Makers Saddles up for Sika Ride
3 Makers employees, Darren Wootton; Operations Director, Matthew Hewetson; Commercial Manager and Dave Wilcock; Trainee Site Manager joined a throng of 160 cyclists in Sika’s 6th Annual Cycling Event.
The event open to Sika Employees, Suppliers and Customers has grown over the past years reflecting the increase in popularity in cycling and legacy from the success in the 2012 Olympics.
4 Options were available to those taking part with challenging routes of 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles to suit the particular individual’s capability. Sika has itself some very keen cyclists and although this would be considered a charitable event, there would no doubt be a strong element of competition and prestige for those finishing in the top flight over 100 miles.
The routes covered some of the most scenic views within County Durham and North Yorkshire taking in both Teesdale and Nidderdale.
This years charity was the British Heart Foundation and was considered following a heart attack suffered by Ex Makers Director Peter Cowlard who himself a keen cyclist had attended previous Sika Cycling Events.
Cyclists were well catered for providing necessary re-fueling and refreshments along the way accumulating in the aptly named “Saddle Sore” bottled beer at the finishing line.
On completion of the ride, cyclists gathered for dinner at the Redworth Hall Hotel to listen to the exploits of guest speaker Mark Beaumont a renown long distance record breaking British Cyclist.
Mark conducted the auction held during the evening which was won by Martin Palmer of Sika who was presented with a framed signed shirt that Mark wore on his round the world event.
Money raised throughout the year has topped £5,000 with the money going to the British Heart Foundation.
Jane Horsell, Corporate Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation praised all those riders who took part.
“It is thanks to the partnerships like Sika that we are able to fund life saving research to prevent heartbreak”.
On hearing of Peter Cowlards plight, Mark Beaumont dully signed a book covering his record-breaking attempt and wished him a speedy recovery. Mark holds the record for cycling around the world completing the 18,000-mile epic journey in 79 days.
Makers would like to extend it’s thanks to Sika for thinking of Peter and choosing a charity which was linked to Peter’s illness.
“Sika’s cycle ride goes from strength to strength attracting participants from all over the UK, Ireland and now internationally. We are delighted that customers, suppliers and employees wish to support us in their own time to raise money to provide valuable funds for the British Heart Foundation”.
Mark Gaterell, Head of R&D, Sika.
Preparations are already underway for next years event which from the interest already shown will see the event grow even further.
“Again, another great event and it continues to get bigger and better, all thanks to all involved in its organisation…”
Darren Wootton, Operations Director
Makers would like to congratulate Sika on such a fantastic event and wish them well with their continued fund raising for the British Heart Foundation.