Saddle up for a journey to find your fit new self (From York Press)

Saddle up for a journey to find your fit new self

12:05pm Monday 23rd January 2012 in Health & Wellbeing By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

IS THAT bike you got for Christmas still in the garage waiting for better weather? Perhaps you have an old racer in the back of the shed or even a rusty shopper, complete with a wicker basket and bell, languishing unloved at the bottom of the garden?

For anyone looking for a reason to get fit and take on a challenge in 2012, it might be time to get out the oil can and the puncture repair kit and get back on two wheels.

This summer will see the second Ride for the North challenge – a 220-mile bike ride from Ripley Castle near Harrogate to the gates of Holyrood Palace in the heart of Edinburgh.

The challenge, which begins on July 5, is not only suitable for people who don’t usually ride bikes, it positively encourages them to take part, promising a gentle but challenging three-day ride up to the Scottish capital.

The event returns after proving hugely popular last year and raising thousands of pounds for the work of the children’s charity Barnardo’s.

One of those who took to the roads for last year’s ride was 62-year-old Stewart Allinson, who very nearly missed the event following an accident after getting back into the saddle following an absence of three-decades.

Stewart, from Harrogate, said: “I think the last time I got on a bike was 30 years ago.

“Apart from tootling around the roads when the kids were young I haven’t done any cycling.”

He said he decided to take on the challenge simply because of a love of Edinburgh, where he is a regular visitor.

“I’m very keen on Edinburgh and that caught my eye. Harrogate to Holyrood had a nice ring to it,” he said.

“I found a bike I liked and rode it for a few days. The shop let me hire it then knocked the charge off when I bought it.

“However, when I was riding it back home I was in an accident and ended up in intensive care.”

While recovering from his injuries, Stewart contacted Julie Patmore, who organises the event, to tell her what had happened.

“I expected her to say ‘leave it until next year’ but she just said ‘come and join in’.”

Julie said last year’s challenge saw a team of 27 riders successfully complete the course, raising more than £30,000 for Barnardo’s.

“Cycling is growing in popularity every year, and you see more and more people out on their bikes in York and around the county,” she said.

“This is a great challenge to work towards. It’s great to have a fitness goal especially at the start of a New Year and you’ll find it much easier to motivate yourself especially if you get a friend to sign up with you as well so that you can train together.

“The ride is quite hilly, so you will need to train, but remember you’ve got all day and there’ll be plenty of rest stops along the way.

“It’s great fun too, as you share the experience with other riders, spur each other on when the going gets tough and share a well-earned drink and a few laughs at the end of each day.”

Stewart agreed, describing the three-day trip as “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “The hardships actually made it worthwhile. On the second day we were cycling through rain and hail.

“We couldn’t hear anything because of the noise of the hail on our helmets.

“But I met a lot of people who had never done anything like this before and I still keep in touch with them.”

Indeed the experience had such an impact on Stewart he admitted he had since joined a cycling club in North Yorkshire.

The ride itself, according to the organisers, takes in stunning countryside, passing through North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders before the final glorious descent into Edinburgh.

Julie said the route took in quiet roads and there were breaks every 15 miles or so to make each stage manageable, with food and drinks available through the day.

“In the evenings we stay in friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts ensuring everyone has plenty of chance to recuperate and share the day’s experiences, which is great fun, and prepare for the next day,” she said.

For a registration form and information pack, phone Julie on 07803 037439 or email julie@xceedevents.co.uk

To find out more about Barnardo’s projects in the area, visit barnardos.org.uk

What charity cash achieves

THE funds raised will help support the work of Barnardo’s, which believes in the potential in every child and young person no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through.

Barnardo’s runs more than 800 UK projects, including 45 services in the Yorkshire region, that transform the lives of more than 190,000 children and young people every year.

Their work includes fostering and adoption services and support, helping children break free from sexual exploitation, supporting young carers, and helping children who are living in poverty.