Coast to Coast for St Mary's

We would like to thank Charlie Raine for embarking on a Coast to Coast cycle venture with the aim to raise funds for St Mary's Hospice. The following is an account from Charlie of his trip from Walney Island to Whitby:

I was asked if I would like to join a group of friends from Market Rasen Round Table, who were organising a bike ride to raise funds for a local charity. I decided to take up the challenge and take the opportunity to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston.

I chose to raise money for St Mary’s because of the care my Grandma, Celia Raine, received during her illness. The date was set for 13-15 September. There were nine riders and three people providing support.

Day 1 – 38 miles

We started out from Sandy Gap beach, Walney. The sun was shinning, water bottles filled and tyres checked. We all dipped our back wheels in the sea before hitting the road. Our route was to take us along the coast road to Ulverston, through to Newby Bridge before heading north towards Windermere. We then turned east passing through Crook ending in Kendal. The first day was completed with only one puncture.

Day 2 – 78 miles

An early start out of Kendal to Osmotherly, North Yorkshire. We took an easterly route through Sedbergh, Hawes and Leyburn before arriving at Osmotherly. This was our longest day on the bike at 78 miles. After a long climb out of Kendal we were soon approaching Sedbergh. Unfortunately I fell victim to a Land Rover who failed to notice that there were eight cyclists on the road and proceeded to knock me off my bike. My dad picked up my bike checked it was alright then asked if I was ok. Sore, battered and bruised I continued on my way.

Day 3 – 35 miles

We had an early start from the Hostel at Osmotherly. The day started with grey clouds, which soon turned to rain. Counting down the miles to the finish in Whitby, we continued to push on across the moors. The rain finally eased as we approached Whitby, making the final few hills a little easier. We all regrouped for our final mug of tea and a Hob Nob biscuit, before a 5 mile run, downhill to Whitby Harbour.

Our reward after 151 miles on the road was lunch at “The Magpie” fish and chip restaurant.

I was able to raise £170 for St Mary’s Hospice, it was exhausting and painful at times but an enjoyable weekend. Would I do it again? Yes.