We Ride Together North

This July, a dedicated team will take on an inspiring challenge: “We Ride Together North” – a 121-mile cycling journey from Kendal to Newcastle, raising vital funds and awareness for inclusive cycling provision across the North East.

Their mission is to raise £10,000 and highlight the urgent need for accessible cycling opportunities in one of the most underserved regions in the country for disabled cyclists.

About the Challenge

Taking place on 14–15 July, the route will see the team ride through some of the most iconic landscapes in the North of England:

Day 1: Kendal to Carlisle (via Penrith)

The challenge begins in Kendal at our Wheels for All Hub, heading north through the Lake District and into Penrith, before continuing on to Carlisle.

Day 2: Carlisle to Newcastle

From Carlisle, the team will follow historic routes along Hadrian’s Wall before making their final push to the Newcastle Quayside via Hexham where we will meet with the team from the inclusive cycling Hub in the town.

The journey will finish at the Baltic Centre on Newcastle Quayside, where the team will meet with regional decision-makers and stakeholders to continue conversations about strengthening inclusive cycling provision ahead of the North East Inclusive Cycling Conference in September.

The Team

The challenge brings together three passionate advocates for inclusive cycling:

🚲 Paul Alcock, Chair of Trustees, Wheels for All
🚲 Ian Tierney, Chief Partnerships Officer, Wheels for All
🚲 Nick Green, Lead Principal Project Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and friend of the charity

Together, they will take on the challenge using a Van Raam Fun2Go adapted cycle – the same style used across Wheels for All hubs nationwide.

This is intentional: to demonstrate that inclusive cycling is not only possible, but powerful, practical, and life-changing.

Why This Matters

Across the North East, thousands of disabled people are currently missing out on the physical, emotional, and social benefits of cycling due to a lack of accessible provision.

Wheels for All is working to change that.

Our vision is clear: a high-quality inclusive cycling hub in every local authority.

This challenge shines a spotlight on the inequality that still exists and what can be achieved when barriers are removed.

As Ian Tierney explains:

“Our aim is to ensure there is a quality inclusive cycling hub in every local authority. In the North East, thousands of disabled people are currently locked out of cycling. By riding the Fun2Go cycle across this challenging route, we want to show that while it may be a little bit harder, the joy of being active outdoors should be available to everyone, regardless of their ability or where they live.”

Paul Alcock adds:

“I have seen first-hand how inclusive cycling builds confidence and improves health. This challenge is about raising the profile of the current imbalance in provision.”

Nick Green says:

“We want to bring people with us on this journey. Every pound raised goes directly toward growing inclusive cycling in areas that need it most.”

Powered by Partnership

We Ride Together North is proudly supported by long-standing friends of the charity, Tomcat and Van Raam, both leading manufacturers of adapted cycles that transform lives.

Tomcat are generously providing the Fun2Go adapted cycle used for the challenge, along with additional Blaze cycles that will enable members of the public to ride alongside the team at various points along the route.

Van Raam cycles will also feature, showcasing the breadth of inclusive cycling solutions available today.

Naz White from Tomcat said:

“We’re incredibly proud to support this challenge and the amazing work Wheels for All does across the country. Inclusive cycling changes lives, and we’re delighted that our cycles can play a part in helping more people get involved.”

Get Involved

This is more than a challenge – it’s a journey the whole community can be part of.

We are inviting individuals, families, community groups, and organisations along the route to join the team for short ride-along sections, offering encouragement and showing support for inclusive cycling.

You can:
🚲 Ride a section of the route alongside the team
🚲 Donate to help us reach our £10,000 target
🚲 Share the campaign and spread the message
🚲 Help build a future where cycling is for everyone

If this sounds like something you would like to take part in, please contact us at hello@wheelsforall.org.uk

Follow the Journey

From Kendal to Newcastle, every mile tells a story of inclusion, determination, and change. We’ll be posting regular updates across our social media channels so keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see how Team WfA are getting on!

The finish line may be in Newcastle – but the impact is only just beginning.

Together, we can help create a North East where inclusive cycling is not the exception, but the norm.

Donate HERE: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/weridetogethernorth