Saints’ loss is cycle ride’s gain!
Last season he helped the Saints to double cup glory from the back row of the scrum but this Sunday, Sam Dickinson will be leading from the front as he gets the riders underway at this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia! You see the Franklin’s Gardens hero is currently out through a neck injury and won’t be travelling to Newcastle with the side as it continues its defence of the premiership title, but instead will be turning to his new found passion for two wheels to support what has become Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity Kidsaid, is hoping to attract more than 1200 cyclists to its new venue of Lamport Hall and Sam says that, while he’ll miss the trip up north, he’s delighted to be playing his part back home; “I was at the launch of the event at Franklin’s Gardens back in February and was really impressed by the passion and enthusiasm that seems to be behind this ride” he explained.
“So while I’m of course sorry not to be playing rugby with the other boys, I’m absolutely thrilled to keep up the club’s longstanding association with Cycle 4 Cynthia and hoping that, as well as firing the starting gun, I might even leap into the saddle of my new bike and join the other riders!” he added.
As celebrity starter for the ride, Sam is following in the footsteps of the likes of former Saints captain Pat Lam, singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers , Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley and former England cricketer Allan Lamb, who will himself be back at Lamport on Sunday .
For Sue Bownass from the hospice, news of the two sporting stars’ appearance is a real boost to the big day; “We’re on target for our biggest ride yet and we’re hoping that Sam and Allan’s involvement will encourage even more to turn out and join us for what promises to be another super day!” said Sue.
“And don’t worry if you think it’s too late – it’s not! With distances to suit all ages and abilities and a real family atmosphere, all you need is a bike, a helmet and a desire to show your support for our two great charities, so please come along!” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is taking place from 9am this Sunday, starting and finishing at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for children and £50 for families. For more information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088. Alternatively, cyclists can turn up on the day from 8am to register and ride!