SportiveHQ Newark Castle 100 bike ride returns to town, supporting the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Newark Foodbank

A bike riding extravaganza is returning this weekend, taking cyclists on a tour of Newark’s heritage.

The Sportive HQ Newark Castle 100 cycle event is this Sunday, with routes for people of all cycling abilities taking participants through the heritage of Newark, beginning and finishing in the beautiful Newark Castle grounds.

New riders can join in on any bike in the safety of an environment with fully signed routes, mechanics, medics and a half-way feed stop. There isn’t a time limit and there’s always a phone number to call.

There’s a 33 mile route, and for more experienced and progressing riders, there is a 59 mile route and a 102 mile route, places can be booked via the SportiveHQ website.

Each participant will receive a custom medal at the end of their ride, between 2pm and 6pm, presented to them by event organisers and charity volunteers, there will also be food and drink stalls for riders and visitors.

Charity partners for the event are Newark Foodbank and the Children’s Bereavement Centre and cyclists can choose to take on a route as a sponsored ride.

The Children’s Bereavement Centre fundraisers are getting ready to take part in this year’s bike ride, having been chosen by the event organisers as one of the charity partners.

The charity continues to be able to provide bereavement support services completely free of charge due to fundraising opportunities like this, and the generosity of donations from the community.

There are currently 13 cyclists taking part in this cycle challenge and raising money for the Children’s Bereavement Centre.

Paula Drummond, bereavement team leader, is cycling 33 miles.

Paula said: “Having done a 400ft abseil, charity skydive, wing walk, fire walk, half marathon, I needed a new challenge. So, on Sunday, May 14, me, my brother Val and my son Simon will be cycling 33 miles each to raise money for the Children’s Bereavement Centre.

“Having not ridden a bike for years I am hoping they don’t leave me behind and I learn to change gear before the event. If you can, please sponsor us as we take on this new challenge.”

You can support Paula at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paula-drummond9

Fundraiser, Kerri McGarrigle of Skanska UK last year cycled the 33 mile route.

This year Kerri has set herself a new challenge to cycle the 59 miles, alongside her four colleagues who are each taking the 100 mile. Support the team at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/newark100.

Scott Wrigley of Wrigleprint is also taking part on Sunday, for one of his 20 epic events throughout the year to celebrate the Children’s Bereavement Centre’s 20th anniversary. You can support Scott at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/cbc20420.

Bob White, one of Newark Park Run’s directors, and Dey Wilson are also both taking on the 100 miles again this year for the charity.