26/09/2018

The natural beauty of the North Pennines provided a stunning and challenging backdrop for more than 180 cyclists taking part in an endurance bike ride to raise much-needed funds for the British Heart Foundation.

The sponsored Sika Cycle 2018 event on 15th September saw pedal-pushing participants take on one of four challenging routes – lasting 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles – with courses weaving their way through the dramatic landscape of Teesdale and Nidderdale within County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Mark Beaumont presenting charity auction winner, Martin Palmer of Sika Limited
Image: Mark Beaumont presenting charity auction winner, Martin Palmer of Sika Limited

The routes gave the riders - made up of Sika employees, suppliers and customers – a glorious view of two of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The cycling was followed by a charity auction and dinner at Redworth Hall Hotel, at which record-breaking, long-distance cyclist and adventurer, Mark Beaumont, was guest of honour. Mark treated saddle-sore participants to an insight into the thrill of adventure cycling, including his latest Guinness World Record Breaking feat: Around the World in 80 Days.

"What a superb event to be a part of, it's a pretty unique experience and going from strength to strength every year. To have a company putting on an event like this is wonderful to see. The atmosphere on the finishing line was wonderful and the fundraising effort for the British Heart Foundation on the day was a huge success, so well done to all those involved." Commenting on the evemt, Mark Beaumont said
Sika South Africa join the ride to help raise funds
Image: Sika South Africa join the ride to help raise funds
Pedal power on the 100 mile route of Sika Cycle
Image: Pedal power on the 100 mile route of Sika Cycle

In total, this year’s Sika Cycle event has so far, raised more than £5,500 for the British Heart Foundation, currently helping to support over 1,000 research projects into heart disease around the UK.

"Thanks to all those riders who participated in Sika Cycle 2018. It is thanks to partnerships like this one with Sika, that we can continue to fund life-saving research and join together to beat heartbreak forever" Jane Horsnell, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation said:

Mark Gatrell, Head of Research and Development for Sika in the UK, said: “Our Sika Cycle event has evolved over the past six years, and continues to grow in popularity. This year, we've seen more participants from outside the UK, and we continue to see interest in cycling growing within Sika, so it's great to be able to enjoy this weekend with friends, and also raise substantial funds to help support the valuable work of the British Heart Foundation.”