Travelling Keystone
 
it was a damp, drizzly day that dawned on Saturday 13 May & greeted the riders & support team gathered in Liverpool & Blackpool to make their way across the Pennines to Leeds to take part in this years Charity Bike Ride
Eager & ready at start
As they travelled across the Pennines, stopping briefly at Birch Services for a spot of 'brekkie' & a cuppa it looked that it was to be one of those days when, whilst it may rain on their parade, the spirits would not be dampened, & all would be spurred on by the support they had been given in their efforts to improve the lot of those less fortunate than themselves.
 
Arriving in Leeds at 8.45am all met up at the start of the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Wharf Approach:
Tony & Amanda Farrar from Blackpool; Chris & John Bruffell & Steve Walls & Jan Jackson (his fiancée soon to be Mrs Walls on 10 June) & the person who was to become the 'star' of the ride, Angela McShane from the 'R' Charity, one of the charities that would benefit from the donations.
Angela leads the way out of Leeds
 
Riders:                  Angela McShane; Chris Bruffell; Tony Farrar & Steve Walls
Support Team:        Amanda Farrar; Jan Jackson & John Bruffell
(All 'Mark' men & true)
 
The weather by now remained overcast but was dry as it remained throughout the day & at 9.00am after a 'photo call' off the riders set. (picture attached) Making good progress out of Leeds & having negotiated several 'lifts' in the canal the riders made good time being well fed & watered en route by the Support Team all safely reached Skipton for a well-earned lunch break at 12.35pm.
John Bruffell inspecting all is well before the start
There the Support Team was increased when John Cherry & Bieba joined the merry throng (another 'Mark' man), who had arranged for the use of the support van being driven by John Bruffell.
 
Having been re-fuelled, off set the riders for the afternoon leg & it wasn't long before they were 'out in the country' were the cows curiously looked over dry stone walls & the geese & duck swimming on the canal seemed to hoot with laughter as the riders passed along the towpath.
Day 2 the start

45 miles down & the riders are passing their overnight stay, Blakey Hall - & sees yet another 'Mark' man - Stu Hyde & his wife Norma lend their support for an overnight stay with the riders.
 
Blakey Hall Farm & 'gem' of a find & highly recommended. It was built in the mid 14th century is rich in history, set in the heart of the sweeping Lancashire countryside, overlooking the Leeds-Liverpool canal. 
Angela has a slight whoopsy
As the Support Team 'booked in' to the B&B, the riders waved in passing as they continued on their 'trek' towards Liverpool before completing the first days ride some 15 miles further on before being picked up by Jan Jackson, John Bruffell & John Cherry, & transported back to the B&B.
 
After a well-earned shower the whole 'team' dined at a local pub, 'The Gastric Gait' before retiring ... early knowing that they faced a 7.00am start ahead of them.
Having recently retired as Mark APGM - Michael Clarke takes up his new post
Dawn on Sunday & 7.00am saw the riders taken back to their start point for the day by John Bruffell & Jan Jackson.  Although it had rained during the night & was now overcast, to the West the weather was clearing & dare it be blue sky - yes it was!
 
Back at Blakey Farm whilst the riders continued their journey, the members of the Support Team settled into a 'full English Breakfast' before settling our bill & bidding our hosts, Rachel & Stephen Boothman a fond farewell.
Day 2 - Top Lock at Wigan Flight
The riders continued on towards the blue sky & warm sunshine to the West & with memories of 2016 once again stopped in their tracks facing 'Daddy' swan standing proud on the towpath, whilst Mum' gathered in her signets in a protective cuddle.
 
Negotiating flapping wings, constant hissing & a few strikes at the bike wheels all safely passed, leaving 'Dad' with what looked like a grin of victory having seen off those who had dared to encroach on his territory & disturb his families peace in what was now fine sunshine.
Angela enjoying a refreshing energy drink
Down the famous 'Wigan Flight' of 21 locks, passed Wigan Pier, through Crooke village & onto 'The Baby Elephant' pub in Shevington were they meet yet another 'Mark' man, John Barnes & his wife Sandra who kindly brought water, Mars & Milky Way bars.   John had taken part in the first ride back in 2014 & was now recovering from a knee replacement operation.  After a welcome break, we bid John & Sandra a fond farewell as they headed for Sunday lunch at Bryn Masonic Hall.
 
Pressing on, under the M6 motorway, passed Wigan Athletic FC & through Parbold sees the riders make Burscough   where our Treasurer Howard Youdan, his wife Cath & son Mark (not Mark men 'yet') meet us having been playing 'catch up' throughout the day.
I'm not tired really
Just 24 miles to go now & sprits are high as the weather is bright sunshine & warm.  'Hancock's Swing Bridge' sees the riders on the final approach to the famous 'Canal Turn' at Aintree.  On through Litherland, Bootle, to the Eldonian Village & the end of the canal before it passes under Great Howard Street & into Stanley Dock & finishing in Canning Dock.
 
The riders leave the canal at the Eldonian Village & ride to Princes Dock & on finishing the ride at 4.20pm in front of 'The Three Graces' at the Peirhead where they meet the Support Team to celebrate the completion of another successful ride & fund raising event.
Tony Farrar at Peirhead
At the time of writing this article the total funds raised stands at £4463.50p inc., Gift Aid which will be divided between the 'R' Charity, The Royal Liverpool Hospital & The Motor Neurone Society.
 

Thanks, are due to all those who have donated in support of the event & those who worked quietly in the background on the event & who could not travel.
The end all safe & sound
Words and pictures by Steve Walls