Rochdale Bike Ride Raises Funds for Heart Disease

Date published: 29/03/2005

The British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation’s heart charity is inviting riders to register and join in this year’s Over the Edge Bike Ride, which takes place on Sunday 15 May. Organised with the Trans Pennine Cycling Club and Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the ride aims to raise essential funds so that the BHF can continue its life-saving research into heart disease.

Last year saw over 450 riders take to the hills, raising an incredible £14,000 and we have even higher expectations in 2005, for what is now the third largest Cycle Ride in the Region. There is a choice of three routes along the beautifully picturesque country roads, 22 miles, 29 miles and the ‘Solid Gold Route’ of 52 miles, all of which feature spectacular Blackstone Edge. The 22 mile Bronze route is suitable for younger less experienced riders whilst the 29 mile Silver route is a little steeper. The Solid Gold route is for serious cyclists and includes Heptonstall Hill and Cragg Vale - the longest continuous hill climb in the UK. 

Catering for riders of all ages and abilities, the Over The Edge Bike Ride is a superb opportunity for all members of the family to maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst raising money to help keep hearts beating. As in previous years, all riders who complete the Over The Edge routes will receive a medal, and prizes and trophies will also be presented to the highest fundraising teams and individuals.

“The Over The Edge Bike Ride has a unique appeal” says Deborah Ogden, Regional Events Organiser for the BHF.” News of the ride is spreading far and wide and enquiries have already been coming in from people who took part in last year’s ride and enjoyed it so much that they want to come back and go For Gold!.

“Last year, a number of cycling clubs took part in the ride and we hope that this year they will encourage their members to join in and raise money for us again. We need your sponsorship money urgently because heart disease is indiscriminate and unpredictable. The sponsorship money raised from events like the Over The Edge Bike Ride can go a long way towards improving the lives of men, women and children in the region. We are really confident that this year’s event will be a spectacular success and would encourage anyone who is thinking of joining in to register without delay."

John Brown, BHF Area Organiser said, “The ride is the inspiration of the Trans Pennine Cycling Club based in Rochdale and Oldham, they along with Rochdale MBC have been tremendous in devising and developing the route, so that it has become a firm fixture in the cycling calendar and a major fundraiser for the BHF."

If you would like further information of if you are interested in registering for the Over The Edge Bike Ride, please contact the BHF Regional Office on Tel: 0151 236 6988, email: region7@bhf.org.uk or if you would like to register online and even set up your own sponsorship page, go to: www.bhf.org.uk/events and follow the simple steps.