Way of the Roses for Derian House
We did it for Derian House!
On the 17th September 2021, six of our team set off from Morecambe on a 170 mile coast to coast bike ride to raise money for our local children’s hospice Derian House. The ride spanned 3 days, covered two counties and finished in Bridlington with six very proud (but tired and sore) cyclists.
Way of the Roses Day 1
Day 1 saw them starting at ‘The Way of the Roses’ sign in Morecambe… And of course, they had to do the mandatory dip of their bike tyres in the sea! Following a determined start, lunch time quickly arrived with some lunch by the river in Clapham. Although the support vehicle was a little late to arrive (oops!) it wasn’t long before hot dogs were cooking and everyone was tucking in. Even though they didn’t know it yet, they were refuelling for the tougher ride of the day.
With a wave to the support team the six cyclist’s were back on the road and heading towards Settle (and High Hill Lane, the toughest hill of the day). After Settle they rode on to Gargrave where the day finished at their hotel for the night. Accordingly ending with some cuddles from the dogs and then the team understandably went for some good food and most importantly, a well deserved pint.
Day 2 for Derian House
Following a good nights sleep, Day 2 rolled around and everyone was feeling enthusiastic and determined for the day ahead. It’s safe to say no one was prepared for how hilly and tough it was going to be! After eating breakfast everyone gathered for the Day 2 photograph before jumping on their bikes and heading on their way!
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The morning ride was much harder than anticipated but the sun was shining and the scenery was beautiful. Passing through Fountains Abbey and Ripon they rode on to finish the day at a hotel near York…. throwing themselves on the grass and saying they’d happily just sleep there for the night so they didn’t have to move! After some pizza and a couple of drinks it was time for a well earned rest before the final day.
The Final Day riding The Way of the Roses
At last, the final day was here and, whilst there were some signs of fatigue, the laughter was still there! With sore legs, tender bottoms and a changing weather forecast the team were eager to get on the road. The previous days had displayed sunshine and 22’c+ to clouds and rain. Of course they wanted to try and beat the weather! A quick photo of their final morning and they were off!
The last day saw them start with a ride through York (passing York Minster). And with some flatter roads for them to cycle down they were really able to pick up the pace! Following a quick lunch stop at Hutton Cranswick, with a cuddle from the dogs, they were hit the road for the final stretch of the ride.
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And at 4pm on Sunday 19th September 2021 they rolled into Bridlington with cheers of joy and fists pumping the air having completed the 170 mile Way of the Roses cycle route.
Well done to all the guys involved in this challenging Way of the Roses for Derian House ride! You’ve done it all for such a great cause! We’re all very proud of their achievement and they have succeeded in raising over £1,500 for a wonderful charity.
If you’d like to donate any small amount to support Derian House children’s Hospice and to congratulate the team on their ride you can donate here.