Families urged to join popular charity cycling fundraiser

Cyclists are gearing up to take part in a popular annual off-road charity challenge.

The family-friendly event has been expanded to include an event village, giving businesses the chance to get involved.

The Reach Off-Road challenge, at Southwell, is being supported by British Cycling, which organisers hope means more riders will get involved.

Last year’s event raised £7,300 with 429 riders taking part.

There are four routes for cyclists to choose from as they raise money for Southwell-based Reach.

The charity, which also has bases in Newark and Mansfield, supports people with learning difficulties and aims to help them reach beyond their expectations and be part of the community.

It has to raise £300,000 a year to provide its services.

The event, formerly Tonya’s Challenge, was founded in 2000 by Tonya Hinds and her grandmother, Beryl Smith, both of Southwell, to raise money for Southwell Care Project. The project changed its name and became Reach Learning Disability.

The ride will start from Southwell Rugby Club on Sunday, June 3.

It has four routes, covering five, ten, 20 and 37 miles. The two longer routes are open to cyclists aged 12 and over.

There will be children’s activities, from 10am to 2pm, at the rugby club for families as they wait for cyclists to return.

Organisers hope that a reduced entry cost for child riders will lead to more entries from families.

Rode Cycles, a mobile bicycle business, will have a stand at the starting venue to provide bike repairs and maintenance.

Adult tickets cost £14 or £20, plus a £1 admininstration charge.

Prices for children have been reduced to £3.

Entries can be made at www.reachoffroad.co.uk

Saint Gobain Formula Newark and Travel Wright are sponsoring the event.

Businesses or organisations wanting to book a stand at the Reach events village should contact Sarah Cobb at Reach, email sarah.cobb@reachuk.org or call 01636 819066.