Tuesday November 19th saw the presentation evening of the Coast and Castles cycle challenge at Middlesbrough Masonic Hall.

Around 90 people were present including the bulk of those taking part on the ride, APGM W Bro Martin Eggermont was also in attendance along with W Bro Des McKenzie the Provincial charity steward, accompanied by their wives.

After a fine meal those in attendance were treat to a 30 minute video highlight of the weekend before the Oscar’s style awards were given out, one such award being to Jimmie 2 kilts as best dressed rider for the weekend who cycled the full route in his kilt and Tam o’ shanter.

The evening had a poignant twist to it, Colin Breckon who was a veteran of the previous Way of the Roses challenge in 2022, and who was signed up for this challenge suddenly and very unexpectedly passed away in July was recognised when his wife Andrea and their two young sons Ted and Oscar were presented with Colins framed cycle shirt of the weekend which was signed by the entire team including the 8 year old twins who also led us through the final mile back in September (image left).

Colin’s online 'just giving' page reached the sum of almost £5000.

The end of the festivities saw the final amount revealed which topped over £42000 from those involved, each rider raising for their own personal charity.

The Coast & Castles challenge was the third such long distance cycle ride organised by the Province, the previous ones being the Coast to Coast in 2017 and Way of the Roses in 2022 and the interest in such adventures show no signs of slowing down, so much so that even Martin Eggermont announced an interest in donning the tight fitting spandex and getting involved on the next one!