On the 14th – 15th May 2022, our North Sales Representative Ed Shone took part in the Packetts Tour de Dales 2022 ‘Break the Cycle’ Charity Bike Ride. The Packetts Tour De Dales has returned for its 5th year of the annual event, following the pandemic. This year, 43 determined riders came together to take part in the charity bike ride to support Bradford children’s charity One In A Million. Over the course of two days, Ed and his team have endured some of the toughest terrains – the gruelling hills in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to the picturesque market town of Masham – covering between 70 – 100 miles per day!
Packetts Tour De Dales
The Packetts Tour De Dales is a fantastic cycling challenge where participants of all abilities take on a 2 day cycling journey over the Yorkshire Dales, from Saltaire to Masham and back, to raise money for Bradford children’s charity One In A Million. The charity bike ride aims to raise money to help support ‘One In A Million’s’ great work amongst the children and young people living in disadvantaged areas. One In A Million engages with over 2300 children per week, delivering; sports, the arts and enterprise programmes as delivery mechanism to break the cycles of deprivation over their young lives, valuing and their uniqueness, and letting them know they are ‘one in a million’. Their aim is to equip young people with the skills and provide pathways into employment, education and training. It costs One In A Million charity £1020 per child per year to deliver much needed pathways for children and young people living in disadvantaged backgrounds of our city, helping them break the cycles of deprivation which hover over their young lives.
The Journey
Day 1
Day one proved to be a challenge for the riders as it was the hottest day of the year to date. Despite this, Ed and his team powered through the day in happy spirits! On the first day, the team endured a 2-mile stretch of Hollins Hill and a combined ascent of 14,000ft up of some of Yorkshire’s most toughest hills. After a challenging day, the team made it to Masham and the famous Victorian Theakston Brewery where they celebrated a victorious day’s achievement with plenty of refreshments!
Day 2
The final push! On day two, the riders embarked on their journey back home to the home of One In A Million at Valley Park. As to everyone’s relief, the route back was much flatter through the 100 miles of Yorkshire countryside, travelling through North Stainley, Ripon, York, Wetherby and Otley. As the team approached the finish line at One In A Million’s own Free School in Manningham, Bradford, they were celebrated and cheered on by friends, family and colleagues who welcomed them home.
Ed’s Experience & Money Raised
Edward Shone – Bondline’s North Sales Representative, said, “Day one was a real challenge climbing some of the most famous ascents in the dales including Cove road, Park rash and Lofthouse. The views and the weather were just outstanding made all the more special by a pint or two at the Theakston’s brewery in Masham. Day two was a long slog but we all kept our spirits up and had a laugh. Total distance covered 195 miles and 12,500ft of climbing.
It was great to see that we were at around £22,000 raised at the end of the second day which will all go to help deprived children in the Bradford district. I’m not sure of the current total raised but believe we are close to our target of £25,000. Thanks to all that supported such a great cause!“
The Bondline team is proud of Ed Shone’s determination and commitment in supporting such a great cause and completing the Tour De Dales 2022 charity bike ride. A huge well done to Ed and his team! If you’d like to read more about the charity bike ride, see HERE.
Ed Shone and his team cycling through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
