Cyclists urged to join charity country to coast bike ride

Cyclists are being urged to sign up to a unique opportunity to pedal from Derby to Skegness in aid of Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and Derby Kids’ Camp.

Nearly 80 cyclists have so far signed up for this year’s SkegVegas100, a charity bike ride from Derby to Skegness, which will take place on 18 May.

Now organisers would love to hear from more cyclists, including teams from local businesses, who would like to take part.

The organising team at Cosy Foundation have arranged for a hydrogen-powered bus from Toyota Manufacturing UK to ferry weary cyclists back from Skegness at the end of their 100-mile bike ride, should they wish.

Breakfast, snacks and lunch are also all being provided to help power cyclists pedal their way to the coast, and a rolling mechanic service is being provided to help with any issues such as punctures enroute.

The ride will be setting off from Derby Arena, with free tea, coffee and parking provided.

This year is the 11th year of the SkegVegas100 bike ride, which is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Derby Kids’ Camp and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Both charities provide holidays for children who may not otherwise get a break, whether that is because of financial disadvantage, or other reasons such as caring for relatives.

Money raised through the event’s entry fee and any sponsorship is being split equally between the charities.

Riders will be able to look round the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness when they arrive at the Lincolnshire coastal resort, to gain a valuable insight into what the charity offers children who need a break.

Teams of riders who have so far signed up to take part have come from local businesses including Cosy Direct, Pennine Healthcare and Rolls-Royce.

They will be joined by record-breaking cyclist Leigh Timmis who has agreed to take part in the ride, as well as The Earl of Burlington, William Cavendish.

Two riders who have signed up to take part this year are Ben Riggott, trust development lead at Embark Federation, and his wife Laila, head of people and culture at Cosy Direct.

Laila said: “I haven’t cycled in any serious way for years, but I decided to give this year’s SkegVegas100 a go. Ben and I have been out on some great training rides, including a blustery but beautiful pedal down the Tissington Trail!

“As volunteers at Derby Kids’ Camp we know how important these holidays are for the children who come to us in the summer.

“This bike ride promises to be a brilliant day but more importantly, it will raise lots of money to help put smiles on the faces of Derbyshire children.

“It would be brilliant to see more riders join us on 18 May to make this a great ride-out for these two charities.”

Anyone who would like to join this year’s SkegVegas 100, taking on the whole distance or as a relay with colleagues and friends, is asked to sign up to enter at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skegvegas100-100-mile-charity-bike-ride-from-derby-to-skegness-tickets-862930156327 .