Chris Armstrong, his Dad (Mark) and Uncle (Richard) completed the C2C on the weekend of 1st July to raise money for Chris to volunteer in Ghana on behalf of Project Trust (http://www.projecttrust.org.uk). Chris will be teaching English and extra-curricular activities in Liati-Agbonyra Junior School.
The cycle ride started 11am Saturday morning at Whitehaven. The first 30 miles to Keswick were estimated to take 2 ½ hours but Whinlatter Pass proved to be a tough hill to beat and the journey took 3 ½ hours. Lunch was taken at Keswick followed by a 28 mile race across to Langwathby – some beautiful views of the Lake District.
The stopover point for Saturday night was only 18 miles away at Garrighill, so spirits were high, until they reached Hartside Pass – this is a long steep hill rising over 1600 feet in a few miles. To make matters worse, the temperatures dropped dramatically near the top of the Pass and visibility decreased to only a few feet. This was hard work climbing to the top but rewarded with a 5 mile descent into their bed & breakfast at Garrighill.
Sunday morning was cloudy and cool as the 3 riders climbed aboard their cycles and headed out of Garrighill. The road out of the village appeared quite flat until you turn right and are greeted with a 500m hill with a gradient of 1 in 3 – not a recommended way to start a Sunday morning!!! After 500m, the angle of descent decreases very slightly for the next 1 mile. A steep climb is always rewarded with a descent but the descents never last as long as the climbs.
The next climb out of Nenthead was long and tiring but this was followed by a long slow descent into Allenheads – a welcome rest from climbing the hills of the Pennines. The final steep hill on the C2C is around Stanhope where a new off-road section has been opened up through the beautiful countryside – unfortunately it is a steep ascent for 2 miles that breaks your back – most sensible people walk their bikes up this but we were up for the challenge.
The final 32 miles from Consett to Sunderland are relatively flat compared to the Lake District and Pennines and the cyclists eventually dipped their wheels in the North Sea at 4pm on Sunday. Thanks to Amanda and Stan for their excellent backup support.
Thank you to everybody who has sponsored the event and for those who would still like to donate, the link is http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/christopherjarmstrong
