Final preparations are now being made for this year’s event, which takes place on Sunday 25th May, and organisers are urging people to sign up online now.
The annual bike ride, now in its 21st year, has become a key event in the local fundraising calendar with all proceeds going to Les Bourgs Hospice. Last year the event exceeded all expectations, attracting 1050 cyclists – almost double the number compared with previous years – and raising a record £35,000 for the Hospice.
Organisers are keen for people to register in advance to ease queues on the day:
“This is the first year that cyclists can register before the day”, commented event organiser Mira Domaille.
“We are delighted with the take up of this new initiative. So far 60 people have already signed up and if the event attracts similar numbers to last year – which we sincerely hope it will – this will save quite a bit of time on the actual day.
“But of course people can still just turn up on the day as they always have. The key thing is to raise as much money as we can for Les Bourgs. The event accommodates cyclists of all ages and abilities. It’s a great day out for the whole family as well as attracting ‘serious’ cyclists.”
And cyclists have an additional incentive to raise money. Anyone raising over £100 in sponsorship will be entered into a draw with the chance to win one of two mountain bike generously donated by Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop.
This year the bike ride will start from the top of Les Val des Terres in order to avoid the daunting challenge of cycling up the hill at the beginning of the day. The top of the Val Des Terres is for drop off only and parking unfortunately will not be available. For riders not wishing to complete the entire around-the-island circuit, there are two further starting points offering shorter less challenging routes.
The finish remains at North Beach as in previous years.
The event again coincides with the last day of Ian Brown’s 30/30 Challenge when cyclists ride for one hour every day for 30 days - also raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice.
Richard Tee, Heritage Group CEO, explains why he was keen for the Group to get involved in the event again:
“Les Bourgs Hospice plays an invaluable role within the Guernsey community. Heritage is delighted to be able to support this event again. The Rock to Rocque Bike Ride has raised significant sums over its 21 year history. I hope that there is a good turn out on the day – it’s a great way for people to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Starting points and times:
o 0845 – Park and Ride field at the top of Les Val des Terres
o 0945 – Rocquaine
o 1045 – Grandes Rocques
o All riders should be back at the North Beach by 1500
For online registration www.lesbourgshospice.org.gg/fundraising-events/events/register-for-an-event/ where riders can also download sponsorship forms.