CityFibre Cycle Tour - September 2016

The call went out in July to all staff for volunteers for Cycling event following the collapse of the August ‘St Helens Mud Run’ due to funding issues. Whilst 2 months may have been short notice to get fit for this sort of event we had good interest, but over time the numbers were whittled down to just 5 (like the Spice Girls but probably better voices). These 5 chaps being, Joe O’Gara, Keith Dawber, Lee Loftus, Peter Hill & Rick Waine. So with our motley crew assembled we need to come up with somewhere to actual ride, the beautiful county of Cheshire was chosen because A. Picturesque B. it’s flat C. most importantly, we are in Cheshire.

The route itself started and finished at the Birchwood in the Warrington Office, taking us through Glazebury, Lymm, Great Budworth with Lunch at the Crown Inn, Goostrey then past Jodrell Bank into Knutsford and Tatton Park (don’t mention Tatton Park!) and finally onto Dunham Massey before the last leg back to the office.

Whilst a massive amount of respect goes out to all riders (even young Joe who broke down at the half way point with a strain or some other lame excuse (sorry Joe), they don’t make em like they used to), I have to focus on the sterling effort made by none other than Keith Dawber. This guy didn’t even own a Bike, hadn’t ridden one for years, yet at 50 years old went and bought a bike (with a large padded saddle) so he could take part. Not only did he finish the grueling 60 miles, he also managed to raise over £1,000!!! doing so despite suffering a life threatening injury (grazed knee).

All told these guys raised a Massive £1657-68 for the Stroke Association.

Next year’s cycling event for the New Charity promises to be much bigger and better but you can guarantee one thing, there’s 5 names already on the list, with one at the top.

Might want to try riding on road tyres next time though Keith, eh?