Preston Pedals Cyclists Ride 60 Miles Manchester to Blackpool Charity Ride

Seven keen cyclists from Preston Pedals – Shanaz, Sandi, Sam, Fran, Andy, John and Jo – met at 5.45am on a hot Sunday morning in July to get the minibus with our bikes to the start of the ride at Salford Quays. It was already 20 degrees! After a bike check we set out from the Quays at 7:30 am starting the 60 mile cycle ride to Blackpool, through greater Manchester towns and villages.

We were in great form and managed to stay together as a group for most of the journey, stopping for official breaks, stretching, water refills and much needed snacks – thanks to Sam for the chocolate limes and Shanaz for the cashew nuts which kept us going. The route was well planned, and we passed through lovely countryside with good signposts to prevent us getting lost – and car drivers were mainly considerate and patient to the 2000 cyclists undertaking the challenge.

It was a great relief to get to Preston and feel that we were in familiar cycling territory. The hill at Kirkham proved to be the hardest section for all of us – but we ploughed on to the coastal cycle path to Lytham and the very welcome sight of Blackpool Tower, and the Glitter Ball in the distance. We finished the ride at about 3.00pm, and a few of us enjoyed a delicious ice cream clutching our medals. It was a quiet journey back in the minibus to Preston, as we reflected on the highlights of the journey.

What a great achievement for us all, and it was amazing to be cycling with such a supportive group, encouraging each other to keep on pedaling-we felt quite emotional getting through the finish line and joining the other cyclists at the end. It was baking hot all day, and we all got a tan and looked forward to relaxing baths and showers and a very early night and good sleep. It was, we all agreed a great day to remember, a fantastic memory for life!

Many thanks to our very helpful driver Iman who arranged our bikes in the minibus and brought us all safely back to Preston. Thanks so much to Preston Pedals for funding to make the minibus possible.