Media centre

Tuesday 22 Apr 2003

SPONSORED CYCLE

Region & Route:

A group of Cumbria signallers will be taking up a sponsored cycle challenge this weekend in the hope of raising funds for their local cancer research unit. Beginning at Settle train station on Saturday 26 April, the fifteen fundraisers, nine of which work for Network Rail, will be attempting to cycle the entire length of the Settle to Carlisle line using nearby roads. Keeping as close to the historic line as possible, the cycle ride is going to be very demanding. The signallers have only allowed themselves two days to complete the 90mile route, with only a number of limited stops. The sponsored cycle ride has been planned so that signallers and their families can enjoy time together throughout the two-day event as well as raise funds for the charity. Each entrant will raise money by donations or sponsorship per mile. The most strenuous part of the two-day event will be cycling up to Dent summit nearly 1650 feet above sea level, but the reward will be the descent to Appleby, the final stop for day one where the group will spend the night thanks to funding by Network Rail. On day two the signallers plan to travel from Appleby to their ultimate destination at Carlisle station. - more - Settle  - 2 Network Rail signaller, Jonathan Thompson said: “This most certainly will be a challenging experience from start to finish. Last year was our first attempt at the ride and it proved such a great success we decided to punish ourselves by taking up the challenge again. We will be carrying out 90 miles of hard cycling while doing our best to have a great time along with raising money for charity.” Between Settle and Carlisle the group will stop at refreshment points where volunteers and publicans will assist the group whilst they build-up their energy levels.