Get on your bike! That’s the message from Prospect Hospice as it launches its latest event aimed at raising money for the charity – the Prospect Hospice Big Bike Ride, which takes place on 22 April this year.
This is only the second year that the Wroughton-based charity has put on the event, which last year saw 80 people ranging from families to the experienced cyclist, take on two routes from F1 Karting at Wroughton Airfield, raising over £6,500 in the process.
The event is being planned and jointly organised by members of Mountain Bike Swindon, who have devised the route and will be supplying some marshals for the event.
Tom Stickland, from Mountain Bike Swindon, said: “We’re really pleased with the routes that we’ve put together for this year’s event. The ride sets off from the Nationwide Pavilion, and covers two routes; a 24km route for any reasonably fit rider and a 40km route suitable for mountain bikes.
“Both routes start and finish using our volunteer-built mountain bike trail at the Croft Woods. It was designed to be suitable for novice riders as well as giving experienced riders a decent challenge. The trail is a purpose-built single track and has some narrow and muddy sections with easier options around any tricky parts.
“The long route joins together some of our favourite sections of single track including two fast descents. We’ve added an optional bonus section so that another great downhill run is included. We’re really looking forward to this year’s Big Bike Ride and we’re sure it will be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
Becky Gammon, Prospect Hospice’s event organiser, said: “We’ve tried to create an event that will appeal to both new and experienced cyclists, from families with children to members of cycling clubs and the more dedicated cyclist.
“We wanted to create something of a challenge for Mountain Bike enthusiasts, and were really grateful to MB Swindon for all their help in planning this.”
Events such as Prospect’s Big Bike are a vital part of the hospice’s fundraising. Each year Prospect Hospice needs £5m to deliver its care and services within the community, seventy percent of which it needs to raise itself. If you’re interested in taking part in Prospect Hospice’s Big Bike Ride, contact Becky Gammon in the fundraising team on 01793 816161 or visit www.prospect-hospice.net/bigbike