On Friday 2nd May, 8 Year 12 students and 8 members of staff embarked upon the annual Coast to Coast cycle challenge in aid of Asthma UK.

On Friday 2nd May, 8 Year 12 students and 8 members of staff embarked upon the annual Coast to Coast cycle challenge in aid of Asthma UK.  Staff and students travelled to Workington by mini bus where they started the gruelling 134 mile challenge which ended at the marina in Sunderland on Sunday evening.

Prior to the expedition the team had taken part in a training session at Grisedale Forest in the Lake District followed by a local ride to reinforce road safety awareness.  The students had also been attending training sessions in the gym with Mr Cole to prepare for the challenge ahead.

After dipping their wheels in the sea, the team left sunny Workington on Friday afternoon with the Youth Hostel at Keswick firmly in their sights.  30 miles later everyone tucked into a thoroughly deserved evening meal followed by an early night.

After breakfast on Saturday the team were eager to get straight back on their bikes to tackle the next 45 miles.  With enthusiasm and determination everyone managed to reach the top of Hartside summit which is a very steep and difficult section of the expedition.  After a celebratory cup of tea everyone enjoyed the downhill ride to Alston Youth Hostel.

Sunday morning started off wet and the team were keen to set off as soon as possible to face the last day of cycling.  After cycling out of Alston (on cobbles) it was time to focus as the map suggested there were several climbs ahead.  After refuelling at lunch time it was full steam ahead to reach Sunderland.  6 punctures later (!) the team reached their final destination to once again dip their tyres in the sea.

The expedition was a huge success and everyone felt a real sense of achievement.  Mr Cole who organised the event said, "the students were a real credit, they did not complain about any parts of the expedition and everyone finished with a smile on their face." He also thanked the staff for their support, particularly Mr Hargreaves who provided the invaluable mini bus support.

The team are now collecting sponsorship and hope to beat the £2000 that was raised last year.
 
Many thanks to Miss E Bell who submitted this news item.