Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice has joined forces with Dean Close School to bring a brand new Sportive event to the county, raising much needed funds for local hospice care.
The all new Ride for Ryder Sportive will take place on Sunday 26th June, offering a fun and challenging event for cyclists of all levels following safe, signed routes around Gloucestershire’s glorious countryside.
Although this is the first time the event has been held as a Sportive it is the 28th year a Ride for Ryder cycling challenge has taken place to help raise funds for the hospice.
Starting and finishing from top class sporting facilities at Dean Close School in Cheltenham Ride for Ryder, The Sportive offers a choice of three distances – a 23km route for beginners, 85km sportive for more experienced cyclists and a 125km route for those looking for a tougher cycling challenge.
Online advance registration is now open at www.sueryder.org/rideforrydersportive with entrance fees 7.50 for the 23km route and £22.50 for the 85km and 125km challenges.
Included in the registration fee is registration and rider support from British Cycling, fully signed route with feed station, a complimentary post ride food voucher, medical and mechanical support and a finisher’s medal.
The entry fee will cover the cost of the event, so riders are being encouraged to raise vital sponsorship money to raise funds for the hospice with a limited edition T-Shirt or Cycling Jersey for those raising £50 or £75 and over respectively.
The cycling jersey is being exclusively designed by fashion designer Melissa Antonious while the T Shirt will be created by Dean Close school pupils in a competition judged by the local fashion designer.
Elise Hoadley, Director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said, “Ride for Ryder is something of a local institution and this year we’re delighted to be riding out from Dean Close as a brand new sportive event to the county.”
“Cycling is an increasingly popular hobby and we hope riders from right across the county and from every level of experience will join us to make 2016’s event a real ride to remember.”
“For every mile cycled and every donation secured we’ll be raising money which will help us provide care for local families at a time they need it most.”
Marie Carter, Business Development Manager at Dean Close said, “Dean Close is proud to support Ride for Ryder, The Sportive. We are pleased to offer our facilities and it is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to get involved with a charity within the community”.
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice cares for local people with conditions like cancer, heart failure and lung disease.
It provides the only inpatient unit giving specialist hospice care in the whole of the county along with its Day Hospice and Hospice at Home services, bereavement support and counselling.
Its services are given free of charge but this year it needs to raise £2 million to keep providing them. Ride for Ryder: The Sportive is one way in to get involved and raise funds for the hospice.
To sign up visit www.sueryder.org/rideforrydersportive, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call 01242 246285.
