Get on your bike for aid challenge

From the archive, first published Monday 20th Mar 2006.

ENTRIES are now being taken for the fourth annual Solent Coasts Cycling Challenge.

The fundraising event sees riders covering a 66-mile circuit of the Solent coastline, including six ferry journeys, in one day.

Last year's challenge raised £16,000 which was donated to two Hampshire-based charities, Hope and Aid Direct, which offers humanitarian assistance in eastern Europe, and Growing Care, which helps peasant farmers in Romania.

Malcolm Havercroft from Hope and Aid Direct, is one of this year's organisers. He said: "Money raised by the Solent Coasts Sponsored Cycling Challenge will be used to cover the costs of transporting aid to Kosovo later in the year.

"The challenge is a great opportunity to put your fitness training into practice, have a great day out and help others in great need."

The 2006 challenge takes place on June 17 and is a circuit of varied terrain with its main start and finishing line at Wightlink's Lymington ferry terminal car park, but it is possible to start from other points along the route.

The challenge is a self-navigating circuit around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and open to all types of riders from beginners to experts who each have to raise £100 in sponsorship.

There is space on the challenge for 250 cyclists. Register at www.solentchallenge.org.uk.

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