The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Some 13 members clocked up an impressive amount of miles as they took part in Spalding Triathlon Club’s 2015 cycle challenge.
They started their journey by taking a mini-bus to Ravensglass, Cumbria and – after two full days of cycling – the cyclists arrived in Newcastle.
Day one saw the cyclists set off down Sustrans route 72, which took them up the west coast.
The first part of the journey was difficult for many of the team, due to the amount of sand that had blown over from the beach in the high winds. Some of them even had to dismount and push their bikes though the sand.
Their first stop came at Silloth, but once back on the road, the club experienced their first puncture while riding the cobbled streets. After 87 miles, the team arrived in Carlisle, where they spent the night.
Wendy Lane achieved her first 100 miles on the first day as, after getting slightly lost, she decided to top her miles up to a round 100. Callum McPartlin and Richard Young also put in extra miles to complete a century on both days.
The next morning was misty and full of steep hilly climbs – but the first sighting of Hadrian’s Wall gave them motivation to press on. The Tri members then progressed to Hexton, where they enjoyed a welcome break.
The final stretch of their journey took them along the bank of the river Tyne to Newcastle.
The original route planned would have taken the group to South Shields, but they cut the route short at Newcastle to ensure they were in time to catch the train.
Competing this year were: Tom Drew, Andy McPartlin, Callum McPartlin, Andy Chamberlin, Wendy Lane, Christine Payne, Helen Purdy, Richard Young, Martin and Jane Halifax, Neil Walker, Alistair Rudd and Mike Staines.
