Rasen businesswoman takes on the 170-mile cycling challenge

Beth Holvey-Hutchinson, who runs the Willingham Woods kiosk, is cycling coast to coast this week.

She will be joined by her husband Dean, brother-in-law Mark Preston and sister-in-law Angela Preston for the 170-mile challenge.

“I wanted to do something different to mark my 25th year working at Willingham Woods,” said Beth.

“This year also marks the 15th Anniversary since I started opening late on Wednesday’s which are now known as Bike Nights.

“Willingham Woods has always supported the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance every year through charity boxes, donations and profits from printed clothing, so we wanted to continue our support to them whilst doing this event.”

The route started yesterday from St Bees on the west coast and they plan to arrive at Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast tomorrow (Thursday).

“None of us have cycled anything like this before over a few days and we are all looking forward to the achievement of the four of us sharing this experience cycling across England West to East,” added Beth.

Training for the ride has seen the team meet up on Thursday evenings for short bike rides using Claxby, Tealby and Willngham Hill in preparation for what lay ahead.

They also took part in the sportive a few weeks ago, setting off from Market Rasen and riding 52 miles in one day around Lincolnshire.

Last year, they took part in the Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive, finishing at the top of Steep Hill.

“Although Angela and I have done three cycling sportives in and around Lincolnshire over the last three years, we are both feeling nervous,” said Beth.

“I am not sure how we will fare when we get up on day two and three to cycle all over again, but I am confident of finishing.”

Dean has completed local sportives after he wanted something to get involved in after he retired from Market Rasen & Louth Rugby 
Union Football Club 1st XV a few years ago.

Mark is the most experienced cyclist and a member of the Velo Cycle Club of Lincoln, so he will be in charge of maintenance issues and flat tyres.

Supporting the team on their adventure is Mark Carter of Bio Nature Uk Ltd, who has sponsored them by providing all the transport for riders and bikes to the start at St Bees, and he will be collecting them from the finish at Robin Hoods Bay.

“We are grateful to the support we are getting,” 
added Beth.

“The ambucopter has landed several times at Willingham Woods in the past for a range of emergencies.

“Fundraising is their lifeline and they could be 
the lifeline to any one of us.”

To support Beth and the team, visit www.justgiving.com/willinghamwoods or text: RBAY (plus amount) to 70070 eg. RBAY£10

Alternatively, call at the kiosk anytime this month to make a donation of £5 or more and get a free drink.