JE James raffles a bike for CycleFest and Flagg Challenge

Generous sponsors of the 2014 JE James and Derbyshire Times Flagg Cycle Challenge for Ashgate Hospice have donated a bike which is being raffled to boost this year’s fundraising drive.
JE James cycles Chesterfield. Red Specialised bike that is being raffled for the Derbyshire Times Flag Challenge for Ashgate Hospice. Michael Burr asst manager.JE James cycles Chesterfield. Red Specialised bike that is being raffled for the Derbyshire Times Flag Challenge for Ashgate Hospice. Michael Burr asst manager.
JE James cycles Chesterfield. Red Specialised bike that is being raffled for the Derbyshire Times Flag Challenge for Ashgate Hospice. Michael Burr asst manager.

The third annual DT Flagg Cycle Challenge hopes to attract up to 200 riders and raise thousands of pounds for the Chesterfield-based hospice.

JE James, on Brimington Road North, has provided a Specialised bike as a prize and will be launching its sale of raffle tickets during its CycleFest event on May 17 and 18, at the Norfolk Arms, on Ringinglow Road, Sheffield, where fliers and entry forms for the summer’s Flagg Challenge will also be available.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Derbyshire Times editor Graeme Huston said: “This is such an exciting year with the Tour de France coming to the region that its great to see everyone getting into cycling and there is nothing better than targeting CycleFest in the spring and a charity ride like the Flagg Challenge in the summer to get everyone motivated.”

The 2014 Flagg Cycle Challenge which sets off from the hospice at 9am on Sunday, July 27, takes in lovely views, testing climbs and superb landmarks including Chatsworth House.

Sponsored riders can take on a 25 mile leisure ride or pit themselves against the much more challenging 55-miler.

Both events set off from the hospice with the longer route going to Baslow and Ashford-in-the-Water, taking on a steep climb at Sheldon and rolling out over Flagg, Birchover, Stanton-in-the-Peak and Chatsworth.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ashgate Hospice fundraising chief Emily Evans said: “We’ve raised thousands of pounds and enjoyed miles of fun with this event. It doubled in popularity last year and we’re hoping to get even more people on board this time.

“Volunteer marshals are a very important part of the day and they are essential for the safety of our riders and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in helping out. If entrants have family who would also like to help we’d love to hear from them too.”

Entrants receive sponsor forms and a map. Entry costs £20 and those interested can register via [email protected], or can contact Emily Evans on 01246 568801, or DT’s Jon Cooper at [email protected] and on 01246 504524. Volunteer marshals are also urged to call Emily and Jon.

Cyclists of all abilities are also invited to JE James’ Cycle Fest celebrations as Tour de France fever grips the region.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event is being held from the gateway to the Peak District at The Norfolk Arms pub on Ringinglow Road, Sheffield, on May 17 and 18, with demonstrations and organised Peak District road and mountain bike rides.

To book riding slots from a choice of times email [email protected] or call 01709 361919.

A JE James spokesman said: “CycleFest is going to be a great chance for cycling enthusiasts to demo amazing road and mountain bikes as well as having the chance to ride great trails and routes in the Peak District. The JE James CycleFest is all about getting involved so bring your bike and help us celebrate cycling.”