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Charity Ride News

Diary dates for cycling fundraisers. Bookmark this page for the latest news on charity bike rides. If you're organising a charity event which is open for the public to enter, send full details to editor@britishcycling.org.uk, with 'Charity Ride' in the Subject line.  

Riders Sought for Tough New Peak District Cycle Challenge - posted 3rd June 2010

A new cycling challenge will be launched in the Peak District this summer and children's health charity Action Medical Research is calling for riders to sign up now for the first event on Sunday 4 July.

Called the Sheffield 100, the ride will set out from the home of Sheffield Tigers Rugby Club at Dore Moor on the outskirts of the city, before taking cyclists into the heart of the Peak District and some of the UK's most stunning scenery. The event promises both awe-inspiring views and some challenging climbs.

There is a choice of either a 100-mile or 100km route. Both pass through the Hope Valley and the Derbyshire Dales, and there's a tough climb with views of Mam Tor. The 100-mile route additionally takes in the Goyt Valley, passing picturesque lakes and reservoirs, and offers views of the rocky outcrop known as The Winking Man.

The Sheffield Tigers will be offering camping facilities the night before with cooked breakfasts and bacon sandwiches on offer to get hardy cyclists prepared on the Sunday morning.

Riders participating in this event will be raising money to help Action Medical Research fund vital work that aims to prevent, cure or treat conditions that devastate the lives of many thousands of babies and children and their families.

For more details see www.action.org.uk/sheffield or call 01977 609212. Entry costs £25 and you will also need to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship.

Join The Stroke Association on the Castle 2 Castle Cycling Challenge this Autumn - Posted 28th May 2010

This just in from the Stroke Association...

Following on from last year's success, when 170 cyclists took part, this year The Stroke Association will once again be holding the charity Castle 2 Castle (C2C) Cycling Challenge, this time on Sunday 19 September 2010.

Experience an historic ride through the beautiful countryside and villages of Gloucestershire, travelling from castle to castle via the old Severn Bridge. You can choose the 44 mile circular route starting or finishing at Berkeley Castle to Chepstow Castle or if this is a little too far then why not try our 22 mile route starting at either castle. There will also be a shorter route of 10 miles starting and finishing at Berkeley Castle for those wanting a more leisurely day.

Whichever route you choose, C2C promises to be a great day out for you, your family or for a team of your friends or colleagues. What's more you will be making a difference to the 300,000 people across the UK living with stroke.
Registration is £10 each and individuals are need to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship or £90 as a family of maximum of five (to include two adults)

For more information or to request an entry pack, please contact our C2C Events Team by email: c2ccyclingchallenge@stroke.org.uk or ring 0117 953 1200.

Cheshire Plains and Peaks Sportive - 25th July 2010 - in aid of St. Rocco's Hospice, Warrington

Following the success of the first running of this event in 2009 (despite appalling weather!), the Cheshire Plains and Peaks Sportive is being offered for a second year on 25th July 2010. The event starts from the Broomfields Leisure Centre, Appleton, in the outskirts of Warrington and immediately heads into the rolling Cheshire countryside for either a 100 mile or 60 mile route.

The event is in aid of St Rocco's Hospice in Warrington. All proceeds from the £30 entry fee will go direct to the Hospice. This includes a minimum donation or sponsorship amount but riders are encouraged to raise further sponsorship. For more information on the Hospice please visit www.stroccos.org.uk

The initial part of the 100 mile/160 km route follows quiet country roads and takes in a first climb up Alderley Edge before heading into the more challenging Peak District, passing the Cat and Fiddle and through the Goyt Valley before heading back towards Warrington.

The 60 mile/100 km route follows quiet country roads and loops around Alderley Edge and the foothills of the Peak District before heading back to Warrington.

The Sportive will include:

• Changing facilities
• Signed and marshalled route
• Motorcycle support 
• Feeding zones
• First aid
• Broom wagon
• Post-event sports therapy and massage (limited availability)
• Manual timing
• Photographs

Contact for further information: Ian Jerams 0114 266 4251 (evenings) or ianjerams@aol.com

Entries can be submitted on-line here.

East Sussex Fun Ride - Saturday 22nd May - in aid of Chestnut Tree House

• Take the challenge and help raise funds for Chestnut Tree House, the only children’s hospice in Sussex
• A family event, you choose to ride 5, 10, 20 or 30 miles or walk 5 miles (or more).
• Also suitable for runners— the route is out from Bramber Castle along the Downs Link and returning back to the Castle. .
• Have fun, keep fit and raise money for a great cause
• For full details and an entry form visit www.downslinkchallenge.co.uk

Now in its fifth year the Challenge attracts a mix of serious and fun, group and single entrants. Ideal for the family as most of the trail is off road following the route of the old railway through beautiful Sussex countryside.

Join Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly for the new Down 100 ride

Posted: 11th May 2010

Cyclists will have a rare opportunity to ride alongside Irish road racing legend Sean Kelly when he takes part in the inaugural Down 100 cycle challenge in Northern Ireland on Sunday 6 June.

The new event is part of the popular 100 Series of UK challenge rides run by children's health charity Action Medical Research. Taking place against the stunning backdrop of Strangford Lough, there is a choice of two distances: a gruelling 100-miler and a shorter, but still tough, 100km circular route. Both pass along quiet country lanes through areas of outstanding scenery - a landscape dotted with loughs, castles and mountains in the distance.

‘King Kelly', now a cycling commentator on Eurosport TV, was one of the most successful road cyclists of all time. He won almost 200 races over the course of an 18-year pro-cycling career that spanned three decades and was ranked World Number One cyclist for six years running from 1984 to 1989. His impressive list of wins includes Vuelta a Espana and Tour of Switzerland. He won the Giro di Lombardia, Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix twice each, won seven consecutive Paris-Nice titles and took part in the Tour de France 14 times, winning the green jersey four times.

Sean says: "I'm delighted to be taking part in the Down 100 to promote cycling and to support such a worthy cause such as Action Medical Research. Come along for the ride and help establish this great new event and raise much needed funds."

Mark Trott, UK Cycling Development Manager at Action Medical Research, says: "We are thrilled to have the legendry Sean Kelly joining us for this new event. The picturesque but challenging route offers a fantastic day's ride with the added bonus of the chance to ride with cycling royalty."

Action Medical Research is a leading UK charity with a special focus on child health. Cyclists participating in the event will raise money to help fund vital work that aims to prevent, cure or treat conditions that devastate the lives of many thousands of babies and children and their families.

Places are limited so make sure you register soon. For more information about the Down 100 and to register, visit the website www.action.org.uk/down100  

Entry costs £25 and you will also need to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship.

The Christie Mystery Bike Ride Saturday 31st July - Sunday 1st August 2010

This just in from the fundraisers at Christies Hospital Manchester, who've conconted a charity ride with a real twist!

Get on your bike in Manchester on Saturday morning and cycle approximately 75 miles with us to a secret destination! Camp overnight with live music, entertainment, games, food and drink - then cycle back the next day!

• 2 day bike tour
• Approximately 150 mile round route (75 miles per day)
• Challenging bike ride, but suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness 
• Refreshments, lunch stops, evening meal, camping & tents all included 
• Sponsors pack complete with fundraising, training & equipment guide, event information guide and free Christie t-shirt
• Whilst the destination for this year will remain a secret until the day - we can let you know that this two day road ride, will take you on a wonderful route out of Manchester taking in some of the region's best scenery.

Together with experienced event organisers, Pennine Events, we will take care of everything for you en-route including full route support, signage, first aid and feed stations - we will even carry your rucksack, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride!

When you reach the destination point on Saturday night you will enjoy a hearty evening meal and have chance to relax and soak up the entertainment. With comic duo ‘Bread & Butter' as your hosts, music, games and a cash bar there will be plenty of fun and laughter for all to enjoy.

Entry for this unique cycle tour is £50, this includes refreshment stops, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, an evening meal on Saturday and your camping as well as all of the evening entertainment. All we ask is that you pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £200 so that we can help make a real difference to cancer patients both now and in the future.

For more information contact the events team on 0161 446 3400 - but remember we will not share the final destination with you, we are keeping that bit a surprise!!!

To register, please click on the link below:

http://mystery.pennineevents.co.uk/ 

Your Chance to Ride Edinburgh to London with Kriss Akabusi - posted 10th May 2010

News just in from The Akabusi Charitable Trust:

Following the success of last year's London to Paris cycle challenge Kriss Akabusi will be taking to the roads on two wheels again on 29th July for a five day cycle ride from Edinburgh to London, raising funds for his charity, The Akabusi Charitable Trust (TACT). 

This year Kriss is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of breaking the British record in the 400m hurdles. He broke David Hemery's 22 year long stint as record holder in 1990 at the European Championships in Split, with a time of 47.92 seconds. Kriss subsequently broke his own record again on two occasions, culminating in the existing record of 47.82 seconds in 1992.

To celebrate this achievement Kriss will visit some of the athletics arenas that were the backdrop to his successful career. The route will start at Meadowbank in Edinburgh, then on to Gateshead, Sheffield, Birmingham, and finally to the Olympics 2012 site in London on 2nd August. At each venue Kriss will speak to young athletes about his career and offer motivation to inspire them to achieve their own personal goals.

We are looking for cyclists to join Kriss, either for one day or for the whole five day challenge. Cyclists will be expected to raise a minimum of £1000 to take part in the entire event, or you can participate in individual days, where the fundraising target is £250-£500 per day.

TACT works to make a difference to the poorer communities in Africa, and in particular the country of Kriss' origin, Nigeria. If you'd like to find out more or get involved please contact Liz Strangways at The Akabusi Charitable Trust on 0870 444 1975, email us at tact@akabusi.com or visit our website www.akabusitrust.org.

British Red Cross 'Big Red Ride' - 25 July 2010

This just in from British Red Cross HQ:

It's time to dust off your lycra and join us on our annual Big Red Ride and this year you have a choice of two routes!

Start your challenge in London, pedalling 80 miles through beautiful countryside or alternatively start your cycle in Tunbridge Wells for a 45 mile route. Both routes finish on Eastbourne's magnificent seafront.
Whether you're new to cycling or experienced in the saddle, this is an achievable challenge for anyone with a good fitness level and will offer you an exciting route through beautiful British countryside. This is a really great way to spend a fun day out and raise money for the British Red Cross.

For more information and to register for the Big Red Ride 2010 please visit our website:
www.redcross.org.uk/bigredride and click on the 'Apply Online' button. Or contact our team at bigredride@redcross.org.uk

Dads' Cycle Challenge - 16th May 2010 - in aid of local playgroups in Minchinhampton and Rodborough

A cycle ride across Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common (of approximately 7 miles) to be completed by the Dads/Carers of children who attend a total of 7 playgroups in the local area - Rodborough, Ridgeway, Uplands, Uley, Woodchester, Avening and Painswick. The cycle route will start at The Crown PH in Minchinhampton and will include the following stops, The Halfway House, The Old Lodge, The Black Horse, The Bear of Rodborough, Winstones Ice Cream culminating in the finish at The Prince Albert PH in Rodborough. Each playgroup will be assigned one of these establishments (where the rider will be stamped to confirm their progress) and will use the site not only to base their supporters of the challenge but to maximise their fundraising potential (through the offering of face-painting, etc). Sponsorship forms will be completed for each rider and the monies raised will go to the playgroup represented by the rider. For more details go here.

The Great North Bike Ride Sunday 29th August 2010 - in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust

Starts from Seahouses at approximately 9:00am. You will cycle 57 miles along the beautiful North Northumberland coastline. A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Seahouses is the ideal starting point to explore this magnificent part of England. After cycling an estimated 57 miles along the scenic coastline you will arrive at Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Entry Fee is £10 to include Nike T-Shirt, medal and refreshments.

To register online go to www.greatnorthbikeride.com  

BHF Launches First Ever Bike Ride in Bristol on 13th June

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched its first ever charity bike ride in the cycling hotbed of Bristol.

The Bristol 100, 50/25 mile bike ride takes place on Sunday 13 June and the nation's heart charity is calling on people in Avon to saddle up for a 100 mile challenge or a gentler paced 50 or 25 mile route.

The BHF hopes to raise £40,000 which will go towards its pioneering research and vital care in the fight against heart disease, which is prominent in the region.

In Bristol an average of 170 men and women under 75 die prematurely of heart disease each year1. Approximately 2.7% of people in Bristol are living with coronary heart disease, 11% suffering from high blood pressure and 1.6% have suffered from a stroke2.

Sarah Kirkpatrick, BHF Regional Events Organiser, said: "It is the first time the British Heart Foundation has staged a bike ride in Bristol and we are really excited to be doing so."

"Whichever route you take on, it promises to be an excellent ride and a fantastic day out. The countryside will take you through vibrant market towns; stone built villages and dramatic landscapes. Then you can relax at the finish with friends and family, a well-earned certificate and refreshments."

"As the nation's heart charity, we receive tremendous support from the people of Avon and Gloucestershire. I hope people continue with their wonderful support and enter this event and together, we can beat heart disease."

TheBristol 100, 50/25 bike ride starts and finishes in the centre of Bristol on the College Green and skirts the edge of the Cotswolds, cycling through the beautiful cathedral city of Gloucester to cross through the beautiful Severn Valley before returning to Bristol where a hero's welcome awaits.!

To register, visit www.bhf.org.uk/bristolride. For more information, contact 0800 169 3672 or email westevents@bhf.org.uk

The Lincoln Midsummer Night's Dream Cycle -  Friday 4th June 2010 - in aid of St Andrew's Children's Hospice

The Lincoln Midsummer Night's Dream Cycle is a sponsored night time cycle ride around the City of Lincoln to raise funds for St Andrew's Children's Hospice.

The ride starts at 10pm on Friday 4th June 2010 from Bishop Grosseteste University Campus, Longdales Road, Lincoln and the circuit travels around the outer edges of the City Centre. Riders have the option of completing a 12 mile course - 1 circuit or a 24 mile course - 2 circuits.

Places are limited to 250. There is a £10 registration fee and riders are asked to collect some sponsorship for St Andrew's Children's Hospice Riders receive an event medal and a high visibility dream cycle waistcoat

For more information see www.midsummernightsdreamcycle.yolasite.com or call 01472 350908 and ask for fundraising. For more information on St Andrew's Children's Hospice visit www.standrewschildrenshospice.co.uk 

Reminder: High Wycombe Pedal Push Coming Soon - 16th May 2010 

Starting at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Saunderton (HP27 9NS) the rides take place through the magnificent Chiltern Countryside. Two Rotary Marshalled routes - 25 miles for younger or the less energetic riders and a 50 mile route for more experienced riders - suitable for road bikes. The entry fee is £10 for adults and £5 for juniors (14 or younger on the day ) This ride is primarily to raise money for charity but this is not a condition of entry and people who enter just to enjoy the marshalled routes are also very welcome.

Any sponsorship you raise can be split 50/50 between your own good cause and Rotary charities, which among others this year are:- Wycombe Winter Night Shelter and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Over the last 14 years Rotary PedalPush has raised over £130,000 for good causes.

The Start & Finish at Hearing Dogs has excellent facilities for off street parking and and a café serving home cooked snacks both before and after the event. Rotoract Club and Thame Scout Troop will be manning two refreshment stations along the route.

For more information and to register and pay please visit www.pedalpush.org.uk. You can view photos from previous events and become a Fan on our Facebook page - search for Rotary Club of High Wycombe PedalPush and follow us on www.Twitter.com/RotaryPedalPush.

Entry queries can be made by ringing 0845 122 7911 or email - mike@mmchild.co.uk

Dusk til Dawn at Dalby Forest for Sue Ryder Care - 21-22 August

COULD YOU RIDE A TRAIL OF CHAMPIONS IN THE DARK?

If you go down to the woods today (well, 21-22 August) you're sure of a big surprise. But it won't be a picnic! Sure, there's a lot of talk about challenges these days but don't be fooled: this challenge is for real mountain bikers.

If you think North Shore is a beach in Skegness or that ‘getting some air' is your evening constitutional then look away now! Still with us? Then this is a 12-hour night ride organised in conjunction with Fulford Cycles, York, lapping a 6.5k trail - not just any trail, the UCI World Cup Trail through Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.
You may have seen the pro's take on the trail at the awesome World Cup event last weekend now this is your chance to try it for yourself by taking part in our Dusk till Dawn Challenge in August!

You'll be riding from 7pm ‘til 7am, so team up as a duo or group of up to four and share the load, or really test your limits by going solo!

For a registration fee of £30 you not only get to ride a track for the really good, but you get to crank up the fear factor a gear by doing it at night. And, when you've badgered those around you into sponsoring you, you also get the warm feeling that goes with raising vital funds for Sue Ryder Care to continue helping people with life-limiting conditions such as Brain Injury, Cancer, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's Disease.
So if you think it sounds like a good excuse to get on your bike - sign up now!

For more information, email lucy.nalton@suerydercare.org or call 01904 426920. Or visit the website.

Bethany Sportive: Saturday 5 June - In Aid of the Bethany Christian Trust 

Come and join Bethany's Sportive event - a non-competitive charity fundraising event.

Now in its second year this exciting event for serious amateurs involves a cycle of around 111 miles with 8000 feet of climb. 111 mile route

A shorter route of around 72 miles is also on offer for those who would not be able to complete the longer stretch within 8 hours or less. 72 mile route

Entries are limited to 400 with an entry fee of £30 per entrant. Please sign up quickly to ensure your spaces.

Registration: All participants are requested to register using the Online Registration Form at Entry Central.

All proceeds from this event will help homeless and vulnerable people through the work of Bethany Christian Trust.

Manchester to Liverpool Bike Ride in aid of the NSPCC - 30th May 2010

Fancy a new challenge this Spring? Then why not join the NSPCC's Manchester to Liverpool Bike ride on Sunday 30 May 2010.  

The NSPCC are calling on people across the North West to dust off their bicycles, saddle up and take part in the NSPCC's Manchester to Liverpool Bike Ride to support the charity's Child's Voice Appeal.

Take part with family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours and enjoy a fantastic day's cycling along the Trans Pennine trail linking these two maritime cities. This flat, mostly traffic free, ride leaves Manchester via Old Trafford and Stretford and joins the Trans Pennine Trail, riding approximately 39 miles through to Otterspool Park in Liverpool.

Tickets for the ride are priced at £15 per person. For more information and your fundraising pack and to book your place on the ride please visit www.bike-events.com or contact Amanda Gilmour, corporate fundraising manager at the NSPCC on 0161 628 1221.

A coach service will run once in the morning from Liverpool to Manchester, leaving at 7am, and at intervals throughout the afternoon to take riders back to Manchester. Booking is recommended to guarantee a seat and the cost is £22 for rider and bike.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be a great event and in the process help us to continue to support the children across the region.

Event details
Date: Sunday 30 May
Start times: 8am - 10am at a time to suit you
Start: Salford Watersports Centre, 15 The Quays, Salford M50 3SQ.
Finish: Otterspool Park Otterspool Drive Liverpool L17 5AL 

Essex Countryside Bike Ride -  2nd May 2010 in aid of Little Havens Children's Hospice

This just in from the fundraisers at Haven Hospices...

Spring has sprung and the Essex Countryside Bike Ride is just around the corner. Please join us on Sunday 2nd May 2010 and be part of a great family event for cyclists of all abilities.

There is a 10 mile family bike ride, a 25 mile and a 60 mile route for the more accomplished cyclists, taking you along quiet country lanes and passing through scenic villages. Routes start and end at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford.

So whether you are a pro, enjoy cycling with the family or just want to support us, get pedalling and help raise vital funds for Little Havens Children's Hospice. You can now book online for this event www.littlehavens.org.uk  

For more information please contact Erika 01702 221 658 or emailepatterson@havenshospices.org.uk

Dougie Mac Bike Ride - Sunday 16th May 2010 - Michelin Athletic Club

Sponsored Bike Ride - Choice of THREE circular routes 

• 110 miles round trip to Llangollen and back
• 50 miles round trip to Nantwich and back
• 10 mile round trip circular Local Route

All routes will begin and end at the Michelin Athletic Club. All riders on return to the club are treated to a buffet picnic donated by local business. Entry Fee: £15.00 and £20.00 on the day. To find out more and enter, go to the event website. 

Catterick Garrison Schoolchildren Ride to Support Children in Afghanistan 

This just in from Kate Knibbs, a schoolteacher from Le Cateau Community Primary School in Catterick Army Garrison - three of whose pupils are riding 22 miles in support of the Afghan Appeal Fund.  

I teach at Le Cateau Community Primary School in Catterick Garrison and three of my Year 6 pupils have organised a sponsored bike ride for themselves to do in support of the Afghan Appeal Fund. The three 11 year olds will be riding 22 miles round trip from Catterick to Masham on Friday 30th April. This is also the garrison's 'Bike to School' day, when every year, hundreds of children on the garrison all cycle to school it makes for a fantastic spectacle and always attracts local press attention, including Tyne Tees News.

The children then spend the whole day taking part in bike related activities in the name of promoting cycling, sustainable transport and healthy living. The children have called themselves 'THE (Thomas, Hannah, Ewan) Cyclists for Afghan Appeal Fund'. All three children doing the sponsored ride are from army families and have personal reasons for wanting to support the army's work in Afghanistan. They decided to fundraise for the Afghan Appeal Fund. They wanted to do something to support the work that their fathers do and so decided to fundraise for the Afghan Appeal Fund, which was set up by British army families to improve the lives of children in Afghanistan, through activities such as building schools etc.

They have come up with the whole idea themselves and have done lots of the organisation in pulling it together. So far, they have raised well over £500 in sponsorship just in the last three days from their Just Giving website and so already it is promising to be a huge success.

To find out more about the children's efforts go here: http://afghanappealfund.org.uk/?page_id=482

To sponsor or donate go here: http://www.justgiving.com/thomashannahewan

MAG International Peak District Ride - Mines Advisory Group - 6th June 2010

MAG International is currently organising a bike ride across the Peak District, starting and finishing in Buxton, Derbyshire on Sunday 6th June. There is a choice of three different length routes - 16, 30 or 55 miles. This event is suitable for families, individuals and teams, taking you up hill and down dale through the beautiful Peak District National Park. The cost of this event is £18 for adults, £16 for team members (4 or more) and £10 for children.

Because this is a charity event organisers ask all participants to pledge to aim to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100 for MAG (Mines Advisory Group), a UK based landmine clearance charity and co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, working to clear the remnants of conflict for the benefit of communities worldwide.

Registration for this event is through the following link http://www.maginternational.org/supportmag/events/peak-district-bike-ride/ 

Lark Rise Ride - Action Medical Research -  23rd May 2010 

Family-friendly cycling in Lark Rise to Candleford country (that's Fringford to you and me...)

The Lark Rise Bike Ride offers a choice of three off-road routes to suit all cycling abilities and is being held on Sunday 23rd May 2010 to raise funds for the charity Action Medical Research.

Now in its seventh year, the event takes riders through the countryside that formed the backdrop to Flora Thompson's Lark Rise to Candleford. If you have read the book or watched the recent BBC TV series, you can see for yourself where Flora lived, went to school and worked as postmistress!

There is a choice of a 12.5-mile starter ride or tougher 25- and 40-mile trails. Best suited to mountain bikes and hybrids, the shorter ride follows tracks, bridleways and quiet lanes, and is ideal for families and occasional riders, while the 40-mile route offers some more serious sections to test regular off-roaders.

The ride is fully supported with signs, maps and drinks stops, plus a back-up mechanic. The circular routes start and finish at Fringford (Candleford), north of Bicester, and wind through the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, including the classic Stowe Estate.

Action Medical Research is a leading UK medical research charity that is dedicated to helping babies and children. Cyclists participating in the event will be raising money to help fund vital work that aims to prevent, cure or treat conditions that devastate the lives of many thousands of babies and children and their families.

Entry costs £38 for a family of four, additional children £8 and £15 for adults. Single children can register on the day for £10. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride. You will also need to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship.

You can register for the Lark Rise bike ride online at www.action.org.uk/larkrise or telephone Chris Swallow on 01280 847721, or email info@larkrisetrail.co.uk.

Help for Heroes 'Long Ride Home' - 24hr Team Relay Challenge - 3rd July 2010

Team Midlands Racing is looking for teams of riders to take part in 'The Long Ride Home' - an attempt to ride 3800 miles in 24 hours to raise money for the forces' charity Help for Heroes.

This will take the form of a 24hr Relay around the Solihull Criterium circuit in Tudor Grange Park. TMR plans to form teams of riders, each team riding for an hour before passing the baton on to the next team - 'the baton' being a Help For Heroes teddy bear. The mileage from each rider will be logged - the objective being to collectively cover 3800 miles in 24hrs - 3800 miles being the distance between Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham - the journey undertaken by wounded soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

To enter go to www.tmracing.org.uk. Entry cost is £5 and includes a free H4H wrist band.

Pedal For Pounds - Three-Day Cornish Charity Ride - 29th May 2010

Olympic Heptathlete Denise Lewis will be saddling up at the end of May and urging others to join her in a bid to ride a stretch of Cornwall to help support ‘Pedal for Pounds', a 3-day charity bike ride across Cornwall, in aid of a young man's ambition to cycle across an entire continent, having battled with cancer only 11 months previously.

James Golding, 29, who is in remission from cancer, is taking on the challenge of a lifetime by cycling 3,500 miles from LA to Miami in just 30 days. He is undertaking the charity ride with the aim to raise £100,000 for a young person's breast cancer awareness charity ‘CoppaFeel!' and Macmillan Cancer Support. The stretch across Cornwall forms part of James's ‘training ride', which he starts in John O' Groats and will complete at Land's End, covering 140 miles of the National Cycle Network's ‘Cornish Way' over the three days and takes in some of Cornwall's greatest views.

The ride across Cornwall will take place on Saturday 29th May, starting in Bude and finishing on Bank holiday Monday, 31st May, at Land's End. Denise will be supporting the cyclists on the last day.

On 13th November 2008 James was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors found a tumour in between his spine and his kidney. Given just a 10% chance of survival, James's condition worsened and his weight plummeted to just 7 stone. When he came round from being in a coma he was unable to walk or even lift his head off the pillow.

James spent 9 months in hospital battling cancer and after 3 months of chemotherapy and 9 operations James was finally given the news he and his family and friends had been hoping for and on 23rd July 2009, doctors told him he was in remission.

"The thought of doing this ride across America is driving me on mentally to get fit and beat cancer. James said. "Not only are we raising awareness of cancer and reminding people that it affects 1 in 3 of us but we're also trying to raise as much money as possible for these two charities that are close to my heart. And I'm so excited that Olympic Gold medallist Denise Lewis will be there to help us cycle through on the last day - her support for this bike ride is amazing and have no doubt her being there on the last day will help raise everyone's energy levels!"

Also joining James on the ‘Pedal for Pounds' cycle is CoppaFeel!'s founder Kristin Hallenga, who at 24 is living with secondary breast cancer. Following two misdiagnosis in 2009 and having been told that she was ‘two young' for cancer, Kris decided it was time that more young people became aware of the risks of getting cancer at a young age so set up CoppaFeel! in order to raise this awareness in a young, vibrant and light-hearted way.
Since her diagnosis, Kristin became one of the faces in the hard-hitting Cancer Research UK's television advert, has appeared on many television documentaries and in October last year was awarded a ‘Pride of Britain' award in special recognition of her achievements.

Along with her team at CoppaFeel!, Kris was also invited to a breast cancer reception at 10 Downing Street by Sarah Brown, where she met Denise Lewis.

Denise Lewis said: "We were all hugely inspired and moved by Kris's story at the awards ceremony. So many of us have been personally affected by cancer, so I'm really excited to be involved with the charity and very much looking forward to joining them on their bike ride to help raise awareness and as much money as possible. I hope that by taking part in this fantastic event, we can raise the awareness of cancer in young people and avoid further late detection."

Kris will be saddling up on a tandem with her twin sister Maren Hallenga, fellow ‘boob health monkey' and event organiser. Maren, who lives in Falmouth, who was inspired to organise the ‘Pedal for Pounds' event said: "I love cycling and everyone knows the health benefits associated with exercising and keeping active. We really want to encourage as many people as possible to join our ‘Pedal for Pounds' bike ride, not just to raise awareness but to get fit too!

"We're encouraging people to be sponsored to ride with us. It's entirely up to them if they ride the whole three days or the last mile - all support would mean so much so please get involved by e-mailing me at maren@coppafeel.org," says Maren. "We're also looking for local cycling and health related businesses to get involved with the event at the finish in Land's End."

For more information, interviews or images, please contact Maren at Coppafeel on 07707510588 or email maren@coppafeel.org

To sponsor the bike ride, please visit www.justgiving.co.uk/pedalforpounds2010

To find out more visit www.cycleacrossamerica2010.com and www.coppafeel.org

Bike Around Brands 2010 - Friday 20th August

For the fifth year running Swanley and North Downs Lions are running a sponsored bicycle event at Brands Hatch, on the famous 1.2 mile Indy Circuit. Riders may start at any time from 6.30 p.m. and finish by 8.30 p.m., but it is not a race and they set their own target for the number of laps they intend to complete.

To ensure that the chosen causes receive maximum benefit riders are asked for minimum sponsorship donation of £10 per adult and £5 for under 14s, payable on the night if not sponsored for more. The money raised will be shared between the EllenorLions Hospices & other deserving causes in the local community.

By being sponsored and taking part riders will be helping both adults and children who have a life threatening illness, or are in need of help for other reasons. The money that they raise will make a difference!

For more information, and sponsor forms, contact Colin McRobert on 01732 823827, or by e-mail to mcrobert@woodeaves.freeserve.co.uk

The Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life - 16th May 2010

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) are hoping this year's 'Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life 2010', which is now in its 17th year, will be the most successful yet.

The Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life 2010, which takes place on Sunday May 16 at Santon Downham in Thetford Forest, will see cyclists taking part in sponsored cycle rides ranging from 10 to 35 miles, with both on and off-road routes available.

For those who prefer to raise funds on two feet rather than on a saddle, there will also be three and nine-mile walking routes available.

EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity's hospices based at Quidenham in Norfolk, Milton in Cambridgeshire and Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex.

EACH is a registered charity that relies upon public support for the majority of its required income of around £5.8 million, which is why sponsored events such as the Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life 2010 are integral to the charity.

Last year more than 1200 people took part in the Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life, raising more than £60k for the charity, and EACH are hoping both figures can be smashed this year.

Karen Chesney, EACH events fundraiser, said: "The Ride for Life event has an amazing track record; having consistently increased participant numbers and raised more than £560,000 for EACH over the years.

"We now need to encourage cyclists and walkers, either past participants or those who have never got involved before, to dust off their saddles and dig out their walking shoes.

"Not only will you be able to get out and get fit while experiencing the breathtaking scenery of Thetford Forest with family and friends, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing you're raising vital funds to provide care and support to life-threatened children and their families."

Entry fees for the Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life 2010 are as follows: Cyclists: adults- £10, children aged 13 years and under- £5, family ticket (max 2 adults and 2 children aged 16 years and under)-£18, team (Min 4 Adults) £8 per person. Walking: adults- £6, children aged 5-16years- £4, children under 5 years- free.

The above entry fees apply for participants registering before May 7, but you can get discounted entry fees if you enter online at: www.each.org.uk/rideforlife

Eastern Daily Press Ride for Life 2010 T shirts will also be on sale at the event- £8.50 for adults and £5 for children.

This year also sees the launch of the ‘Virtual Ride for Life' for people who want to get involved but are unable to attend the Ride for Life event on May 16.

The Virtual Ride for Life, which will take place at venues across East Anglia including gyms and leisure centres, will see individuals or teams getting sponsored to walk or cycle the route distances offered at the actual event.
EACH will encourage participants to undertake the challenge during the month of May and participation can be on an individual or team basis.

There is no entry fee to sign up for the virtual event and a trophy will be awarded for the top fundraiser.

For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds, visit www.each.org.uk or call 01223 205180/ 01953 715559.

Circle of Hope Bike Ride - Sunday 16th May 2010

Start and finish at Hope Parish Hall, Kiln Lane in Wrexham with 3 route options - 100miles 50miles and 25miles. The 100mile route heads towards Corwen, Carrog, Llangollen, over Worlds End, Minera, Johnstown, Malpas, No man's Heath, Cholmondley Castle, Beeston Castle, Farndon, Holt and back to Hope. The 50mile follows the 100mile to Minera then heads back to Hope and the 25 mile leaves the two routes just after Truedden and cuts across to rejoin the 50milers around Minera.

Registration Fee is £15 in advance £20 on the day. Team entries in advance of 10 plus £12 p/p. We ask that participants try to raise a minimum of £30 sponsorship. Riders raising over £75 will receive a free T-shirt and over £200 our special edition cycle jersey. Plus, there will be a prize for the highest fundraiser! Maps and route directions will be provided at the registration desk and the routes will be fully signposted and marshalled were necessary.

CCR at the Cancer Research Centre in Liverpool is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and provides world class research for the benefit of people today and future generations. Cancer affects 1 in 3 people, either personally or a loved one, so research into cancer is more crucial than ever. We receive no funding from the NHS, so voluntary donations are vital as over £2 million is required to fund the research taking place here. Registration Forms available from Sam Archibald on 0151 343 4300 or by email samantha.archibald@ccrmail.org or visit http://www.clatterbridge.org/events/circle-bike.htm

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