New Forest inclusive cycling charity PEDALL calls for cyclists of all ages and abilities to join 12-hour family-friendly fundraising challenge in the National Park.
On 27 September, everyone is invited to keep the Pass the PEDALL baton moving from dawn until dusk around the circular one-kilometre track at New Park Showground, Brockenhurst. The aim is to reach a collective target of 1,407km – the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The challenge aims to raise £10,000 for PEDALL, which supports people with disabilities and additional needs to enjoy the National Park on their fleet of specialist cycles.
Funds will support hundreds of new riders, PEDALL’s ongoing project costs, fund ride leaders, and build, maintain, and repair its cycle fleet. It also aims to create a sense of personal and team achievement, increase community awareness, and attract more volunteers and supporters.
Riders can get competitive with the Pass the PEDALL Challenge Cup being awarded to whoever can cycle the most laps in an hour. There’s also a fun, less-strenuous go-kart style cycle track to have a go at too. The PEDALL team will be joined by their regular riding groups, including SCARF New Forest (Supporting Children with Additional Needs, Relatives and Friends), MENCAP and Dementia Friendly Hampshire. Individuals, organisations and groups can also book timeslots, pay on the day, or pledge their own fundraising goal.
The lead sponsor again for Pass the PEDALL is Chase the Sun, who are leaders in sunrise-to-sunset cycle challenges and long-distance cycling events. Other sponsors include Lyndhurst Financial Services, Atomos, Harwoods, Majaco, and Scott Bailey.
As well as the bigger relay challenge, this year’s event has expanded to involve the wider New Forest cycling community and promote responsible cycling in the National Park – now in its 20th anniversary year.
Sway Cycles will have a selection of specialist and e-bikes on display and for trial. Cycle Experience will be offering free bike safety checks and have an exciting collection of pre-loved electric and non-powered two-wheeled cycles for sale. They will also be offering e-bike demos and the opportunity for event visitors to hire mountain bikes for self-guided tours from New Park. The community police team are also providing free bike security tagging for your own cycles.
Food can be bought from New Forest food vendors, including Norths, serving New Forest Ice Cream, locally baked cakes and delicious coffee, Loaf, serving epic sourdough grilled cheese toasties and indulgent dipping sauces made with ingredients from local suppliers, and fresh pizzas from Idelica.
The charity aims to build on the success of last year’s inaugural challenge, where PEDALL Operational Lead, Gareth Jones, rode for 12 hours, covered a distance of 180km and raised over £5,000 with support from riders, charities and other Forest organisations. You can watch our highlights video of the day here:
PEDALL is a partnership project between the New Forest National Park Authority and charity Friends of PEDALL, with support from the NHS and Forestry England. PEDALL is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and other generous supporters, including South Western Railway.
PEDALL Manager, Shelley Filby said: ‘Pass the PEDALL is a chance for our regular riders to take part in a truly inclusive, special cycle challenge, and for the wider New Forest community to come together in celebration of cycling.
‘Through our inclusive cycling project, we enable people of all ages and abilities to explore the National Park, experience the joy of connecting with nature, and feel the wellbeing benefits of time spent outdoors. This event is a celebration of everything that makes cycling in the New Forest so special.’
PEDALL Programme Board Chair and NPA Member, Steve Trow said: ‘Pass the PEDALL is a great event which raises vital funding and awareness so that PEDALL can continue making cycling in the National Park accessible for all.
‘The work PEDALL does, and the event, would not be possible without the partnership of organisations across Team New Forest.’
Chase the Sun Cycle Founder, Olly Moore said: ‘Chase the Sun are excited to get involved in Pass the PEDALL again. This year, we are particularly keen to encourage families and riders of all ages and abilities to take part.
‘We’re offering a new inclusive Chase the Sun challenge for all youngsters to collectively ride laps of the safe off-road course, where together we’ll aim to inspire them to pedal up to 330km over the day – equal to an epic Chase the Sun coast-to-coast route. There will be plenty of prizes and fun along the way.’
For more information and to get involved, go to: www.pedall.org.uk/pass-the-pedall-25
