Pedal power by 1300 people of all ages raised a whopping £19,441 for the region’s cancer charity Big C in in the first ever Bullards Tour de Norfolk cycle sportive held last month. (September 2016)
Between them they cycled a total of 88,875 miles. The starting point was the Norfolk Showground from where cyclists set off on one of four routes of their choice – 20, 35, 70 and 100 miles. More people, 485, chose to cycle 100 miles, which was more than the combined total of the 428 people cycling either 20 or 35 miles. 387 people registered to cycle 70 miles.
Organiser Zaradon Rumbelow from Forward Moving Events said he was thrilled and overwhelmed by the number of entrants, especially since this was the first of five years of the event. “We set a target of 1000 cyclists and were amazed by the number of advance registrations. People’s stories were incredible. One cyclist was 70 and had just recovered from cancer. One 18-year-old decided to ride the 100 miles on his own. His mother sat there all day supporting him and waiting for his return.”
Among the cyclists riding a sportive for the first time were Big C PA Adehl Brown and HR Manager Caroline Roberts who were joined by Company Secretary Kate Morgan , who has taken on many cycling challenges.
Adehl rode 35 miles, the course distance created to recognise the anniversary of Big C, and said: “Everyone was really welcoming and encouraging; including the volunteers, the organisers and other entrants. It was hard work cycling uphill towards the end, but I was determined to make it and am looking forward to my next, and maybe longer, cycling challenge.”
Caroline said she would definitely cycle Tour de Norfolk again. “The atmosphere is the key element that stands out from the event. It was great with the different miles/routes to choose from, and lovely to see so many families taking part.
“The fact that I could actually cycle 35 miles, and raise much needed funds in the process, was a very positive thing for me. There was also good support from other cyclists on route.”
Kate, who cycled 70 miles, said: “It was a lovely route, well signposted and marshalled, relaxed but professional and didn’t feel overly commercial. I also liked the use of the showground as a start/finish point which made for a more relaxed experience as there was plenty of space and easy access and parking. The route was also nicely different from others based in this part of Norfolk. When you do these regularly you find you end up on the same old roads over and over again. “
Big C CEO Dr Chris Bushby said: “Once again I am astounded by the generosity and determination of people who give up their time and devote their energy to raise money to support the work of Big C. We are grateful to all of them and to Bullards and Moving Forward Events for organising this event to benefit Big C and look forward to next year’s event.”
