Gateway Wheelers

It was something of a rare day on Sunday when I had the honour of presenting one of the groups who take part in the Durham Big Ride with a trophy.

Gateway Wheelers are based in Chester-le Street and have, for the past five years, made the effort to get themselves down to the DBR and take part in all of the distances – 3, 10 and the 25 miler.

Seeing, at first hand, the work that goes on down there –using and adapting cycles so that all the kids, no matter what their riding ability, can get out on the athletics track and enjoy the safe environment, confirmed why we decided they should get the Business Challenge Award this year.

We give this award to groups or companies who make the most of the Durham Big Ride day.  This has previously gone to Henderson Doors, a company that has had its fair share of problems (haven’t we all) in recent years. 

What they do is make a weekend of it and get some of their employees from Holland and Ireland to come over and take part as well as a bit of ‘social networking’.

Last year the Durham Fire and rescue took the shield home as they have put the Durham Big Ride and The Beast, as part of their fitness regime.  There is a fair few of them doing both events and enjoying it as well!

This year, little Grace McGlone had the ‘pleasure’ of accepting the Business Challenge Shield from me at their session.  She remembered that it was me who gave her the T-shirt and medal for completing the 3 miler this year.  Yes, that face is one you DON’T forget in a hurry!

Brian Millar who runs the club told me: “We have been a registered charity since 2000 and now have around 150 members.  We enter DBR because it is a fun event that we can take part in as equals, the range of rides mean that our members can choose the length that suits them and it also raises valuable sponsorship for our organisation.”