Cycle4Cynthia goes virtual with entrants encouraged to complete solo rides in September instead

The annual sponsored cycle ride for Cynthia Spencer Hospice will not be going ahead at Lamport Hall next month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Cycle4Cynthia riders are encouraged to pay their entry fee, pedal their own distance and post photos online anytime during September.

Hospice fundraising manager John Helm said: “We were really sorry to have to take this difficult decision because we know how much people enjoy coming together for what is always an impressive display of lycra and love for the hospice, but the health and safety of our cyclists must come first.

“However, the silver lining to this particular cloud is that we’re designating September as Cycle4Cynthia month, giving those who might previously have been unable to join us or who were perhaps wary of being part of a mass gathering the flexibility to do the ride at their convenience and wherever they choose.

“What that means is that we hope the county’s roads will be overflowing – safely of course – with hundreds of cyclists throughout September and look forward to seeing the many photos of the various locations that have been pedalled, which we’re hoping they will share on our social media platforms once they’ve completed their own ride.

“The other bonus is a rather personal one in that, having watched riders have such a great day for the 12 years that I’ve been brandishing my event director clipboard, I can now put my money where my mouth is and actually jump into the saddle and ride myself!"

Cycle4Cynthia has been raising money for the hospice since 2003 with routes of varying distances going around the county and setting off from different stately homes.

Organisers hope entrants and sponsors will continue to support the cause despite the change, with proceeds helping to fund palliative care and the service for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Headline sponsor for the third year, commercial law firm EMW, is demonstrating the kind of commitment that the hospice needs more than ever, as chief executive Joy Vollans explained.

“We’ve taken part in the ride for several years so, while we’re sorry that it won’t be quite the same this year, we completely understand the reason behind offering this more than happy compromise and are looking forward to getting on our bikes to show our support nonetheless," she said.

“Crucially, we invite anyone with two wheels to sign up and give, what is in essence, a much-needed donation to the hospice.

"As the team estimates that its financial reserves are down by almost quarter of a million pounds over the last six months because of the Covid effect on their fundraising activities, we know that will be even more gratefully received."

Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families, while those who have already registered will be contacted with details of the change of format.

All entrants will receive the GPX codes for the original 25 and 50-mile distances, should they wish to start their ride at any point along those routes, in their registration pack, alongside their Cycle4Cynthia medal.

However, anyone considering following those routes is advised that Lamport Hall will be closed - so there will be no on-the-day registration, no parking, no other facilities available, nor indeed any marshals or pitstops.

In addition, the planned five-mile route, which would have necessitated a road closure, is not being offered.

Finally, having completed their ride, participants are encouraged to post photos of their wearing their medal on the ride’s social media platforms - @cycle4cynthia – in the hope of creating a celebratory online gallery at the end of September.

For more information, visit cycle4cynthia.co.uk.