Coast-to-Coast in a Day

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/8/2/event_189605762.jpegThe Challenge:

The Coast-to-Coast is an iconic route cycled by hundreds of people every year, usually over 3 or 4 days. At 140 miles in length with 3400 metres of ascent, the route begins on the west coast of Cumbria at Whitehaven (Irish Sea) and finishes on the north east coast at Tynemouth (North Sea).

But how about doing it in just 1 day?

That is the challenge that Guy Rands, Director of ConceptX CIC, is undertaking on Saturday 17th August 2013 and he is looking for anyone crazy/courageous/ambitious/fit enough (delete as applicable) to join him on this adventure. The route is ideal for road bikes with a mixture of B-roads and tarmac cycle paths, though you could use an appropriately modified hybrid (or a mountain bike if you fancy a real challenge!). You may want to complete it individually or opt to complete it as part of a team; for example, a team of four with each rider cycling 35 miles.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/5/d/8/event_189605592.jpegIt is important to remember that every rider will be responsible their own welfare and safety throughout – this is not a sportive or 'managed event' – so you will need to be confident at riding independently. To help you prepare, Guy will be providing written guidance about the challenge and delivering a workshop on long-distance riding in the spring of 2013 that will look at kit, clothing and nutrition.

The Cause:

Concerned by growing levels of inactivity and obesity in UK school-age children as well as the lack of organised outdoor sporting events for young people, Deputy Headteacher Guy Rands established a Community Interest Company (CIC) called ConceptX CIC in 2012 to address this.

Akin to a charity, a CIC is a limited company with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct activities for community benefit, and not for private advantage. The aim of ConceptX CIC is to organise ‘not-for-profit’ events that inspire and challenge people of all ages and abilities to get outside and exercise in the natural spaces around them.

Examples include a Duathlon for 14-18 year olds in Cheshire’s Marbury Country Park, Mountain-Bike Orienteering for ‘Dads and Lads’ in Delamere Forest and a 1km Open-Water Swimming Sportive for women at Manley Mere near Chester. Given the strong correlation between regular exercise and improved mental health, Guy is determined to provide opportunities for people to take on physical challenges that will motivate them to change their lives for the better.

To take part in the Coast-to-Coast in 1 day, Guy is asking for each rider to make a £60 contribution, which will provide funding to ConceptX CIC to continue to stage these ‘not-for-profit’ events. As a CIC, the assets and profits of ConceptX CIC must be dedicated, by law, to this purpose. Guy is the single, non-salaried Director of ConceptX CIC, and is taking no pecuniary or material benefit from the business in any way. To learn more about how a CIC must operate click here (http://www.bis.gov.uk/cicregulator).

Of course, you may want to raise money for a charity of your own choice and Guy would be more than happy to provide any support that you need to do this.

The Offering:

This is not a ‘managed’ event or sportive so every rider must be self-sustaining, taking responsibility for their own arrangements and welfare throughout the ride.

That said, along with the knowledge that your £60 contribution will be used to the benefit of others, Guy Rands will be offering the following:

Route files (.gps, .tcx) for use on Garmin and other routing devices; Route information including places to eat along the way; Advice on what kit to take; Advice on what to do in case of breakdown or injury; Access to a mid-point ‘refresh station’ where riders can get a change of clothes and top up with their own food and drinks; Training plans, particularly useful for those new to long-distance riding; Workshop (provisionally March or April 2013) to offer face-to-face advice on preparing for and completing long-distance rides; Facility to contact Guy directly via email (guyrands@me.com) to answer any questions and help you complete the challenge; Preferential booking rates on accommodation in Newcastle; Organised get-together in Newcastle on the afternoon of Sunday 18th August 2013 to celebrate completion of the ride.

The list above is not exhaustive. For example, there may be support drivers available but no rider should expect this on the day or plan with this in mind. Moreover, one advantage of booking through meetup.com is that you will instantly have access to the names of those taking part in the ride - you can therefore directly contact other people to arrange training rides.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/5/e/2/event_189605602.jpegAbout The Organiser:

Over the last twenty years, Guy has undertaken a number of long-distance rides, runs, walks, swims and triathlons and so he understands the challenges that preparing for and completing an event like this presents. In recent months, he has recognised the value in extending his own planning and learning for these events to the benefit of others who want to undertake such challenges.

As the founding director of ConceptX CIC, Guy is determined to create even more opportunities for people, particularly youth, to get involved in outdoor exercise in the beautiful environments that the UK has to offer.