Teams and individual cyclists are being encouraged to mark the 10th anniversary of the creation of a picturesque cycleway around Morecambe Bay and raise money to help the area’s charity.
A decade ago, the Morecambe Bay Partnership opened the Bay Cycle Way, an 81-mile route linking Glasson Dock with Walney Island.
Developed in close partnership with Sustrans, the route is part of the National Cycle Network and is relatively flat linking with other routes including the Way of the Roses, Walney to Wear and C2C.
Ten years on, the hope is cyclists this summer will raise money for the charity by riding the route with proceeds going towards supporting Morecambe Bay’s internationally significant and vulnerable nature, its precious heritage and a wide range of community and youth projects.
Four challenges have been created to encourage as many people as possible to take part with all levels of cycling ability.
There’s a one-day challenge for experienced riders; a Sunrise to Sunset team challenge aimed at business and cycle clubs; a gentler Take your Time challenge for those who want to cover the route at leisure over the summer; and a family friendly shorter off-road challenge.
Michelle Cooper, of the Morecambe Bay Partnership said: “We want this challenge to appeal to people from all walks of life – from experienced elite riders to those who are less confident or don’t have the same stamina but still want to challenge themselves and try something new.
“With a low-cost registration fee of just £10 per person (or per family in the shorter challenge) we hope lots of people will give it a try.”
Participants will get the chance to have their named entered onto the inaugural Bay Cycle Way Roll of Honour alongside entry into prize draws.
Sarah Mason, the partnership’s chief executive, added: “The Bay Cycle Way has become very popular over the last 10 years and this challenge is a way for people to enjoy the ride and give something back to Morecambe Bay itself.
“It’s easy to register and you can set up a personal sponsorship page through Just Giving meaning friends and family can get behind your challenge and raise more money for projects that help people, places and nature around the Bay.”
All registered participants will receive a pack filled with information, a guide to setting up their fundraiser and ideas to get the most out of the ride plus free souvenir T-shirts for anyone raising over £300.
More information is available here.
