Pendle News Room

Over 500 people took part in the fundraiser which took place on the Steven Burke cycle track overnight from Friday 21 September until Saturday 22 September.

Pendle Council teamed up with Go Velo, a Pendle cycling organisation, for the event which was inspired by long-distance British cyclist Mark Beaumont who cycled around the world in 78 days.

Organiser Tricia Wilson from Pendle Council said:
“Cyclists of all ages took part including 150 schoolchildren from Pendle’s primary schools. 

“And over seventy people took part in the 12 hour overnight part of the challenge including teams from local businesses. 

Challenge cyclist Stuart Rider spent over 16 hours in the saddle and cycled 268 miles, raising over £360 for Pendleside Hospice.

“It was a great achievement,” said Tricia.
“It was brilliant and wonderful to see so many people on bikes and everyone made a difference.

“The whole event was a great team building exercise as well as a unique fundraiser for the Hospice,” she added.

Co-organiser Kirsti Grayson of Go Velo said:
“We didn’t complete the world distance due to the bad weather on Friday night which put some people off.

“But as part of the 500 riders who took part, 250 people came down individually to cycle some laps during the 24 hours.

 Together we cycled well over 10,000 miles – about the distance from Colne to Tasmania!

 “We aim to make the attempt on the full world distance again next year – picking a time in midsummer when there’ll be more light and it will be warmer,” she said.

“Go Velo and Pendle Council want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part, including great local bands who kept things upbeat.

“And we’re grateful to Asda and Booths who provided 500 bananas to keep our cyclists powering on overnight.

Other cyclists who took part in the event include Pendle Council’s Leader, Councillor Paul White. 

Paul cycled on a tandem alongside his colleagues from Wise Owl Creative, despite being lined up for a heart operation soon.
His team cycled over 220 miles and raised more than £1,100.

Paul said:
“I was feeling pretty emotional at the end because one of my employees and friends who cycled with us had looked after his mum at Pendleside Hospice and she sadly passed away last week.

“He cycled with absolute determination all night and I’m incredibly proud of him,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the Pendle Council staff and Kirsti and the Go Velo team for putting on what was an incredible event.  I hope it becomes a regular feature,” he added.
Pendle Council’s Planning Manager Neil Watson also cycled through the night, clocking up 75 miles alongside other Council staff who took up the challenge.