Action Medical Research Unveils Exciting New Rides At Cycle Show

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 09 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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National charity Action Medical Research is launching an exciting new programme of events at the Cycle Show this week at London's Earl's Court (10-12 October). The charity's packed 2009 schedule includes six brand new events and caters for all abilities, from the newbie rider looking to take on their first cycling challenge to the super-fit enthusiast who really wants to test themselves.

Heading up the programme is the charity's flagship London to Paris tour. Now in its ninth year, this popular, well-established ride is already the biggest of its kind in the charity sector and has a new fourth route for 2009, which will make it bigger than ever. The charity is looking to sign-up more than 500 riders, who will leave the capital on 22 July for four days of cycling, covering around 300 miles, before arriving in Paris a day ahead of the final stage of the Tour de France.

For those looking for something closer to home, the Take Action 100 series of one-day regional UK rides has been expanded to include five new events.

The first of these new events is an early-season challenge to coincide with the Outdoors Show at the NEC, Birmingham, on Sunday 29 March. Riders can choose from a 100-mile or 100-km route through springtime Warwickshire and will also enjoy a complimentary ticket to the exhibition to make a real weekend of it.

Also new to the series is the Trossachs Ton in Scotland, the Surrey 100, taking in the North Downs, the York 100 and the Essex 100.

Those looking for a tougher challenge can register a team of four for the first Ride 24 endurance relay. Inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorsports race, this new event takes place at Dunsfold aerodrome in Surrey, home of the Top Gear test track. The competitive event will be won by the team that completes the most laps, and therefore travels furthest, in 24 hours.

The Action Medical Research team is passionate about cycling and the charity has more than 25 years experience in organising successful bike rides. Routes are monitored and clearly signposted. Snack and lunch stops are provided and medical and mechanical staff are on hand to help at all times.

Jo Pickard, Head of National Events at Action Medical Research, said: "We are a charity that puts its all into cycling and this is reflected in our growing and varied programme of events. We work very hard to give our riders a great cycling experience and many keep coming back. Last year our event participants cycled a total of more than 250,000 miles - that's over ten times around the world! This year we hope even more riders will go the distance with us."

Action Medical Research is a leading UK charity focusing on child health. Cyclists participating in its events will be raising money to help fund vital work that aims to prevent, cure or treat conditions that devastate the lives of many thousands of babies and children and their families. The charity is currently funding research into many serious diseases and conditions, including meningitis, pneumonia, cerebral palsy, eczema and premature birth, as well as supporting the development of new treatments to improve the quality of life for disabled children.

For more information about the Action Medical Research cycling programme, visit the website, http://www.action.org.uk/takeaction.

Action Medical Research