They talked about heading to the Arctic Circle for their next bike trip; John and Brian had previously been on a number of bike adventures including Route 66. The idea was developed and two other team members Allan Russell, and Mark Allison volunteered to be involved, who both also work for Black Sheep Brewery.

The idea was first discussed in late 2006 and the event was planned for spring 2007. However due to work commitments and a very busy Brewery the event unfortunately had to be postponed. 2008 seemed to come and go and the Spring time opportunity flashed past. Brian, Allan, Mark, Paul Theakston (Managing Director at the Black Sheep Brewery) and the Marketing Team from Black Sheep had a long meeting. After much discussion and the realisation that the event could be a fantastic fundraising opportunity, the date was set – 9th June 2009, the charity was chosen – The Scott Suite (The breast cancer ward at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton), a £25,000 target was set and a decision was made to launch the event at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2008. 

The event was successfully launched at the Great Yorkshire Show and £1200 was raised towards this worthy cause.  The money was raised through a raffle and a rowing challenge where entrants paid £5 each to row 500m against the clock and against the Black Sheep Rowing team.  The fastest time at the end of the show won a fantastic Black Sheep hamper worth £100
Over the last year the team have been actively fundraising they smashed their original £25,000 target and set a new £30,000 target which they have also now achieved the total raised so far is an amazing £36,000!

The Big Push Up on Flickr

You can view and comment on the latest photos from the trip on the Black Sheep Brewery Flickr account.