9 LOCAL cyclists from Newton Aycliffe took part in the Coast to Coast bike ride on the 4th July. Members of the VC167 Cycle Club battled with rain and sun-shine, and over 8,000 feet of climbing, most of which was in the first half. The journey from Morcambe to Saltburn took the riders a little over 9 hours of cycling time and with only a few stops meant the riders worked hard for just over 11 hours to finally reach their destination. 2 of the riders actually decided that 130 miles was not quiet a big enough challenge and cycled from Aycliffe on Friday night to await the others, travelling over in the van, on Saturday morning. Gordon Panicca, who was accompanied by Paul Holmes for the extra 85 miles, was getting a few extra miles of training in towards his epic ride in August. He is entered into Paris-Brest-Paris, a grueling 750 miles with only 90 hours to qualify. His previous attempts include 62 hours and he is set to get well under that this time.  

Other riders attempted their first C2C, and for some it was their first century ride too. Penny Johnson had targeted the event as part of her fundraising for Phab kids.  She raised a staggering £1,544 through also running the VLM and taking part in a half- ironman triathlon over the last 3 months. Ciaran McMenamin was using the experience as a training ride for his 24 hour attempt to bike from Newcastle to London at the end of August. He is also raising money a charity very close to his heart, Bliss.

The riders were supported by Peter Baronowski and Theresa Neale who helped to transport the riders and follow the crew to hand out refreshments through out the day. The riders thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to there next C2C in September.

If you would like to support Bliss Charity place donate to www.justgiving.com/Ciaran-McMenamin/

 

 

Submitted by Penny Johnson