25th anniversary ride expected to attract hundreds of cyclists

Fylde riders will be setting off from Fairhaven South car park from 8.30am and Trinity officials are hoping the event will raise £30,000.

Riders can register on the day and set off any time up to 10am, with routes between 18 and 45 miles available to cover and the finish line is open until 3pm.

Medals will be given to all riders completing the course.

Linzi Young, Trinity’s head of fundraising, said: “The annual bike ride has been going for 25 years and support for it never diminishes.

“It’s a wonderful event for cyclists of all ages and abilities and we are hoping 800 riders will take part this year.

“We get the really serious riders doing the 45 mile course twice, and families with youngsters taking their time on the 18 mile route, stopping for ice cream on the way.

“The money raised helps pay for Trinity’s compassionate care, not just at the Hospice but in the community too – it is our Trinity nurses who provide the home-based day and overnight support for patients and their families in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

“There are always some unusual bikes, tandems – and sometimes even a triple cycle – in the event, but this year Lancashire Cycle Link members hope to do the bike ride on ‘oddball’ bicycles – Choppers, Brompton’s, low-riders and vintage bikes. They have been loaned a very famous bike for the ride, the Raleigh Chopper which did stages of the Tour de France last year and was supported by team Sky.”

Entry on the day costs £15 for adults and £7 for children. Details and route maps are at the Trinity website. Riders under 16 should be accompanied by an adult and everyone is asked to wear a cycle helmet.