After months of build up and many miles out on the roads of Britain putting in practice, yesterday saw the start of Goalball UK’s Tandem Bike Challenge. 15 Visually Impaired Goalball players, 15 sighted pilots, 2 solo cyclists, 2 support vans, 2 support cars and 1 guide dog descended on Morecambe for the start of the 4 day challenge.

At the start line, there was a mixture of nerves and excitement as everyone got ready for the ‘Grand Départ‘. We interviewed Goalball CEO Mike Reilly and South Yorkshire Goalball player Anthony O’Keefe to see how they were feeling about the challenge ahead:

Click Here to listen to Mike’s interview.

Click Here to listen to Anthony’s interview.

 

At 4pm, the challenge got underway, with the riders biking the 28 miles from Morecambe to the overnight stop at The Dalesbridge Centre near Austwick. Even though there were a few challenging hills and a slight detour into the centre of Austwick, everyone was in great spirits and thoroughly enjoying the challenge and taking in the spectacular landscapes.

Coast to Coast riders at the start line

Coast to Coast riders at the start line in Morecambe

Landscape on the approach to Austwick

The landscape on the approach to Austwick

Everyone arrived at the accommodation in one piece, where they were greeted by some much needed food and drink, before relaxing together then retiring to their beds to rest up and recharge before the next day’s riding.

Britney and her pilot setting off from Morecambe

Brittany and her pilot Robert setting off from Morecambe

Some of the riders arriving into North Yorkshire

Some of the riders arriving into North Yorkshire

Everyone would like to say a huge thank you to The Dalesbridge Centre for providing us with food and accommodation for the night.

To sponsor the Goalball UK team, please Click Here to visit our Just Giving page.