Pupils Going for Gold in Cycle Challenge
Published on:
29
June 2009
Four Lornshill Academy pupils have cycled over 150 miles over four days to complete the expedition section of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
During the gruelling trip, in all weathers, the group had to be completely self sufficient, carrying all of their equipment and relying on each other for support.
The expedition took place from 14th - 17th June and began in UIlapool. The group of three boys and one girl had previously cycled from Skye to Kinlochewe in a training expedition.
The pupils - Louise MacLeod, Jack Fowler, Iain McCall and David Hodgkinson - are in 5th year at Lornshill. On the first day they cycled from Ullapool to Stoer and then from Stoer to Tarbert on day two. They enjoyed warm, sunny weather on the first two days of the expedition. On day three it was overcast but dry as they cycled from Tarbert to Tongue. However on the final day as they cycled over 30 miles from Tongue to Thurso it poured with rain the whole day.
Bike trailers had been bought for the expedition by the Clackmannanshire Award Advisory Committee and the young people used the trailers to carry their tents, trangias traditional camping stoves, sleeping bags, food and clothes for the venture.
The group worked well as a team and Iain became the group motivator, looking after everyone and staying with whoever was struggling up the hills. There were lots of hills along the costal road some of which the minibus struggled to get up never mind the kids on their bikes.
The pupils were accompanied by Lornshill teachers Emma Dawson and Jay Burgess over the four days.
Emma said: "The four of them have done a great job, and now they have to write a substantial report on the wildlife around the North West coast of Scotland. The youngsters would like to thank everyone who helped them with fundraising, especially the teachers at Lornshill Academy for buying their cakes."
Headteacher Danny Murphy added: "We are all very proud of what these young people and their teachers have achieved as our first group heading for Gold. They took on a huge challenge and have come through with flying colours."
Councillor George Matchett, Portfolio Holder for Inclusion, added: "The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an excellent scheme and one of the many opportunities which the Council provides for young people. My congratulates go to the young people involved and to the leaders - without whom these activities would not be possible."
