A TEAM of cyclists that rode from Darlington to Germany has raised more than £5,000 for mainly local charities.
The team of 13 Darlington Rotarians and friends took to the roads on the mammoth 213 mile sponsored ride to Mulheim.
The journey was one of the most challenging the group has tackled and the route took in Ijmuiden in Amsterdam, Arnhem, Xanten, then Mulheim, where Darlington Rotary has a sister Rotary, that hosted the riders.
Organiser Nigel Little said: ”Since 2013 the Rotary Cycling Team has done seven rides, pedalled 1,323 miles and raised £51,523.
“But this was a fresh challenge and our first out of the UK. Everyone did really well, there were no dramas or problems.”
Read more: I worked a shift at a Darlington foodbank to see what it's like for those struggling
Darlington President Peter Philips said: “Clearly over the past two years plans were on hold, but it was wonderful to meet with our Mulheim friends again, who could not have been more hospitable and welcoming.”
Mulheim Rotary President Mike Jurgens said: “It was delightful to meet up with our Darlington friends after all this time and we very much admire their stamina.”
Darlington and Mulheim Rotaries have visited each other every two years for the past 42 years and built up many partnerships and friendships.
Read more: Darlington school's devastation as vandals kill hedgehog and destroy premises
The Darlington team included the President, Senior Vice President, Robin Raine and Junior Vice President, Michelle Thompson.
The group was supported on the ride by a van donated by car sales group S G Petch of Darlington and manned by Lucy Wiper and Aileen Little, whose husbands were both on the ride.
Anyone wishing to donate can still do so on the Just Giving site: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darlingtonrotary2022bikeride?utm_term=W8VppQ85g
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here