The 'Ride for Marianne' is a Sportive for East Yorkshire now in its third year in memory of Marianne Kerr, a true Yorkshire girl and keen cyclist, who lost her battle with cancer in August.2019. To celebrate her life what better way than to cycle around our beautiful Yorkshire Wolds and raise money for 'Women v Cancer' in the process. The event is very appropriately taking in her anniversary weekend. The  last 2 years year we raised over |£6000 for the 3 women's cancer charities Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer Now.

Starting off from Pocklington Rugby Club this year for the first time there there will be three routes . The SHORT flat route of 26 miles] will head out along quiet country lanes taking in pretty villages and is a perfect route for newbies to sportives. The LONG route [64 miles/101km] takes in some juicy hills so not for the feint hearted and with amazing views of our beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. This year we are adding a third  route LONG ROUTE PLUS of 75 miles which will take in most of the long route with an extra  very rural  loop to stretch those keen ones amongst you. Remember, what goes up has to come down so there are also some exciting descents and long flat sections to take in this breathtaking scenery.

Ride for Marianne SHORT - A bike ride in Pocklington, England (ridewithgps.com)

Ride for Marianne Sportive LONG ROUTE - A bike ride in Pocklington, England (ridewithgps.com)

Ride for Marianne LONG PLUS - A bike ride in Pocklington, England (ridewithgps.com)

The event has been organised by Val French, Breeze Champion and Area Co-ordinator, in memory of her best friend of 40 years and LEJOG cycle buddy. Marianne had just retired from teaching and become a grandma when her life was cruelly cut short. Val along with the support from her British Cycling Breeze cycle group 'Pocklington & Barmby Belles Ladies' are excited about this Sportive and look forward to welcoming you all to the lovely East Yorkshire market town of Pocklington.

Info for Riders

This is our third';Ride for Marianne' Sportive organised by Val French with support from Pocklington & Barmby Belles Breeze group starting and finishing Pocklington Rugby Club, Burnby Lane, Pocklington, East Yorkshire YO42 2QB

This year we will have three routes, and all will have manned feed stations with the longer routes having additional 'water stops' after some of the harder hill climbs. The routes will be well signed and there will be marshals on some parts of the routes. The majority of the ride is on quiet country lanes with just a few shorter sections on busier roads but warning signs will keep you posted.

A 'sweep car' will bring up the rear of the longer route and it is planned to have a couple more back up cars travelling the route. However, it is the rider's own responsibility to ensure they are fit to ride, and their bike is in good working order.

There will also be a mechanic vehicle and trained First Aiders on route of the two longer rides.

All participants will receive a medal at the end of the ride. A hot meal will also be available back at the rugby. Shower facilities are available. You will be pleased to know that the bar will be open on your return for a well-earned celebratory drink.