Bath Chronicle

Fun bike rides in countrysid­e to suit all levels

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Places are already selling fast for the Bike Bath 2021 event on Sunday, August 22.

After a Covid-affected 2020, the 2021 event will feature split starts with cyclists having the opportunit­y to start and finish in Bath, Frome and Devizes, with a medal included in the ticket price.

This year, 1,000 cyclists will ride signposted rides of about 25, 50 or 80 miles around the spectacula­r Somerset and Wiltshire countrysid­e from one of the three start locations, with refreshmen­ts supplied by local businesses.

National and local businesses are central to the success of Bike Bath and in recent years HPH Property, Cycleschem­e, Road.cc, Peloton Design, Bath Ales, Carter Jonas,

Fyffes bananas and many other businesses have lent their support to the event.

Jacko Jackson, event director of Bike Bath, said: “The idea behind Bike Bath has always been to provide something for everyone. This year we are keen to promote all things ‘Active Travel’ and are encouragin­g businesses to promote their own active initiative­s at the event – and to get a team together to take part. The event will be welcoming a range of electric bikes for the first time.”

He added: “The 25-mile short route was designed with families, new cyclists and new cycle-commuters in mind, looking to spend an enjoyable day trying out cycling for leisure.

“For regular cyclists or those looking for something more adventurou­s, we have designed longer routes of around 50 and 80 miles to take in some of the more challengin­g lanes across the Somerset and Wiltshire countrysid­e. We are delighted to offer cyclists our additional starts and finishes at Frome

Rugby Club and Devizes Sports Club.”

Local cycling club VC Walcot continues to lend its support to the Bike Bath team, with many members volunteeri­ng on the day and organising training rides to prepare new cyclists for the event.

This year, Dorothy House is Bike

Bath’s supported charity. Riders have the opportunit­y to donate to Dorothy House at sign-up, but all charities are invited to take part and use the event as a fundraiser. More than 20 other charities have previously entered riders, raising significan­t funds.

This year Bath Recreation Trust is supporting the ride and CEO John Flinn said: “Bike Bath has become a key event in our calendar and provides a fantastic opportunit­y for people to enjoy riding from the city through the surroundin­g beautiful countrysid­e. We are delighted to support the event to reach out to more people and promote positive lifestyles through active recreation.”

Prospectiv­e riders can find out more about Bike Bath and sign up through www.iconiccycl­ingevents. co.uk. You can also keep up to date on news about Bike Bath on Facebook and Twitter – just search “Bike Bath”, or follow “Iconic Cycling Events” on Instagram.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or partnering with Bike Bath to provide refreshmen­ts for riders should get in touch with Jacko Jackson by email: aj@iconic cyclingeve­nts.co.uk.

 ?? Pic: Andrew Hobbs ?? Riders during a past Bike Bath event
Pic: Andrew Hobbs Riders during a past Bike Bath event

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