#BlythtoBickerFen
Between 9th to 11th June, a group of us from National Grid will be cycling 400km from Blyth in Northumberland to Bicker Fen in Lincolnshire. The 400km ride will be undertaken across three days;
Day One - Blyth to Helmsley - 151km
Day Two - Helmsley to Market Rasen - 138km
Day Three - Market Rasen to Bicker Fen - 95km
We will be raising money for two fantastic charities;
MASKS (Make A Special Kid Smile)
Provide support to children and young adults between the ages of 3 - 19 years old with a range of complex needs such as autism, sensory impairment or multiple learning difficulties (Registered Charity Number - 1109902)
About MASKS - The Vale Federation
The Primrose Hospice
Provide support to patients with life limiting illnesses and families, providing them with the care and support that they need during difficult times (Registered Charity Number - 0700272)
Primrose Hospice: North East Worcestershire Hospice
It would amazing to raise a significant amount for these worthwhile causes. All donations are welcome, however big or small, and needless to say will be hugely appreciated by the two recipient charities.
Event Update
12th June Update
A huge thank you to everyone involved in helping to make this happen. There are too many to name them all, but particularly.....
The support team (Laura's Crazy Gang!) - Laura, Vicki, Liz, Anya, Sarah, Harry and Simon who worked incredibly hard throughout and kept us all fed, watered, safe and smiling!
To Erinn and the team at Viking Link for the incredible reception yesterday.
To Mike James and Chris Page for all your support in planning and consideration for the safety of the riders.
To Dave S for plotting such an incredible route through some amazing countryside and landmarks. You lost friends as we climbed through the Yorkshire Moors, but won them back as we navigated through the Castle Howard estate and over the Humber Bridge!
And to all the cyclists who took part - Charlie, Nik, Gareth, David, Emma, Dave, Jon, Phil Sandy, Phil Spain, Brayden, Neil, Simon, Chris, Helen and Bradley. What a team! Thank you!
And to everyone who has sponsored us through this site - THANK YOU! Seeing the donations roll in has been hugely motivating for the whole team. With Matched Giving from National Grid we expect to have raised over £20k for the two nominated charities...INCREDIBLE! Thanks to you all.
11th June Update
DAY THREE - WE DID IT!
Market Rasen to Bicker Fen - 61 miles that included a cobbled climb through the streets of Lincoln.
Some exhausted minds and bodies today, but other than the Lincoln climb, the ride took us through the beautiful flat Fen's of Lincolnshire - some welcome relief after the hills of Day 1 and rolling profile of Day 2! Seeing the Viking Link Converter Station as we approached Bicker Fen was such an amazing site in the distance!
Arriving at the Converter Station we were greeted by the Support crew and Operational team - an emotional moment after three long days in the saddle.
10th June Update
DAY TWO - NAILED IT!
Helmsley to Market Rasen - 100 miles. 4300ft elevation. And we’ve now entered our fourth County - Northumberland / Durham / Yorkshire / Lincolnshire 🙂
It’s been another long day today but thankfully a little flatter! Thanks to Dave Sutherland for drawing up a fantastic route through the Castle Howard estate and over the Humber Bridge.
Not even the rain could dampen the spirit of the cyclists and support crew. One final push tomorrow into Bicker Fen where we look forward to being joined by representatives from the two charities that were supporting - MASKS & The Primrose Hospice.
BRING IT ON!
9th June Update
Day One - DONE!
Blyth to Helmsley - 98 miles. 5300ft elevation. 13 cyclists. 6 support crew. No punctures! Some incredible views across the Notth Yorkshire Moors. And a lot of haribo consumed!
It’s been a gruelling day in the saddle - a lot of tired legs, sore bodies, with most of us sick of the sight of the hills! The team will enjoy a good night sleep tonight before we set off again tomorrow morning for the next 98 mile leg of the journey down to Market Rasen.
Thanks again to everyone who has sponsored us so far - £8.5k and counting. THANK YOU from us all.
4th June Update:
Just a few days away from setting off for Blyth, we have now raised just short of £3,000.....a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored us so far. Every penny donated is hugely appreciated and will have a big impact on the work carried out by the charities that we're raising money for. The team have trained hard...it's now time for some 'carb loading' as we rest up for the exertions ahead!
22nd April Update:
We now have 14 riders confirmed to take part in the ride, and a further 7 strong support crew. Training is progressing well although with this rubbish Spring weather, there is far more being done on the indoor turbo trainer than any of us would want! Some long hours in the saddle, but all for a fantastic cause.
Riders
Charlie Power
Nik Carter
Gareth Burden
David Williams
Emma Stevenson
Dave Sutherland
Jon Risk
Phil Spain
Chris Page
Brayden Smith
Neil Barnett
Phil Sandy
Simon Baxter
Tom Smith
Support Crew
Laura Cartwright
Sarah Hadley
Liz McKune
Vicki Godfrey
Jatinder Singh
Anya Pullen
Simon Matthews
Our Charities
