Here's the write up in the EDP..
http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/News/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED12%20Jun%202005%2018%3A38%3A11%3A783
"1500 cyclists strengthen heart charity"
By Rachel Buller, 12 June 2005 EDP
"With hearts pounding and limbs aching, more than 1500 cyclists pedaled into
the Norwich Cathedral grounds to a heroes' welcome this afternoon.
They had just cycled the length and breadth of Norfolk for the British Heart
Foundation Bike Ride - raising thousands of pounds for every mile they
managed.
A record number of people of all ages and all levels of fitness took part in
the event and could chose between a 50 mile or 100 mile route.
The bike ride, organised by Bike Events and supported by VisitNorwich,
kicked off at 7am from City Hall and finished in the cathedral grounds.
In between, the route took the cyclists all over Norfolk through Strumpshaw,
Brundall, out to the coast and even on a voyage on the Reedham Ferry across
the River Yare.
Stephanie Adams, the British Heart Foundation's regional spokesperson said:
"Thank you to everyone involved in the ride for their support.
"Last year we raised over £58,000 and this year we hope to well and truly
beat this. All funds raised support the BHF's life-saving research to help
vulnerable men, women and children. Heart disease is still the UK's single
biggest killer."
Cyclists were welcomed at the finish line with medals presented by Norfolk
based author Bill de Havilland, who began supporting the charity after
suffering from high blood pressure which culminated in a stroke 14 years
ago.
To wind down and relax their tired limbs, the riders were also treated to
some refreshments and live music.
Geoffrey Skipper, executive director for VisitNorwich, completed the
100-mile ride for the sixth year.
"I've really enjoyed taking part in the ride again this year and the new
route has offered some great variety and an unusual trip on the Reedham
Ferry. I hope the event raises a lot of money through riders' sponsorship
for the charity's vital work."
Two of the youngest participants were 12-year-olds Ben Shreeve and Jason
Ledger who were proudly wearing their medals.
Ben, from Old Costessey, near Norwich, said: "My legs have just gone back to
normal and we have been back for about half an hour. I do sometimes go on
bike rides but I haven't done any training. It is for a really good cause
and I wanted to feel like I achieved something."
His friend Jason, from Keswick, near Norwich, added: "It was great fun but
at the end it was really hard, and when it was still another eight miles to
go I thought the end was a lot closer which was tough."
For more information on next year's British Heart Foundation Norwich 100/50
Bike Ride and on BHF Help a Heart week, please free phone 0800 389 9750 or
see www.bhf.org.uk/norwichride."
Cheers, helen s
