Businesses urged to gear up for bike ride event

Business are being urged not to back-pedal on their commitment to Aberdeenshire’s newest cycling extravaganza.

The organisers of the Chapelton Bike Ride, which takes place on Sunday, September 3, are keen to expand the event from last year by increasing the number of stalls and the range of activities on offer.

The inaugural Chapelton Bike Ride took place last year with hundreds of cyclists and spectators receiving a warm welcome to Chapelton, near Newtonhill.

That event featured a number of stalls from local businesses, highlighting the eclectic nature of business life in the northeast.

The ride is being held to raise money for North East Sensory Services (NESS), a charity which offers support to more than 6,000 people who have sensory impairments.

Last year, it amassed more than £6,500 for the charity.

This time round, it is hoped, especially with more local companies lending support to the event, that the 2016 tally can be surpassed.

Alastair Struthers, sales executive at ZeroC Homes, an organiser of the event, said: “The first Chapelton Bike Ride was a huge success. So we are looking forward to making this year’s event even bigger and better, with more stalls, food stands and activities for everyone to get involved with.

“As well as raising money for NESS, we are committed to creating a sporting event which people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.”

Further information is available at www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk

The first Chapelton Bike Ride was a huge success