Over the May Bank Holiday weekend I cycled the 215 miles Coast-to-Coast from Southport to Hornsea in aid of Kidney Research Yorkshire. Looking for a fresh challenge to keep me motivated on my bike, and inspired by a colleague who has undergone treatment for IGA Nephropathy (often known as Berger’s Disease), I began training from the start of the year; cycling through freezing cold and snow to prepare myself for the three day trip.
I have cycled on-and-off over the years; back in 2012 I completed the 120 mile Liverpool to Leeds Canal route by bike; however training has slipped off in recent years and I was looking for some motivation to get me back on my bike. Due to health issues, the Coast-to-Coast Cycle has been my biggest challenge to date, and I am delighted to have completed it. I cycled with a friend who had experience of the route, and kept encouraging me over the weekend, spurring me on!
We set off from Southport at 6am on the Saturday morning, and covered around 80 miles on the first day, arriving in time to watch Liverpool in the Champion’s League Final in Hadfield! Shame about the result!
Somewhat downhearted after a Liverpool defeat, we set off on the Sunday at 7.30, and this was the hardest part of ride; having to carry my bike up the steps and over the Woodhead Pass. Fortunately the hill back down the other side was something of a relief. After completing around 70 miles on the second day, we stopped in Selby for some well earned rest.
Monday was the last trip of the cycle, and fortunately (for my sore bum and aching legs) the flattest part of the route. After another 8 hours of cycling we were relieved to arrive in Hornsea and treated ourselves to fish and chips – well deserved I think! Though it’s not something I plan to repeat in a hurry, I feel very proud to have completed this challenge, and raised money – and awareness – for such an important cause Gareth raised £775 in fundraising and the company he works for, N Power sent Kidney Research Yorkshire a further £500!