Riders saddle up for charity bike ride (From Western Telegraph)

Riders saddle up for charity bike ride

11:50am Friday 10th August 2012 in News

Pembrokeshire's pedal power will be tested in one of the biggest charity cycling events in the county this weekend.

The Pembrokeshire Charity Bike Ride will kick off on Sunday (August 12th) with hundreds of cyclists getting on their bikes in aid of three local charities.

Now in its 12th year, the event has become bigger than ever, raising more than £126,000 for local charities since its inception in 2001.

This year the bike ride will raise money for the Hannah Gwilliam Forever Fund for Meningitis UK, Claire Williams Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, and the Pembrokeshire branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Phil Hughes, who started the event with his brother Tim, said: “Every year, we try and pick charities that really hit home, and are close to people’s hearts.”

When Phil and Tim started the bike ride 12 years ago, 67 riders entered the race, raising £900 for Shalom House, in St Davids.

“Since then, the event has grown tremendously, with 385 riders taking part last year,” said Phil.

This year riders of all abilities will be able to pick one of three routes, including a 15- mile family route, a 29-mile intermediate route, and a 50- mile route for advanced riders.

Trophies and Blue Lagoon tickets will also be up for grabs for individuals who raise the most money through sponsorship.

Riders can enter the race between 8am and 10am on Sunday, at the Haverfordwest Rugby Club.

For more information and to register online visit www.pembsbikeride.co.uk.