Novice cyclists take on two-wheeled charity challenge

Picture shows, left to right:

Back row: Carol Burrell, Kate Willink, Julie Borthwick, Jess Walsh-Banks, Alison Holmes, Linda Perry, Kate Lovett, Yvette Redmond and Linden Quinlan

Kneeling: Michaela Watson Moores and Kate Mallender

A dozen courageous women are saddling up for a tough four-day cycle challenge they hope will raise lots of cash for a local good cause.

The women met through  Breeze Rides, women-only cycle outings led by female British Cycling-trained volunteers.

Volunteer ride leader Jess Walsh-Banks has taken all 11 of the relatively novice riders under her wing to get them into shape for the 160-mile ride from Stamford Bridge to the coast and the North York Moors.

Setting off with Jess on May 30 are local women Alison Armstrong, Alison Holmes, Carol Burrell, Julie Borthwick, Kate Mallender, Kate Lovett, Kate Willink, Linda Perry, Linden Quinlan, Michaela Watson Moores and Yvette Redmond.

Training has been designed to get the women over the 11,000 feet of hill climbing that will take the team to Scarborough, Whitby and Hutton le Hole before the return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the challenge.

Kate Mallender said: “Jess is our mother hen and we are her 11 little chicks. She has really brought us on and we are hoping that with her expertise gradually taking us on harder rides, by the time we do the actual run it will be a breeze!

“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way, we all know someone who has been affected by it, so it is a cause close to all our hearts.”

The group has already raised £636 and one of the women’s employers, Aviva, is to match-fund their efforts by up to £250, paying the money directly to the charity.

You can support the group through their justgiving page, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kate-mallender1?fbclid=IwAR2axbMhHJxsmS_mAVE1zsgRXCLtN_V1pR8itM456aYbbjUlzbdZIuworxk

Find out more about Breeze Rides here: www.letsride.co.uk/breeze