Riders in the second Greater Brighton Cycle Challenge have been set the challenge of going further in the event’s virtual round the world challenge, in which cyclists only clocked up enough miles to get them as far as Australia.
Entries are now open for this year’s event, which will be raising money for local homeless charity Brighton Housing Trust (BHT).
The charity has again teamed up with The Living Coast to host the challenge on Sunday, 19 May as a celebration of cycling and the world-class Biosphere Region that we live in.
The all-day family-friendly event at the Preston Park Velodrome is open to the whole community and to people of all abilities, starting at 8am.
Cyclists can take part in the Around the World Challenge with the aim to collectively ride the distance around the world, 40,075km, in a day. A family-friendly entertainment programme has been lined up, and there are designated slots for families and cycle clubs.
Alternatively, cyclists can enjoy the beauty of The Living Coast, a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Region, by cycling a 30 or 60 mile route along the coast and out to the South Downs, starting and finishing at the Velodrome.
Cyclists on these rides can raise money for BHT’s First Base Day Centre, to support local men and women to move away from the streets, or for other good causes of their choosing.
Andy Winter, Chief Executive of BHT said: “We are extremely excited about running an even bigger and more exciting event this year. We didn’t quite clock up the mileage around the world last year (we reached Australia), but we were overwhelmed by the support of the hundreds of people who signed up to support the event and raised over £15,000 to help people to move away from rough sleeping.
“This year promises to be even better with more focus on supporting local charities to get involved to raise money for their own causes.”
Rich Howorth, Biosphere Programme Manager for The Living Coast, said: “Our mission is to connect people and nature to pioneer a positive future for both – by building relationships and inspiring better ways of living.
“The Greater Brighton Cycle Challenge supports our environmental and social objectives with the added bonus of raising money for local good causes.
“What better way to enjoy The Living Coast than by joining us on a ride through the towns, downs and coast of our unique UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Region within the Greater Brighton area.”
Registration is now open at www.bht.org.uk
