Cycle4Cynthia rides the passion for pedalling!
Organisers of the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride are hoping that Bradley Wiggins’ victory in the Tour de France and the British cycling team’s promising start to the Olympics will inspire hundreds of Northamptonshire riders to leap into their saddles!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which has raised almost £200,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county since it began eight years ago, saw nearly 900 riders take part at its new home of Althorp last year and it’s hoped that the country’s passion for pedalling will see more than a thousand take part this year and hopefully set another fundraising record.
For Sue Bownass of the Friends, this current enthusiasm for two-wheels couldn’t have come at a better time; “You’ve only got to look at the increase in bike sales that has happened in the last fortnight to see that there’s a real cycling craze at the moment,” said Sue “and if we can encourage some of those new riders to join our fabulous band of regular supporters, many of whom have been taking part in this wonderful event for years, it will be fantastic for our two charities and the vital work we do.
“And of course with the ride now starting and finishing right in front of Earl Spencer’s magnificent family home, it should be even more of an incentive for keen cyclists, fun riders and families to join us. Who needs the Champs-Élysées when you’ve got Althorp Park?!” she added.
This year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 23rd September, with riders again being able to choose from 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry, which this year includes a family fun day, is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £30 for families (each rising by £5 after 9th September) and participants are then encouraged to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. Entry and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.com
Finally, entries are still coming in from local businesses vying to take the coveted prize of a free drinks reception at Althorp for the largest corporate team from the county to take part, as kindly donated by The Earl Spencer. Fore more details on that, or to book a stall at the event, please contact Sue at the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088.