North East Sensory Services

7 August 2018

Hundreds of cyclist enthusiasts set to return for the Chapelton Bike Ride

A popular bike ride around the idyllic countryside of Chapelton will return for its third year to help raise vital funds for North East Sensory Services (NESS). 

The event is for bike enthusiasts, families and the community to embrace the local surroundings and fundraise for NESS on Sunday, 2 September 2018, at the village of Chapelton, near Newtonhill.   

The Chapelton Bike Ride includes two cycling options for all ages, with the choice of a 12-mile family friendly route and a 42-mile route for the those looking for more of a challenge.   Families can take part in the 5k walk, which was introduced last year, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Elsick House, with an optional walk around the scenic lake increasing the distance to around 7k.   

Funds of over £14,000 have been raised over the last two years to help local charity North East Sensory Services support more than 6,500 with sight or hearing loss in the north-east of Scotland.  The charity helps those with a sensory impairment to overcome the practical and emotional effects of serious sight and/or hearing loss, as well as guiding them to achieve more independence.   

Alastair Struthers, sales manager at ZeroC, and an organiser of the event said: “With this being our third year we hope it will be another resounding success.  As well as raising money for NESS, we are committed to creating a sporting event where all ages and abilities can get involved.  As a new village it’s very important for us to embrace the local communities and give something back.   

The day has lots to offer for everyone with a variety of fresh food options and craft stalls, children can enjoy face painting and inflatable fun with music compered by Mike Macdermid from Northsound 1.  We are delighted to announce that the main music act is Rajiv, who is rapidly making waves on the UK music R&B scene and  recently celebrated a top 10 UK urban chart single.” 

Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator at NESS, said: “We are urging people to get in gear for a day of cycling, walking and fun and encouraging businesses to join in and enter a team of four people at a reduced rate of £50 for the 42-mile route or £15 for a team in the 12-mile route. 

“We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in organising this event and would like to thank our main sponsors, Burness Paull and Brio Retirement Living, along with other supporting sponsors.  All funds raised by cyclists, walkers and spectators will enable us to continue supporting our service users to overcome the practical and emotional effects of sight and hearing loss, so we are extremely grateful to all of those taking part.”  

Registration is now open and costs £15 per person for the 42-mile route, £5 per person for the 12-mile route, or £50 for a team of four in the 42-mile route, and £15 for a team of four for the 12-mile cycle.  The 5k walk is free to enter, but all participants must register via the website.   

For more information or to register visit www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk 

Registration closes on 31 August 2018.