Stu Powers, Health Innovation Community Manager, Sam Cusworth, a PhD student at Lancaster Environment Centre and Bob Hart, owner of Rosebank PR and Communications, recently cycled from Glasgow to Lancaster – completing the full 170-mile journey in just one day.
The Trio, who came together through their work at Lancaster University, decided the summer would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate cross-University collaboration and take on a cycling challenge in support of vital cancer research projects being undertaken at the University by North West Cancer Research.
Bob and Stu, multi-day long-distance cyclists, and Sam, an Ironman World Championships qualifier, have spent the year clocking up miles on the bike and wondering just how far might be far enough. With Bob cycling around Belgium and Stu and Sam completing a Coast2Coast for a local Community Group earlier in the year, they felt there was enough in the legs to take on something a little longer. Ideas bounced around with Glasgow to Lancaster confirmed.
Setting off from Glasgow at 4.22am on 16th August the trio rode the 170 miles back to Lancaster in 10 hours 27 minutes and arrived back to a well-earned beer and burrito.
In the spirit of collaboration, they have also handed over their ride and health data to Lancaster’s Sports and Exercise Science Team to investigate the effects of endurance activity.
The group have so far raised just over £700, with Stu saying: “The ride was a good, fun day with the highlights being the Lake District mountains coming in to view, approaching Gretna and reaching Shap Summit.
“It’s been great to raise money for a much-needed cause, doing important work right here in our region. Cancer affects us all at some point.”
Inspired to take on a cycling challenge? Visit nwcr.org/events and find the event for you!
