Dunsfold Park played host to over a hundred cyclists yesterday, as adults and children of all abilities raced round the Top Gear track in the first ever Surrey Supercycle.
Ten charities came together, including United Response, to organise a fully accessible, sponsored cycle event, featuring a vast array of adapted cycles.
A group of our cyclists, proudly displaying their medals and free t-shirts!
The day also boasted a variety of activities including face painting, a coconut shy, cakes stalls, a BBQ and a bouncy castle. The day was windy, but fortunately we managed to hold on to our gazebos and by 10am the sponsored cycle was ready to begin.
Our cyclists were full of excitement as they prepared for their chosen routes. One person we support had never been on a bike before, but took to the mini route full of enthusiasm. Meanwhile, others began on the maxi route pedalling a three-seat tandem bicycle.
Dan, who began on a tandem with his nephew, finished the day cycling the maxi route on his own bicycle. He enjoyed it so much it was a difficult for his family to coax him to leave at the end of the day!
The range of adapted bikes available was incredible, from side by side hand cycles to wheelchair accessible bicycles. Towards the end of the day many cyclists who had not used an adapted bike were having a go – the experience left them with a lot more respect for those who had used the bikes, as they struggled to gain any speed on the hand cycles, or to balance on the tandems.
Paralympic hand cyclist, Rachel Morris joined us for the day. She made pretty light work of the Top Gear track and afterwards took the time to pose for photos with other competitors and spectators.
The day finished with an enlightening speech from Rachel, followed by the prize giving for the much anticipated raffle. All of the cyclists went away with their own certificate and medal, as well as a goody bag full of gifts: including cycle tops, water bottles and a cuddly mouse.
All in all, it was a fantastic day full of inspiring people who have helped raise vital funds for their chosen disability charity.
So far, our cyclists have helped raise over £2,300 for United Response and we would like to thank everyone who took part or came to watch on the day.
If this blog has made you want to get active, whilst raising funds for a charity, United Response offers a wealth of other challenge events – from African treks to the London to Paris bike ride. Find out more in the fundraising section of our website.
Natalie Millbank, fundraising assistant.
Dan really enjoyed the challenge of the maxi track. He completed 12 laps (60km!!) – one on the triplet and the remainder on a bike borrowed from Evans cycles.He was accompanied by his nephew, Simon. Dan wanted to carry on but Evans needed their bike back! Thursday he went running in Richmond Park and ran 5 miles at 8.4 min mile! He is looking forward to the next Super Cycle and asked if there was any chance of a Duathlon ??
Comment by Sue Wren — September 25, 2012 @ 5:57 pm
We’re really glad Dan enjoyed Surrey Supercycle! 12 laps on the maxi track – that is such a huge achievement. Thank you so much for all coming along, we can’t wait for next year, and we’ll certainly look into the possibility of a Duathlon for him. We wish him all the best in the half marathon!
Comment by James — September 26, 2012 @ 4:48 pm