Norwood Challenges launches new look Capital to Coast Bike Ride
One of the UK’s fastest growing charity bike rides re-launches itself onto the 2004 cycling circuit this week, sporting a brand new image. Registration leaflets will soon be coming through letterboxes, with details of how to sign up for Capital To Coast – The London to Hove Bike Ride (previously the BIG H), a fun charity cycle challenge that is guaranteed to keep participants fit and healthy and raise money for three deserving children’s charities at the same time.
Organisers are offering experienced and novice cyclists alike the chance to take part in an increasingly popular alternative to better-known rides from London to the sea. Next year’s Capital To Coast takes place on Sunday 11 July 2004 along some of the most scenic roads from London to the Coast. The bike ride is ideal for people of all ages and levels of fitness, giving cyclists the perfect opportunity to Stretch Yourself For Good! What sets Capital to Coast apart from other London to Brighton bike rides is the opportunity to cycle alongside teams of service users with learning disabilities who benefit from work of the charities; the feeling of camaraderie along the route and the level of support given to participants from the moment they register for the ride, to when they pass the finish line on the Hove sea-front, exhausted but exhilarated!
The 60-mile ride begins near historic Hampton Court, taking in stunningly beautiful country roads through Hinchley Wood, Boxhill, Headley, Newgate and Warninglid. The challenge is then to conquer the dreaded Devil’s Dyke, after which it is all down hill to the finish line in Hove, where cyclists are treated to a hero’s welcome and a medal. If a 30-mile option is enough of a challenge, there is the option of joining the ride halfway!
Now in its 9th year, and attracting over 2,000 cyclists, the new-look Capital To Coast Bike Ride is organised by leading London based children and family services charity Norwood, in association with the Down’s Syndrome Association and Southern FM’s children’s charity, Help A Local Child.
Raising much-needed funds to help thousands of children and adults with learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy, as well as socially disadvantaged children and families throughout the UK, Capital To Coast attracts corporate and individual participation as well as celebrity support and endorsement.
Launching the new-look charity bike ride Nicole Margolis, Capital To Coast Co-ordinator explains the uniqueness of the event. She said: “We’ll help you prepare for the ride, provide tips for your fundraising efforts and give you the best possible support all the way along the route which is fully signposted with over 150 friendly marshals to guide you. There are also dedicated teams of mechanics, first aiders and motorbike outriders lining the route to make sure that everyone has a thoroughly enjoyable day. We even offer free refreshments, and masseurs to help you wind down when you cross the finish line! And there are no transport worries. If you live in the London area we can bring you and your bike back to the start point by coach at the end of the ride, and if you live nearer Hove we can take you, with your bike, to London to start the ride.”
The registration fee for Capital to Coast is just £20 for the full 60 miles or £15 for the 30-mile ride. And whilst organisers would encourage friends, family and work colleagues to help participants achieve the suggested sponsorship target of £350, regardless of how much is raised everyone will be made to feel welcome! Alternatively, organisers would encourage anyone interested in volunteering as a marshal at the event to contact them.
For more information about Capital To Coast 2004, people should call freephone 08000 327 427 or register online at the Capital To Coast website – www.capitaltocoast.org.uk
