Anyone in Hedge End Cycling from Winchester to Portsmouth for Cycle4Life this Saturday, 4 September?

On Saturday 4 September up to 1,000 cyclists will take to the road and make their way from Winchester to Portsmouth as part of Inspired Living’s Cycle4Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK – and although the 33 mile route doesn’t quite make it on to the Hedge End map it does go through Botley.

It’s billed as ‘a family event designed to encourage anyone who does not see themselves as a hard core cyclist to take a gentle trip though some of Hampshire’s beautiful scenery’ and the organisers say it is suitable for all ages and levels of cycling ability.

The ride starts at St Swithun’s School in Winchester and ends at Victoria Park in Portsmouth – for most people! For a dedicated further 30 riders there will be another 1,500 miles to negotiate, with Gibralter the end of the road.

The Gibralter-bound contingent will take part in an exercise and nutrition programme during their two week ride and also provide data for medical research.

The aim of both parts of the cycle ride is to raise money for Cancer Research UK as well as to encourage people to improve their physical fitness.

Hampshire County Councillor Andrew Gibson, 61, who will be one of the riders carrying on down to Gibralter, is urging all cyclists whatever their ability to have a go to support Cycle4Life, and the council has useful safety advice for those planning to take to the road on two wheels on Saturday.

The weather forecast is good, but the council reminds riders that even on a sunny summer day it’s worth remembering to ‘be bright, be seen’ – to wear colourful or fluorescent clothing and add reflective accessories.

They also point out that a correctly fitting cycling helmet should be worn by all cyclists at all times and are offering a 20 percent discount on the cost of an Apex Zephyr 2 Helmet 16408 if ordered online.

So if you’re already registered to take part on Saturday, good luck!

And if you’ve not already entered but this has inspired you to have a go entry fees are £12 single and £30 for a family, team entry is £36 and you can register via the Inspired Living website.

Inspired Living was set up in July 2009 to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of contracting cancer as well as to produce information through medical research to help in the fight against cancer. The charity aims to raise £1 million for Cancer Research.

Photo of St Swithun’s School, Winchester, from Flickr, by Wolfiewolf.

Photo of Victoria Park, Portsmouth, from Flickr by plings.

Photo of Gibralter from Flickr by Suzan Marie.