JE James CycleFest riders get in gear to support Ashgate Hospice

Cycling enthusiasts turned the Peak District into a kaleidoscope of colour as a mass of lycra-clad riders took to the roads as part of a two-day cycling festival.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2015, 12:27 BST
Pictured is JE James's CycleFest riders including Chesterfield store manager Dean Poole, centre, and colleagues Paul, left, and Al right.Pictured is JE James's CycleFest riders including Chesterfield store manager Dean Poole, centre, and colleagues Paul, left, and Al right.
Pictured is JE James's CycleFest riders including Chesterfield store manager Dean Poole, centre, and colleagues Paul, left, and Al right.

JE James’s CycleFest on Saturday and Sunday was launched from the gateway to the Peak, at the Norfolk Arms, on Ringinglow Road, where hundreds gathered over the weekend to sample bikes and kit and take part in a 30 mile and 80 mile rides.

Dean Poole, of Chesterfield-based JE James, on Brimington Road North, said: “It was CycleFest’s second year and a fantastic opportunity for riders to come together and see the massive range of kit available and take part in two superbly-organised rides to get their spring fitness kick underway.”

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Riders got cycling tips, enjoyed demo rides, roller racing, film screenings and mountain bike orienteering and met the accomplished Andy Moore Racing Team.

The 80 mile Challenger ride took in Peak District climbs of Winnats Pass, Monsal Head and Curbar Gap with more than 7,000ft of climbing. The Friendly included Bamford, Hope and Grindleford roads.

JE James’s CycleFest participants are also being urged to sign up for the bike experts’ Flagg Cycle Challenge for Ashgate Hospicecare which they are jointly sponsoring with the Derbyshire Times.

Riders are urged to now set their sights on either the 50mile or 25mile Flagg charity rides around the Peak District.

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The 50mile ride, which is sponsored by JE James and Derbyshire Times, sets off from the Chesterfield-based hospice from 9am, on Sunday, July 26, with breathtaking views including Chatsworth House and climbs through Sheldon, Birchover and Stanton-in-the-Peak.

Entrants receive sponsor forms, fundraising tips and maps. The route includes Baslow, Ashford-in-the-Water, Flagg, Monyash, and Rowsley before returning to the hospice. A 25mile ride sets off from the hospice to Ashford-in-the-Water and back. The fourth Flagg Challenge hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the hospice which helps seriously ill people and their families.

You can enter via www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/flaggchallenge/ or via events at www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk. For information contact reporter Jon Cooper on 01246 504524 and [email protected] or the hospice’s Charlotte Gratton on 01246 567250 or [email protected]

Related topics:Peak DistrictChesterfieldJon Cooper