Footwear Friends

Summer 2011 Newsletter

Three Peaks Challenge

The word "challenge" could not have been better chosen! We started the ascent of Ben Nevis at 6am Saturday morning and it probably took us 3 hours to reach the summit. Being the highest peak in the UK we were not surprised to find snow at the top! From Ben Nevis we drove to Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Time was getting on and although we ascended in daylight we made our descent in darkness, hence the head torches. This was undoubtedly the most difficult part of the challenge – it was raining and the conditions were slippery, so keeping one's footing was a skill in itself. However we all managed to survive in one piece before heading off for Snowdon. Of the three peaks Snowdon was probably the least challenging in that it is mainly track and steps.

We all completed the challenge and feel a great sense of personal achievement. It was a team effort where we all supported each other, and were motivated by not letting our colleagues down and completing the challenge to raise money for three very good causes.

Jones Bootmakers

The Way of the Roses

170 miles Coast 2 Coast, Morecambe to Bridlington, known as the "Way Of The Roses"

Day One Morecambe to Pately Bridge, 62 miles.

Twenty three riders set off on day one, it was really, really tough, especially the 2 mile climb out of Settle – never to be forgotten by any of us!! (Unfortunately, 3 riders had to be picked up by the support van 8 miles from the finish on Day One.) Sheer grit and determination was needed to complete that leg. I was absolutely knackered!

Day Two, Pately Bridge to York, 48 miles.

After a good night's sleep and a T Bone Steak, for protein, the first 3 miles were uphill but the journey into York was much easier than day one, so we really enjoyed the ride. We stayed overnight in a York hostel – 12 persons to a dormitory, so you can imagine the scene, especially with only one toilet and shower! I got hardly any sleep due to the amount of snoring etc… so preparation for Day 3 was not good. (I will not be doing the overnight at hostel's again anytime soon!)

Day Three York to Bridlington, 60 miles.

This was a long ride but enjoyable, taking in some fabulous scenery and lots of country lanes. Arrived at Bridlington at about 3.30pm after a stop at Driffield for a fish & chip lunch. The highlight was sitting in the bath for an hour in a nice hotel room, having raised over £750 for Footwear Friends. The lowlight was having to push the bike partway up the 2 mile hill at Settle and applying Sudocream on a very regular basis to soothe my aching bottom – but it was a really important accessory!!

Thanks once again for your support.

David Smith