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MS Stories: East Cumbria MS Society Group

Over the years, Bike the UK for MS has visited many different MS Society groups, having supported and been supported by them across many of our trips throughout the whole history of the charity. One such group is the East Cumbria MS Society Group. This is a group we have met a number of times across both our Lands End to John O’Groats trips and Sea to Sea trips. Through these meetings we build a meaningful bond with local groups, adding extra motivation and meaning to our riders efforts.

Sea to Sea 2023 Riders meeting the East Cumbria MS Society Group – photo credits: Ella Miles

Our most recent visit to the East Cumbria Group was at Penrith on the end of the first day of riding on our Sea to Sea trip, at the amazing Penrith Rugby Club who kindly let us stay overnight. The MS Society group were kind enough to share a bit about Bike the UK for MS within their most recent newsletter. Discover more about the local group, alongside some of our riders and ride leaders stories (and some amazing photos) within the Newsletter, which they have kindly let us share on here…

It is a highlight of our rides to meet and spend time with these local MS Societies, and to see the crucial work they do for those living with MS in their communities. For anyone looking to discover more about the East Cumbria MS Society group you can find them through the MS Society website; East Cumbria Group | MS Society. Additionally, if you are looking for info on your local MS Society group you can find them through the MS Societies local search tool.

Finally, discover more about our Sea to Sea trip for 2024 here, your 2024 adventure awaits!

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10 Years of Bike the UK for MS – Throwback to 2014

June 2024 will mark 10 years since the first Bike the UK for MS trip as 12 riders took on John O’ Groats to Land’s End. We wanted to take this chance to cast back to memories of the trips that have brought the charity to where it is today and to celebrate the achievements and challenges overcome by the hundreds of riders who have been part of Bike the UK for MS over the past decade.

“The Originals”

The 2014 Ride

With eight Bike the US for MS alumni joining four riders from the University of Bath the first Bike the UK for MS trip was a true hybrid of the two organisations. One of the UK-based riders, Emily, shares some of her memories from the trip:

“My favourite day was definitely the  first day up in Scotland. I’ve done a lot riding in my time but never in Scotland and riding along the country roads, next to huge highland cows with breathtaking coast views was just spectacular. We ended the day at Bettyhill Camp site and spent the evening skimming stones and watching the sun set on the rocks – a perfect day!”

Midnight sun at Bettyhill beach

“The biggest surprise was how close we became as a team. Although cliché, I really couldn’t have done it without the support of the other riders. Living together for all that time and experiencing the highs and lows was amazing and has led to life-long friendships!”

The team at a rest stop

“The toughest challenge for me was definitely the mental strain of the harder days down south. It definitely pushed me to my limit and I remember a few moments where I really drew on the strength of the team around me as I turned a corner to be faced with yet another hill on wet, windy days in Cornwall!”

A well-earned break

“The standout memory for me was our day in the Lake District. Kirkstone pass didn’t disappoint and although tough was a spectacular climb and a real achievement to cross. As a celebration, we then descended in a slightly delirious state to the furthest corner of Lake Windermere unaware that the campsite was actually quite a few miles further along the road, outside of Windermere itself.”

Stunning views are earned by challenging climbs

“We were just settling in to enjoy a sunny evening at the lakeside when we received a call from our route leader asking where we were. The uphill 30 minute climb to camp proved rather challenging and I’m sure we were quite a spectacle as we attempted to navigate the Windermere tourists whilst exhausted and slightly disoriented! But it was those moments riding together as a team at the end of a hard day knowing we had achieved something together that were so special.”

The team ride on together

“It was an amazing two weeks – breath-taking, mentally and physically challenging but so rewarding. I can still remember that feeling of pride, relief, joy as we crossed the finish line at Land’s End.”

Celebrations at the end of the road