#BIKEMAGIC142

14 September 2021

Raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of Des Martine

The Aim
To raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Derek Beaumont’s late father Des and others affected by this horrible disease.

The Method
A bike challenge, Leigh Sports Village to St James’ Park, Newcastle, on the Saturday of Dacia Magic Weekend in the Betfred Super League.

The Team
A team of 13, united in achieving their goal, overcoming immense physical and mental challenges to complete a gruelling 142-mile route with over 8,700 feet of climb.

The Team Members:
Chris Airey, Brian Beaumont, Derek Beaumont, Laura Beaumont, David Bradbury, Miles Dewhurst, Neil Jukes, Andy Mair, Gary Molloy, James O’Dwyer, Sean Richardson, Andy Sharrock and Simon Turtington

With logistical support from AB Sundecks and Leisure Resorts staff and Leigh Centurions directors and media department.

The Coverage
Interviews on Sky Sports News, BBC Look North-West, Granada Reports, BBC Radio Manchester and other news outlets plus twitter, facebook and Instagram.

The Route
Stage 1
5-30am: Set off from Leigh Sports Village on an epic journey.
LSV to Clowbridge Reservoir, Burnley
117 mins, 39.7km, Ascent 510m, Descent 250m.
Stage 2
Clowbridge Reservoir to Skipton
85 mins, 35m, Ascent 230m, Descent 390m.
Stage 3
Skipton to Leisure Resorts, Aysgarth Falls
123 mins, 44.7km, Ascent 480m, Descent 450m.
Stage 4
Aysgarth to Aldbrough St John
104 mins, 37km, Ascent 490m, Descent 570m.
Stage 5
Aldbrough St John to Durham
98 mins, 35.4km, Ascent 310m, Descent 290m.
Stage 6
Durham to St James’ Park
72 mins, 26.6km, Ascent 230m, Descent 260m.
The Achievement
All 13 members arrive in Newcastle, 14 hours after departure from Leigh, a great team effort. As an example of the stamina required, Derek burnt an amazing 6,605 calories along the way.

Quotes and Reaction
“A crazy idea, executed brilliantly,” (Miles)
“By far and away the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Great effort from everyone. The planning was spot on and a special mention to the support team who were absolutely amazing.” (Sean)
“Super proud of each and every one.” (Andy S)
“A massive thank you for allowing me to join you on an amazing journey.” (Brian)
“A great team we turned out to be. An awesome day, truly remarkable that we did that, all supporting one another, arrived bang on time and no mechanicals or punctures.” (Simon)
“Thanks so much to you all. You smashed it.” (Derek)
“An amazing experience, truly memorable. Thanks to the 12 of you that gave the inspiration to complete the 142-mile route.” (Andy M)
“A great day, well organised, great company and many new friends made.” (James)
“Amazing weekend. Loved it and hated it in equal measures.” (Chris)
“Memories for a life-time. Great weekend, great company” (Neil)
“We smashed it, didn’t we? An amazing weekend” (Gary)
“By far the hardest thing I’ve done, but I loved it.” (David)
“I’m going to throw my bike in the Tyne.” (Laura)

Gill Wood, Leigh Centurions non-executive director, reflects on a Magical bike ride experience

Saturday 4th September 2021 will forever be imprinted in my emotional memory. I was lucky enough to join the support crew who followed the epic #bikemagic142 from the mighty Leigh Sports Village to the equally impressive St James’ Park stadium in Newcastle.

I cannot explain to you the pride I felt watching the 13 riders leave the Sports Village at 5.30am singing "Fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine" and "Oh Leigh Oh Leigh Oh Leigh Oh Leigh". Those musical tones continued for the next 13-hours as the riders gave their all to the terrain, the challenges, the weather, their aching muscles and bones.

My role for the day was to capture video and photographic footage throughout the journey. Transferring that straight from the memory card - via an editing suite - to social media platforms. All from the back of Mike Latham's car in the morning then in the front of our car in the afternoon.
It was a travelling media suite! In the front of Mike’s car, adding still images and captions was Dave Swanton, boosting the updates. It was while listening to Mike and Dave chatting in the front of the car, that I realised their media and historian skill sets run outside of Rugby League and also includes geography and cricket. By stop number 2 I had christened them Mr and Professor Cricket!

I also had the pleasure of getting to know the support team from AB Sundecks. Neil, Viv, Neil and Pam who were all amazing. By the time we arrived at stop 1 in Crawshawbooth, with the riders not far behind us, the picnic tables were out ladened with breakfast, hot drinks, water refills, and an 18-tonne vehicle packed with individual rider-boxes containing clothing changes, blankets and other personal items. The other support vehicle had all things mechanical, and bike related. It was a finely tuned engine.

This support continued throughout the day and became slicker and slicker. As we passed the riders, we gave them cheers of support and they responded. Never despondent. Never negative. Never giving up.

The support came in many ways for the 13... passers-by waving and shouting to the riders. Other vehicles beeping in support and giving them space on the toughest of climbs and narrowest of roads. A particularly heart-warming moment was on the arrival into Leisure Resorts, Aysgarth Lodge, where all the staff were lined up on the driveway to welcome the riders in; playing 'I want to ride my bicycle' (Queen) and then serving a delicious lunch.

By this point my other half, Dean, and young Zak had arrived and were straight into helping and preparing for the arrival. It was great to be able to share this exhilarating day with them as I do not think I could have explained it afterwards.
As we planned the departure from Aysgarth, one of the Leisure Resorts team came over to me with an envelope explaining that the staff had put their own donations into the cause; 'a whip round'... I found this act of kindness so amazing. And those acts continued into the day.

One of the toughest rides of the 7-point journey followed the lunch break and by the time the 13 arrived in Aldbrough St John, via Richmond, they were in degrees of agony. Yet still, not a complaint or any sign that any one rider may not make the complete journey. Everybody helped each other. Everybody spread joy and happiness – there was so much laughter. Every single rider was doing this in memory of someone they had lost, or for someone they loved - and it showed in every turn of the chain's cog.

As we neared the final stages, without a puncture, without an incident... We knew the final pull into Newcastle was going to be very special. When I arrived there - the families were waiting and what was amazing was how they had followed the social media throughout the day and felt they had been part of the journey, knowing where their loved ones were and how they were doing. This was such a joyous sight to see and comments to hear. Sky Sports News were waiting with cameras and when the riders appeared around the corner and rode their last climb to St James' the noise was simply beautiful! And very emotional.

I want to thank every single person in that group of 13 on Saturday who, with every mile covered, were constantly and consistently increasing the donations to Cancer Research UK. I am honoured and bursting with pride to have been involved in some small way. And I thank everyone who donated, no matter what the amount. Everyone who bought one of the stunning Magic Weekend shirts. Everyone who gave encouragement and support.

Thank you to the complete strangers who gave donations in passing.
Thank you to the venues who were so kind to the riders en-route.
Thank you to Leigh Centurions fans, sponsors and visitors to Magic Weekend.

I witnessed something Magical this Magic weekend. Thirteen incredibly determined individuals who selflessly gave beyond belief.

Thank you: Chris A, Brian B, Derek B, Laura B, David B, Miles D, Neil J, Andy M, Gary M, James O'D, Sean R, Andy S & Simon T. That was something else!