[F]our charity cyclists from Carlisle have successfully completed an epic ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, clocking up sponsorship at nearly £1.50-a-mile each along the 948-mile journey.
The quartet of amateur riders raised more than £5,600 after surviving the very worst of British summer weather en route, including 60mph winds and torrential rain as well as a crash that led to a detour for repairs.
The original target of raising £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support has been exceeded by £278, with rider Paul Griffiths raising a further £2,400 on-line and at work at Carlisle Royal Mail to help local teenager Michael Johnstone’s rehabilitation after he was seriously injured in a fatal road accident near Carlisle’s Pirelli factory in January.
Paul said: “The whole experience has been absolutely brilliant. We loved it. People have been really generous right from the very start at Land’s End where there were a couple on honeymoon who donated £10.
“The first two days were really hard but we got fitter and fitter and it became easier after the hills and climbs in Devon. Cumbria was definitely the best part of the country. We had a lovely clear day from Beckfoot going in to Penrith but the last 37 miles into to John O’Groats took us four hours as there were 60 mph headwinds.”
He escaped with cuts and bruises after coming off his bike when distracted by a tractor in Somerset, prompting an unscheduled trip into Bristol. “It was a good job we had a support vehicle with us. It was absolutely invaluable and we are all really grateful to Glenrental of Carlisle for providing us with our very own mini bus for the whole trip,” added Paul.
The Cumbrian cyclists and their team driver Phil Robinson, 63, made sure their route included an overnight stay in Carlisle around the half-way stage. Ryan Williamson, manager at Glenrental, said: “After having heard about everything the guys went through on their ride, I’m glad we were able to help support them achieve their goal.”
