Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is encouraging supporters to sign up early for their Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge 2016 after an overwhelming response last year.
The event, which is not designed as a race, involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside and takes place on Sunday 15 May 2016.
Last year’s event sold out within a matter of days and demand is expected to be even higher this year. The event saw cyclists of all ages and abilities take part, raising over £64,000 for the life-saving charity.
With only 600 places available, anyone wishing to enter should complete on-line registration, which opens at midday on Monday 14 December, via the Charity’s website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk to avoid any disappointment.
The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge offers two different routes and distances. For those who like a challenge, the brilliant 54 mile cycle which starts in the Somerset port of Watchet and finishes at West Bay near Bridport will not disappoint.
With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event has something to offer for everyone! For those that don’t want to cycle that far, there is a shorter 11 mile route which begins at Drimpton in Dorset and also finishes at West Bay.
Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce the date for our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge 2016. This will be our sixth year in the saddle and every year seems to get better and better. In order to keep the event as safe as possible and encourage all standards of cyclists to take part without fear of being overcrowded, we are once again restricting our numbers to 600 cyclists. Last year we created a staggered start which saw the stronger cyclists setting off first. This was very successful and we will continue with this for 2016.
“With such a demand, there will undoubtedly be those who are disappointed not to gain a place, which is why I cannot stress enough, how important it is to register early! We are really looking forward to this years’ event and hope that everyone that enters will once again encourage their family and friends to sponsor them in a bid to make this the best Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge yet.”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has flown more than 10,700 missions since its launch in March 2000, saving many lives and aiding recovery with outstanding immediate care and rapid delivery to the hospital best suited to meet the patient’s needs. With no direct Government or National Lottery funding, it relies on the generosity of the public and events like Coast to Coast for support.
To register online, visit the charity’s website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or for more information call: 01823 669604. Alternatively you can email: c2c@dsairambulance.org.uk
Entrance fees: £20 and under 16s £10.
