Rod set out on his epic journey across the Pennine Trail on the east coast at Hornsea, to Southport on the west coast. The journey took both Rod and his son four days over several weekends to complete the route, leading down to Hull then on to Barnsley and the base of the Pennines at Dunsford Bridge.
En route the duo encountered various problems brought on by the weather and the terrain, and being far from any repair shop, improvisation was the name of the game as rocks and a small pair of pliers saved the day in straightening a damaged chain wheel. Other problems included loose bearings and pedals as well as punctures. At one point whilst crossing the Woodhead, the trail was so rough parts of the bikes were shaking loose, and when the improvisation didn’t work, a friendly local stepped in to lend a hand and a spanner to assist, as well as a donation to add to the total.
The trail was well signposted, with only a few wrong turns, after 32 hours of cycling the pair safely made it to the finish line and a well-deserved rest.
Pictured: W. Bro. Rod Harpham presenting the cheque for £1,000.00 to the Master of the Howe and Charnwood Lodge No.1007 W. Bro. Rodger Kenning.