Cyclists get on their bikes for inaugural Wharfedale Ton challenge
Monday 6th June 2016
A 100-mile charity cycle ride across Wharfedale organised by Yorkshire law firm Gordons, Lloyds Bank and audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has seen an exceptional level of interest as all 120 places have been taken up three weeks ahead of the event.
The ‘Wharfedale Ton’ will take place on June 10 to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice in Bradford. The route, planned by Gordons partner and keen cyclist Phil Paget, will take in some of the most beautiful countryside Yorkshire has to offer, stretching across Wharfedale from Ilkley to York and back again.
The ride aims to attract local businessmen and women to take part in a great day of cycling and meet like-minded professionals, whilst raising money for a good cause at the same time.
Gordons partner, Phil Paget, said: “We are extremely pleased by the number of entrants into the very first ‘Wharfedale Ton’. We wanted to create an event that appealed to the business community as an enjoyable activity but one that would also offer a real sense of accomplishment.
“We have riders of all levels taking part and the route has been designed as challenging but achievable for all. We know there is a great appetite for cycling in Yorkshire and the excitement that is already building around the challenge really confirms just how passionate people have become about the sport.”
Entrants are invited to ride alone, in pairs or in groups with many taking part who have never ridden the 100-mile distance before. It is expected to take an average of six to eight hours to complete the challenge, after which all participants are invited to rest their limbs and join each other for some food and drink in Ilkley.
David Jockel, representing the Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting fundraising event and have been overwhelmed with the interest and enthusiasm by those who have registered to take part and support such a worthy cause.”
Steven Hubbard, corporate finance partner at RSM, added: ‘It’s great to see so many people stepping up to take on the challenge to raise much-needed funds for Marie Curie. The event has sold out which is a great testimony to the strength of cycling in the business community post Grand Départ. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us.’
The Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford offers specialist care for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. As well as a 16-bed inpatient unit, the hospice also has a fully equipped day service department that offers individual support sessions and various group activities to patients and their families.
For more information on the Wharfedale Ton route and sponsors, click here.