A Herefordshire organisation is looking for cyclists to take part in a very special bike ride. Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust organise a days event each September but hope that this year more riders will join them.
“We have an event which means you can choose your own route and how far you travel,” said organiser Robin Peers. “You go from church to church in the County starting from where you like and finishing where you like, but it means every kind of cyclist can take part, sit-up-and-beg bikers to potential winners of the Tour de France!”
The September event encourages every historic church in Herefordshire to sign up and staff their building so that riders get their form stamped. The money raised is halved between the organisation and the church of the riders’ choice. Entrants are encouraged to get as much sponsorship as possible.
“I think we all want to keep our village churches going, whether we attend regularly or never,” said Robin, “so we‘re inviting keen cyclists to sign up and enjoy a day out and support a local charity. We can also offer help with routes to maximise the number of churches you tick off.”
In 2008, more than two hundred (200) cyclists mounted their bikes for the cause and raised about eighteen thousand pounds. Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust gives grants to churches for regular maintenance work as well as contributing funds to larger church projects. Last year it gave more than sixty thousand pounds to Herefordshire Churches.
“We have riders over seventy and some are under ten but we also want people to be sponsors of our riders. We do also welcome walkers for what we call our Ride and Stride,” added Robin. “We need motorists to be aware too, as the lanes of the County will be very busy on Saturday 12th September.”
The HHCT Ride and Stride takes place all over the county on Saturday 12th September from 10am until 6pm. Anyone who would like to cycle or walk can contact Ben Sladen on 01568 720424 or Email: sladen@aulden.plus.com
Robin Peers 01432 850615 is available for interview.
A jpeg picture of the Vicar of Bromyard and the Mayor of Bromyard on their bike4s is available from Anni Holden on request