The Sustrans Sea to Sea cycle challenge is returning to the North East for the fourth year.
The challenge will take place from May 21 to 23, 2016 with 15 participants cycling 140 miles from the Irish sea to the North sea.
Kate Jones, Events Organiser, said: “There are only 15 places on this trip to keep the group smaller. Anyone can take part as long as they are confident they can complete the mileage and have done some training before the ride.”
The route passes through the Lake District, Cumbria and the North Pennines. Then it follows on through cyclists only areas such as Heathland, Moor, Dales, and England’s industrial Heartlands. The ride crosses the spectacular Millennium Bridge in Newcastle before, finishing in Tynemouth.
Ms Jones added: “This will be the fourth year in a row that we have run this particular ride. However, we celebrated our 20th anniversary of a different Sea to Sea route in 2014.”
Sustrans is a charity that promotes healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys. The charity encourages people to cycle instead of driving to improve health, carbon emissions and pollution.
Andrew Walker, Sustrans Support worker, said: “The charity set up a National Cycle Network to provide people with networks that they can use to walk and cycle. It’s now 14,000 miles long and runs as far South as Cornwall and as far North as the Shetland Islands.”
With 15,000 people a year riding, the Sea to Sea cycle route and National Cycle Network, Sustrans spends around £1m a year on maintenance.
Mr Walker added: “Sustrans runs fundraising events like Sea to Sea to help the charity maintain the parts of the National Cycle Network.”
The challenge is organised and fully supported by cycling events specialists Saddle Skeaddle. The trip costs £250 with a minimum of a £250 donation to Sustrans.
The cost includes a two night stay at a B&B, all meals and drinks, support vehicle and luggage transfer, experienced guides with mechanical and first aid expertise and a goody bag.
For any more information on how to sign up for the Sea to Sea cycle ride or on Sustrans charity call 0191 261 6160 or email sustrans.northeast@sustrans.org.uk.