This Saturday (25th August) watch out for fundraisers on the Isle of Wight, who are to experience riding the World’s Biggest Bicycle, in an effort to raise funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
 
Organiser Sue Birch, came up with the idea of having the Worlds Biggest Bicycle fundraiser on the Island when she received a calendar through the post from her aunt, which included details of other successful fundraisers the bike had previously attended.

Sue told Island Pulse: “The bike seats 24 comfortably and weighs 2.5 tonnes when fully laden and my intention is for the bike to visit as many locations as possible, including Ryde, Island Steam Show (Havenstreet) and Dinosaur Isle (Sandown).”

“There will be approximately 230 riders over the course of the day. We have various groups taking part and a number of single riders.  Some will be in costume/uniform and even have a Fire Engine escort on one ride!! There will also be a wedding party with a difference!”

On Saturday the bicycle will start its first of three rides in Ryde from Planet Ice at 8.15am- 12.00pm.  With a little bit of luck there could be a special guest appearance on one of those three rides by Tony Doyle, ex champion of Tour de France fame.
 
The bicycle will leave Ryde for the Island Steam Show (Havenstreet), as it has a date, or should we say competition, in the Arena with a Steam Engine at approx 1.20pm.
 
The bicycle then travels to Dinosaur Isle in Sandown for 3pm, where there are 5 rideouts planned, which include:
 
Sandown Fire Brigade, with a Fire Engine in attendance.
A ride with a  mixture of staff from the NHS and Island residents.
The White Bells and Friends – they will be in costume and playing instruments!
Island Residents and the Island Professionals Singles Club – cycling as a wedding party, with the Bride being male and the Groom female.
 
Sue added:
 
“I would like to thank everyone sincerely for giving up their time on a Bank Holiday to support this event, and also for getting sponsorship.  A big thank you also goes to Red Funnel, Tav Cycles of Ryde and the IOW Council for sponsoring this event.”

“The potential is there to raise a lot of money for charity and to have a real laugh.

So if you are out and about on Saturday (25th August), at any of the venues mentioned above and are lucky enough to see any of the rideouts, please give donations generously.

Island Pulse