Hundreds of cyclists assembled at Watchet Harbour on the Somerset coast to take part in the 3rd annual Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge on Sunday (May 19th).
Not designed as a race, the event attracted a wide range of ages and abilities, who set off on a ‘gruelling but glorious’ 54 mile ride to West Bay in Dorset. Some cyclists completed a shorter, 11-mile route which began at Drimpton in Dorset and also ended at West Bay.
In total, nearly 600 cyclists, many of whom reside within the two counties took part in the event, raising funds for the life-saving service.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sivewright set the cyclists on their way at 11.00 am. They were encouraged to pay a visit to one of the four pit-stops on-route to refill their water bottles and enjoy some of the yummy cakes and refreshments that had been kindly donated.
James Styrin from Bridport was taking part for the third time and once again achieved his goal of being the first rider to arrive at the Dorset finishing point. Although the event is not a race, James crossed the finish line in approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. He was greeted by a cheering crowd who stayed long into the day, to welcome the cyclists’ home.
Amongst the riders was Steve Chapman who was airlifted after being involved in a paragliding incident. Steve was sent into a 60 foot spiral dive into a nearby hillside and broke his leg, ribs and fractured his jaw. Steve said, “Incredibly it only took 28 minutes from the point that I hit the ground, to the moment I was wheeled into A&E at Poole General Hospital on the day of my incident. I vowed never to forget that staggeringly efficient service and to support the air ambulance in any way I can. That’s why I took part in this years’ event.
“I completed it with my two team mates and have the medal to prove it. It was a great route with awesome scenery and much camaraderie. We took it pretty easy and stopped at all but one pit-stop to over-indulge on cakes, biscuits and bananas. We didn’t really need to; we just wanted to! It was an incredible day.”
Team entries were higher than last year. Groups of people from ambulance stations, cycling and spinning clubs, companies and teams of family and friends all came together to raise funds.
One of the entries was ‘Team Fiona’ who were cycling in memory of Fiona Vigar. Fiona lost her life after a horse riding incident earlier this year and her family and friends have been raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance ever since. Sally Reid representing the team said, “The event was amazing. The organisation and encouragement from everyone on the day was tremendous. We cannot believe how this crazy idea, which came about in the pub after Fiona’s funeral, has snow-balled beyond our wildest dreams, but we should, because Fi was such an amazing and inspiring person. We are so glad that we have been able to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in her name.”
There were so many stories of courage, determination and personal achievement by many of the cyclists and their families. Young Adam Sherring cycled the 54 mile route on a tricycle after learning to ride only two years ago. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance volunteer Keith Wilson (81) rode the 11 mile route after completing the 54 mile 
challenge last year and Greshna Dibble who had recovered from a broken neck rode with her two sons James and William.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sivewright said, “Our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is currently the only fundraising event we organise in-house. Last year we were delighted when the event raised an incredible £60,000 and we hope we can better that this year.
“Each year we listen to the event feedback and try to build on the success of the previous year. Once again we received many kind comments but perhaps the most satisfying were those that pointed to the friendly and helpful people helping to run things. With only a small staff, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance relies on its dedicated volunteers to make events like the C2C happen. I thank them all for once again stepping up to the plate.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors: Bond Air Services, Dorchester Timber, Glastonbury Spring Water, Mud Sweat n Gears, Oh My Sugar Pie, Porter Dodson and The Bicycle Chain for their generous contributions to providing the best possible level of support to the cyclists reflected in the fantastic comments we have received from those who took on the challenge.”
If you were unable to register for this year’s event, please support those that took part. You can do this by DONATING ONLINE HERE or via your mobile phone by texting: COAS03 £10 to 70070 (please note there is a space between 03 and £10).
Once again a massive thank you from us all! We are already looking forward to next years event so keep an eye on our website later in the year for details on how to enter!
A big thank you to Laura Zaky for taking some great pictures. www.laurazaky.com Additional photos will be uploaded to our website very soon!
