The ride began in Whitehaven in Cumbria on Saturday and finished in Sunderland on Monday – a total distance of 136 miles. This year (this is the third year), the team encountered more challenges than in previous rides, namely the extreme wet weather on the first day, a headwind and intermittent rain on the second day and having to re-arrange overnight accommodation on the second day (due to a mix up with the B&B booking). Trying to find accommodation for 9 people on a bank holiday Monday afternoon for the same day was no easy feat, but luckily somewhere to sleep was found at the last minute.
Again, the team represented almost all the departments within TeleWare and raised a considerable amount for various charities including: Help for Heroes, Diabetes UK, Marie Curie, The heart ward at James Cook hospital, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support.
It was the first time 4 of the team had undertaken the ride and all thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the rain!).
After a well-deserved rest the TeleWare Cycle Team will be considering the route for next year’s challenge! (watch this space).
The team consisted of:
Ray Upson
Mark Carman
Peter Hinton
Ian Smith
Graeme Lythe
Gareth Powell
Andy Valentine
Elrien Bainbridge
Sue Jackson