Published at 16:32, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

THIS year sees the 47th Keswick to Barrow walk take place on Saturday May 11, with thousands of people aiming to finish the 40-mile trek for charity.

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Now for the first time a group of pub regulars from the Tally Ho in Barrow have organised a K2B bike ride to take place the following day and covering virtually the same route.

The whole idea was inspired by Ulverston teenager Alice Pyne, who passed away last month.

Organiser Tony Harris, 47, of Broadway in Barrow, explains: “A few of us were in the pub one night just after Alice died and we were talking about ways to raise money for her charity Alice’s Escapes.

“A lot of people had already signed up to do the Keswick to Barrow Walk for Alice and we thought it would be a great idea to set up a K2B bike ride.”

Nearly 50 cyclists have already signed up for the charity bike ride, set to take place on Sunday, May 12.

Local firm Traveller’s Choice are putting on a 52-seat coach to take cyclists to the start of the race, picking them up at 5.30am in Barrow.

“There are a couple places left if anyone is interested in taking part,” says Tony.

He is still looking for local businesses to help out with further sponsorship. Tony says: “We are keen to get a local business on board to donate drinks, energy bars and fruit for cyclists taking part. We are also hoping that a local bike shop might be willing to act as a sponsor and help out with puncture kits and tyres.”

While Tony, along with his daughter-in-law Kelly Harris and Tally Ho pub landlady Debbie Curry, have been instrumental in organising the event, unfortunately Tony won’t be able to complete the cycling route himself.

He explains: “I had both my hips replaced six years ago so I will only be doing a couple of miles on the day.”

Tony and his friends hope to raise around £2,000 through the bike ride and a family fun day, taking place at the Tally Ho on the same day.

He says: “The fun day starts at 11am and there will be face painting, a bouncy castle, a candy floss stall, food and singers. We are also holding a raffle and auction and if any local businesses can donate prizes that would be great.”

The inspiration for all of those taking part is of course Alice, who showed enormous courage during her five-year fight against cancer. Tony says: “We are so inspired by what she achieved with her bucket list and also aware of what she can’t do now.”

Barrow garage owner Chris Ritchie signed up for the new charity bike ride after seeing a post on Facebook.

He says: “I did the Tour De Furness 50-mile route for the first time last year in three hours 58 minutes and raised £750 for the Alzheimer’s Society.”

A novice before he signed up for the Tour de Furness last year, Chris says: “I borrowed a bike last year but I have since bought my own bike and go out three times a week, covering around 40 miles a week.”

While other competitors may be able to put their feet up and relax after the punishing 40-mile ride from Keswick to Barrow, Chris will be getting an early night ready for the start of another demanding charity challenge the following day. He explains: “I need to get an early train to Scotland the next morning as I am walking the West Highland Highway in aid of Help for Heroes.”

The 96-mile walk generally takes about eight days to complete.

“I just hope I get some rest on the train on the way there,” Chris added.

l If you would like to offer support or sponsorship for the K2B bike ride in any way, you can contact Debbie Curry at the Tally Ho pub or email tonyharris42@yahoo.co.uk

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk