BikeRight! directors do LEJOG for Simply Cycling

BikeRight! directors and Chorlton residents, Jo Somerset and Liz Clarke are getting into gear to cycle nearly a thousand miles to raise money for disabled cyclists and their families.   

Jo and Liz are planning to ride 950 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for SimplyCycling, an all-ability cycling club in Manchester.

They set off with 8 friends on 1st July and aiming to ride up to 90 milesper day and complete the route in 14 days.

Liz became a trustee for Wythenshawe based Simply Cycling this year, and is determined to raise £5,000 so that the charity can buy a two-person Fun2Go bike. Liz said: “My passion is cycling and I just want as many people as possible to enjoy what I enjoy.  With modern technology and inventions, there is no reason why disabled people should not take part in cycling using an adapted bike.”

Jo will celebrate her 57th birthday on the ride.  “I relish new challenges, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate getting older than going for the ultimate cycle challenge in the UK,” she said. The group of 8 women and two men have been training for months to get into shape, supported by Team Glow women’s cycling initiative.  

SimplyCycling has supported many individuals, such as a10-year old who has Down's Syndrome. He really wanted to learn to ride  atwo-wheeler so he could take part in National Standard (aka CyclingProficiency) with his class. He tried and tried and recently did six laps unaided on a two-wheeler as well as a 200 metre rough track in the park. He will be ready to do his National Standard this month with his class.

Last year Simply Cycling was awarded a Community MBE by the Queen, recognising the vital work that the charity does. Sue Blaylock, Co-ordinator, said:  “We will do anything to remove barriers to cycling and create a situation which includes users and their friends and families.  We have 400 users a week at our 3 centres around Manchester, and are keen to expand our facilities and numbers.” 

Liz and Jo completing the ride, see here in John O'Groats.

Read the full ride report here

Peoplecan contribute to Liz and Jo’s fundraising on www.justgiving.com/bikerightLEJOG

 

Notes to Editors

About BikeRight! www.bikeright.co.uk

BikeRight! was establishedin 2000 and is the leading cycle training organisation in the country trainingover 20,000 individuals annually in schools, businesses and health projects.BikeRight! is committed to making cycling viable, safer and better for all. Services include Bikeability training for schools, instructor training, national standards cycle training, mountain biking skills, corporate teambuilding courses, cycling consultancy and event management.

Awarded Business of the Year and Growth Business of theYear in January 2009 at the North West women in Business Awards, BikeRight! is an Investor In People company, DofE Access Organisation and holds an Adventure Activities Licence for off-road cycling.

About Simply Cycling   www.simplycycling.org.uk

SimplyCycling is an all-inclusive cycling club where people with disabilities comefirst.  Incorporating Wythenshawe Wheelers and Trafford Wheelers, Simply Cycling is funded by donations andgrants. Charity no. 1143362

Further case studies

T was a British Cyclist before being knocked off his bike over a decade ago. He broke his neck and is paralysed down one side and is not able to walk very far at all. He came to us last summer longing to get on a bike again. He started on a quad bikewith lots of upper body support, foot sandals, fixed wheels etc. etc. He has made brilliant progress and is now on a trike with no support apart from one pedal stirrup. He does 15 laps and loves every minute of his sessions with us

J was born with cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy. She now cycles independently on a quad bikewith lots of posture support and even though she has the occasional seizure whilst cycling she is safely strapped in and secure. She laughs and giggles all the way round the track and loves the wind in her hair and the independence she has gained.