Great Weston Ride Close To Sell Out

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Posted Tuesday 2nd July 2013 –

This year’s Great Weston Ride which is taking place on Sunday 21st July, has seen unprecedented levels of interest and has already surpassed last year’s record entry, and with fewer than 100 places remaining the 2013 event looks all set to sell out well in advance.

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The Ride offers a spectacular route that starts on the outskirts of Bristol and then takes riders on a fabulous journey through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels before finishing 56 miles later on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare.

The event itself has plenty to offer experienced cyclists, not least some spectacular views and scenery, but it also attracts lots of new or inexperienced riders and, as in previous years, once again a large number of the 2013 Ride participants will be undertaking their first major long-distance cycling challenge.

This has been a feature of the Great Weston Ride from the start and, as previous participants testify, riders are comprehensively supported and looked-after from start to finish, regardless of their cycling experience or ability.

While the vast majority of entrants inevitably come from the Bristol and North Somerset areas, as the Ride’s popularity grows increasingly people are coming from further afield to take on the challenge and, at the same time, enjoy a great West Country day out.

And to complete the West Country experience, as well as showcasing some of the region’s best scenery the event also enjoys considerable support and backing from a number of local organisations, including Butcombe Brewery and North Somerset premium meat producers field&flower.

After completing the 56-mile route riders can look forward to celebrating their achievements with a pint or two of the region’s favourite beer, Butcombe Bitter, from the on-site event bar while field&flower will be on hand serving freshly-cooked, top-quality free food to all the hungry riders.

Other local supporters include BCDS (Bristol Cycling Development Squad), the region’s leading youth-oriented cycling club, who provide substantial logistical support throughout the day, and even the slick pre- and post-Ride transport services are courtesy of local companies – Weston’s Coombs Travel provide the coaches that ferry riders to the start either before or after the Ride, while experienced removal experts CMS Hire from Bristol provide secure and protected bike transportation for riders’ trusty steeds.

And, for the first time this year, the Great Weston Ride has partnered with British Cycling’s Breeze initiative as part of a concerted effort to get even more women on their bikes and rising to the challenge, and local Breeze champions and their groups are already engaging with the event.

Ride Organiser Darren McKimm explained: “Historically, over 25% of our riders are women, which is very high compared to most long-distance cycling events, but we want to push that figure over 30% and working with Breeze seems the perfect way to do that. We’re very much behind what they’re trying to do in terms of supporting and encouraging women riders, and equally they see that the Great Weston Ride is the perfect event for women for that first long-distance challenge”.

The Ride’s other major partner is Prostate Cancer UK, the leading male-oriented cancer charity in the UK, and over the last two years riders have already raised well over £40,000 for this one charity alone (and over £80,000 for charitable causes as a whole). Support continues to grow, and in 2013 well over 100 riders are expected to don Prostate Cancer UK’s colours as they raise awareness and money to combat a disease that kills as many men as breast cancer kills women.

So there’s little doubt that the Great Weston Ride is growing, but it’s also very much staying true to its roots and a big part of its charm and appeal is its distinct West Country feel – and long may that continue

Further information, and details on how to enter, can be found at –

www.greatwestonride.com