Pendle News Room

People are being urged to get on their bikes and join the cycle challenge to cover the world distance of 18,000 miles by cycling around the Steven Burke cycle track in Nelson.
“The unique fundraiser was inspired by long-distance British cyclist Mark Beaumont who cycled around the world in 78 days,”explained Tricia.

“But we’re aiming to do it in 24 hours and one experienced challenge cyclist, Stuart Rider, is planning to cycle for the full 24 hours,” she said.

The Council has teamed up with Go Velo, a Pendle cycling organisation which offers cycle training and activities across Lancashire, for the unique fundraiser in aid of Pendleside Hospice.
Tricia said:

“I’m confident that together we can do it and clock up thousands of pounds for the Hospice.
“It’s all on the level and it’s not a race,” she stressed.

Transponders fitted to every bike will count the miles.

Kirsti Grayson of Go Velo said:

“We’re urging people to come and cycle some circuits and bring their friends and families.

“We have live music to keep cyclists and spectators entertained and there are refreshments, too,” she added.

Details on how to take part and a link to the music gig list are on www.pendle.gov.uk/cycling.

There is a minimum contribution of £5 towards Pendleside Hospice which cyclists pay on arrival.

“By doing 16 laps you’ll be contributing 10 miles towards the 18,000 world distance but every lap counts,” she explained.

“If you haven’t a bike or a helmet we can provide them,” she said.

The aptly named Stuart Rider has just moved into Pendle and plans to cycle the full 24 hours at the event.
No stranger to cycling challenges, he has already cycled the Leeds and Liverpool canal route both ways in 27 hours.

And he’s completed the Everest distance with 19 hours of non-stop cycling, raising £1,000 for charity.

Stuart says:

“The toughest part of the challenge for me will be between 2am and 3am - it’s what I call the witching hour.  

“If I can get through that hour I should be good to complete the full distance and I’ll be sharing my experience with some Facebook live videos,” he explained.

He won’t be alone overnight as at least eight teams and also 20 individual riders will be cycling the twelve hour challenge from 10.30pm Friday 21 September until 10.30am Saturday 22nd September including a team from Pettys led by keen cyclist Ian Bythell.

And Pendle Council’s Leader, Councillor Paul White, will be bringing a team of six from his Wise Owl Creative marketing agency.
Despite being lined up for a heart operation in two weeks, Paul has been given the all clear to do part of the 12 hour stint!
Paul said:  “I’m looking forward to taking part in the challenge and our team hopes to raise £1,000 for Pendleside Hospice. 

“I’m feeling fit, I will be able to do my bit for Pendleside Hospice, a great charity with a special place in our hearts recently at Wise Owl”.

And eight or more staff from Pendle Council will be taking part by cycling some circuits towards the world distance.

Pendle Council and Go Velo have organised the event with support from Cycle Development Pendle Partnership and people and clubs in Pendle’s cycling community.
Teams and individuals signed up for the 12 hour challenge include: 
Barnfield
Petty
PM+M
Anderton Bosonnet
Cobble
Go Velo x 2 teams
Handelsbanken