The 'Ride for Marianne' is a women only Sportive for East Yorkshire 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 place near Yorkshire Day (August 1st) and is on Saturday 3rd August 2024

Starting off from Pocklington Rugby Club there will be three routes. The shorter flat route this year will be 30 miles/48.28km and will head out along quiet country lanes taking in pretty villages and is a perfect route for newbies to sportives. The LONG ROUTE [64.18 miles/103.3kmm] takes in some juicy hills so not for the feint hearted and with amazing views of our beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. The LONG PLUS adds on an extra loop with a few more hills to test those who want a real challenge. 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.

The event has been organised by Val French 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 groups 'The Pocklington & Barmby Belles are excited about this  Sportive and look forward to welcoming you all to the lovely East Yorkshire market town of Pocklington.

Routes

Ride for Marianne LONG

Ride for Marianne SHORT

Info for Riders

This is our 4th Ride for Marianne' Sportive organised by Val French with support from Pocklington & Barmby Belles Breeze group starting and finishing at Pocklington Rugby Club, Burnby Lane, Pocklington, East Yorkshire YO42 2QB

There will be 3 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.