North-east cyclists encouraged to take part in charity bike ride
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A north-east charity has encouraged cyclists to take part in a local bike ride to raise vital funds for people with sensory loss in the region.
The annual Chapelton Bike Ride will be held on Sunday, September 11, with two routes through the Aberdeenshire countryside.
All funds raised will go directly to supporting the essential work provided by North East Sensory Services (NESS), including social work, employment support, rehabilitation, support for young people, equipment to support daily living, British Sign Language services and lip reading classes and a wide range of other services.
Participants of all abilities and ages are welcome, with individuals, teams and families having the choice of a 12-mile route or a 46-mile route.
The annual event has so far raised more than £30,000 for NESS, and organisers hope this year’s challenge will see the total soar by attracting both regular riders and new recruits.
Online registration is now open and closes on Wednesday, September 7, with individual prices set at £5 for the shorter route and £15 for the longer journey, with discounts for groups.
Registration is also available on the day for an extra £5 per person.
The rides start and end at The Hut in Liddell Place, Chapelton, getting under way on September 11 at 9.30am for the 46-mile cycle and 11am for the 12-mile challenge.
After completing the ride, cyclists will receive a voucher for hot food from vendors, and the day includes entertainment for children and the option of a 5km walk around Chapelton.
This year, the main sponsor of the event is Places for People, which has been building award-winning homes for more than 50 years and has a range of properties in Chapelton to buy, rent and purchase with shared equity.
Other sponsors include Acumen Financial Planning and Apache Corporation, while Stonehaven Cycling Club is managing the route with the help of volunteers from the local community.
For more information and to register, visit www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk
Lynn Batham, community fundraising co-ordinator with North East Sensory Services, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be returning with the Places for People Chapelton bike ride and look forward to welcoming participants to what is always a fun day out.
“A stunning ride through the Aberdeenshire countryside awaits riders of both routes with refreshment stops along the way.
“And by simply participating, you will be helping to raise vital funds for NESS.
“We want to make sure everyone in the north-east with a sensory impairment is given all the support they need to live as independently as possible and participate equally in society.
“Thanks to Places for People, all our generous sponsors, and everyone who takes part, we can make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of blind and deaf people across the region.”
