A team of 9 cyclists consisting of 7 TDR staff, Mark McPherson, Simon Witty, Mike Pratt, Anthony Mills, Geoff Edmundson, Frank Devlin and Paul Lund set off on Thursday 27th May for Whitehaven West Cumbria to tackle the challenging 140 mile C2C route back to Tynemouth.
Special thanks go to Mr Rob Self our good friend and colleague from Kingsmeadow School who drove the lads over for the start, whilst Anthony and I brought the van supplied very kindly by Michael Wright at MKW.
Although the lads had a whip round for Rob, he refused the £50 and instead asked us to donate it to the Help For Heroes Charity. Very much appreciated Rob.
Day One - Friday 28th - After a restless night filled with apprehension and excitement the team carried out the tradition of dropping their rear wheel in the sea at Whitehaven and set off for Penrith approximately 50 miles.
The route took the team through Keswick via Threlkeld and on to Penrith, a fairly exhausting first day.
Day Two - Saturday 29th - saw the team tackle the gradients of Hartside, Garrigill and Nenthead and although the weather had been overcast and chilly on the way, the heavens opened just as we arrived at our base camp in Allenheads.
Our TDR colleague Steve Watson had supplied us with a 12 man Royal Marine Tent (thank you Steve Watson) and everyone rallied around to erect it without too much trouble.
Steve Lambert also assisted us immensely by bringing the camping beds which we had been unable to shoe horn into the van, (thanks Steve Lambert)
After another restless night, howling wind, lashing rain and some seriously loud wild life (Frank Devlin) we awoke bleary eyed to be presented by the camp site owners with hot tea and coffee and bacon sandwiches, gratefully received and appreciated.
Day 3 - Sunday 30th camping gear safely stowed away and the final leg of 45 miles back to Tynemouth via Rookhope, Shotley Bridge, Rowlands Gill, Newcastle Quayside and along the Tyne.
All cyclists arrived back safe and sound to be greeted by family and friends, totally exhausted but with an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.
With special thanks to Ian Young Managing Director TDR Ltd for funding the accommodation, to M Steel Cycles for their sponsorship, Michael Wright MKW Ltd for the trusty van, Rob Selfof Kingsmeadow School, Steve Watson for the Royal Marines camping equipment and Steve Lambert.
The Team are also extremely grateful for all the well wishers and to everyone who has donated money to our chosen charity Help For Heroes.
We Thank You All.