More than 1,400 cyclists set their wheels in motion to raise an estimated £250,000 for five charities, during the annual Capital to Coast Cycle Challenge for Charity yesterday. Now in its fifteenth year, the charity bike ride generated vital funds for Norwood, Bliss, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the Down’s Syndrome Association, and Heart FM’s Have a Heart appeal.
Participants had the choice of two 60-mile rides – from Esher College, Surrey, to the Hove seafront, or a circular Hove to Hove alternative – and a shorter 30-mile ride from Haywards Heath to Hove. However, all three routes took riders through beautiful countryside, picturesque country lanes, up the dreaded Devil’s Dyke, before an exhilarating downhill stretch to the finish line. They were also provided with plentiful free refreshments and mechanical support throughout the day and, on completing the challenge, were invited to have a well-deserved massage courtesy of trained sports massage therapists Judith Michaels and Rosie Zadah, who are Norwood bike riders and generously volunteered their services for free.
Ian Tate, Head of Challenges at organising charity Norwood, said: “The weather has been absolutely glorious and, as always, Capital to Coast has proved to be a fantastic day out for all the family. We are delighted with how much money was raised and, on behalf of all five beneficiary charities, I would like to thank everyone who took part for their generous support. We are already taking registrations for next year’s ride, so why not set yourself a personal challenge for 2011 and sign up? If you can’t wait until then, Norwood organises regular international bike rides, including a trip to Kenya in October and Israel in November.”
First over the line was 33-year-old financial advisor Conor MacSweeney, from Cuffley in Hertfordshire, who finished in three hours and forty two minutes. However, Capital to Coast is not a competitive ride and this year attracted riders of all ages and abilities. The oldest participant was 76-year-old former postman Bernard Smith, from Chessington, Surrey, who rode alongside his daughter Kirsten and grandson Cameron. Meanwhile, the youngest was six-year-old Samuel Bailey, from Carlisle, who completed the 30-mile route accompanied by his dad Andrew. The ride also welcomed back a team of Norwood tandem riders, some of whom are adults with learning disabilities who use the Charity’s life-changing services.
To find out more about the Capital to Coast Cycle Challenge for Charity, visit www.capitaltocoast.org.uk. For more information about Norwood Challenges, visit www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
