DERBYSHIRE: Pelican in flight for hospice ride

Pictured is Neil Armitage of Pelican Cycles, Chesterfield, which is sponsoring the Derbyshire Times Flagg Cycle Challenge for Ashgate Hospice.

In January the DT threw down the gauntlet to our readers to help us raise £25,000 to mark our much-loved town hospice’s 25th anniversary.

So far more than £5,000 has been netted for the cause and we are hoping to more than treble that figure with the second DT 50-mile sponsored cycle billed as ‘the best bike ride in Britain!’

Pelican Cycles, on Old Road, Brampton, Chesterfield, has agreed to sponsor this year’s event.

Shop owner Neil Armitage said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a wonderful cause and event that we hope many of our customers will get involved in to raise as much money as possible for Ashgate Hospice.”

Cyclists training to take part in the challenge from Sunday morning, July 28, can get kitted out at Pelican, get their bikes serviced and join Pelican organised training rides.

And for those who would like to take part but feel 50 miles is just a pedal too far, there is also a ten-mile version.

Neil said: “Established in 2012, we are committed to a high standard of customer service. People are welcome to browse our range of bikes, accessories, running shoes and apparel in a modern environment with a warm welcome.”

Neil has extensive running and cycling experience and is a time trial cyclist and has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats so he is well equipped to support the hospice ride and help out with marshalling.

The DT charity ride goes from the hospice on Ashgate Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, through Cutthorpe, to Baslow, Ashford-in-the-Water, Sheldon, Flagg and Monyash, Birchover and Stanton-in-the-Peak before returning through Edensor and Chatsworth and will include refreshments and goody bags.

For a £20 entry form, sponsor sheets and map contact Emily Evans, at Ashgate Hospice, on 01246 568801 or [email protected], or DT reporter Jon Cooper on 01246 504524 / 0780 350 5731 or [email protected], and Pelican’s Neil Armitage on 01246 767078 or [email protected] for details.

Entry forms are also available by visiting the Derbyshire Times reception desk at the Derbyshire chamber of commerce, on Wharf Lane, Chesterfield, at the hospice or at Pelican Cycles.

Fundraising riders are urged to join Pelican’s evening group cycling rides every Wednesday from 5.45pm, until September 25, from Pelican’s shop near Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, for a 6.15pm start. Rides will be about 35-40miles depending on light.