Coast to Coast Charity Cycle Trip - 29th September 2009

Continuing our support for our nominated charity, Rainbows Children's Hospice, a small team of intrepid explorers have cycled a gruelling 142 mile route from Coast to Coast in just 2 days, from Whitehaven to Newcastle in September, jointly raising in excess of £3000 for the charity.

This unbelievable effort, across some of the highest peaks in the country, totalling almost 3500meters of ascent was a fantastic achievment for the whole group, all of them crossing the finish line together. A well earned evening of Newcastle entertainment was had by all.

If you have not already done so and would like to contribute, please feel free to provide as much, or as little sponsorship as you can afford by clicking on the just-giving logo below. Every penny counts; Your donation will be very much appreciated.

Quote of the trip awarded to Tim at around the half-way point "Has anyone got any vaseline?""

With front wheel dipped traditionally on arrival in the North Sea at Tynemouth, Newcastle.
From left to right, Simon, Simon, Jim, Dave, Tim, Nick
(Supported by Jon,Duncan and Kevin)
Well done chaps!

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Loughborough Echo April 2009

Loughborough Tablers Rich Urwin and Jim Tyler return safely from Mont Blanc.

"Snow fall and strong winds on Tuesday night forced us to change our original choice of route via the Cosmiques Refuge and the Tacul du Mont Blanc." A fortunate decision given the massive avalanche that swept the north slopes of the Tacul du Mont Blanc just three days later. "The problem then was that we didn't have accommodation booked in the huts on the Gouter route." This is the most popular route up the mountain in summer and the Tete Rousse and Gouter Refuges must be booked well in advance to guarantee a bed.

"The weather was looking good and we decided we had to go for it so we set off for the Tete Rousse hut to see if we could get a bed for the night. They were fully booked so we went on the waiting list and sat down to lunch. Over lunch we discussed the situation and decided on a night ascent." Alpinists often start very early in the day in summer to avoid the dangers of rock fall and avalanche and because the going is easier on frozen snow. "We tried to sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon, then had dinner and planned to leave at ten o'clock in the evening. We figured that would be better than a sleepless night on the dinning room floor."

"Our ascent was pretty uneventful; the dodgiest bit was crossing the Gouter Couloir. You have to time it then just run." Notorious for rock fall the Gouter Couloir has claimed many lives. "the best bit of the route is the 2,000ft of scrambling up to the Gouter refuge once you've crossed the Couloir."

"We got to the Gouter hut in 1hour 45 mins and snuck into the boot room to have a bite to eat and something to drink, careful not to wake the huts inhabitants. We set off again at midnight and we on the summit for 04:00. We must have moved pretty fast as the guide book gives a time of 6 hours from the Gouter hut to the summit. What had started as a beautiful still night had changed completely by the time we reached the summit ridge. The wind had become very strong and we were really feeling the minus 30 wind chill, especially me as I'd packed a bit too light as usual."

"Rich was really cold and we were all wind milling our arms to force blood back into our fingers, it's agony once the feeling returns." "We had time for a quick few photos at the summit and Rich produced a Loughborough Round Table banner and telescopic flag pole from his pack."

"Our thanks to Duncan for fabricating such a lightweight flag pole and for calculating that it would take me 360 calories to elevate it's 105grams to the summit and back."

Rich