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Jun 2021
On Thursday 24th June an R&G Fluid Power team set off to ride the challenging Coast to Coast route from Lytham to Scarborough. The 154-mile route would see them take on 7,500ft of climbing over two days with an overnight stop in Harrogate.
The four riders were Chris Ford, Phil Rogerson, Scott Baker and Colin McGlue. Their aim was to take on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. This charity was a very personal choice for the team, with one team member seeing how this neurological condition has massively impacted a close friend’s life. Hopefully fundraising efforts like this will help Parkinson’s UK find a cure.
Starting near R&G headquarters in Preston, the team set out from Lytham on day 1 to ride 83miles and climb 5,456ft to get over the Pennines. Chris and Phil managed to get an early start, stopping for breakfast at 7.30am when they were already 24 miles in! Pendle Hill was the big challenge for day 1 but luckily the weather was on their side with sunny conditions and a slight tail wind – they wouldn’t be so lucky on day 2.
After an overnight stop in Harrogate, the team were all smiles as they set off for day 2. Unfortunately, the British weather tried to dampen their spirits with rain and a head wind to contend with. On paper day 2’s route looked easier with only 68miles and 1,750ft of climbing but the hills on the final approach to Scarborough were an unexpected battle.
Riding as a team, with no-one hitting out for ‘the win’, they arrived in Scarborough injury free – well apart from Scott’s pride which took a dent when he fell over in standing traffic when he couldn’t get his feet unclipped! A fantastic achievement for all, especially Phil who hadn’t ridden a bike since he was young and had only done a couple of 20-mile practice rides.
The team have been overwhelmed by the support they have received for this ride.
Thanks go to Pete Rigby for driving the support vehicle and keeping everyone topped up with food and drink.
The support along the route was heart-warming as well. At a number of places when they stopped to refuel, they were given food or had it discounted by 50%. Added to this they received random donations from people they met.
Finally, a huge thank you to every one who has sponsored the team. At the time of posting this news story we have raised over £5,500 for Parkinson’s UK.
