NORTH DORSET CYCLE RIDE 2022 PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE!

BV Dairy sponsored North Dorset Cycle Ride 15th May 2022

Shaftesbury Rotary Club are delighted to announce that their hugely popular charitable fundraiser, the North Dorset Cycle Ride, will be back again in May with some exciting additions.

This annual ride, that takes in the amazing natural beauty of the towns and villages around the Blackmore Vale, is Shaftesbury Rotarys biggest fundraising event of the year. With many charities suffering ongoing financial hardship, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, this event will be even more important than ever.

The Rotary committee have set themselves their most ambitious fundraising target yet hoping to raise £25k. As Usual Prostate Cancer UK will be the main beneficial charity. The remaining funds will be distributed to the benefit of local charities and good causes.

Jim Highnam, Managing Director of BV Dairy, comments; We are proud that our local family business is once again supporting the North Dorset Cycle Ride. We have some keen cyclists at BV Dairy, including myself, that will be taking part and many employees will be volunteering as marshals too. The stunning route, that takes riders to the South and West of Shaftesbury, will actually pass many of the local dairies that we buy milk from, so its a perfect fit for us. Were also really looking forward to the new extended c80 mile route that will pass by our production facilities on Wincombe Lane. We will have a support team on standby to provide refreshments and cheer the riders on! CHARLIE is this a direct quote from Jim ???

There are also some exciting new announcements for the 2022 event the old 12 mile Family Fun Ride has been adapted to be more inclusive for younger riders and their families. Still finishing on the iconic Goldhill, the course is much shorter and flatter than previous years and there will be entertainment along the way to keep the little riders engaged and happy.

The start for all the routes will be from Castle Hill with its glorious views over the Vale and on a clear day you can see all the way to Glastonbury Tor. New for the 2022 event is staggered start times for groups so you can set off together with friends in sociable waves. As in all previous events, the rides pinnacle will be the iconic Gold Hill finish line that will involve cycling (or attempting to!) up the famous Hovis hill. Afterwards participants and their spectators will be directed onto Park Walk for de registration where there will be well earned refreshments and fun entertainment suitable for all ages.

There is also a new route for the really ambitious cyclist with the introduction of the c80 mile course. This challenging course, affectionately known as the BV Dairy Destroyer route, will really push the keenest of cyclists to their limits. CHARLIE who gave this name ???

The organisers are delighted to have the support from the Gillingham & Dorset Wheelers who will be providing durable rider numbers that will make a great keepsake souvenir (no more soggy paper numbers!). They have also generously offered to put on a mechanical stand on Castle Hill to deal with any last minute punctures or bike repairs.

The emphasis this year is on riders personal sponsorship because after all this is a charity fundraising event, so there will be prizes for the participants from each route who have raised the most money.

There are four routes to choose from all starting on Castle Hill and finishing on Gold Hill. The easiest is a family friendly 6 mile route, suitable for all ages. Then there is the 25 mile, 50 mile and much more challenging 80 mile route to choose from.

Registration is now open online for a modest £25 per adult for the 25 mile and 50 mile ride, £30 per adult for the c80 mile ride and only £5 per rider for the Family Fun ride. All entrance proceeds will go towards the running of the event and any extra will be donated to the charity fundraising target. DELETE

Riders can sign-up by going to the website

www.cycleride.shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

Get involved with the latest news and pre-ride excitement on social media by following @northdorsetcycleride on Facebook and Instagram.