BAE SYSTEMS
T45 GOSHAWK TEAM CONQUER THE C2C – JUNE 2005

Did you spot the yellow jerseys?

Submitted by: Paul Taylor

The Team
Eight T45 Aircraft Engineers with varying degrees of cycling experience and ages.
Members include: Myself (Paul Taylor), Rob Howarth, Jimmy Gornell, Alan Hurst, Frank Nickson, George Wheatcroft, Frank Taylor and Ken Yarwood. Backed up with our support driver Jimmy Martin.

Our Aim
To complete the Workington to Sunderland C2C route in 3 days and raise £3000
for the Stroke Association.

Day.1
Saturday 18th June - Workington to Penrith (53 miles)

After a bacon butty stop at the Hot Tram Roll in Keswick (Recommended) and a tour of Workington town centre (Not Recommended) we eventually arrived at the start point around 10am.

The weather was good although a little grey and overcast, after setting our bikes up we had the customary “dipping the wheels in the sea” ceremony and we were on our way.


The route out of Workington proved just as difficult as getting in, it begins with a pretty dodgy off-road section and as most of us were on road bikes this proved a little tricky. We were soon back on the road and after a couple of wrong turns we made it out of Workington….Hooray!



After an eventful 1st leg with Rob having two punctures within 5 seconds of each other, Ken experiencing our first un-planned dismount (a term founded by Rob) and Frank (Snr) doubting his ability, we reached our first major rest point in Keswick. Where we all descended on the local Pastie shop and had a refreshing pit stop in the pub. Rob was left back at the van in charge of the bikes, also doing his bit with the collection buckets extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.


The route out of Keswick towards Penrith was excellent the sun was out and spirits were riding high, even Frank (Snr) was getting head back in gear and leading the pace. A vast array of cycle paths, boardwalks and bridges helped forge our way though the countryside and at times it seemed quite familiar with scenes from The Italian Job.

On arriving at our Digs in Penrith “The Norcroft” (Highly Recommended) we were welcomed by Tim and Elizabeth, who kindly took our bikes from us for safe storage and invited us into the lounge for much needed tea, coffee and biscuits. After a wash and brush up we headed into town to sample the local night life and some well earned grub. You must try the Chinese restaurant, not sure of the name but it’s in the centre of town down a side alley, it’s really tiny inside but excellent food and lovely people too.


Day 2
Sunday 19th June Penrith to Rookhope (38 miles)

After a hearty breakfast we prepared for the day ahead, which we all knew was going to be a tough day with four major hill climbs. Jim our support driver had already been busy checking the bikes over so we were soon on our way. Straight away we had a big hill to climb, which in hindsight was just a warm up exercise for things to come. When we saw Hartside Café high in the distance and we soon realised we weren’t in for an easy ride.


Frank (Jnr), Jimmy George, Rob and myself formed a breakaway group and headed for the summit. Jimmy unfortunately took the 2nd un-planned dismount on a tight uphill corner. Once he was dusted off we made the final assault on the 1903ft hill.

Once at Hartside café we had a well earned brew and took in the views. It was buzzing with bikers and an old steam engine made an appearance, it was the only other machine we saw that was actually older than Rob’s 1978 Raleigh Rapide!



The good thing about climbing the hills is the down hills that come after. Rob took the top speed record of 47.5mph, he did attempt to apply his brakes at one point which resulted the centre pull levers being jettisoned from his bike and tinkling off down the road behind him with Ken (at the rear) taking evasive action to miss the brake lever projectiles.


During the day Alan decided to go for the title of best un-planned dismount, as an attack of cramp suddenly struck his leg. He was thrown from his bike hitting the ground with a thud, he bravely dusted himself down and continued on; unfortunately his leg muscle was still affecting him. We steadily made it to the support van where Jimmy sorted him out with a muscle rub and cleaned up his knee. With Alan patched up we were back on our way….



George, Jimmy and Frank (Jnr) were in no doubt kings of the hills, they took every hill by storm. I struggled on one particular hill just after having lunch at a garden café in Garragill (Nice place – Recommended) it’s an old forge / mill type place that does great tea and sandwiches. Anyway back to the dreaded hill, just make sure you have a good climbing ring as it’s really steep!!!!

Once we reached Allensheads we knew we only had a short distance into Rookhope, so we opted for some liquid refreshment in the Allensheads Inn. Sat outside soaking up the sun it was just the job, Rob even found a newer model bike outside the pub which they used ornamentally to display flowers. The shock came when we set off for Rookhope only to discover another big hill to climb and then the heavens opened. Jimmy, Frank (Jnr) and myself made the break and headed for the digs, finally arriving at Rookhope around 7pm. The Rookhope Inn was great and very nice people too, Tina looked after us a treat with traditional home cooking….

Go for the ham, eggs & chips it’s a real treat. Ken even got Lucky that night and ended up in bed with a right dog! Rather him than me, she was full of spots and really woof!!!!!

Day 3
Monday 20th June Rookhope to Sunderland (43 miles)


After the customary breakfast, and bike servicing, we headed out of Rookhope, over the off-road route which was quite a climb but it burned the bacon & eggs off a treat.

Once over that it was relatively plain sailing, we did get a little lost on the approach to Consett but after asking a few locals we soon got back on track.

We had a lunch stop in Stanley at the Blue Bell Inn, very good food the baguettes were enormous…..again all the staff were so polite and gave us a really warm welcome. The final route into Sunderland was excellent, it’s mainly flat and all cycle paths which keeps you well away from any traffic. Jim still manage to track us in the support van, which he did so professionally during the entire journey. Well done Jim you were brilliant!!!

We hit Sunderland around 5pm and celebrated our victory down on the beach, Frank (Snr) (ok I’ll disclose his age now…he’s 63) was the first down the slip way onto the beach. What an achievement for him, he must now be part of an elite few of 60+ year olds to complete the C2C. Well Done Frank!!!!

I’d also like to say a big well done and a huge thanks to all the team for making this such a successful and memorable event.

Cheers boy’s, so what’s next year’s challenge then!!!