We didn’t buckle...

Bliss James Briggs Charity Cycling Event

CHARITABLE cyclists endured canalside calamities as they peddled their way through a fund-raising feat of endurance.

Geoff Stocks, along with colleagues from James Briggs in Royton, completed the 127-mile Leeds-Liverpool canal challenge, raising an incredible £2,247 for premature baby charity Bliss.

But it wasn’t without its trials and tribulations . . . there was torrential rain, 11 falls — including a dunk in the canal for Geoff — five punctures, a major bike breakdown and several attacks from swans and geese.

“It was overcast but warm when we set off but after a few miles the heavens opened and unfortunately the rain stayed with us for the majority of the journey,” said Geoff, from Leeds, whose family became involved with Bliss after his nephew Thomas was born nine weeks prematurely.

He added: “After 13-and-a-half hours and 127 miles of complete slog, we finally made it to Leeds at 8.30pm.

“We were wet, cold, covered in mud, hungry and tired, but spirits were lifted by the news that we’d raised so much for such a fantastic cause.”

And it seems Geoff — who only took up cycling a few weeks ago — has been bitten by the bike bug and is gearing up for his next challenge alongside pals Dave Creswell, Gareth Harries, Paul Speed Dave Flood, Terry Pelan, Rod Wilcox and Paul Creswell.

“We’re now planning a Blackpool to Filey coast-to-coast ride,” he said.

You can still donate to their cause at justgiving /Jbl-cyclechallenge.