Setting off from Preston

Preston to Walsingham 26 – 28 June 2018 

Day 1

I set off from the new SPUC Northern Office in Preston in perfect cycling weather. This was the beginning of a challenge that I had thought about many times. Now I had a reason to rise to that challenge; the plight of unborn babies and their mothers under the new threat of giving abortions pills to be taken at home.

The first day presented the hilly part of the journey and I pushed off with feelings of trepidation as to what lay ahead.My first break was at a greasy spoon café in Hollingworth. I had a lively discussion with the café owner on pro-life issues. By the time I said goodbye, the proprietress felt inspired to give me a free can of Fanta to help me on my way.

My free drink certainly helped me over the next hill. The A628 had loomed in my mind as the ‘disaster’ road. With only one lane each way, the heavy traffic, in particular the lorries, pose particular problems for the cyclist. However, the road was well surfaced which meant that I could avoid the traffic, particularly the lorries, by hugging the edge.

Day 1 ended at Millhouse Green near Penistone in South Yorkshire. I stayed at a lovely B & B, where I was grateful for a pot of tea on my arrival. Four cups restored me, along with a glance at my bike speedo which showed I had clocked up over 60 miles.

Day 2

Another day of wonderful weather dawned. I began by repairing a puncture and pumped up my tyre with the help of the kind B & B owner.

My route on 27th took me through Barnsley, Doncaster and Gainsborough. I skirted Lincoln and passed by a number of RAF bases. At this point the surface of the roads was melting in the heat.

Day 3

I left Boston on yet another beautiful day. After cycling through Kings Lynn, I took in the outer edge of the Sandringham estate. The A148 took me on my way to Fakenham and from there on the B1105 to Little Walsingham.

My journey’s end showed 237 miles on my speedo, slightly longer than originally planned to avoid some of the busiest A roads. Long-standing SPUC supporters Barbara and Donald Smethurst looked after me in Walsingham. Donald took me to the station to catch my train home.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. It was a great experience which I really enjoyed, made all the more worthwhile knowing I was helping to raise funds for the cause so dear to my heart.

Thank you very much,

Tony

 If you'd like to support Tony, you can still donate on this page: 200 Mile Cycle Ride: 2018 sponsored event