Around 170 women took part in the sixth ‘Women on Wheels’ (WoW) cycle ride in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 7th July, starting from Nowton Park.
The all-female WoW cycle ride, has become a popular summer fixture in Bury, inspiring women and girls of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes, and complete either the 10, 25, 50 or 70 mile route.
The routes are chosen to take in some beautiful countryside and refreshment stops, where coffee and cake is always a favourite!
This year, all financial surplus will be donated to local charity, St Nicholas Hospice Care, Bury St Edmunds.
Over the previous five years the WoW rides in Bury St Edmunds have raised a fantastic £31,364 for the hospice.
The event was organised by Abbeycroft Leisure in partnership with Suffolk County Council and was sponsored by Havebury Housing Association and supported by specialist bike retailer Revel Outdoors
Alison Blackwell, Abbeycroft Leisure’s Development Director, said:
“We’re passionate about creating opportunities such as this, for our community to be active. The atmosphere is always so positive and vibrant, it really is a pleasure to be part of it.”
“We’re now busy preparing for our WoW event in Sudbury on 21st July, and registrations are still open for that”
Cllr James Reeder, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Health, said
“Although cycling is a wonderfully accessible activity that is suitable for all, we know that two thirds of frequent cyclists are men. The Women on Wheels events are doing a great job in redressing the balance by providing women and girls with the opportunity to make new friends and gain in confidence whilst having lots of fun. The hope is that it will kick-start greater levels of cycling and contribute to Suffolk’s ambition of becoming the most active county in England.”
George Chilvers, hospice community fundraising manager, said:
“WoW Bury St Edmunds is a brilliant fundraiser for the hospice and I am so grateful to everyone who used their pedal power to help St Nicholas Hospice Care. Events like Women on Wheels are so important to us. Not only do they help raise vital funds for our charity, they also help raise awareness of the hospice and its services and support across the community.
“Thank you to everyone who took part, and of course all of those behind the event and those who gave their time on that day. It really is a team effort.”
Marie McCleary, Director of Resources and Company Secretary at Havebury Housing said:
‘Havebury were very proud to sponsor the Women on Wheels event this year for such a great local cause. It was fantastic to see women of all ages and abilities coming together to raise a great deal of money and awareness for St Nicholas Hospice. The Havebury team thoroughly enjoyed the event and look forward to taking part next year!’
Registrations are open for four more Women on Wheels events in Suffolk this year at Sudbury, Southwold, Kesgrave and Debenham www.wowsuffolk.org.uk