The Hudson Way Diocesan Bike Ride 2008

The Hudson Way Bike Ride took place between 30th June and 4th July. Over 60 people from all walks of life took part in the ride, each committing to raise a minimum of £100 for each day they rode.

The Ride started at Alton Castle, very early on Monday morning and there were overnight stops at Hednesford, Sutton Coldfield, Stratford upon Avon, Evesham and Oxfordshire.  Archbishop Vincent Nichols arrived on the first morning to lead the early morning prayers and to wish everybody well. He had intended to take part in the Ride but was unable to do so due to a neck injury. 

The Ride was challenging, mostly off road and often over difficult terrain including ploughed fields, meadows and steep hills but spirits remained high throughout the Ride. Those taking part were wonderful people and their strength and perseverance were amazing. As the week went by the fitness level of the riders could be seen growing and by Friday the pace was significantly faster.

Mass each day was special and ensured that the ride was not just a physical journey but an opportunity for a spiritual journey too. It was uplifting and inspiring.

During the Ride there were visits to landmarks, sites and projects connected either with Father Hudson himself or with the work of Father Hudson’s Society today. Visits to Hope Family Project in Heath Town, Wolverhampton, Brushstrokes in Smethwick and to the Coleshill site gave the cyclists a much deeper insight and knowledge of our work. A highlight of the Ride was the lunch stop on Thursday as guests of the Hudson Family at Wyke Manor in Wick, the home of Charles Hudson, great nephew of Fr. Hudson. This was a wonderful time of relaxation around the grounds and sitting rooms of the Manor with time to talk to the family about their history and that of the Manor.

The hospitality and Christian fellowship received from parishes along the route was awesome. So many people had gone to so much effort to provide overnight accommodation and meals. Their support and enthusiasm for the Ride was so encouraging to the cyclists. A great debt of gratitude is owed to; Alton Castle, Oscott College, and the parishes of St. Austin Stafford, Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford, St. Patrick’s Wolverhampton Sacred Heart and St. Teresa Coleshill, St. Francis of Assisi Kenilworth, St. Charles Borromea Hampton-on-the-Hill, St. Mary and St. Egwin Evesham, St. Philip the Apostle Ilmington, Our Lady and St. Michael Shipston-on-Stour and SS Peter and Paul Brailles.

The Ride leaders Fr. Michael White and Mark and Veronica Swinnerton had organised the ride meticulously and worked so hard during the Ride. To Fr. Mike, Mark and Veronica, the riders and the support team Father Hudson’s Society owes you a huge debt of gratitude for the time so freely given and for the money raised as a result. It will certainly be a week to remember for so many people.

For more information about The Hudson Way Bike Ride you can download The Hudson Way Bike Ride newsletter in our download section or visit our designated Bike Ride website http://www.hudsonway.org.uk to view the many photographs of the Ride.