Our
Adventure
Author: Gavin 'GavNav' Rowell
Discussions around a charity fundraising cycle event commenced a little over 2 years ago. Various ideas were mooted, including a ride around the perimeter of the Province, Hall to Hall, a 300 mile ride to match the 300 years of Freemasonry (quickly discounted that one John didn’t we) and a Coast to Coast event from Whitehaven to Roker. After some discussion the Coast to Coast event, along the traditional C2C route, won out and the work began to pull together the itinerary, the accommodation and the logistics.
With the invaluable assistance of the Sustrans C2C map, the C2C website and similar online resources, a full information pack was drawn up, a flyer was circulated to all Lodges and an advert was placed in the Provincial Gazette. Concerns for the safety led to the places being limited to 30 and expressions of interest were sought.
By the application closing date, 15th January 2017, some 28 Masons from across the length and breadth of the Province had expressed an interest in taking part. With 2 places left to fill participation was opened up to friends and family and the remaining places were quickly filled.
The team members stumped up fees to cover the costs and were provided with the itinerary, the proposed route, a recommended equipment list and a proposed training plan. Most importantly the participants were also provided with resources to help them to raise sponsorship for the event, those resources including a Group Everyday Hero Giving page and dedicated sponsorship forms. Whilst no individual targets were set all of the participants were aware that if each were able to raise a little over £300, the group could raise a total of in the region of £10,000 in sponsorship.
Applications were received from a wide variety of Freemasons and friends, with the youngest applicant being only 26 years of age and the eldest being 74 years of age, a combined age between these two of 100 years. It was also noticeable from the applications that those wishing to take part and support this charitable undertaking, numbered the very keen, experienced cyclists but also a number who were taking up this hobby for the first time. A number were in the process of buying their first bikes or were intending to hire them for the trip. With a little bit of forethought some shares in Boardman Bikes may well have paid a dividend.
Training rides were programmed in with the first taking place on Sunday 12th March 2017, and being only a short 10 to 15 mile ride over gentle terrain. On that morning 11 of the participants turned up and with the weather set fair commenced a ride up the C2C route towards Consett. Unfortunately, in what we hoped was not going to be a sign of things to come, even this short training ride was not without its mishaps. By around 5 or 6 miles in there were two mechanical failures, those involving some of the newly purchased equipment.
Unperturbed, the group continued to train alone, and in small groups, and had the opportunity to attend organised training rides every 2 weeks. Some of those training rides were better supported than others. On one occasion there were only 2 who turned up, whilst the most that took part were the 13 who took part in the final training ride organised for the 21st May 2017.
With the invaluable assistance of the Sustrans C2C map, the C2C website and similar online resources, a full information pack was drawn up, a flyer was circulated to all Lodges and an advert was placed in the Provincial Gazette. Concerns for the safety led to the places being limited to 30 and expressions of interest were sought.
By the application closing date, 15th January 2017, some 28 Masons from across the length and breadth of the Province had expressed an interest in taking part. With 2 places left to fill participation was opened up to friends and family and the remaining places were quickly filled.
The team members stumped up fees to cover the costs and were provided with the itinerary, the proposed route, a recommended equipment list and a proposed training plan. Most importantly the participants were also provided with resources to help them to raise sponsorship for the event, those resources including a Group Everyday Hero Giving page and dedicated sponsorship forms. Whilst no individual targets were set all of the participants were aware that if each were able to raise a little over £300, the group could raise a total of in the region of £10,000 in sponsorship.
Applications were received from a wide variety of Freemasons and friends, with the youngest applicant being only 26 years of age and the eldest being 74 years of age, a combined age between these two of 100 years. It was also noticeable from the applications that those wishing to take part and support this charitable undertaking, numbered the very keen, experienced cyclists but also a number who were taking up this hobby for the first time. A number were in the process of buying their first bikes or were intending to hire them for the trip. With a little bit of forethought some shares in Boardman Bikes may well have paid a dividend.
Training rides were programmed in with the first taking place on Sunday 12th March 2017, and being only a short 10 to 15 mile ride over gentle terrain. On that morning 11 of the participants turned up and with the weather set fair commenced a ride up the C2C route towards Consett. Unfortunately, in what we hoped was not going to be a sign of things to come, even this short training ride was not without its mishaps. By around 5 or 6 miles in there were two mechanical failures, those involving some of the newly purchased equipment.
Unperturbed, the group continued to train alone, and in small groups, and had the opportunity to attend organised training rides every 2 weeks. Some of those training rides were better supported than others. On one occasion there were only 2 who turned up, whilst the most that took part were the 13 who took part in the final training ride organised for the 21st May 2017.
Review of the Every Day Hero Charity Giving Page showed that sponsorship monies were already starting to accumulate but the £10,000 target still seemed a distant figure at the beginning of April 2017 with only a little over 2 months remaining to the ride. With that in mind, at a meeting of the participants in May 2017, all agreed to redouble their efforts.
Cycle tops were ordered for the participants, in the most figure hugging sizes available and ironed over a wok. With the support and assistance of WBro Alex Mathieson (Sandy), the group were able to secure advertising sponsorship from 6 companies who were delighted to be able to support the event.
Cycle tops were ordered for the participants, in the most figure hugging sizes available and ironed over a wok. With the support and assistance of WBro Alex Mathieson (Sandy), the group were able to secure advertising sponsorship from 6 companies who were delighted to be able to support the event.
The final part of the preparation was to get everybody to the start line in Whitehaven. That involved an early morning start for the participants and support crew with a meet at Durham Services set for 6.30am to allow time to load bikes onto the support vans and the participants and their bags into the coach. The plan was to head off to Whitehaven ready to get underway from that point by 10am.
For once everything worked like clockwork. Whilst we had had a couple of late enforced withdrawals, due to injury and the like, 28 riders arrived at Durham Services in plenty of time for the loading required. The 4 support drivers were on hand, the bikes were loaded and there was even time for a number of the participants to pop into McDonalds for some carb loading prior to the off.
For once everything worked like clockwork. Whilst we had had a couple of late enforced withdrawals, due to injury and the like, 28 riders arrived at Durham Services in plenty of time for the loading required. The 4 support drivers were on hand, the bikes were loaded and there was even time for a number of the participants to pop into McDonalds for some carb loading prior to the off.
The coach left Durham Services at a little before 7am but in what was perhaps a sign of things to come, there was one slight delay as the coach driver missed the turnoff at Scotch Corner onto the A66. After a quick turnaround, however, the bus was back on track and the rest of the journey went without hitch.
The team arrived at the start line at Whitehaven Harbour for around 9.30am, where they were delighted to have been met by the Deputy Provincial Grandmaster, VWBro John Arthur, who had come across to offer his support. They were further met by RWBro Norman Thompson, the Provincial Grandmaster of Cumberland and Westmorland, who was accompanied by a number of his Brethren who had also come along to offer their support.
So there we were 28 participants lined up on the slipway on Whitehaven harbour with our rear wheels sitting in the Irish Sea. RWBro Norman raised the Cumberland and Westmorland flag and with a resounding cheer of support, the team set off.
The team arrived at the start line at Whitehaven Harbour for around 9.30am, where they were delighted to have been met by the Deputy Provincial Grandmaster, VWBro John Arthur, who had come across to offer his support. They were further met by RWBro Norman Thompson, the Provincial Grandmaster of Cumberland and Westmorland, who was accompanied by a number of his Brethren who had also come along to offer their support.
So there we were 28 participants lined up on the slipway on Whitehaven harbour with our rear wheels sitting in the Irish Sea. RWBro Norman raised the Cumberland and Westmorland flag and with a resounding cheer of support, the team set off.
The traditional C2C route starts with a short ride through Whitehaven Town Centre before a left turn onto a former railway line, just past Aldi. It was raining gently but the weather forecast had improved over the preceding 24 hours and it was already beginning to clear. Indeed, prior to getting clear of Whitehaven, the rain dried up and the sun began to shine.
It was not long, however, before the first issue arose. One or two mechanical problems were anticipated in a team of 28 riders, but it would have been nice to have got more than 2 ½ miles before the first puncture. Stewart Baxter, however, quickly demonstrated his mechanical skills and had his bike repaired and we were back on the path in relatively short order. Still not clear of Whitehaven, however, Mike Smithies decided that he didn’t want Stewart to get all of the limelight and decided to throw himself off his bike for some inexplicable reason. Thankfully Mike was able to use his cat like reflexes to land in a relatively safe manner and was quickly back on board, looking somewhat sheepish.
There was time now to look at our fellow riders bikes. We had a huge variety taking part including hybrids, cycle cross, mountain and road bikes. There were brand new bikes and ones that would have been of interest to the antiques roadshow. James Penderey was sporting a very smart power assisted cycle cross bike and was immediately christened Electric Jim.
The first 10 miles or so of the route traverses old railway lines and the like and overall the ride out of Whitehaven was an enjoyable experience. We met up with the support vehicle operated by Frankie Charlton and Mike Cockerton and took on some refreshments. We are still not sure where the other vehicle operated by John Thompson and Paul Quinn went to that morning but there was some talk of there being a nice McDonalds somewhere on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
It was not long, however, before the first issue arose. One or two mechanical problems were anticipated in a team of 28 riders, but it would have been nice to have got more than 2 ½ miles before the first puncture. Stewart Baxter, however, quickly demonstrated his mechanical skills and had his bike repaired and we were back on the path in relatively short order. Still not clear of Whitehaven, however, Mike Smithies decided that he didn’t want Stewart to get all of the limelight and decided to throw himself off his bike for some inexplicable reason. Thankfully Mike was able to use his cat like reflexes to land in a relatively safe manner and was quickly back on board, looking somewhat sheepish.
There was time now to look at our fellow riders bikes. We had a huge variety taking part including hybrids, cycle cross, mountain and road bikes. There were brand new bikes and ones that would have been of interest to the antiques roadshow. James Penderey was sporting a very smart power assisted cycle cross bike and was immediately christened Electric Jim.
The first 10 miles or so of the route traverses old railway lines and the like and overall the ride out of Whitehaven was an enjoyable experience. We met up with the support vehicle operated by Frankie Charlton and Mike Cockerton and took on some refreshments. We are still not sure where the other vehicle operated by John Thompson and Paul Quinn went to that morning but there was some talk of there being a nice McDonalds somewhere on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
Shortly after refuelling the team set off once again and with such a large group they began to get a little spread out. On leaving the disused railway line and entering minor roads, at the first T Junction, the lead group of 11 riders set off to their right confident that the downhill route in front of them had to be the right way to go. Unfortunately, a phone call from Brian Bullock, who was looking after the riders at the rear of the peloton, informed the breakaway group that in fact they should have turned left and up the hill. Sadly that breakaway group had travelled around 5 miles or so before thet error was discovered and were, by this time, once again, back on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
With a certain amount of sweating at one of the ride organisers (GavNav) the breakaway turned around and began to make their way back to the correct path. All in all they added 10 miles of riding to their day.
With both groups eventually riding in the right direction the next planned stop was in Keswick. There was, however, the small matter of Whinlatter Pass, to negotiate. This was the first major climb of the event (excluding those that the group that got lost added in to their day themselves). The slope naturally spread out our riders and the agreement was therefore reached to meet at the bottom of the pass to then ride into Keswick together.
It took some time for the trailing group to complete that pass and as they were congregating at the bottom it came as something of a surprise when a small group of riders from the lead group suddenly appeared from behind them. Apparently, they had got lost somewhere on the Whinlatter forest trails (BriNav???)
Eventually, all of our riders made it safely into Keswick. One of the Brethren of that lodge met us on the outskirts of town and directed us to the building. On entering we were once again greeted by the PGM of Cumberland and Westmorland and our own Deputy Provincial Grandmaster. We were also warmly received by Brethren from Keswick and their wives. The local masons had generously put on a soup and sandwich lunch and the reception and hospitality received was outstanding. Those in Keswick who were there to greet us could not do any more to help. They wouldn’t let us lift a finger in any way and it was certainly a novel experience to be served lunch by their PGM.
With a certain amount of sweating at one of the ride organisers (GavNav) the breakaway turned around and began to make their way back to the correct path. All in all they added 10 miles of riding to their day.
With both groups eventually riding in the right direction the next planned stop was in Keswick. There was, however, the small matter of Whinlatter Pass, to negotiate. This was the first major climb of the event (excluding those that the group that got lost added in to their day themselves). The slope naturally spread out our riders and the agreement was therefore reached to meet at the bottom of the pass to then ride into Keswick together.
It took some time for the trailing group to complete that pass and as they were congregating at the bottom it came as something of a surprise when a small group of riders from the lead group suddenly appeared from behind them. Apparently, they had got lost somewhere on the Whinlatter forest trails (BriNav???)
Eventually, all of our riders made it safely into Keswick. One of the Brethren of that lodge met us on the outskirts of town and directed us to the building. On entering we were once again greeted by the PGM of Cumberland and Westmorland and our own Deputy Provincial Grandmaster. We were also warmly received by Brethren from Keswick and their wives. The local masons had generously put on a soup and sandwich lunch and the reception and hospitality received was outstanding. Those in Keswick who were there to greet us could not do any more to help. They wouldn’t let us lift a finger in any way and it was certainly a novel experience to be served lunch by their PGM.
Our stop in Keswick ended with photographs in the Temple and one of our ride organisers, Gavin Rowell, presenting the Keswick Brethren with a framed certificate of appreciation for all of their support.
short order the riders were back on their bikes and back on the C2C route.
Unfortunately, there was another diversion required to the route. Storm Desmond, earlier in the year, had washed out a number of bridges on the cycle path leading out of the town and back towards the A66. What should have been a pleasant ride, over relatively level, through a series of wooded glades and over some wooden bridges, turned into a diversion via a local stone circle. Unfortunately, that stone circle was conveniently positioned on the top of a hill. The route diversion therefore added another significant climb. Something that once again “GavNav” was roundly abused for.
Unfortunately, there was another diversion required to the route. Storm Desmond, earlier in the year, had washed out a number of bridges on the cycle path leading out of the town and back towards the A66. What should have been a pleasant ride, over relatively level, through a series of wooded glades and over some wooden bridges, turned into a diversion via a local stone circle. Unfortunately, that stone circle was conveniently positioned on the top of a hill. The route diversion therefore added another significant climb. Something that once again “GavNav” was roundly abused for.
We next met up with our support team at the Sportsman’s Inn, just off the A66 (funny how most of those meetings took place close to a local hostelry) and took on more water and sustenance. We were then back on the route, looking for out next planned diversion, that being the Yellow Jersey route that would take us towards Great Strickland where accommodation and dining had been arranged at the Strickland Arms.
Once again the riding group became a little fragmented and a small lead ground took an alternative route, that leading eventually into the heart of Penrith. The rest, however, were able to find the marked route from the C2C down to Great Strickland. The landlord at the Pub had helpfully confirmed that that was the shortest route to their premises. What he had failed to point out, however, was that whilst it was a very scenic route, taking in the banks of Ullswater at Pooley Bridge, and passing through the grounds of Lowther Castle, it also included another significant climb through the grounds of that castle. Once again there were a number of choice remarks directed towards the route planner.
Eventually, however, our team of intrepid riders reached the Strickland Arms and took up virtually all of the tables outside which were bathed in glorious sunshine. All told those who had chosen to take part in the morning diversion covered some 65 miles. Those who had kept to a slightly more conventional route had covered 55 miles. The small afternoon breakaway group who had traveled to Great Strickland via Penrith had traveled around 64 miles.
Once again the riding group became a little fragmented and a small lead ground took an alternative route, that leading eventually into the heart of Penrith. The rest, however, were able to find the marked route from the C2C down to Great Strickland. The landlord at the Pub had helpfully confirmed that that was the shortest route to their premises. What he had failed to point out, however, was that whilst it was a very scenic route, taking in the banks of Ullswater at Pooley Bridge, and passing through the grounds of Lowther Castle, it also included another significant climb through the grounds of that castle. Once again there were a number of choice remarks directed towards the route planner.
Eventually, however, our team of intrepid riders reached the Strickland Arms and took up virtually all of the tables outside which were bathed in glorious sunshine. All told those who had chosen to take part in the morning diversion covered some 65 miles. Those who had kept to a slightly more conventional route had covered 55 miles. The small afternoon breakaway group who had traveled to Great Strickland via Penrith had traveled around 64 miles.
We had planned our dining in advance and dining choices had been forwarded to the Strickland Arms. There was a certain amount of chaos reigning as they were not anticipating that we would be sitting outside in the glorious sunshine but, eventually, all of our riders were well fed and watered.
The majority then headed off for an early night and some much needed recuperation. A small core of riders remained in the bar, however, until the lights were turned off. Appeals to the bar staff that they were residents were answered with “Yes but I’ve got to get up in the morning to cook your breakfasts”.
Accommodation on that first evening had been arranged in two separate locations. At the Strickland Arms we were staying in a Yurt, two Log Byers, two rooms inside the Inn and a static caravan. We also had 8 riders staying in the Tynedale Guest House in Penrith.
Accommodation on that first evening had been arranged in two separate locations. At the Strickland Arms we were staying in a Yurt, two Log Byers, two rooms inside the Inn and a static caravan. We also had 8 riders staying in the Tynedale Guest House in Penrith.
We all therefore agreed to breakfast at 8am with a view to meeting once again outside the Strickland Arms at 9 to begin the second leg of the route.
As some may be aware the second day of the traditional C2C cycle route is somewhat hillier than the first. Review of the planned route from Great Strickland, however, showed a relatively gentle first hour’s ride back towards Penrith and over in the direction of Langwathby.
Unfortunately in what was becoming somewhat of a theme, events did not quite start off as planned. There was a minor collision between two of the riders, which resulted in a fall into a nice patch of nettles and a small graze to the back of a leg. This was quickly followed by two further mechanical issues. One of the riders noticed some wobbling on his front wheel and on close inspection discovered that almost all of the spokes had loosened. Another of the riders found that one of his tyres was in the process of a major disintegration. Within around 5 miles therefore we needed to call the support team in to collect those two and take them into Penrith to find a local bike shop where repairs could be attempted. The support team were as ever close by and arrived within – oh perhaps 25 minutes! Picking up the two stranded riders the rest of the team set off towards Langwathby.
Unfortunately in what was becoming somewhat of a theme, events did not quite start off as planned. There was a minor collision between two of the riders, which resulted in a fall into a nice patch of nettles and a small graze to the back of a leg. This was quickly followed by two further mechanical issues. One of the riders noticed some wobbling on his front wheel and on close inspection discovered that almost all of the spokes had loosened. Another of the riders found that one of his tyres was in the process of a major disintegration. Within around 5 miles therefore we needed to call the support team in to collect those two and take them into Penrith to find a local bike shop where repairs could be attempted. The support team were as ever close by and arrived within – oh perhaps 25 minutes! Picking up the two stranded riders the rest of the team set off towards Langwathby.
The team were next faced with another diversion where, once more, a bridge had been washed out in Storm Desmond. They were, however, eventually able to cross the A66 and begin the transit to Langwathby where comment had been made that we would be congregating again before heading towards the bottom of Hartside Pass.
Once again there was a breakaway group and, again, the riders took two separate paths. At the outskirts of Langwathby the larger part of the group kept to the slightly longer and hillier traditional C2C route. The lead group, however, kept to a more major road and made it to the base of Hartside Pass, perhaps 30 to 40 minutes sooner.
By this time our stranded riders had had their bikes repaired and were back amongst the main peloton. The group reached Hartside with only one more puncture, that being an inexplicable deflation of a tyre when a bike was entirely stationary. Even the support team appear to have been held up too.
Once again there was a breakaway group and, again, the riders took two separate paths. At the outskirts of Langwathby the larger part of the group kept to the slightly longer and hillier traditional C2C route. The lead group, however, kept to a more major road and made it to the base of Hartside Pass, perhaps 30 to 40 minutes sooner.
By this time our stranded riders had had their bikes repaired and were back amongst the main peloton. The group reached Hartside with only one more puncture, that being an inexplicable deflation of a tyre when a bike was entirely stationary. Even the support team appear to have been held up too.
The group then commenced the small matter of Hartside Pass which climbs to some 1903ft over its 6 mile length. The lead group made it to the summit with the larger peloton around 40 minutes behind. There was another surprise for our riders in store at this point, our Provincial Grandmaster had made his way to Hartside to offer his support and encouragement. It was certainly a welcome sight when, as you were nearing the top of the pass, the PGM was in place to spur each rider along.
By the time all of the riders had arrived at the summit, the lead group were getting a tad cold. They therefore set off once again whilst the later group made their way into the cafe for some much needed refreshment.
Within around half an hour the team were ready to set off once again. There was just time, however, for a presentation of one of our cycling shirts to the Provincial Grandmaster (which he promptly put on) and a photograph at the summit signpost. The riders were then quickly once again on their way.
Within around half an hour the team were ready to set off once again. There was just time, however, for a presentation of one of our cycling shirts to the Provincial Grandmaster (which he promptly put on) and a photograph at the summit signpost. The riders were then quickly once again on their way.
The reward that sweetened labour at this point was something like a 5 mile descent from Hartside Summit down towards Garrigill. At speeds of touching 40 miles per hour sadly that reward was quickly completed.
The peloton were then faced with the daunting climbs at Garrigill and Nenthead. Whilst not quite as long as the climb up Hartside Pass sections of these climbs were significantly steeper. Even James Pendrey, riding his power assisted bike was heard to mention that these were difficult climbs. Honestly we tried not to sear at him too much!
The peloton were then faced with the daunting climbs at Garrigill and Nenthead. Whilst not quite as long as the climb up Hartside Pass sections of these climbs were significantly steeper. Even James Pendrey, riding his power assisted bike was heard to mention that these were difficult climbs. Honestly we tried not to sear at him too much!
Despite a somewhat gloomy weather forecast in the lead up to the ride, the sun remained shining on all of our riders and the temperature and their exertions began to take their toll. One rider unfortunately succumbed to the effects of his efforts and dehydration and required the assistance of the support team. He was, however, quickly collected and was able to make his way to the evenings accommodation for some much needed rest and recuperation.
The evenings accommodation was in the highest village in England, Allenheads. We had 24 staying in the Allenheads Lodge and the rest in the Allendheads Inn. With the sun shining the riders congregated for a couple of refreshments in the beer garden at the Inn before showering and changing and meeting for dinner.
The evenings accommodation was in the highest village in England, Allenheads. We had 24 staying in the Allenheads Lodge and the rest in the Allendheads Inn. With the sun shining the riders congregated for a couple of refreshments in the beer garden at the Inn before showering and changing and meeting for dinner.
The standard of the food at the Inn was excellent and after a couple more refreshments the riders just about all elected for an early night. Those early nights did, however, carry risks of their own. All of the accommodation had been booked on a shared room basis and there may have been one or two issues with snoring and the like. One of our riders was heard to remark one morning that his room had been like “sleeping in a working boiler house”.
Day 3 commenced with the majority of the riders electing to partake in a full English breakfast as their morning ride preparation. The group then met outside the Allenheads Inn to recommence the ride.
Whilst Allenheads may be the highest village in England it is also situated at the bottom of a valley and the riders were immediately faced with a daunting mile long steep climb away from the Inn. Inevitably again, the peloton became strung out.
It took some time for all of the riders to reach the summit of that hill where there was a brief rest stop and a photograph opportunity by the sign marking the boundary of County Durham and marking our return into the Province.
The riders now had a very enjoyable downhill 5 mile ride to Rookhope. Once again that downhill section seemed to be completed within a matter of minutes.
At Rookhope our peloton decided to split. The C2C route is suitable for all manner of bikes although, on occasion, it is necessary to follow slightly different pathways. Around 2/3 of the group decided to traverse a steep rocky slope onto the top of Stanhope Moor. The remainder elected to stay on the road and ride into Stanhope itself before tackling Crawleyside Bank. The two groups agreed therefore to meet at Parkhead Tea Room where the routes once again converged.
Day 3 commenced with the majority of the riders electing to partake in a full English breakfast as their morning ride preparation. The group then met outside the Allenheads Inn to recommence the ride.
Whilst Allenheads may be the highest village in England it is also situated at the bottom of a valley and the riders were immediately faced with a daunting mile long steep climb away from the Inn. Inevitably again, the peloton became strung out.
It took some time for all of the riders to reach the summit of that hill where there was a brief rest stop and a photograph opportunity by the sign marking the boundary of County Durham and marking our return into the Province.
The riders now had a very enjoyable downhill 5 mile ride to Rookhope. Once again that downhill section seemed to be completed within a matter of minutes.
At Rookhope our peloton decided to split. The C2C route is suitable for all manner of bikes although, on occasion, it is necessary to follow slightly different pathways. Around 2/3 of the group decided to traverse a steep rocky slope onto the top of Stanhope Moor. The remainder elected to stay on the road and ride into Stanhope itself before tackling Crawleyside Bank. The two groups agreed therefore to meet at Parkhead Tea Room where the routes once again converged.
For those who elected to make their way up onto the moor, the weather unfortunately began to close in at this point and it looked like that particular route was going to be somewhat of a grim experience. Thankfully, however, the rainfall (and occasional hail) quickly blew over and by the time the riders reached the top of the moor it was once again merely cloudy and somewhat blustery. The riders that made their way into Stanhope and up Crawleyside Bank were able to keep themselves largely ahead of the rain showers.
The ride across the moors at Stanhope is perhaps best described as interesting. The views are spectacular but the cycle paths leave something to be desired. They resemble sheep paths at best and often consist of deep ruts in the ground with clumps of heather on each side, just ready to catch a carelessly placed pedal and to tip the rider off.
The riders were able, however, to safely traverse the moor, to drop back down onto the road at the top of Crawleyside Bank and to enter Parkhead Café. Some of those who had travelled the Crawleyside Bank route were already having a coffee waiting for the team. Eventually, however, we were all able to take on some refreshments before making our way together back on the route towards Consett.
When advertising places for the ride the organisers had received a very kind invitation from WBro Ronnie Wild of Conside Lodge who pointed out that Consett Masonic Hall was positioned around 500 yards off the C2C route and advised that the Brethren at that Hall would be more than happy to offer their assistance to the riders if required. The event organisers quickly took Ronnie up on his kind offer and the Consett Brethren organised a lunch stop on their behalf.
One of the riders, having become somewhat detached from the group, somehow looked up the address for Consett Masonic Hall and promptly made his way to Blackhill. Even he, however, was able to quickly make his way to the building where an excellent hot beef roll, crisps, fruit, water etc awaited. The riders were then once again greeted by a member of the Executive with Steven Walker being on hand to offer his support and encouragement.
The ride across the moors at Stanhope is perhaps best described as interesting. The views are spectacular but the cycle paths leave something to be desired. They resemble sheep paths at best and often consist of deep ruts in the ground with clumps of heather on each side, just ready to catch a carelessly placed pedal and to tip the rider off.
The riders were able, however, to safely traverse the moor, to drop back down onto the road at the top of Crawleyside Bank and to enter Parkhead Café. Some of those who had travelled the Crawleyside Bank route were already having a coffee waiting for the team. Eventually, however, we were all able to take on some refreshments before making our way together back on the route towards Consett.
When advertising places for the ride the organisers had received a very kind invitation from WBro Ronnie Wild of Conside Lodge who pointed out that Consett Masonic Hall was positioned around 500 yards off the C2C route and advised that the Brethren at that Hall would be more than happy to offer their assistance to the riders if required. The event organisers quickly took Ronnie up on his kind offer and the Consett Brethren organised a lunch stop on their behalf.
One of the riders, having become somewhat detached from the group, somehow looked up the address for Consett Masonic Hall and promptly made his way to Blackhill. Even he, however, was able to quickly make his way to the building where an excellent hot beef roll, crisps, fruit, water etc awaited. The riders were then once again greeted by a member of the Executive with Steven Walker being on hand to offer his support and encouragement.
After lunch the team congregated on the steps of the masonic hall for another photo opportunity at which point another of the ride organisers, Brian Bullock, was delighted to be able to present Ronnie Wilde and the Brethren at Consett Masonic Hall with another signed framed certificate of appreciation in thanks for their support.
The riders then once again mounted their bicycles and tracked in single file through Consett town centre back to the C2C route. The decision had been made to try and keep the team largely together on this last afternoon with a view to all riding into Roker and the finish line at around 3pm. As, however, there had been a number of occasions where the group had become somewhat split it was agreed that in the event of any such issues all the riders would make their way to the Glass Centre around a mile from Roker where we would congregate and ride into the finish together.
There was one final puncture to deal with but then a largely uneventful ride downhill towards Sunderland. A small group took a slight wrong turn around the Stadium of Light but having survived its close proximity the entire team were able to meet at the Glass Centre. At this point the peloton unanimously asked the two rider organisers to lead them into the finish line on Roker seafront. Brian Bullock and Gavin Rowell therefore made their way to the front of the peloton and led them around the headland and onto Roker seafront. The two lead riders linked arms (a somewhat risky manoeuvre in front of the waiting throng), and the entire team were greeted by rapturous applause.
I don’t think anyone in the team had expected quite so many people to turn out to greet them and the reception was truly remarkable and humbling. The group lifted their bikes across the sand and dipped their front wheels in the North Sea, completing their Epic journey.
There was one final puncture to deal with but then a largely uneventful ride downhill towards Sunderland. A small group took a slight wrong turn around the Stadium of Light but having survived its close proximity the entire team were able to meet at the Glass Centre. At this point the peloton unanimously asked the two rider organisers to lead them into the finish line on Roker seafront. Brian Bullock and Gavin Rowell therefore made their way to the front of the peloton and led them around the headland and onto Roker seafront. The two lead riders linked arms (a somewhat risky manoeuvre in front of the waiting throng), and the entire team were greeted by rapturous applause.
I don’t think anyone in the team had expected quite so many people to turn out to greet them and the reception was truly remarkable and humbling. The group lifted their bikes across the sand and dipped their front wheels in the North Sea, completing their Epic journey.
There was just time for hugs from waiting friends and family before the riders congregated to make a cheque presentation to the PGM. Gavin and Brian took their time in writing out the final figure and it was with absolute delight they were able to present a cheque totalling £25,000. The sponsorship support had continued to pour in during the course of the event itself and the riders and the PGM were blown away by the success of the event.
Thankfully the ride down to Roker had been a pleasant one and there was a marked reduction in the amount of swearing at the organisers and even a number of happy faces. There was even some talk of a follow up Coast and Castles event in 2018 or 2019. Watch this space.
All of the riders, the event organisers, the 2021 Festival Team and the Provincial Executive would like to offer their thanks at this stage for all of the support and encouragement shown to the team. It was only with the support, encouragement and sponsorship of countless friends, family and brethren that this event was able to succeed. Our 2021 Festival and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys/The Masonic Charitable Foundation have received a significant boost which will assist in supporting Masonic and Non Masonic charitable efforts nationwide.
Many Thanks from all involved ……
All of the riders, the event organisers, the 2021 Festival Team and the Provincial Executive would like to offer their thanks at this stage for all of the support and encouragement shown to the team. It was only with the support, encouragement and sponsorship of countless friends, family and brethren that this event was able to succeed. Our 2021 Festival and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys/The Masonic Charitable Foundation have received a significant boost which will assist in supporting Masonic and Non Masonic charitable efforts nationwide.
Many Thanks from all involved ……