Slaters Electricals Ltd – Story of our Coast to Coast

Recently a group of 9 from Slaters Electricals Ltd based in Blaydon did a Coast to Coast Cycle ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in aid of Children North East. This is their story.

Day 1 – Whitehaven to Keswick (32 miles)

7 riders and 2 drivers set off from Slaters at 7am, had a Breakfast sandwich then drove over to Whitehave for the start of the Bike Ride.

10.00 am set off from Whitehaven – 145 miles to go. Arranged to meet the van and mini-bus every 10 miles for drinks etc.

Hard climb over Winlatter Pass to Keswick but great visitors centre for drinks and snacks. Arrived in Keswick approx 3.30 pm – 32 miles completed.

Shower and out on the town for a bite to eat and a few liquid refreshments.

Back to the digs for a good nights sleep and up early in the morning.

Day 2 – Keswick to Garrigill (50 miles)

Set off after breakfast approx 9.30am, heading for Penrith, again meeting the van and bus where convenient for drink refills and snacks.

Big climb out of Penrith towards Langwathby, then the climb up Hartside.

Made it up Hartside to the café on the top of the moors for a drink and a bite to eat – quite an achievement pedalling up there.

From Hartside Carfe had a bit of a downhill ride to our second night stay in Garrigill – now completed 82 miles.

Get to Garrigill and stayed on floor of village hall.

Quick shower then off to the 1 pub in the village for a meal and a drink.

Day 3 – Garrigill to Tynemouth (60-63 miles)

Up early, talked the pub round to making us all a breakfast. Set off approx 9.30 am – miserable day.

Three very steep climbs out of Garrigull to Allenheads and Ruckhope. Steep climb out of Ruckhope over the moors to the Derwent Way.

Very disheartening when you think you can see or get to the top only to see another steep climb in front of you – but we did it.

Got onto the Derwent Way and had a nice downhill ride to Derwenthaugh where we crossed over the Scotswood Bridge to the North side of the Tyne.

Then down the edge of the Tyne through the Quayside (didn’t do any bars), past Royal Quays, the Fish Quay then along to Tynemouth to the end of the ride near the Priory (145 miles completed).

We all completed it successfully and felt a great sense of achievement so we had a cheeky beer to celebrate ……!!

All of us are pleased to have been able to help Children North East even though it was a tough and, at times, heartbreaking trip. We all had a good laugh and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We did say that we wouldn’t do it again, but …………………. Who knows?

We would like to thank all the people who supported us in out efforts. Paul Slater, Commercial Director of Slaters Electricals did the bike ride with us and Fiona Slater, Financial Director donated the van and minibus hire costs for the weekend as well as sponsoring all the riders £50 each. All of us paid our own way, digs, food and daily drinks and snacks etc.

All our efforts raised in excess of £1600 for Children North East with more to come.