A charity bike ride takes place through Rhondda Cynon Taf in September to coincide with the 2011 Tour of Britain’s arrival.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council staff from both Hawthorn Leisure centre and Llantrisant Leisure Centre will be getting on their bikes on Sunday, 11 September.
The 16-mile route will start at Hawthorn Leisure Centre, go on to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, and then Llantrisant before heading back to Hawthorn.
The ride will incorporate the Taff Trail and the new cycle path which runs along the by-pass to Llantrisant.
Joining the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Leisure Centres staff will be members of the local gyms and aero-biking classes, as well as some of the Council’s fitness coaches.
But fundraising cyclists can also raise cash for worthwhile charities without even going outdoors!
Also running alongside the Charity Bike Ride will be a gym-based charity challenge that everyone can participate in.
Why not follow the Tour of Britain riders and have a go at your very-own 182km Tour of Britain race – in your own time and in the comfort of a Rhondda Cynon Taf gymnasium?
Anyone wishing to take part in the gym-based bike challenge can take up to a month to finish the course, cycling as far as they want at any one time.
All monies raised at the Rhondda Cynon Taf bike ride and gym-based challenge will go to the British Heart Foundation and to the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Mayor’s Charities.
The 2011 Tour of Britain will pass through Rhondda Cynon Taf during the Day Four stage on Wednesday, 14 September, and hundreds people are expected to line the route through the Cynon Valley to cheer on the riders as they push for the finish.
Stage Four of the race takes in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with the riders entering Penderyn in the Cynon Valley at around 1.15pm. They will then travel the A4059 through Aberdare, Mountain Ash and Abercynon before heading to Nelson and Caerphilly.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Jones, said: “I am delighted to support this event and wish all of the riders, both on the road and in the gym, every success.
“I also urge the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf to get behind each and every one of the fundraisers and give generously.”
Cllr Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Council Business, said: “We are very excited that an event the stature of the Tour of Britain will be passing through Rhondda Cynon Taf this year.
“Thousands of people line the route for the Tour de France each year – this is our chance to show the riders that we can do the same in Wales as we cheer on the cream of Britain’s cycling world.
“I urge everyone to get out onto the streets on 14 September and line the route through the Cynon Valley to make this a day the riders will remember for a long time to come.”
To sponsor those taking part in the Rhondda Cynon Taf Bike Ride call Hawthorn Leisure Centre on 01443 843406.
Taking part in the 2011 Tour of Britain will be 16 professional teams of riders. The event is partnered with The Prostate Cancer Charity. Visit www.tourride.co.uk to find out more details about the event. to find out more details about the event.
