Sleeping rough and a cycle challenge that's tough

Braving the deep chill, icy winds and snowfall a group of courageous riders, led by Cycling UK member Michael Collins from Halifax are planning a 280-mile cycle ride through Yorkshire. 

Two other Cycling UK members Steve Marsden from Sheffield, Angela Walker from Sheffield are part of the group. 

It’s not just fierce wintry weather they’ll be enduring, but they will also look to replicate the experience of homelessness by sleeping rough for five nights too. 

Starting on Monday 4 February their journey will cover a large distance, snaking through the north of England, stopping at York, South Shields, Carlisle and Morecambe before arriving back in Sowerby Bridge on Friday for a final night out in the cold.

Cycling up to 80 miles a day, the group will sleep rough at every location in a bid to raise over £10,000 pounds.

Michael Collins who is a Bike Leader at Happy Days said “We run homeless charity Happy Days and what better way to support and raise awareness than by trying to understand the conditions they face and raising awareness of homelessness – especially at this time of year. 

“Sleeping rough en route gives you a real sense of what its like to be homeless. Last year by the fifth day, we were exhausted, and it really does get you down sleeping in treacherous conditions. In January it was particularly tough with the bitter cold. 

“One night we slept in a car park, I can remember the smell of oil, listening to the scampering of rats, the sounds of the city in the distance and the feel of the hard concrete beneath."

The group hope to inspire as many people as possible to change the way in which homelessness is viewed. It’s a trap you can be easily thrown into for a whole number of different circumstances. 

Michael said, “As Cycling UK members this is a great way to combine cycling and raise money for our charity. Happy Days helps get people off the streets and offers them a safe place to gain confidence and pick up and start again in a new life.”

On the final night, Friday the 8 of February, the group is inviting members of the public to join them and spend a night out in the cold in Sowerby. 

Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club will host a sleep out for the riders and anyone wishing to accompany them. For more information and how you can get involved please email: angela@happydaysuk.org. Or to donate visit their justgiving page.