TV veteran Harry Gration brought a taste of the Tour de France to Huddersfield yesterday.
BBC Look North presenter Harry and more youthful colleague Amy Garcia pedalled through Kirklees on the seventh day of their tandem bike challenge for Sports Relief.
The plucky duo, tackling the Yorkshire route of the Tour’s Grand Depart, endured a good workout as they battled winds, icy rain and tough hill climbs along their 26-mile route.
Yesterday they travelled from Elland to Huddersfield, Honley, Holmfirth and Holme Moss right through from the morning to late afternoon.
The weather got so bad that they had to abandon the last leg of the route and enter Langsett by car, where they were met by Look North fans at the Waggon and Horses pub.
Crowds lined the streets to welcome them into their communities, where they stopped off to talk to local businesses and schools to try and raise as much money as possible.
Pupils from The Mount Preparatory School in Edgerton were some of those lucky enough to meet the duo, whilst walking back from their tennis lesson.
Meanwhile Luddendenfoot councillor Simon Young travelled to Elland to see them as they saddled up for the day.
Commenting on the mammoth ride, Harry said: “This is another fine mess that our editor has got us into but we’ve been looking forward to the challenge and meeting loads of people around Yorkshire.”
Meanwhile Amy, who joined the team last October, said: “It’s been four years since I’ve ridden a bike so there’s lots of work to do.”
The Waggon and Horses manager Vanda Battye said: “It’s very exciting and a great pleasure.
“They looked worn out but I wouldn’t have wanted to tackle the hills that they did.”
Footage from the day was broadcast on Look North last night.
They will continue onto Bradfield before crossing the finishing line in Sheffield around teatime on March 21.
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