Rider Stories Archives

Cycling Through Life with MS: Paul James’ Journey with Bike the UK for MS

11/02/2025

by James Whateley with No Comment Blog Fundraising Rider Stories

From the RAF to the Road: Meet Paul James (PJ)

For many, life takes unexpected turns, and for Paul James —better known as PJ—this couldn’t be more true. A lifelong sports enthusiast and former Royal Air Force serviceman, PJ has always embraced an active lifestyle. But in 2022, a sudden decline in health set him on a path he never anticipated. By January 2023, he was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , a condition that would challenge his resilience in ways he never expected. Now 55, PJ lives in West Sussex with his wife Sarah and their two miniature dachshunds. While MS may have changed some aspects of his life, it has certainly not stopped him—especially when it comes to cycling.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Like many people diagnosed with MS, PJ had little understanding of the condition before his own journey began. “Beyond the initial shock and uncertainty, the emotional journey was made all the easier by the support network, information, and empathy provided through MS charities and communities,” he says. Connecting with others who understood what he was going through helped him process the news and find the strength to move forward. His biggest takeaway? “It’s good to talk. It’s so true!”

Living with MS: Adjusting to a New Normal

MS is unpredictable, and for PJ, the biggest daily challenge is fatigue. “There can be some steady periods of relatively normal life, but I have to take medication daily to help minimise the extent to which the illness might spread through my brain and spine,” he explains. Adjusting his daily schedule and work routine to accommodate his energy levels has been essential in maintaining a balanced life. While he may have had to make some adjustments, he refuses to let MS dictate what he can and cannot do.

Cycling with MS: A Source of Strength and Freedom

For PJ, cycling is more than just a pastime—it’s a critical part of his MS management. “My neurological specialist thoroughly recommended it to help with joint and muscle strength, along with the cognitive benefits and emotional uplift of doing something I absolutely love.” Fortunately, he hasn’t needed any modifications to his bike. He rides a standard road bike, commuting daily and taking longer recreational rides on weekends through the rolling hills of South Downs and the Surrey Hills.

Finding Purpose: Joining Bike the UK for MS

In 2024, PJ took on the Lon Las Cymru challenge with Bike the UK for MS, and he’s set to do it again in 2025. His motivation for riding is twofold: first, to prove to himself that MS does not define him; second, to raise funds for MS research and support groups. “I recognise my journey is part of a bigger picture of people living with MS, and we rely on a fabulous network of medical teams and support staff who regularly go above and beyond to help MS patients like me.”

The Power of Community: Meeting Fellow Riders & MS Groups

One of the most impactful aspects of riding with Bike the UK for MS has been meeting others along the way. “The opportunity to meet up with MS groups last year was fabulous! A broad mix of lovely people, young and not so young, with smiles and stories to reflect their positivity in handling this wretched illness.” These encounters reinforced his belief in the importance of community and the shared strength that comes from supporting one another.

Lessons from the Ride: Overcoming Challenges One Pedal at a Time

Every long-distance ride comes with its share of challenges, but for PJ, those challenges are what make the journey worthwhile. “The camaraderie of the fellow bikers, the experiences of the MS groups, and the personal endeavour to grind out each pedal stroke over some testy Welsh climbs filled me with incredible joy and appreciation for life. I live with MS, but I am not defined by it.”

Why You Should Ride Too: PJ’s Advice for Future Participants

PJ’s message for anyone considering an MS cycling challenge is simple: go for it. “What’s not to love? Spending time on your bike, in the beauty of wild landscapes, and getting to know new friends literally along for the ride! It’s an absolute blast and, although there are some testy bits, you ride at your own pace. It’s being part of something bigger than any one individual. I’m an old guy with MS, so if I can do it, anyone can. Give it a go!”

PJ’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and his spirit of adventure. Through Bike the UK for MS, he has not only found a way to continue doing what he loves, but has also contributed to a cause that supports countless others living with MS. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing challenges—on or off the bike.

Are you ready to take on your own adventure? Join Bike the UK for MS and be part of something truly life-changing. Want to support PJ on Lon Las Cymru? Donate to his challenge here.

10 Years of Bike the UK for MS: A Journey of Impact, Community, and Resilience

17/12/2024

by James Whateley with No Comment Blog Meet the Team Rider Stories Year in Review

The experience of our Executive Director, James Whateley.

As I reflect on the last 10 years of Bike the UK for MS, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. What started as a small idea—a dream born on the roads of America—has grown into something I never could have imagined.

We’ve pedaled thousands of miles, forged lifelong friendships, and made a tangible difference for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) across the UK. This decade has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have forever shaped us as a community.

Where It All Began

The story of Bike the UK for MS began back in 2012 when, as a 19-year-old beginner cyclist, I set out to ride across America on the TransAmerica Trail. On day one, I unknowingly crossed paths with a team wearing matching jerseys—Bike the US for MS, founded by Don Fraser, who started the organisation for his mum, Nina, who was living with MS.

For weeks, I rode alongside Don and his team, experiencing their camaraderie, generosity, and passion for raising awareness of MS. I was invited to their MS community meet-ups, camped with the team, and witnessed firsthand the difference they were making. It wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to bring that same mission home to the UK.

In 2014, we set off on our first ride: John O’Groats to Land’s End. What started as an idea for a small group of friends grew to a team of 12 riders—8 alumni from Bike the US for MS and 4 friends from the University of Bath, including Felix Young, now our Programme Manager. It was a tough route we’d designed ourselves, taking on brutal climbs and quiet back roads, but the friendships formed and challenges overcome made it unforgettable.

10 Years of Impact

Since that first ride, we’ve achieved more than I ever dreamed possible:

175,000 miles collectively cycled.
Over 350 riders have become part of our alumni family.
More than £650,000 raised to support people living with MS.
Support provided to 25 local MS groups across the UK.
Contributions to groundbreaking research like the Octopus Trial, aiming to transform treatment for progressive MS.

“The Octopus Trial aims to deliver life-changing treatments for progressive MS up to three times faster, giving hope to thousands of people living with MS today.”

Supporting Local MS Groups

From the beginning, we wanted our rides to have a direct impact on the MS community. The funds you’ve raised have supported everything from:

Adapted cycling sessions that help reduce MS symptoms and reconnect people to the joy of cycling.
Seated exercise classes (in-person and virtual) to keep people active and connected.
Home modifications—like wet rooms and mobility grants—to help maintain independence.
Social meetups to combat isolation, particularly in rural areas like Scotland and Wales, where access to support can be more challenging.

The East Cumbria MS Group is one example of how your efforts are making a difference. With funds raised, they’ve provided adaptive cycling opportunities, funded group activities like nature reserve trips, and supported weekend adventures at Calvert Trust Keswick. These moments offer freedom, connection, and hope to people living with MS.

Stories That Inspire Us

The heart of Bike the UK for MS lies in the stories of our riders and the MS community we support.

Dan Derbyshire

Dan rode the Sea to Sea route in 2022 in honor of his father, who taught him to ride a bike before being diagnosed with relapsing MS. Dan shared:

“I chose Bike the UK for MS because of the close relationships they have with the MS groups they meet along the routes and the research they help to fund. I know firsthand how much this can help every individual and their families.”

Dan returned as a Route Leader in 2023, inspired by the support and camaraderie he experienced.

Teresa and Linda

When Terri was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS, it threatened the active lifestyle she and Linda loved. But with the help of their tandem e-bike, Lill-e, they took on the Sea to Sea ride, raising £2,800.

Terri went on to now coordinate her local MS group, providing others with support and opportunities to stay active.

Mark Sinclair

Mark, a former Guinness World Record holder, cycled Land’s End to John O’Groats on a trike and proposed to his girlfriend at the finish line. Shortly after, as MS progressed, he transitioned to using a wheelchair. Through funds raised, we were able to help Mark purchase a racing wheelchair, and he now competes in marathons across the UK. His mantra remains:

“When I can’t continue, I adapt.”

The Highs, the Lows, and the Community We’ve Built

Every ride brings its challenges—brutal winds on the North Coast, relentless rain on Land’s End to John O’Groats, midges in Scotland, and fog so thick you can’t see more than a few feet ahead. But it’s in these moments that we find the strength to push through, remembering that every day is a challenge of far greater magnitude for someone living with MS.

One particularly memorable moment came on the North Coast 500 in Scotland. As our team climbed the infamous Bealach na Bà, the weather turned against us—fierce winds and freezing rain tested everyone’s resolve. Our Route Leaders, always thinking on their feet, sprang into action. After cheering riders to the summit, they quickly set up a pop-up café in a lay-by, complete with hot drinks and makeshift “seating” fashioned from bin liners. Seeing the relief and laughter on riders’ faces in that small moment of warmth was unforgettable.

These challenges often bring us closer together as a team, creating bonds that carry far beyond the finish line. It’s these friendships that I’m most proud of. Over the years, we’ve seen lifelong friendships, relationships, and even marriages blossom on the road. David and Issy from our 2018 John O’Groats to Land’s End team tied the knot this year, and Felix and Emily, alumni from our original 2014 ride, have shared their own incredible journey together.

Riders return year after year, not just for the challenge but to reconnect with a community that feels like family. As our alumni riders shared:

“The friendships I’ve made on these rides are unlike anything else. You go through the highs and lows together, and that brings a bond that lasts forever.”

“I never thought I could cycle 1,000 miles, but the support I received from the Route Leaders and fellow riders made me believe in myself. It’s a life-changing experience.”

The Unsung Heroes: Our Route Leaders

Behind every rider’s journey is a team of Route Leaders—volunteers who keep the wheels turning, literally and figuratively. They’re the ones setting up camps, fixing mechanical issues, cheering on the sidelines, and helping riders tackle challenges that feel insurmountable.

As multiple-time Route Leader Joanna Goodhead explains:

“Your job is to help people reach goals they never thought they could reach. And when they do, that’s your reward—and it’s almost better than doing it yourself.”

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Running Bike the UK for MS full-time since 2017 has been a turning point in my life. The challenges we’ve faced—COVID-19, the cost of living crisis, and changes to the charity sector—haven’t been easy, but the support of our alumni, volunteers, and riders has kept us moving forward.

Looking ahead, I want to see us:

Grow our rider community: Help us spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues.
Strengthen our alumni network: The friendships built here are the foundation of everything we do.
Become the UK’s leading MS cycling fundraiser: Offering unique, unforgettable adventures while supporting people living with MS and funding life-changing research.

Join Us in 2025: Be Part of the Next Chapter

The past 10 years have been an incredible ride, but we’re just getting started. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join us for a ride in 2025: Take on Land’s End to John O’Groats, North Coast 500, Lon Las Cymru, or one of our other unforgettable routes.
Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign up, volunteer, or support us.
Volunteer: Consider becoming a Route Leader or helping us grow the charity behind the scenes.

Together, we can continue to make a difference for those living with MS. Let’s take on the next 10 years, one mile, one connection, and one adventure at a time.

Thank You

To every rider, volunteer, donor, and supporter who has been part of this journey: thank you. Your dedication has brought us this far, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in the years to come.

Let’s ride for MS. Let’s ride for hope. Let’s ride together.

Charlotte and Olivia’s Bike Rides

03/12/2024

by biketheukforms with No Comment Blog Meet the Team Rider Stories

Placement Students Charlotte and Olivia took to the saddle – not once, but Twice! Felix set them on a challenge to document their own autumnal bike ride as non-cyclists, sharing their experiences from a new rider’s point of view before meeting for a Bike the UK for MS team ride with alumni Joanna.

Olivia's Ride in Lancaster

I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go around the local canal, taking my dog, Dot, along for the ride. The ride started off smoothly, with beautiful views along the canal, and we even spotted a few ducks that Dot was very keen to greet (chase)! However, halfway through our ride, we ran into a bit of an obstacle- building work on the canal blocked our path. Instead of turning back, we took a slight detour to get around the disruption and complete our loop.

Though our unexpected detour added a bit of time, it gave us a chance to explore a different area, with new sights and trails. Dot was excited as ever, just enjoying the outside and new smells. However there was slight over

excitement from Dot, running into fields and chasing birds- which resulted in me ringing mum to come and meet me to take over the responsibility of keeping her eyes on the dog!

Charlotte's Ride in Suffolk

When Felix set me the task of going on a bike ride I genuinely did not think I would have as much fun as I did! As a team sports player with very little endurance background and even less cycling experience my enjoyment truly surprised me. What could have been a simple 10 minute ride to get some footage ended up as an 11km hour long ride and I could have happily carried on!
With my bike recently stolen, I borrowed a mountain bike and started my ride. I decided to use all its suspension features and ride on the local Warren, where no bike transport would be needed and I wouldn’t have to tackle any road cycling.

As a true beginner cyclist I felt the things that made me so content on the bike was knowing that although I was physically cycling by myself I knew Olivia was doing this to, just like others will all be training throughout the year to then come together and complete one of our routes. The thought of doing a long bike ride daunted me but I realised that once you have made the step to just get out on the bike – even if it is for 10 minutes – you realise you are much more able than you think.

I also set no expectations on myself about the time it would take me to ride and stopping mid-cycle – something our trips also offer, and I really understand why now! This cycling exercise that Felix set up made me realise you don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy cycling! After being in the vans this Summer seeing some beautiful scenery and getting on the bike for a ride, I can really see why you’d want to put the two together for a summer experience of a lifetime!

Our Team day Cycle

We recently had a team working day in Loughborough, and it was a fantastic mix of work and fun. We went on a bike ride together and there is definitely a competitive streak in the Bike the UK team as multiple races were had. Surprisingly, there were more hills than expected for the Midlands– though they were only small ones. It was a fantastic day out with the team, full of laughter, a little friendly competition and an opportunity to get out on the bike with friends.

Firstly, we got some help from the cycling professional to reassemble our bikes as we had to transport them with the wheels separate in our cars. With Felix and Joanna all kitted out in their cycling gear, we felt a little underdressed but still excited nonetheless. After a few lessons on gears as Charlotte was borrowing a bike with a techy gear shift mechanism (yes, Felix did have to tell me what it is called!) we were set to take on a blind route that Felix had planned.

With no idea where or how far we were going, we focused on having a good time and enjoying all the terrains Loughborough had to offer us. One of us may have got a little more competitive than the other when it came to a track stand competition and sprint race during our ride, but you’ll have to watch our reel on Instagram to find out the results! gear shift mechanism (yes, Felix did have to tell me what it is called!) we were set to take on a blind route that Felix had planned. With no idea where or how far we were going, we focused on having a good time and enjoying all the terrains Loughborough had to offer us.

One of us may have got a little more competitive than the other when it came to a track stand competition and sprint race during our ride, but you’ll have to watch our reel on Instagram to find out the results!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bike the UK for MS (@biketheukforms)

Take a look on our Instagram and Facebook to see the full adventures video documented during our day in Loughborough!

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Cycling in Cornwall & Devon – the “Big Bosses” of LEJOG

24/01/2024

by Felix Young with No Comment Blog Rider Stories

Bowser in Mario, the Elite Four in Pokemon and all other video game big bosses elicit the same thrill, excitement, frustration and dread in gamers. They push your skill, persistence, ingenuity and willpower to levels that the rest of the game does not reach and reward you with the standout moments of satisfaction and accomplishment when you finally overcome their steep challenges.

“But that does that have to do with cycling the length of the UK?” I hear you ask. Well, riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats carries its own pair of big bosses to bring all of those same emotions to pass for the cycle tourer. They call them… “Devon” and “Cornwall”. These two counties are etched in the minds of many a rider from professional to first-timer and I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to carve a few pieces of my cycling memory whilst riding in these special places.

The ”Crying Bench”

The aforementioned professional cyclists may not have been brought to tears, merely exclaiming that Tour of Britain stages in Devon were some of their highest ever recorded power numbers; but there is a particular spot that has remained a focal point of riding in the extreme South West of the UK for me and those who have passed through Cornwall in my company. The Crying Bench.

Over a decade ago, as a 19 year old student at the University of Bath, I set off towards St Austell in Cornwall for a Sunday lunch with a friend (a student will go a long way on the promise of food!). Doing the 150 miles by bike and armed with no GPS but merely a list of road numbers (A39, B3181, etc…) taped to my top tube now seems ambitious in time for lunch but confident in my ability I set off South West.

It was not the mist on the Mendip hills, the headwinds on the Somerset levels or the hail on Dartmoor that finally brought the tears welling up but a nondescript hill, part of a seemingly never-ending chain of the things, in Cornwall that broke the camel’s back of my self-assuredness. Fortunately, there was a bright blue bench right there at the side of the road waiting for me to slump on to and have a sob.

It has since become a reference point for Bike the UK for MS riders on our trips. “Look out for the Crying Bench,” a point of common reference and empathy for those having a hard day, or week, as they tackle one of LEJOG’s bosses. A physical tribute that no matter what level you ride at or speed you go, we are all feeling the same sensations and emotions, just like those video games. Not the pros, though. They just push more power numbers!

I can see the sea!

As any local cyclist will tell you, there is no flat road in Devon. Nowhere is more un-flat than Dartmoor. This has its drawbacks. When you are on a long hard day’s ride, that rollercoaster of up and down can make the kilometres stretch out interminably. It is not all bad though. When you are racing your mates and have the upper hand each upward kick feels like you are working together with the double-digit gradients as dastardly collaborators.

One other positive of all of that up-ness is that when you crest the final rise and see what remains of the UK spilling out before you towards the coast then you can know that you are not far from your goal. All the more so if you have seen the north coast of Scotland in the rear-view mirror of your mind since departing John O’ Groats. It’s not all plain sailing from there though, despite the lack of altitude, Cornwall has plenty of big-boss energy left to test you with (see references to crying and benches above!).

“Welcome to Cornwall” …You must be kidding?!

As you cross the mighty Tamar River which divides Devon and Cornwall you can immediately sense that something is a little bit different. Not cream on top of jam on scones, not even the fact that finding a train station halfway up a hill is a bit odd (trains like flat and halfway up this particular hill is almost the exact opposite) but that the maths and logic of the route laid out ahead of you doesn’t make sense.

Flash floods? Yes, but at the top of hills, not the bottom.

My record number of layers worn whilst cycling? Eleven. In June. In Cornwall, of course. When not a few moments earlier a single jersey was more than enough.

A bombastic, barmy, bonkers bundle of bicycling brilliance. The only way to describe a bike ride of any distance in Cornwall. And the final big boss of John O’ Groats to Land’s End can always say “well, I did warn you…” Crossing the bridge over the Tamar, where the sense of something odd emerged just as you passed the “Welcome to Cornwall” sign… and immediately turn the corner onto the daftest hill of them all!

Heading North

But what about if you are heading from Land’s End to John O’ Groats instead, for example, on our trip this July to raise money for MS? Well, as you emerge onto the city streets of Exeter you will have quite the realisation. All of that is behind you. You have unpicked that lock, solved that puzzle and persisted through that head-to-head. You get to enjoy that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for that whole rest of the trip. And you never know, you might find yourself going back for more… Just one more level?

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

05/10/2023

by Felix Young with No Comment Blog Meet the Team Our Rides Rider Stories

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 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!”

“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 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!”

“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.”

“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.”

Daniel with his father before his Sea to Sea cycle for MS

How Dan Derbyshire’s Father Inspired Him to Cycle for MS

31/03/2023

by Ella Miles with One Comment Blog Rider Stories

A Personal Connection to MS and Passion for Cycling

Meet Dan Derbyshire, an inspiring individual who has embarked on an incredible journey to cycle for MS with Bike the UK for MS. Dan’s father has been living with relapsing and remitting MS for 16 years. Seeing the impact it had on his father’s life motivated Dan to take action.

As a child, Dan was taught to ride a bike by his father, which ignited his passion for cycling. This eventually led to mountain biking and even passing his motorbike test. Dan and his father would regularly ride their motorbikes together, but when Dan decided to raise money for MS, he swapped his motorbike for a road bike to complete the Sea to Sea route.

Dan first discovered Bike the UK for MS in 2019, but with university commitments getting in the way, he was only able to take on a challenge in 2022. In this blog, we will explore Dan’s motivation for riding the Sea to Sea route. You’ll get an insight into his experience out on the road and understand why he’s returning as a Route Leader in 2023.

Why did you want to ride with Bike the UK for MS last summer?

“I’d wanted to take part in some form of fundraising and spent lots of time searching the MS Society website. I was affected by his diagnosis in a way that most boys and their father would understand. I’ve grown up seeing the MS Society letters and both the annual and bi-annual newsletters throughout my fathers prognosis. He taught me to cycle and encouraged my love for riding bikes, motorbikes and mountain bikes. Naturally, riding my bike felt like the right thing to do.

I choose Bike the UK for MS due to their close nature and relationship they have with the MS groups they meet along the routes that they ride and also the research that they help to fund. I know first-hand how much this can help every individual and their families through varying stages of tier journeys with MS.”

Dan at after the finish of his cycle from Sea to Sea for MS

What training did you do before completing the ride?

“The advice I got in terms of training was to get on the bike and start spinning. That’s exactly what I did! After purchasing and setting up my bike to my liking, I started off with several smaller rides of up to 20 miles, trying to cycle on consecutive days. While doing so, I would push to do longer days (40 miles+) with adequate rest periods in between the rides. I would try and repeat this as often as possible whilst planning challenging sections of hills and plenty of split squats. A few weeks before the ride, I cycled the recommended 50+ miles on two consecutive days to prepare myself for how I would feel on the weekend of the ride.”

What is your go to bike snack?

“It’s got to be a flapjack and a packet of ready salted crisps with a can of energy drink to wash it down! This has definitely saved me from bonking one too many times whilst training!”

What is your favourite memory of the ride?

“Over the short 3 days of riding, there were so many memorable moments! I will cherish them all, so it’s very hard to pick a favourite! For me, it comes down to two experiences…

Although I rode the majority of the ride on my own, there were many instances where I rode alongside other riders. Some of these riders were affected by MS and the others just wanted the challenge of riding from Coast to Coast. Hearing and chatting about all their own stories really made the weekend for me.
The weather was bleak on the first day, raining from the late morning all the way until the evening. The scenery through the Lake District and the North Pennines, however, was second to none. With the pace of my cycling, I had plenty of opportunities to soak it up (and take lots of photos!)”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to prospective riders for 2023?

“I would say to train a little harder and cycle a little further than you think you need to. It will allow you to enjoy the ride and the views as you cycle the route.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

“The first day, the group experienced some torrential rain which was definitely the biggest challenge for me. I always kept a positive mental attitude and remembered the statement that Jason Fox from ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’ said “you can only control what is in your 1m squared”. However, my 1m squared was always the one in front of me pushing me to pedal a little further even when I was struggling”.

Why have you decided to return as a route leader this year?

“As soon as I finished the ride, I promised myself that I would help in 2023. This was mainly due to the Route Leaders who were spectacular with every rider! Always positive when the going really got tough. Also, knowing how the route leaders helped facilitate the riders throughout the route and what the cause is for.”

Dan with his 2022 Sea to Sea team mates after their cycle for MS

Riding with MS – Shine A Light

20/01/2023

by Ella Miles with No Comment Blog Rider Stories

Teresa Attwood and Linda Bussey with their tandem E-Bike helping them ride with MS. Celebrating at the Sea to Sea finish line.

With the new year upon us, we decided what better way to celebrate our amazing Bike the UK for MS alumni than to dedicate our “Shine the Light” monthly section onto those that inspire us most! To start this off, we couldn’t think of anymore better than Teresa Attwood and Linda Bussey. In this blog, Linda has shared an insight into her’s and Terri’s lives, particularly life after an MS diagnosis, riding with MS and how Bike the UK for MS and the MS Society has helped them.

January Highlight – Teresa and Linda

Terri and Linda swapped the ultra-busy Peak District for Cumbria’s peaceful Eden Valley 10 years ago. The Eden Valley is a hidden gem and offered blissfully quiet rural cycling lanes and the wilderness of the Northern Pennines to explore on foot, right on their doorstep. It seemed they’d truly found their Eden.

Just four years later, Terri was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS. A ‘lazy’ right foot initiated a trip to the local GP, who sent her for a series of tests and scans. The scans showed lesions in her spine and brain, consistent with multiple sclerosis. It was a devastating diagnosis for them both, threatening their active lifestyle.

On the recommendation of an MS nurse, Terri joined the local East Cumbria Group of the MS Society. They offered weekly exercise classes, coffee mornings, and other social gatherings. Everyone in the Group lives with MS: all are at different stages of their MS journey. The group is a tremendous source of support. Terri and Linda quickly signed up as volunteers, and soon become firm friends with many of the gang.

Three years ago, Terri became the local Group coordinator. Amongst a host of other co-ordinating activities, she produces the Group’s quarterly newsletter. She has also become involved with the Society at National level, to help give a voice to people with MS on the ground.

Meanwhile, they still manage to cycle and walk most weekends. Last year, they purchased an electric-assist tandem (known as Lill-e). This has been a game-changer for riding with MS, allowing them to continue to cycle together and get away for long weekends with friends…and ride the Sea to Sea last summer!

Linda celebrating at the summit of Bealach na Ba on the penultimate day of North Coast 500 — Linda celebrating at the summit of Bealach na Bà, North Coast 500

Why did you want to ride Sea to Sea for MS last summer?

“Because it looked like fun and the routes looked amazing! The East Cumbria Group is a massive supporter of Bike the UK for MS and has been enthusiastic to meet riders on the Sea to Sea and Land’s End to John O’Groats. As keen cyclists ourselves, we were drawn to the excitement of seeing riders completing long days in the saddle, and were impressed by the incredible camaraderie among the team and riders. We rode the C2C together in August, and then 10 days later I did the North Coast 500 on a solo bike. Between us, we managed to raise over £2,800. We were happy to know that a good chunk of that would come back to the Group, the rest going to fund research to help find a cure for MS”

Lon Las Cymru 2024 team meeting with Cymru MS Society

What training did you do before cycling across the country for MS?

“We just got out on Lill-e as much as we could, usually riding 30-50 mile days at weekends. We also did a few long weekends away, generally involving bigger rides, including cycling from home out to Scotland, and forays into Northumberland, staying at different B&Bs each night. I was also getting out as much as possible on my solo bike, seeking out the most challenging local hills”.

What is your go-to on the bike snack?

“We’re a bit ‘old school’, and generally carry a thermos of hot chocolate. We normally enjoy this with homemade oaty biscuits, flapjack, or energy bars”.

What is your favourite memory from the ride?

Sea to Sea: “it was being cheered on by friends who’d come to meet us at the top of Hartside – they certainly helped us to romp up the final summit. The scenery was stunning as we rode across the Northern Pennines in rare moments of sunshine. Completing the C2C with our friends from Edinburgh (who started as our sponsors and then became participants) was very special.

On the North Coast 500, it was climbing Bealach na Ba, the incredible view and descent off the top. And the people – what a great bunch!”

North Coast 500 September team lined up at the finish of the ride — North Coast 500 team celebrating at the finish line!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to prospective riders?

“Enjoy the ride, take time to take in the views, and remember it’s not a race”.

How does Bike the UK for MS benefit you and the East Cumbria MS Group?

“The East Cumbria Group funds a number of activities and events throughout the year. These include weekly exercise classes and monthly coffee mornings, where people with MS can meet and chat in relaxed settings. Last year, we took out group membership at Watchtree Wheelers (a charity near Carlisle that runs a cycling facility for the disabled). We then funded a couple of trips out to the Nature Reserve. Everyone enjoyed trying out the range of different bikes on the traffic-free track, and just got an immense buzz from exercising outside in the fresh air. It was great to show you can continue riding with MS.

This year, we’re also funding a weekend of adventure activities at Calvert Trust Keswick. Having a disability doesn’t stop people with multiple sclerosis from pushing their boundaries. They need to be given the opportunity to try something different in an inclusive and safe environment. The support of BTUKFMS helps us to give people with MS those opportunities”.