Jennings charity bike ride open for entries

Cumbria Community Foundation has confirmed its hugely successful charity bike ride is back on this autumn.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is set to roll in and out of Keswick on Sunday 16 September 2012.

Entries - limited to 1500 riders - will open online on Tuesday 21 February.

The inaugural Jennings Rivers Ride in 2011 attracted 750 riders who tackled everything from a family fun ride to a gruelling 85 mile slog over three Lake District passes.

This year, the charity is hoping it will be even bigger and better and raise more money for Cumbria Community Foundation in the process.

The official launch is on Monday 20 February 2012 at Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth where one of last year’s star fundraisers - Gary McKeating from Nuclear Management Partners - will hand over a cheque for £2,000 he raised in sponsorship.

He’ll be joined by many of the volunteers who helped make the bike rides and fun day possible; and by the winners of the raffle prize, Katrina MacEwan and Michael Riley, now the proud owners of a Trek Madone bike.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is actually a collection of three stunning Lake District bike routes for cyclists of all abilities. It’s called the Rivers Ride because sections of the routes follow the affected river courses and criss-cross over many of the bridges that were either destroyed and replaced, or were badly damaged during the floods in 2009.

Riders must choose between:

1. Family Challenge Ride (Sponsored by Cumberland Building Society) £16
This is an all inclusive event that challenges youngsters and their parents / guardians) to ride a distance of 11 miles around the beautiful Derwentwater.

2. Middle Distance Event (Sponsored by Armstrong Watson) £30
An achievable cycling challenge for novices (with some preparation) and experienced riders alike. 40 miles of lovely Lakeland roads heading west to Cockermouth via Ouse Bridge, returning to Keswick via the rebuilt Lorton Bridge and finishing with a climb over Whinlatter Pass.

3. Big Day Out Ride (Sponsored by Nuclear Management Partners) £30
This is the Big One! A challenging ride for the more experienced rider. Don’t be deceived by the flat start which heads out to the Irish Sea at Workington. The route returns to Keswick via three of the Lake District’s major road passess; Whinlatter, Newlands and finally Honister - to complete an epic ride of over 85 miles with a sting that is most certainly in the tail.

Gaynor Green, speaking on behalf of the sponsor Jennings, said: “Jennings is once again delighted to be supporting this fantastic sporting event. It encourages people of all ages to get out and explore more of Cumbria's countryside by bike. And it raises money for Cumbria Community Foundation which helps disadvantaged people across the county.”

Event Patron Matthew Wilson, M-Sport Stobart Ford Rally Team Driver and accomplished cyclist said: "Breathtaking scenery, a brilliant cause and a band of smiling volunteers to cheer you on your way make this an event you will never forget. No matter whether you set out on the Family Ride, The Middle Distance or The Big One, the sense of achievement and the huge community celebration in Fitz Park when you reach Keswick is one not to be missed."

Andy Beeforth, Director of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re asking people to cycle for a reason this year and to raise money for for the charitable work of the Cumbria Community Foundation. We are at the heart of community life across the county and give more than £1m in grants to local charities and people in need. Our grants help young people and old people, the disabled and those recovering from illness. We make grants to around 500 groups a year, examples include: Copeland Cancer Support Group, Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club, Harbour Youth Project and Age UK South Lakeland.”

For more information or to enter the event call 01900 825 760.