This year, as part of The Curve’s charity fundraiser for Cavendish Cancer Care, the team have decided to really push themselves and take on a serious challenge.
The plan is for The Curve’s very own Saint’s, Paul and Andrew, to cycle across the country, starting at St. Paul’s in London and to finish all the way up at St. Andrew’s in Scotland (See what we did there?). All in order to raise awareness and support for our charity partner Cavendish who support cancer patients and their loved ones as well as offer specialist services for children.
Their aim is to reduce the psychological, physical and emotional impact that cancer and its treatment brings. All Cavendish Cancer Care services are given on a self-referral and free of charge basis.
This includes face to face appointments at their home – the Tim Pryor Centre, based on Wilkinson Street close to the University of Sheffield. Cavendish also continues to offer live online and telephone appointments for clients who prefer this or where they cannot access the Centre for in person support.
From A to B
The Route
As shown in the image of the route: Andrew and Paul are planning on completing the challenge in around 43 hours to cover the 486 miles!
They are both highly competitive, so everyone here at The Curve believes that they will do it quicker, soft shorts permitting.This equates to 8 hours of cycling a day, in which Paul and Andrew will average up to 82 miles a day!
Starting on Friday September 8th and leaving the steps of St. Paul’s London at 9:00am sharp heading north towards Market Harborough, a mear(?) 95 miles away on day one. Their aim is to have completed the challenge by September 13th when they arrive at the doors to the Old Course hotel on St. Andrews! Supporting them the whole on the road is James Hall, The Curve’s intern from last year who’s made a lasting impression on the team through his stellar performances and work ethic.
Here’s a full breakdown of each stage of the journey;
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Stage 1The Grand Depart
St. Paul’s Cathedral to Market Harborough – 8 hr 13 min of riding time (94.5 mi)
Depart the steps of SPC at 09:00 and roll out along the river Thames and eventually out on the A5 until it turns into the A41 at Edgware. Heading towards Watford, then Milton Keynes (passing red Bull Racing) and onto Northampton.
Arrive at Market Harborough accommodation point at 18:00 -
Stage 2Into The Office
Market Harborough to Sheffield, The Curve HQ – 7 hr 48 min (86.7 mi)
The Route takes us through Leicester & Loughborough before turning right on the A453 towards Nottingham, where we then head straight up to Sheffield.
Arrive at Sheffield accommodation point at 17:00 -
Stage 3Going Home (For Andrew)
Sheffield to Skipton, gateway to the Dales – 5 hr 59 min (64.5 mi) via National Cycle Route 67
Leaving Sheffield City Centre on the A628 and heading for Wakefield before going on the A650 to Bradford and then onto Silsden and finally Skipton.
Arrive at Skipton accommodation point at 16:00 -
Stage 5 How Much Further North?!
Skipton to Penrith – 7 hr 6 min (73.7 mi) via National Cycle Route 68
Heading out of Skipton towards Gargrave and then onto Settle, Kirby Lonsdale and Sedburgh before resting in Penrith, Cumbria
Arrive at Penrith accommodation point at 17:00 -
Stage 6Crossing the Border
Penrith to Abington Biggar – 6 hr 57 min (83.2 mi) via National Cycle Route 7 and 74
We leave Penrith and head to Carlise, taking in England’s most Northern town & crossing the border into Scotland, passing through Gretna Green (not stopping for any nuptials) and onto Abington near Crawford Castle.
Arrive at Abington Biggar accommodation point at 17:00 -
Stage 7The Home stretch!
Abington Biggar to St. Andrews – 7 hr 45 min (87.0 mi) via 76
The final leg of the journey see’s us head for Edinburgh and the Queensferry Bridge. Once crossed, we’re onto Glenrothes and the flag of St. Andrew’s will be in sight!
Arrive at the Course Hotel at 18:00
Support Paul & Andrew
Get Involved
As our charity partner, we’re incredibly proud to be supporting and sponsoring Cavendish having learned about and seen the incredible support that they provide to the families across the country who are affected by Cancer. They are funded solely through the generosity of others and every penny goes back into the charity to make sure that they can offer the best service possible to those that need it most so if you can donate it really does make a difference.
You can find out more about Cavendish Cancer Care and the services they provide through their website Cavendish Cancer Care
and if you would like to donate to Paul and Andrew’s fundraising goal you can do so here – Fundriasing For Cavendish Cancer Care! If you’d rather sponsor the boys and get your business associated with this Epic charity ride, then get in touch and we can add you to the campaign.