Cyclists from far and wide taking part in 100-mile ride for children’s holiday charity
FUND-RAISER WILL HELP YOUNGSTERS ENJOY TRIPS TO THE SEASIDE
BIKE riders from up to 100 miles away will meet up this May to take part in a long-standing charity’s biggest fund-raiser of the year, which is back after a three-year break.
Cyclists from as far afield as Lancashire and Shrewsbury, as well as the local area, will meet at Pride Park in Derby on May 14 to pedal the 100mile distance from Derby to Skegness in aid of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Because of Covid, this the first time the charity’s annual Skegvegas 100 ride has been able to take place since 2019.
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre gives five-day seaside stays in Skegness to children from the county who are nominated because they might not otherwise get a break, either due to financial hardship or other issues.
Forced to shut for two years, also because of Covid, the centre reopened to 2022’s first busload of children in March.
Riders taking part in this year’s Skegvegas 100 include a former GB triathlete, Sam Ashcroft, 28, who will be taking on the challenge with his stepdad Peter Grant. Sam has previously represented Teamgb at the World Triathlon Championships as a junior. Peter, who lives 100 miles away in Preston, has previously taken part in the charity event.
He said: “I originally did it because my cousin’s husband, a joiner called Glenn Aughton, worked with Terry Willis, who organises the Skegvegas 100. Glenn was a joiner who did a lot of voluntary work at the children’s centre.
“Sadly Glenn is no longer with us, but I’m continuing to do Skegvegas, not only because it’s a good charity but it’s in memory of Glenn and the voluntary work he carried out for the children’s centre.
“I have really loved taking part in the ride in the past. Everybody is friendly. I’ve been to the centre and it’s so obviously such a good cause to support. It’s easy to take for granted our own good fortune and a happy childhood where money is not really a problem.
“But life is difficult for a lot of people. Anything that can help children with their wellbeing and give them happy memories has got to be a good thing.
“It will certainly be poignant doing the ride without Glenn, but I’m looking forward to it too. Hopefully we’ll all be able to do it for years to come.” Another rider taking part is Alistair Atkinson, of Chesterfield, who will be cycling with his girlfriend. Alistair said he had never taken part in the event before, but had heard about it through being part of the Bolsover and District Cycling Club and was looking forward to the challenge.
He said: “Skegvegas looks great because it combines doing an interesting ride with raising some money. Cycling is really good for your health and wellbeing. I just love it.”
For the first time, the ride will benefit from mechanical bike support courtesy of Dave Howard, owner of Big on Bikes in Little Eaton, who is giving his services free of charge for the day.
Dave will be on hand to offer assistance if any riders suffer mechanical problems such as punctures or broken chains. He said: “If we can help out in some small way with a charity like this, I’m happy to do it. Anything that involves kids having a good time and getting a bit of a relief from any ordeal they may be going through, I’m all in favour of.”
Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre chairman Alan Grimadell said: “The Skegvegas 100 is our charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s great to see it going ahead once again.
“So far over the years this event has raised more than £91,000 for the holiday centre. Hats off to all the riders who agree to take part. It’s wonderful to think that our Derbyshire charity is attracting cyclists from so far away.
“Thank you to each and every one of them.
“Huge thanks too are due to David Howard of Big on Bikes who is giving his services to us for the day. Hopefully no-one will need mechanical help, but it’s good to know it’s there if required.”
The Skegvegas 100 is following a new route this year devised by charity supporter Nick Taylor, which will take riders on a more rural route away from busy roads. To support the Skegvegas 100, see www.just giving.com/fundraising/skegvegas
Alternatively, to donate to the charity, with a million people living in Derbyshire, the charity’s plea is for people to be ‘One in a Million,’ donating £4 a month by texting DCHCMILLION to 70085.
Anything that can help children with their wellbeing and give them happy memories has got to be a good thing. Sam Ashcroft