The public bike rides will once again be starting and finishing in Castle Street, which will be closed to motorists from 5am to 8pm on the day, and the Festival of Cycling includes the excitement of closed-road ‘criterium’ cycling races for the first time ever in Farnham town centre from 5.30pm to 8pm.
Matt Chisnall, chairman of the Farnham Round Table, has the following message: “Everyone involved in the organisation of the Charity Bike Ride & Sportive, both from The Farnham Round Table and St Andrew’s School PTA, would like to say a big thank you to local residents and businesses who have been so supportive of our event this year.
“Particular thanks go to the residents of Castle Street and also our main sponsor MPM Commercial & Residential Maintenance. The bike ride has become a big charity fundraiser for the town - it has raised £120,000 for local good causes and St Andrew’s Infant School since it started in 2009.
“We hope that the town will support the cyclists and enjoy the atmosphere of Castle Street on the Sunday. We really hope to welcome 1,500 riders or more this year and are well on the way to that number.
“Entrants are advised to register now via www.farn
hambikeride.org.uk for reduced entry fees and to ensure you get a place. Riders can also sign up on the morning in Castle Street, with registration desks opening at 7am.
“The 75-mile riders will start at 8am, 50-milers at 8.30am, 25 milers at 9am and finally the 16-milers at 9.30am.”
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate in the event and can choose from four routes of 16 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles or the 75 mile Sportive; all are supported by volunteer marshals and a total of five refreshment stops, with the routes taking in some of Surrey and Hampshire’s beautiful countryside on winding back roads.
The 16 and 25-mile routes are very family friendly, while for the more serious rider the 50 and 75-mile routes offer more of a challenge with the latter including Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs.
Every rider gets a medal, children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult can enter for free, and the latest news is that Hogsback Brewery will be at the finish to offer all riders over 18 a free sample of their latest beer which is going to be released for the very first time on the day!
Also the 3rd Farnham Scouts will be selling tea, coffee and cake and both the Oak Park Clinic and Farnham Chiropractic Clinic will have their therapists on hand to help with any post race aches.
This year the bike ride is joining forces with the Farnham Festival of Cycling which is taking place at the Maltings from 10am to 4pm, followed by a Hill Climb event on Firgrove Hill then the closed-road ‘criterium’ Town Centre Races from 5.30 onwards.
Anyone taking part in the Charity Bike Ride & Sportive will get half price entry to the Velo Village at the Maltings by showing their race number, with a whole host of cycling-related stalls and activities for all the family.
For further information see www.farnhamfestivalofcycling.org and just mention the Festival of Cycling in Hoops Velo or East Street Cycles during the week before the event (June 24 to July 1) to claim a 10 per cent discount on anything in store.
Anyone interested in the day’s events should visit the websites and/or follow both the Farnham Charity Bike Ride and Farnham Festival of Cycling Facebook pages – July 2 promises to be an all-day celebration of the two-wheeled machine for everyone to enjoy.