50th Event 7 – Cycle Ride

If you turned off the A11 into Granta Park on Sunday the 15^th May you’d have found lots of SDC 50 flags waving in the wind and 150 lycra-clad cycling enthusiasts waiving their ability to sit down for the next week.

After collecting their chip timed bike cards, the cyclists rolled up to the starting line bright and early ready to kick our seventh charity event into gear. A slightly overcast day provided perfect riding conditions, with temperatures more forgiving for beginner riders.

9:00 am – The horn sounded, and the event began!

With two routes to choose from, riders sped out of Granta Park taking either the 50-mile route through the beautiful countryside of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Essex, or the shorter 25-mile route passing some of Cambridge’s most picturesque villages. This event saw riders on road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-bikes, and bikes hired by SDC – giving staff no excuses for not joining in!

Mid-way through the 50-mile ride, cyclists’ ground to a halt at Clare Park Lake Golf Course for a well-earned food and drink break. Motivation to carry on was provided in the form of flapjacks, brownies, and cupcakes from a team of dedicated SDC bakers.

Meanwhile, back in our Events Village the children’s ride got underway! The 1.2 mile route saw budding young cyclists put their skills to the test, with emotional support provided by the SDC bear. Medals were presented to all participants and the children scurried back to play on our fairground games while they waited for their parents and guardians to finish their race.

Back on route, and the first cyclist crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours and 12 minutes! Upon riding through our inflatable arch to the cheers of spectators, cyclists were presented with a medal and allowed to rest up whilst enjoying a burger and a drink.

With the riding complete and the rain just about to begin, Board Director and Event Organiser Dan Changer, took to the stage to conclude the event. Starting with the sponsor presentations, Dan gifted Oliver Connell and Sons, and Gridlocked with a token of thanks for their part in the day. A small gift was also presented to Orestis Tzortzoglou from Biomed Realty for allowing us use of Granta Park as a venue. Lastly, Dan presented each of the chosen charities, Age UK Bedfordshire, and Road Victims Trust with a cheque for £5000 – taking the total donations so far this year to £70,000.

Dan thanked the volunteers, riders, and spectators (and apologised to all the people he’d forced into cycling) before watching everyone limp away for a hot bath and a leg massage as another successful SDC 50 event came to a close.

Photos from the day can be found HERE.

Our next event, a Family Fun Day, takes place on the 11^th June at Bromham Scout Field. This event is free to enter, just register your interest on our website. https://sdc50.co.uk/events/2021/family-day.html#enter-now