Brave cyclists pedal 180 Miles from Coast to Coast in support of the Starr Trust

On 30th August, a group of 12 supporters of the Starr Trust travelled by minibus from Brighton to Whitehaven, from where the first leg of the three day Coast to Coast bike ride would commence. Cyclists set off at midday from Whitehaven after dipping their bikes in the sea, as is tradition for this challenge. Braving the elements of wind and rain, the team conquered the famous ‘Hardknott Pass’, a roman built road with an elevation of 393 meters and renowned as the toughest hill climb in England. Hardknott Pass in the Lake District was an ultimate test of endurance for the team, being steeper than the mountain stages of European cycling races including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.

The Coast to Coast Challenge

Day One - Whitehaven to Windermere (39 Miles)

Day Two – Windermere to Richmond (61 Miles)

Day Three – Richmond to Scarborough (80 Miles)

After a tough 180 mile ride over 3 days, cyclists arrived back safely to their final destination Scarborough, where once again they dipped their bikes in the sea to mark the coastal finish line. Medals were presented by the Starr Trust team followed by celebrations with champagne at the iconic Crown Spa Hotel in North Yorkshire, overlooking the town’s South Bay.  

CEO of Webtrends Optimize and Sponsor of the event, Matt Smith said: "This ride was the most challenging we’ve had, from the weather, to the extreme hill climbs and the distance covered. The cycling team were fantastic, I wouldn’t want to and couldn’t have finished it without every one of them!"

Daniel of The Implant Centre team said: Another epic Starr Trust event completed. Lots of highs and lows, quite literally, but luckily everyone survived. Where do we sign up for the next one?"

Sally of the Implant Centre said: “We had so much fun again this year, but the first day was brutal and really tested all of us. Overall an amazing adventure with the most wonderful people in stunning surroundings. Sore legs but full hearts! We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!"

Richard Bates, Charity Trustee and Lawyer at Cognitive Law, said: “Another incredible challenge in aid of the Starr Trust, well done to the whole team for digging deep and getting over Hardknott Pass!"

Tracey Starr, Partnerships Manager for The Starr Trust said: “We can’t thank Matt Smith at Webtrends Optimize enough for the incredible effort he has put into organising and sponsoring this cycling challenge! Matt has gone above and beyond in his new role as Ambassador of the Starr Trust. Other local businesses came together to show their support including Rivervale Car Leasing who generously loaned us two vehicles to make sure our team were transported in comfort before and after their long ride. Special thanks to all who took part and gave their all to this challenge and Browns Bikes the mechanic who was on hand throughout for emergency roadside repairs and moral support!”

Main event sponsor: Webtrends Optimize

Vehicle Sponsor: Rivervale Car Leasing  

Mobile Mechanic Sponsor: Browns Bikes

There is still time to make a kind donation to support their efforts: DONATE HERE