Buckinghamshire rallies around WheelPower by turning out in force to cycle in the Mix96 Tour de Vale bike ride
Buckinghamshire’s biggest charity bike ride took place on Sunday 11th June. The Tour de Vale saw 1760 cyclists take to three glorious routes (100km, 60km or 25km)starting and finishing at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
Each of the Tour de Vale routes were aimed at different levels of cyclist, with the fittest and most experienced riders completing the 100km distance. Touring the scenic countryside of the Chilterns, the 25km ride passed through some of Buckinghamshire’s most picturesque villages including Bishopstone, Ford and Kimblewick. The 60km route included Mentmore, Whitchurch and North Marston as well as a climb at Waddesdon Manor. Meanwhile, the main 100km route featured the Chesham area and included a challenging climb at Wendover Woods.
The ride was started byHaj Bhania, the coach of Great Britain’s men’s wheelchair basketball team. Aylesbury resident Haj, has coached the team to a gold medal at the European Championships and a bronze medal at last year’s Paralympic Games in Rio.
Each route included water stops and was equipped with volunteer marshals, first aid and support vehicles for safety. Buckingham Bikes kindly offered free bike safety checks and adjustments to their bikes before and after the ride. Whilst the event attracts a huge number of people from the local community, some keen cyclists travelled from as far as Edinburgh and Galway to take part.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in the Tour de Vale. It’s been a fantastic day, brilliant sunshine, we couldn’t have done it without all the help from Mix96, Arla, Buckingham Bikes, Abingdon Venture Rescue, Tesco’s and all the other supporters. Most importantly all our wonderful volunteers, from the people who were setting up, to the marshalls along the route, to the masseurs and everyone working on the event. It’s been a great community event and we appreciate all of the support from the people of Aylesbury Vale.”– Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower
Organised by WheelPower, the Mix96 Tour de Vale Bike Ride raises funds each year to transform the lives of thousands of disabled children and newly injured adults and has done so for the last 14 years. WheelPower relies on the tremendous support of fundraisers and the local community. Every pound raised means WheelPower can continue the vital work at Stoke Mandeville Stadium and beyond.We anticipate the 2017 ride will raise £50k+, much of the money will come from sponsorship which will be collected by the riders.
All finishers received a medal for taking part which was presented by ParalympianJess Stretton MBEwho won gold at the Rio Paralympic Games, Jess actually brought her medal along to show participants. Cyclists of all ages and abilities took part from 5 years to 80 years. Pro cyclists, several cycling clubs, handcyclists and some participants had not been on their bike since the Tour took place last year.
Max Hailey – Mix 96 Managing Director said:
“Yet again it’s amazing to see the community get together for the Mix 96 Tour De Vale – Buckinghamshire’s biggest cycle event. Raising money for WheelPower and giving something back is what the day is all about and it was great to see so many old and new faces supporting and taking part.”
WheelPower would appreciate any donations, please call 01296 395995 or visitwww.wheelpower.org.uk.