Transaid back in the saddle with launch of fundraising 'Way of the Roses' Cycle Challenge 2021

Transaid is calling on transport and logistics professionals to dust off their Lycra, polish their saddles and gear up for its epic coast-to-coast 2021 UK Cycle Challenge.

The 170-mile ‘Way of the Roses’ challenge – Transaid’s sixth UK cycling event – will see up to 40 participants take part in the Morecambe to Bridlington adventure, which runs from 24 to 26 September.

The ride aims to raise money to support Transaid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa improving road safety and access to healthcare for communities across the region.

Transaid’s work includes creating transport management systems for the public sector, assisting with the provision of professional driving qualification development and training driver trainers.

It also helps teach preventive vehicle maintenance management and assists with the introduction of local, low-cost transport solutions including its innovative bicycle ambulance. Transaid also helps promote road safety awareness and shares its specialist knowledge with the humanitarian aid sector.

Announcing the ride, Florence Bearman, Transaid’s fundraising head, said: “We were bitterly disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our planned events last year, and so we are absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new fundraiser.

“Our cycle challenges are always a sell-out, with a real sense of camaraderie among the riders – but most importantly because they are a fantastic chance for supporters to raise essential funds for our lifesaving programmes – a cause close to all our hearts. We cannot wait to welcome people back to the saddle in September.”

This year’s challenge, sponsored by the UK Warehousing Association, will involve two days of breathtakingly scenic cycling through the beautiful Lancashire countryside and Yorkshire Dales, before culminating in a much-deserved celebratory dinner for participants on the final night.

Riders will begin their adventure in the stunning seaside town of Morecambe, setting off along the River Lune on a 77-mile journey to Harrogate. The route will pass through the rolling Lancashire hills, through the bustling Yorkshire market town of Settle before ascending further east along the lush green fields of the Dales, with a well-earned overnight stop in picturesque Harrogate.

Day two will reward participants with flatter plains, with the 95-mile-long leg taking in the sights of the historic walled city of York, before meandering through farms and towns along the Yorkshire hills, towards the final finish in the quaint seaside town of Bridlington – ahead of that evening’s celebratory dinner and overnight stay.

Entries are encouraged from individuals and teams. Space is limited and places are expected to fill up fast, so Transaid is urging participants to sign up quickly to secure a place.

There is a registration fee of £99, with participants asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,000 to take part. For more information about the challenge, and to sign up, contact Nicola Parkes on 07909 009568 or via email at nicola@transaid.org.