[A] new cycling challenge that mixes cycling with orienteering, known as ‘Bike O’, will be taking place in Workington and at Watchtree Nature Reserve next month.
The challenge, which has been organised Watchtree and the Allerdale Bike Challenge group in partnership with Allerdale Borough Council, aims to get people who have been inspired by the Tour of Britain on their bikes for something a bit more unusual than an average bike ride. The treasure hunt will last between 90 minutes and two hours, and participants will navigate between a number of control points marked on a map. There will be prizes and certificates to be won at the end of the challenges.
The first event takes place on Wednesday 12 September at the Watchtree Nature Reserve in Wiggonby from 4pm until 6pm. This challenge is fully inclusive, will be free of charge and is open to people of all ages and abilities. Bikes can be hired on site and booking is recommended. To book your place visit www.watchtree.co.uk.
The second challenge will take place from Workington Leisure Centre on Sunday 30 September from 10am. There are three different routes which vary in difficulty, so this is an ideal event for both families and seasoned cyclists. The entry fee for this challenge is £2 for adults and free for under 16s. To book a place contact Allerdale Borough Council on 01900 702711 or email [email protected].
Councillor Michael Heaslip, Executive Member for sports development, said: “With the Tour of Britain coming to the area next month, I have no doubt that many residents will be inspired to get on their bikes. One of the Council’s priorities is to improve health and wellbeing by helping people to live active lives, and events like this will make sport more interesting and accessible to local residents.”
The OVO Energy Tour of Britain heads to Cumbria and the Lake District for two stages on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September, the first of which will be a unique uphill team time trial, the first-ever in the history of the race.
For full details of the Bike O challenges, please visit www.allerdale.gov.uk/bikeo.
