Sign up for Burgess Hill Bike Ride

Next Step Nursery children exercise at the play meadow at Courtmead, Cuckfield. Pic Steve Robards

Run by the District Lions and Rotary clubs, the 23rd annual Burgess Hill Bike Ride starts from Oakmeeds Community College on June 7.

Chairman Malcolm Stephens said: “The Burgess Hill Bike Ride will be offering a choice of three routes of 10, 20 and 40 miles.

“Entrants starting at 9am on Sunday 7th June head out through the wonderful countryside around our town.”

Over the years the ride has attracted thousands of entrants and has raised £200,000 for nearby charities such as Barnardos, Chailey Heritage and St Peter & St James Hospice.

The chairman continued: “This year they will be cycling into East Sussex. The 20 and 40 milers set out to Plumpton, with the 40 milers continuing as far as Barcombe and Nutley before returning to Burgess Hill through Fletching and Newick.

“All our routes are on roads or lanes and there are no off-road sections. There aren’t too many daunting hills either! Once again our trusted signs - black arrows on yellow backgrounds - will guide everyone home.”

Half the proceeds will go to the Sussex Heart Charity.

The charity has increasingly financed projects outside the immediate vicinity of Brighton leading to a further name change in 2006 to the Sussex Heart Charity.

The remaining money is divided between the Lions and Rotary Clubs, used to help smaller charitable causes.

This year entrants are asked to collect sponsorship to help boost donations.

Cyclist from all areas are welcome.

Early bird entrants will receive a free Burgess Hill Bike Ride T-shirt while stocks last.

Download an application form at www.burgesshillbikeride.co.uk or call 01444 248704.

Riders can also sign up and ride on the day.

Entrance is £15 for adults and £5 for children aged 10-16, who must be accompanied by an adult. Riders must be 10 or older.

“The Burgess Hill Bike Ride relies on many local volunteers, not just our Club members,” Malcolm added.

“So any calls from non-cyclists offering help would be welcomed. We are also supported by local companies and organisations, such as the Print House, South Downs Nurseries, Bennett Christmas Insurance Brokers, Waitrose, Tesco, Aquaid, Mid Sussex District Council, Burgess Hill Town Council and many others.”