The Charnwood Cycle Ride 2016 promises a bigger cycling event with two
new routes!
Having organised the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride for the past five years Emma Hallam and her colleague Zoe Edwards have decided to liven things up a little bit. Emma explains, “We are thrilled to welcome on board a brand new headline sponsor, Protection by MME, and with their support we are able to make this years event even bigger. We have decided to include a new 10 mile and a 50 mile cycle route which will complement our existing 20 mile route. The 10 mile route will provide an entry level distance for first time participants, whilst the 50 mile route will be a longer and more challenging route for those who want to push themselves further.” The event welcomed 200 participants in 2015 and Emma is hoping that with the additional two routes they could double that number this May. “It would be amazing to see 300 - 400 people joining in the fun and cycling what is a beautiful route around Charnwood Forest.” The event raised £7,500 for Alex’s Wish, a local Rothley based charity who raise money to fund clinical trials into finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life limiting condition which affects boys across the UK including Emma’s son Alex, after whom the charity is named. “We are incredibly well supported locally and it’s always nice to see our supporters out and about on their bikes, having fun and raising much needed funds for Alex’s Wish,” adds Emma. The start and finish line is at the Rothley Centre with the route taking place on open roads. “The route is well sign-posted,” explains Emma, “and because the event takes place on a Sunday morning the roads tend to be quiet with traffic. The circular route starts and finishes in Rothley village and has been carefully chosen to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. It is fairly challenging in parts and the 20 and 50 mile includes a steep climb up Beacon Hill road. There are plenty of marshals along the way to give you lots of moral support and encouragement. At the end of your ride you’ll get a warm welcome back, receive your medal as well as a chance to take the weight off your feet an enjoy a large selection of refreshments including hot bacon rolls, complimentary yummy homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks served to you by Cuppas of Rothley. Again, we are very grateful to Mattioli Woods who have sponsored the refreshments this year. This event is not a race, we want you to enjoy your ride and take in the stunning countryside whilst raising money for our fabulous cause. Families are welcome to join in on the fun at the Rothley Centre whilst waiting for riders to finish.” The event also welcomes back three sponsors from last year - Nisa (Bradleys store) in Rothley are the events first-aid sponsors, The Woodmans Stroke Pub in Rothley are the communications sponsor and Pedal Power are the on-site bike specialists. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, 8th May and there is an early-bird entry fee of just £10.00 (10-mile route) or £20.00 (20 and 50 mile route) for those entering before the 26th April, or £15.00 (10-mile route) or £25.00 (20 and 50 mile route) if registering on or after 26th April. Anyone entering as part of the early-bird promotion will be entered in a draw to win a fabulous day at Champneys Springs (courtesy of Protection by MME). Says Emma, “The event is open to everyone aged 14+ whether you are an amateur cyclist or a professional. We also have free car parking, a half way refreshment stall and there is no minimum sponsorship required, although the more money you raise the more money we have to invest in leading edge research and clinical trials. We are also looking for volunteers to marshal too. Please come and join in… you’ll get a healthy dose of fresh air, enjoy spectacular views around the stunning Charnwood Forest whilst cycling for an incredibly worthwhile cause. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get back into cycling again after the winter months, so whether or not you are a keen cyclist, there’s never been a better time to dust of your bike in time for the summer months.” You can register at the official event website below, alternatively please contact Emma Hallam at emma@alexswish.co.uk
www.charnwoodforectcycleride.co.uk | www.alexswish.co.uk 12
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