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The people of Merseyside are being encouraged to saddle up for the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride this July.
Entries are now open for the mass participation annual ride on July 3rd. Partnered by Merseytravel, the ride is the only cycle event in the country that includes almost three traffic-free miles underground, according to the race organisers, with exclusive access to the Birkenhead (Queensway) Tunnel.
The event was recently launched Paralympic Silver Medallist Rik Waddon, patron of the race’s official charity Claire House Children’s Hospice.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Claire House team," enthused Waddon. "It’s fantastic to be able to support the Liverpool Chester Bike Ride, which will hopefully raise a lot of money for Claire House and bring lots of enjoyment to those who take part in the event.”
Merseyside Travel chair Mark Dowd added: “This is the 18th year we have supported the event which reflects our commitment to sustainable transport choices. We have made Health and Wellbeing one of the core goals of the new Local Transport Plan and cycling offers an easy way for people to incorporate physical activity into everyday lives.”
Sponsor Liverpool PCT is promoting better physical and mental health through the Decade of Health and Wellbeing by also supporting the ride. Chair Gideon Ben-Tovim said: “We’d like as many people as possible to embrace the Decade of Health and Wellbeing, and our support for the Liverpool-Chester Bike Ride is part of our commitment to promoting events which encourage a healthier way of life. The Bike Ride is a great way for people to have fun and get active.”
Mark Sandamas, director of event organiser Pennine Events, added: “The launch has sparked a real buzz around this year’s event and we are very much looking forward to it."
The 2011 Liverpool Chester Bike Ride is expected to raise in excess of £10,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.
