Whitehaven Cycle Fundraisers
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WCF - A Tour History
Founded in 2002 by John Thompson, it was his aim to raise funds for Mayfield School in Whitehaven. It was his first attempt at such a large scale charity ride and attracted a number of local riders. The route for this 1st event was Whitehaven to Tynemouth following the official C2C route for the majority of the ride. The ride was successfully completed by everyone and it was from this day that annual WCF events were born.
Since 2002 there have been 6 WCF charity events and distances have ranged between 110 & 160 miles.
NOTE: All rides have departed from Mayfield School, Whitehaven.
Year Destination No of Riders Approx Mileage Sponsorship Raised 2002 Tynemouth 15 130 £1200 2003 York 45 155 £3650 2004 Edinburgh 33 155 £2500 2005 Newcastle 25 120 £3000 2006 Liverpool 25 155 £3369 2008 York 41 143 £10130 2009 Edinburgh 28 135 £6700 Totals 993 £30549
Whitehaven – Edinburgh / June 2009
28 riders departed from a wet & windy Mayfield School, Whitehaven at 05:30. The weather forecast was not good. Heavy rain & a north easterly head wind were the order of the day.
An extremely wet 45 miles took the riders through Aspatria, Wigton and eventually Carlisle where the weather conditions began to change. By the time we reached Langholm @ 61 miles we were cold but things were looking up with tea & bacon sandwiches refreshing everyone. Now the uphill part of the route was to begin. The B709 was ideal for cyclists as there was minimal traffic. Long steady climbs with equally long descents took us through Eskdalemuir, Ettrick, Traquair & into Innerleithen. Even some monks from Samye Lings Tibetan Centre gave us a wave as we passed through. The climb out of Innerleithen towards Edinburgh was tough. It was like riding through a wind tunnel for 15 miles. Finally we could see Edinburgh in the distance. Thoughts of a warm shower followed by a pint were enough to spur us on for the final push into the city. Everyone agreed that is was a tough day but after a good meal and a few drinks it was well worth it.
Funds raised were donated to Hospice At Home West Cumbria
Whitehaven – York / June 2008
A starting list of 41 riders departed from Mayfield School, Whitehaven at 05:30 after the customary photo shoot. We were sent on our way to a round of applause from family members and the West Cumbria Branch of Parkinson's Disease Society.
We took a very scenic route through Loweswater heading over Whinlatter pass and on down to Staveley where bacon sandwiches were waiting. At this point the group started to split as people left Staveley at different times. After crossing the M6 near Lambrigg the rain started. We were only 60 miles in at this point and never expected it to last all day. But it did. And it never eased at all for the remaining 83 miles. After being attacked by an Alsatian dog we finally made it to Hawes where the support vans were waiting with some welcome supplies. After a quick refuel we were back on the road. As scenic as the route to Leyburn was, it seemed to pass without notice at the weather conditions had us all just wishing the miles would disappear. About a mile from Middleham we heard a call from the back to stop. One of the team couldn't get his feet unclipped from his pedals and fell right into a ditch at the road side. After picking ourselves up from laughing, it wasn't as funny as we'd first thought. The hedges had just been cut and a thorn had penetrated all bar 1mm through his hand. Fortunately we came across a family of good Samaritans who rendered first aid and managed to continue on our way. Another 3 hours of wind and rain later we finally reached York Youth Hostel where a warm shower was waiting. Everyone had a story to tell about their day and thankfully, despite the conditions, everyone enjoyed it and promised to return next year.
Funds raised were donated to Parkinson's Disease Society (West Cumbria Branch) & The Great North Air Ambulance.
Whitehaven – Liverpool / June 2006
Around 25 riders departed from Whitehaven at 5:30am hoping to reach Liverpool by early evening. On an extremely warm day the route utilising the NCN passed through the Lake District, Kendal and onto Lancaster with lunch at Conder Green. A route skirting the M6 and through the centre of Preston onto Southport enabled most riders to spin some fast miles before a final flat route into Liverpool. A cool beer on the Albert Dock was most welcome, with every rider completing the ride. Accommodation was provided by the YHA (Albert Dock). After a great night out in Liverpool a coach was at hand the next morning to transport all weary riders back to Whitehaven.
Funds raised were donated to The Great North Air Ambulance.
Whitehaven – Millennium Bridge / June 2005
On a day of changeable weather around 25 riders of all abilities cycled a 120 mile route to the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle. This was achieved by all in less than 12 hours cycling time. The route took the riders south of Carlisle, up to Brampton then along the old military road towards Newcastle. The final few miles of the ride were enjoyable for all as they cycled alongside the River Tyne into Newcastle. As with all Whitehaven Cycle Fundraisers Events accommodation in Newcastle had already been pre booked so riders could shower and relax before dining out in the evening. A coach transported all riders back to Whitehaven early next morning.
Funds raised were donated to West Cumberland Hospital Children’s Ward.
Whitehaven – Edinburgh / June 2004
In our wettest ride to date Whitehaven Cycle Fundraisers cycled an enduring 155 miles to the city of Edinburgh. Around 33 riders departed from Whitehaven in the early hours of the morning in cool but dry weather. By the time they reached Edinburgh, they had all had at least one soaking throughout the day. The route took riders through Carlisle, Annan, Moffat & Peebles before a final descent into the city where a hot shower was definitely the order of the day. The Backpackers hostel once again provided our beds for the night, with local hostelries helping to ease our memories of the torrential rain.
Funds raised were donated to West Cumberland Hospital Children’s Ward.
Whitehaven – York / June 2003
In 2003 Whitehaven Cycle Fundraisers cycled around 155 miles in glorious weather to the city of York. Around 45 riders departed from Whitehaven in the early hours of the morning and headed off through the Lake District. After a welcome but belated breakfast in Stavely, it was then on to Sedburgh, Hawes and Leyburn for a well earned pit stop. By the time riders reached York it was early evening with the Backpackers hostel providing our beds for the night. Once washed and changed, many of the 365 public houses in York were frequented.
Funds raised were donated to Mayfield School.
Whitehaven – Tynemouth / June 2002
The very first Whitehaven Cycle Fundraisers event took place in 2002. Around 15 riders completed a 130 mile route to Tynemouth. The route followed much of the C2C cycle route from Whitehaven but some diversions along the way kept those that had already completed the C2C on their pedals. A Sustrans warden was on hand at Gateshead to guide all riders through the final 10 miles and safely into Tynemouth where a waiting minibus and trailer transported all participants back to Whitehaven.
Funds raised were donated to Mayfield School.
