RSPCA Isle of Wight is encouraging cyclists to get in the saddle for its annual Red Squirrel Ride this July.
The popular charity cycling event will return in its new summer slot on Sunday 5th July, with routes designed to make extensive use of the Island’s traffic-free cycle tracks and former railway routes.
Starting at the RSPCA’s Island Animal Centre near Godshill, the shorter 16-mile route follows the Red Squirrel Trail through Alverstone, Sandown, Shanklin and Wroxall.
With plenty of time to stop at the beach or Appuldurcombe House, the shorter route is ideally suited to families and leisure cyclists.
For those wanting more of a challenge, the full 34-mile route takes in Newport, Ryde, St Helens and Brading before joining the same route back to the Island Animal Centre.
Cyclists travelling from the mainland can start at Fishbourne, with Wightlink offering discounted crossings to those taking part.
Steve Backhouse, Branch Director at RSPCA Isle of Wight, has said:
“The Red Squirrel Ride is a fantastic way to explore the Isle of Wight by bike, whilst helping a great cause.
“We have specifically designed the event to make maximum use of the Island’s traffic-free cycle paths, and as a result previous events have seen a wide range of ages and abilities taking part.
“It’s always really encouraging to see lots of people having fun and exploring the Isle of Wight by bike, whilst supporting a great cause.”
RSPCA Isle of Wight is an independent Island-based charity focused on providing rehabilitation and re-homing for animals in need.
Each year, the charity re-homes around 300 animals, with a particular focus on those suffering from cruelty, neglect or abandonment.
Although it works closely with the national RSPCA, the Island branch is largely self-funding and raises the vast majority of its income locally through events, donations, shops and legacies.
I am all for cycling if they ride sensibly in single file and
not side by side holding each others hands.
I’m all for people posting comments, providing they keep their anti-cycling hysteria to themselves! (PS. good luck to the RSPCA on their rides)