-10

Coast-to-coast in two (and a bit) days – DONE!

27th June - The CPBF took on and completed the fearsome coast-to-coast challenge and arrived weary but safe in Sunderland on Sunday after approximately 20 hours on the road. Nick (business developer for the CPBF) his dad and friend Alex set off from Whitehaven at 5:40p.m. Friday evening and just managed to find the first campsite as it was going dark at around 10:30pm. Saturday started with a gentle ride through Penrith and ended after a gruelling nine and a half hours, taking in three unremitting climbs including a 400 metre scramble to the summit of Hartside. Luckily the heat of the summer sun was hampered by some welcoming cloud cover meaning the trio could push themselves that little bit harder.

Sunday by contrast was a breeze, starting from Allanheads they were straight into the first of two climbs over the top of the Pennines and across the moors to the beginning of the Waskerly Way, a disused railway stretching for more than 25 miles. This glorious 25 mile downhill section cut through Consett and Beamish and was dotted with many fascinating pieces of art work depicting the industrial heritage of the area. The finishing line was on the beach next to the Marina at Rocker and was a happy sight for the fatigued threesome. To follow was the traditional dip of wheels in the sea - just as they did at the beginning of their journey.

If this story has inspired you then please pledge your support to our adventurers - there is still time. By following the link below to Nick’s ‘Just Giving’ page you can donate as much or as little as you want. It all goes to a magnificent cause!

www.justgiving.com/Nick-Kershaw

Well done boys!