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Take the challenge: Ride through the glorious ‘Living Coast’

Besi Besemar April 24, 2019

Organisers call on cyclists across Sussex to take part in the Greater Brighton Cycle Challenge event on Sunday, May 19.

RIDERS can choose a 30 or 60 mile route taking in the beautiful world-class countryside of the Living Coast. People can ride just for fun or raise sponsorship if they wish.

Brighton Housing Trust and The Living Coast have created this event to celebrate cycling, give people the chance to experience the wonderful nature on our doorstep and help some great causes.

Brighton based not for profit business, CSS Events, has organised the rides, ensuring good signage, refreshment stops and support vehicles.

One of the Living Coast partners, The Railway Land Wildlife Trust has registered 3 riders who are all raising money for the Trust’s Wellbeing in Nature project.

Helen Meade, Programme Coordinator of the Railway Land Wildlife Trust said: “We are really looking forward to the ride and hope we can raise at least £500 for this project.  There is so much evidence that shows that people who experience mental health problems gain huge benefits from being in nature.  Our location in the heart of Lewes means that accessing this beautiful greenspace is so easy.   We’d love it if a few more riders joined us though!”

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust is willing to pay the registration fee for those who raise sponsorship for them.

Brighton Housing Trust is the lead charity organising the event and hopes riders will raise vital funds for its First Base Day Centre. This offers a range of services to support people who are sleeping rough or insecurely housed in the city, to get off the streets, start realising their aspirations through work, learning and leisure and find a place they can call home.

Other charities taking part who are also seeking riders include:

♦ Chailey Heritage Foundation (East Sussex)
♦ The Friends Centre (Brighton)
♦ The Crew Club (Brighton)
♦ Independent Living (Brighton)
♦ GROW project (Brighton)

There is a £5 reduction for registration in advance.

For details and to register online click here: 

Brenda Pollack, a volunteer who helps run the rides said: “This is such a great opportunity to see some of our best countryside – taking in the coast and beautiful scenery through Sussex.  Riders get a warm welcome at the refreshment stops and the feedback we had last year was wonderful.  We hope more people take the challenge this year.”

The rides start from Preston Park velodrome in Brighton where there will be a family-friendly event with entertainment all day and the opportunity to take part in Brighton Housing Trust’s Around The World cycle challenge – riding as many laps of the track as you can manage.

Cyclists of all abilities are welcome.

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