The Trans-Pennine Way is 215 miles consisting of various tracks such as disused railways and roads; making it mostly traffic free. It runs coast to coast, starting in Southport and ending at Hornsea. John Sprague’s idea was to cycle it and raise money for the DST Welfare Fund which supports local projects and welfare issues. I had been looking for a challenge to celebrate my 40th year, so I volunteered and persuaded my husband to too! The team, made up from various sections of DST, were of mixed abilities and ages, including a husband and wife team on a tandem! After lots of training, on 27 August 2010, the big day arrived and the team set off after a quick group photo gathered by the official start.
We cycled from Southport to Liverpool, then to Stockport followed by Penistone, via the Woodhead Pass (known for being particularly tough) and on through Hull on the final day via the Humber Bridge. We then travelled along the old railway line that leads directly to the seafront where everyone crossed the finish line together. This was a fantastic moment and after everyone had cheered, clapped and made speeches there was a dash to the nearest kiosk for a well deserved ice-cream!
The team would like to say thank you to CSSC for their support and to all the people who sponsored and encouraged us. Also a big thank you to Pete Durrant for getting us to Southport in one piece and to Dave Round for driving the Support Lorry. Strangely this experience hasn’t put people off and we are looking for the next challenge, London to Paris perhaps? Personally I think all that fresh air has gone to their heads!
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