“It was hell on earth!” But the Cycle4Caroline team, undeterred by Storm Bert, have exceeded £100,000 in their fundraising marathon so far.
The team of legendary equestrians set off from Belsay Castle in less-than-ideal conditions as Storm Bert showed its full force. With safety at the fore, the decision was taken to temporarily abandon the journey south and seek shelter. Refusing to admit defeat the team opted to walk, through the snow, to Ponteland, before returning to pedal power.
“The bikes were abandoned for obvious reasons, so we decided to walk from Belsay to Ponteland to keep going” said British Eventing Support Trust Patron, Alastair Wilson “The bikes followed behind us with the Defenders, and then when the snow turns to rain, we’ll return to the bikes. It could be deemed to be silly if we tried to carry on.”
The 111km journey was planned to take between four and five hours, eventually taking the team nine hours to complete.
The ultra-endurance charity cycle ride, spearheaded by leading eventing rider Piggy March, and husband Thomas, is raising vital funds for the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.
The epic eleven-day challenge started in the snow on Wednesday November 20 at Blair Castle, Perthshire, and is travelling via prestigious four-star and five-star venues on their way to The Savoy, London.
Commenting on the day four challenge, four time Olympic silver medallist Ian Stark OBE said that “It was hell on earth! It was an interesting day. I thought we were insane to start, we had to wait and then we were delayed and then kept going. The team have been amazing, and they’re all incredible. It was a hard day, and we just kept slogging on, with huge admiration for each other!”
Friday saw the team arrive to rapturous applause and celebration at Belsay Hall & Castle. Children from Belsay School and Mowden Hall School, cheered their equestrian heroes on arrival, with local equestrians, supporters, sponsors and owners, joining them for the celebrations.
The reception, hosted by the Belsay International Horse Trials team, featured local brands Northumberland Coffee and North Acomb Farm Shop, and raised over £3,000 for charity.
Monday will see the team head from Bramham Park to Chatsworth. The journey marks the halfway point in their 1,200km ultra endurance challenge. Lord Burlington, son of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, joins for the 100km leg that travels through Wakefield, Penistone, and Baslow.
The final leg will see riders travel from Windsor, through central London, to The Savoy Hotel, the location for the BE Support Trust Charity Ball, that will take place the same evening (November 30). Members of the public are urged to join the cycle or to come out and support, with all welcome at The Savoy for refreshment upon completion.
For further information on how to join the final leg, or to donate, visit www.cycle4caroline.com
