Enter the Cheshire Plains and Peaks for stunning scenery and a serious cycle in aid of St. Rocco’s.

The annual Plains and Peaks Sportive is back again after the success it has seen in the past five years. To date, the event has raised over £35,000 for St. Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington.

The event is becoming somewhat of a tradition for local cyclists, offering a modest yet varied 60-mile route as well as a challenging and demanding 100-mile option. The event takes place on Sunday 7 September, starting at 9am from Broomfields Leisure Centre, Warrington.

St. Rocco’s Hospice cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses in the Warrington area. The Plains and Peaks Sportive is now a big date on the calendar with people travelling from all over the North West to take part.

One rider taking in the 100-mile challenge is Will Birchall from Liverpool. “I’ve been cycling for just over a year and wanted to complete this challenge in memory of my Grandad, Fred. He was a keen cyclist himself so when I spotted this ride it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take on a challenge and support St. Rocco’s.”

The 60-mile route takes riders through the rolling Cheshire countryside on minor roads, with the main challenge being the climb up and over Alderley Edge, before looping back to Appleton.

The 100-mile route initially follows the same route but takes the riders onto the more challenging climbs of the Peak District, up to Sparrowpit and returns via Buxton, through the Goyt Valley and over the Cat and Fiddle.

The routes are extremely popular with cyclists all year round, and the sportive is renowned for offering varied and challenging routes through areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout Cheshire and the Peak District.

Places are £25 and all proceeds go to St. Rocco’s Hospice. Limited places are available on the day for £30. To register online click here.

The event is being supported by Cheshire Cycles and Expedition Wise with full medical support and feed stations. Short sports massages are available at the finish in return for donations to the hospice.

For more information visit the event website or contact the Fundraising Team at St. Rocco’s on 01925 575780 or e-mail fundraising@stroccos.org.uk.