Back on Friday 10th of June myself, James my parents & James parents made the trip across to Whitehaven to stay the night. We decided to drive across some of our planned route to see what would be in store for us the next day. This turned out to be a bad idea, as we drove down Hartside in particular we found it hard to imagine having to climb this the following day on a bike.
Arriving at our over night stay in Whitehaven we checked into our rooms and even though it was late we decided we needed a little time to unwind and headed for the hotel bar for a stiff orange juice before hitting the pillow. During the hour or so in the bar with our parents we discussed the route further and made some finer adjustments to the pre planned route. We decided to plan a slightly more direct route to limit the miles as much as possible.
I awoke bleary eyed at 6.30am on Saturday 11th June after a restless nights sleep in the hotel. I couldn't help but feel extremely nervous and anxious at the days task that lay ahead. James was still snoozing at the other side of the room.
I flicked the kettle on for a brew, made two bowls of porridge and gave James a shout.
We didn't waste much time getting ready in our room. I think all we both wanted to do was just get out on the road and on our way.
So around about 7.15am we arrived at Whitehaven Marina and made our preparations ready for the off. Bikes put together, tyres inflated, parts lubed, pockets loaded with quick releasing carbohydrates and bottles water bottles filled.
It was now time for all the pre start photos posing next to the C2C start sign.
At roughly 7.30am we eventually began to roll out of Whitehaven Marina heading for the main dual carriage way towards Cockermouth.
I was feeling extremely tense and stiff within the first few miles, a strange feeling that I hadn't felt before on a bike. James suggested a quick early stop to stretch off and try to loosen up. We pulled over just outside Whitehaven and had 5minutes stretch.
Before reaching Cockermouth we turned and headed for Keswick, taking a beautiful road alongside one of the many large lakes. The plan was to have our first stop to re-fuel just outside of Keswick with my parents meeting us with their car in support.
We made very fast time to Keswick from Whitehaven and could of continued on longer but we decided to stop anyway and have a longer spell before the next stop.
After stopping just outside Keswick the next stage of the journey would take us along the A66 all the way to Penrith. This was a slightly monotonous part of the challenge, the dual carriage way just seemed to drag on for ever. This stretch consisted of little climbs that were more difficult than they seemed followed by nice long fast descents.
Again we made quick work of this stretch and we soon found ourselves in Penrith for our next agreed rendezvous with our support team of parents.
It was discussed that the next stretch ahead of us was likely to be the most difficult as it would involve the long climb of Hartside Pass to break over the Pennines. We decided to allow ourselves more time on this section as our average speed would drop dramatically for the climb of Hartside. It was arranged that we would stop next at Hartside Cafe after conquering the climb.
After the tough climb of Hartside it was decided to take a good long break within he cafe. Hartside was a fantastic climb, now one of my favourite climbs. It is not that steep but it's gentle gradient just continues on for over 7 miles. We tackled the climb by getting into a good rhythm and staying seated. There was always something to aim for as mountain bikers began to join the climb. Myself a James climbed very well and soon found ourselves spinning past a lot of other riders all the way to the top.
A good hours break in the cafe with a coffee and pastries was well earned.
Upon leaving Hartside the weather which had started the day glorious had now turned and rain was beginning to fall. We wrapped up warm and prepared ourselves for the quick descent into Alston. The descent was fantastic, we found ourselves topping speeds of over 50mph with cars struggling to match our pace behind.
After a quick descent we soon found ourselves in the village of Alston and a stiff little climb up the cobbles and out the other side heading for St John's Chapel and the stiffest climb of the day.
The rest of the ride seemed to be a bit of a blur, once we gad climbed off the Pennines and passed the Country Durham signs we knew we were near enough home. The weather was taking a turn for the worse again and the rain got quite heavy a one point. Af
Gain we made quick time and flew along the long stretch of A689 from Stanhope to Crook.
At Crook we turned for Bishop Aukland staying on the A689. We headed on through Bishop Aukland to Newton Aycliffe and to the A1. We had a long stop again just outside of Newton Acliffe to re-charge my phone battery. My phone was tracking the ride but the mapping had failed just outside of Bishop Aukland due to a low battery. The next big milestone for us both was crossing the A1 on the A689.
We now knew that within the hour we would be arriving on Hartlepool Marina after successfully completing our ride. Above the A1 on the A689 roundabout we had a boost as a fellow roadie from Middlesbrough was joining us to help lift us through the last 20 miles. Paul who had be tracking our progress on twitter commented on how well we were doing. He also commented that he couldn't believe the pace we were still setting over 100miles into the ride.
The next 20 miles were fast, I got a second wind and felt good so I pulled the now three of us along at 20mph into Hartlepool and into the finish.
Arriving at our finishing on the Marina myself and James congratulated each other on our achievements before crossing the line. We had achieved something that not many people have attempted to do before. Completing the crossing from Whitehaven to Hartlepool in one day and in under 10 hours. Our ride time on the bikes was 7.30 hours with average of around 16mph for he whole ride.
We had pushed ourselves to our limits but all for a great cause.
We both really enjoyed the experience and have completed a challenge to be proud of.
Our total money raised currently stands at £640, money is still being collected as we speak so it is not too late to donate. If you haven't already please do so.
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