Fifteen years on and the famous annual charity bike ride, Tonya’s Challenge, is still going strong, raising funds for Reach Learning Disability. Inaugurated in 2000, this great event – combining family fun with off-road scenic cycling through beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside – continues to help support social and educational activities for over 150 adults living with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire.
For the 2015 event, taking place on Sunday 10th May, the organisers are urging more social, sports or works-based teams to embrace their inner Wiggins by signing up, getting sponsored and taking on this healthy and heartwarming challenge. TSW Cycles, based in Wooodborough are yet again giving their generous offering of £500 towards a new bicycle for the rider who raises the most money through their own efforts to get sponsor money.
While family groups might want to tackle the relatively-stress-free green trail (5 miles) or even Tonya’s classic blue route (10 miles) – punctuated with leisurely breaks at drinks stations and cookies & cakes stalls – more serious lycra-clad cyclists should really consider the 20 miles off-road red trail (The Far Barn Flyer). And for those who dare, there’s the bone-shaking, thigh-burning black run: 37 long miles of the Trent Valley Killer.
So team up, sign up and saddle up for this great Southwell event in May by visiting www.tonyaschallenge.co.uk. Or to find out more about Reach’s activities, including the celebrated Flower Pod, check out www.reachuk.org