18th March 2015
Cumbria’s friendliest charity cycle sportive is set to roll out of Keswick on Sunday 27 September 2015.
Entries for all ages and all four routes are now open – meaning everyone, no matter what your cycling ability, can have a go.
And the organisers, Cumbria-based Rather Be Cycling, are hoping to raise a huge amount of money for Cumbria Community Foundation to distribute to good causes across the county.
It’s the fourth annual Rivers Ride – a series of cycle rides created after the devastating floods in 2009. The four routes reveal some of the UK’s finest scenery and cycling terrain from the heart of the Lake District all the way out to the Irish Sea. The rides all start and finish in Keswick. It’s called the Rivers Ride because sections of the routes follow the affected river courses and criss-cross over many of the bridges that were either destroyed and replaced, or were badly damaged during the floods.
The Rivers Ride is held to raise money for the charitable work of Cumbria Community Foundation. The Foundation is at the heart of community life. It makes grants to local charities and people in need. The grants help young people and older people, those living with disabilities and those recovering from illness.
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive, Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Rivers Ride takes cyclists out into the beautiful north Cumbrian countryside on quiet roads with spectacular views. The four routes offer something for everyone – from the ten mile Family Ride to the 75 mile Big Day Out. It’s a great challenge for teams – either work colleagues or groups of friends – I urge you all to get on your bike!
“All the money raised will go directly into our grant making Foundation Grants Fund, supporting projects that provide much needed services at a grassroots level, such as the Life Education Centre which recently received £5,000. The travelling classroom visits infant and primary schools right across Cumbria teaching young people life skills to make healthy choices in the future.”
Gavin McDonald, Director, Rather Be Cycling, said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again be organising and raising funds for all the valuable work that Cumbria Community Foundation does and supports locally. It’s a real opportunity for people to put something back into a local charity and to ride for a reason.”
Cheryl Frost, Director of Rather be Cycling said: “We like to think this is the best charity road biking event in Cumbria with dedicated support from local route marshals and excellent help en route from roaming broom wagons and really friendly volunteers. It’s a great event for the whole family.”
The Rivers Ride is made possible by the generous support of the sponsors and the help of more than 80 volunteers.
The entry fee covers the cost of staging the event and raises a small amount for the charity – cyclists can help Cumbria Community Foundation by asking friends and family to sponsor them for the challenge and raise money for good causes across Cumbria.
Family Fun Ride £16 (one adult and two children)
This route challenges youngsters (and parents / guardians) to ride a distance of 10 miles out along the Old Railway Line, onto a few back roads and back in a loop to Keswick.
This is an achievable challenge for novices or those returning to cycling after a break, with some preparation. 38 miles of lovely Lakeland roads heading west to Cockermouth via Ouse Bridge, returning to Keswick via the rebuilt Lorton Bridge and finishing with a climb over Whinlatter Pass.
Foundation Flyer £32
This route is a step up for those riders that who are looking for a greater challenge. It’s a cracking 55 mile route which after an easy start takes in the triple challenge of Whinlatter (twice) & Newlands Pass!
Big Day Out Ride £32
This is THE BIG ONE! A challenging ride for the more experienced rider. Don’t be deceived by the flat start which heads out to the Irish Sea at Workington. The route returns to Keswick via three of the Lake District’s major road passes: Whinlatter, Newlands and finally Honister – to complete an epic ride of just over 75 miles with a sting that is most certainly in the tail.
To enter click here.
For more information about Rivers Ride fundraising click here.
And don’t forget to like the Rivers Ride Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to stay connected and share your training updates.