by Jon Stocker
The Turnpike Challenge just gets better and better.
This year with the fantastic sunny weather the event saw its highest number of entrants. Eighty six riders turned out for the challenging 25 mile ride up into the Pennines.
As might be expected, the hot weather took its toll on some of the riders but, thanks to the Clarion Cycling Club and their motto of “no one gets left behind”, everyone made it safely around the course.
All participants were treated to much needed refreshments at Diggle Band Club and Jo Castle’s famous meat and potato pies were a lifesaver.
Chris Moreman, Co-founder of the Turnpike Challenge, commented, “ As the event grows, it is attracting a broad spectrum of riders, this helps to create a great atmosphere and camaraderie during the ride “.
A big thank you should go to Jo Castle of the Diggle Band Club for giving her time to help run the event, to all the Clarion riders who provide support to the riders, to Saddleworth Rotary members for standing on the corners of the streets directing the riders down the correct route, to CycleTech for providing mechanical and medical support. Also we need to thank Becca and Marilyn for running the feed station which were in great demand and for the water and special flapjacks provided by the staff of North Ainley. Finally we must give a big thanks to all the riders who as of today have raised over £900 for Prostate Cancer UK – once again this is a record amount!
