A local initiative to cycle the equivalent distance between Lord’s and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia – 10,518 miles – proved an outstanding achievement as Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club teamed up with Active Cheshire to cover the distance by static bikes over just 72 hours.

The event was the brainchild of Lynn Hedgecoe and staged in memory of the late councillor, David Robinson, himself an avid cyclist and supporter of Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club.

“We were keen to raise monies for local projects at the Club,” said Lynn, “and organise something different that our members, supporters and local businesses could really embrace.

“Everybody got behind the event and we’re hugely indebted to CAMMS, the Bike Factory, Gravity and a whole host of other local organisations that supported us in so many different ways.

“Competiiton amongst participants was intense”, continued Lynn “but everybody had the same goal and pulled together. Cricketers and footballers (Chester Nomads AFC) worked tirelessly to contribute and we even had a visit from Chester FC’s youth players as well.

“The cameraderie throughout Chester Boughton Hall was incredible and whilst many thought the target too challenging, we not only reached it but smashed with a total of 13,884 miles cycled over the 72 hours.”

As well as cycle HQ in the Clubhouse at Chester Boughton Hall, a number of satellite sites also participated as over 500 riders came together as a community to cycle, laugh and compare sore behinds.
In all over £7,500 was raised to support projects at Boughton Hall Cricket Club, and secure the contribution it makes to the local community as one of the City’s key sports clubs.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “The bike ride was a great success and was a fantastic way to raise money for the Memorial Fund in a way that David would have approved of.

“It attracted staff from across the council who managed to raise £508 and added 600 miles to the total with 71 people taking part at HQ. He would have been proud of the determination and endurance from everyone involved.”

At a glance:
• 11,809 miles were cycled in the Chester Boughton Hall CC Clubhouse (target 10,518)
• Lead sponsor CAMMS International cycled 860 miles in their UK, Sri Lanka and Australia offices
• Active Cheshire cycled 160 miles in their offices
• Pupils and staff from Boughton Heath Academy School cycled 177 miles
• Cheshire West and Cheshire Council cycled 600 miles in their Cheshire HQ
• A number of outdoor cycle rides around the Cheshire area totalled 278 miles
• 13,884 miles cycled in total (target 10,518)
• More than £7,500 was raised for local sporting projects

More from Lynn Hedgecoe 07540 69902
Email: lynn@hedgeandcoe.com