20th April 2017
Four intrepid cyclists will take on one of the UK’s toughest cycle challenges to raise money for Cumbria Community Foundation.
Dubbed Scotland’s Route 66, the North Coast 500 runs from Inverness, to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast, via the rugged north coast to John O’Groats, before heading down the east coast, completing the loop in Inverness.
Led by Richard Lancaster, head of the Penrith branch of Handelsbanken, the four cyclists aim to complete the journey in six days. Saddling up alongside Richard will be Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Community Foundation, Simon Peet, who up until recently owned Jim Peet (Agriculture) Limited, and Steve Aynsley, Director of Shot2Go.
The team have called themselves The Cumbrian Proclaimers and will cycle a minimum of 80 miles each day and ascend to heights greater than Mount Everest.
Andy Beeforth said: “This is by far the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on. I’ve never ridden 80 miles in a day before, so the thought of doing that day after day for six days is very daunting. I’m hugely grateful to Richard, Simon and Steve for their support. The money raised will boost our grant making in support of some the most disadvantaged people in the county.”
Richard Lancaster said: “This is going to be a real challenge but when you think of the people and communities in Cumbria who will benefit from the money we are raising it makes it all very worthwhile. We really hope sponsors will get behind us to help us reach the target we have set. As a bank who works at the heart of communities throughout Cumbria, Handelsbanken is very proud to continue our support of Cumbria Community Foundation through the challenge of the North Coast 500.”
The four riders have set the ambitious target of raising £20,000 and are self-funding the trip. They have also received sponsorship in the form of reduced cost motorhome hire from GSKMotorhomes, and essential spares and a spare bike, provided by Wheelbase of Staveley.
All money raised will be used to make grants through the Foundation Grants Programme, which awards more than £150,000 each year and has supported activities such as Home to Work’s unemployment project, Carlisle Mencap’s sports development programme, South Lakeland Carers dementia support group, Shap Community CIO’s redevelopment, and support to victims of abuse through The Birchall Trust.
To sponsor the riders, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/cumbrianproclaimers
To keep up to date with their challenge visit their Facebook page.