Get ‘on your bike’ in 2012

Get involved in this year's Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge in aid of the DSAA

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are encouraging their supporters to sign up early for its annual Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge which takes place in May this year.

The event, which is not designed as a race and involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside, takes place on Sunday 20th May 2012 and on-line registration is now open via www.dsairambulance.org.uk

There are two different cycling routes and distances available.  For those who like a challenge, the brilliant 54 mile cycle which starts in the Somerset port of Watchet at 11.00am and finishes at West Bay near Bridport will not disappoint.  For those that don’t want to cycle that far, there is a shorter 11 mile route which begins at Drimpton in Dorset at 2pm and also finishes at West Bay.

Last year, hundreds of cyclists took part and rode the equivalent of half way around the world to raise funds for the life-saving Charity.  With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event has something to offer for everyone!

“We wanted to build on the great success of last year’s C2C event and make this year’s event even better,” explained Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer.

“With this in mind, we have changed the finishing point of the shorter 11 mile route, which means that both the 54 mile and 11 mile routes finish at the same location in West Bay.

“We are also providing transport for both bike and cyclist for the first 54 entrants that book early.  People that live in the Dorset area will be able to ‘get a ride’ from West Bay, to the starting point at Watchet Harbour and then cycle the 54 mile route back home.  

“For those that live in the Somerset area, similarly we are offering the first 54 entrants a ride back from West Bay to Watchet Harbour once the event has finished,” concluded Bill.
Participants of last year’s event raised an incredible £33,000 in sponsorship and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance hope that everyone that enters the 2012 event will encourage their family and friends to sponsor them.

The first 200 entrants will receive a 2012 Coast to Coast Cycling Challenge t-shirt and prizes will be awarded for the individual and team who raise the most money in sponsorship.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance needs to raise £1.4 million a year to keep saving lives.  With no direct Government or National Lottery funding, they rely on the generosity of the public and events like Coast to Coast for support.

Prior to the event, entrance fees are:  Adults (£10) & Under 16′s (£5).  On the day entrance fees are:  Adults (£15) & Under 16′s (£8)

To register online, visit the charity’s website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or call: 01823 669604.  Alternatively you can email: c2c@dsairambulance.org.uk

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has attended more than 8,570 emergencies since its launch 11 years ago, saving many lives and aiding recovery with the speed at which casualties have been taken to hospital.

Coast to Coast 2012 is being supported by Porter Dodson, The Bicycle Chain, Pollard, The George Hotel, Bond Air Services and Clarke’s fruit wholesalers.