Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is appealing for cyclists to enter its annual bike ride next month on September 27. More than 300 riders entered last year’s Double 100 Cycle Challenge and helped raise a record £45,000 for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) which relies almost entirely on donations.
The 100 mile and 100 kilometre rides start and finish at the helicopter bases at Marden and Redhill and will this year include a special 25-mile route to celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary. Among the riders will be a former air ambulance critical care paramedic and a Shepperton father he helped save following a cycling accident. Andy Curran, 44, suffered multiple injuries after he crashed during a training ride. He spent three months in hospital, and even missed his wedding, but has since made a good recovery following the accident four years ago.
Although the ride is well away from our area – essentially heading west out of Marden and covering central Kent and Sussex rather than the more southern areas, the air ambulance does, of course, work around Rye and more than once has been called to transport victims of some of the frequent road accidents east of the town on Military Road and other roads over the Marsh. There are doubtless a number of Rye cyclists who would feel this a worthwhile cause to support as well as an interesting challenge. There are three courses, each of a different distance, to choose from: 100 miles, 100 kilometres or 25 miles.
The ride is open to regular, occasional and sportif cyclists with free lunch and refreshments provided at feeding stations along the scenic route. The registration fee is a minimum of £15. Riders will set off between 7am and 9am with free parking, changing and toilet facilities available at both starting points.
Motorbike marshals will be riding the course throughout the day and there will also be mobile mechanics and a breakdown recovery vehicle. To register go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/involved/Double100 and for more information call Julie Clare on 01622 833833, or email juliec@kssairambulance.org.uk
Source: KSS Air Ambulance