We've reached the stage where the countdown to Cycle Challenge 2015 is measured in days rather than weeks (20 days to go when this blog post was written). Realistically that gives us a little over two weeks to get some serious miles into our legs and some time in the saddle.
This weekend saw a change in our routine with a switch from a Sunday ride to a Saturday ride. This was dictated by the weather forecast which was awful for Sunday.
It's reassuring to know that all the nasty stuff is getting out of our way before we set off on May 23rd.
The chosen route was a trip across the Tyne to South Shields then down the coastal path to Roker with a visit to Fausto Coffee, a newly opened, cycle friendly, coffee stop.
The success of Cycle Challenge 2015 will depend on a number of factors. Everyone completing the ride and having fun along the way is guaranteed but of course, our aim is to raise as much money as we can for our chosen charity, Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care.
All Backpedalers will have sponsor forms for collecting donations. There is also be a large version on display in the Delaval Arms.
In order to collect Gift Aid, which adds 25% to the value of the donation, it is important that donors provide their name, their house number (or house name), the first line of their address and their post code.
An alternative to a sponsor form is the Virgin Money Giving online system used by Daft As A Brush. Seaton Sluice Backpedalers have their own page up and running and ready to receive donations.
Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care have eighteen people carriers which they use to transport patients to and from their hospital appointments.
Each people carrier is sponsored by a local school and has a name chosen by the children.We thought it would be a good idea to assign a people carrier name to each Backpedaler so that we can identify more closely with the work of Daft As A Brush. Names were drawn out of a hat in an open and transparent manner (honestly!).
Last night Backpedalers met in the Delaval Arms to get an update on Cycle Challenge 2015. Everything is going to plan with transport, accommodation and restaurants all booked. We have a sponsor for our cycling shirts and t-shirts have been supplied by Daft As A Brush.
Jean Ross and Brian Burnie of Daft As A Brush were present to meet the team and Brian took the opportunity to tell us a little more about the work and future plans of the charity he founded.
One Backpedaler posted on their Facebook page:
"Had a very inspirational meeting with the founder of daft as a brush ... Can safely say what a deserving charity to be doing the ride for."
It's fair to say that's how everyone at the meeting felt.
2015 has arrived and it promises to be an interesting year for the Backpedalers. Top of the agenda is Cycle Challenge 2015. On 23rd May we will be leaving Edinburgh on the Coast and Castles cycle route and cycling 186 miles to the Delaval Arms over three days. As well as meeting a formidable physical challenge (and having fun), Backpedalers will be raising funds for local charity Daft As A Brush.
Fund raising is already underway with collection boxes in place on the bar in the Delaval Arms.
Other fund raising activities are in the pipe line and details will be announced in due course.
The Drift Cafe at Cresswell has, in a very short space of time, established itself as one of the Backpedalers' favourite watering holes.
When we cycle North we either head for Newbiggin or Cresswell. Although Bertorelli's at Newbiggin is an excellent cafe they don't do bacon sandwiches and this is where the Drift Cafe has the edge even though it adds ten miles to the trip.
The cafe is located on the north side of the village and the Coast and Castles Cycle Route (NCN1) passes right outside the front door. A feature of the cafe is its extensive menu.
Normally we opt for a bacon and egg sandwich but the specials on the menu always look interesting.
Three Backpedalers called in at the Gosforth Headquarters of Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care to discuss our decision to support the charity as part of our Cycle Challenge 2015.
Brian Burnie, the founder of the charity, was present and was keen to explain the importance of the work they do. We didn't need much convincing but it made us realise that we'd made the right choice when selecting them as the charity we'd raise funds for.
The weekend of 23rd - 25th May 2015 will see Seaton Sluice Backpedalers undertake their third long distance cycle ride. The chosen route is from Edinburgh to Seaton Sluice along the Coast & Castles cycle path following National Route 1, a total distance of 186 miles.
The breakdown is as follows:
Day 1 - Edinburgh to Melrose, 55 miles.
Day 2 - Melrose to Purdy Lodge, 69 miles.
Day 3 - Purdy Lodge to Seaton Sluice, 62 miles.
According to the Coast & Castles Guide, this is the wrong way round. Most people start in Newcastle and finish in Edinburgh. The reasoning is:
- The prevailing wind is likely to be south to north, and
- Edinburgh is a nicer place to finish than Seaton Sluice!
The first point is highly debatable. As regular cyclists in the north-east of England we are aware of trends in wind direction and are prepared to take our chance. If we're cycling into a head wind we'll get our heads down and get on with it. As regards the second point, what could be better than arriving home to a welcome from friends, families and supporters? Judging from our previous experience, the Delaval Arms is a pretty good place to finish.
