And they’re off! Over twenty cyclists from Peterborough Cathedral will set off for Ely at 9.00am on Wednesday 9th June, starting from the Gravel Walk entrance to Light Project Peterborough’s Garden House, for whom they are raising sponsorship.
You can sponsor the riders via JustGiving here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/henry-f-laprun.
The team, made up of Cathedral volunteers, staff and friends, are taking part in a 2000-mile nationwide relay cycle route which links all 42 Church of England cathedrals.
The new route was launched on 30th May at Newcastle Cathedral, to coincide with the start of Bike Week. Since then, each day a new leg of the route between cathedrals has been completed, with teams of cyclists joining in at different points. A specially commissioned baton is being handed from one team to the next as the route continues.
The creator of the relay, Shaun Cutler, is aiming to cycle the entire route, returning in Newcastle in early July. He and some other riders from Leicester Cathedral are expected to arrive in Peterborough on the afternoon of Tuesday 8th June.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said: “We are delighted that Peterborough Cathedral is part of this relay and that, thanks to the enthusiasm of our local coordinator Henry Laprun, so many will be cycling our leg of the route in aid of such a good cause. The cycle route is being trialled for the first time this year and we hope it will become a way for visitors to appreciate not just the beauty and sanctity of our cathedral buildings, but to enjoy the journey between them as well.”
The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a unique partnership between the Association of English Cathedrals, the British Pilgrimage Trust, Cycling UK and Sustrans, and links all 42 Church of England cathedrals in a new initiative to promote greener travel and mental and physical wellbeing. Cyclists will be observing Covid-19 precautions and cycle in ‘bubbles’ of six riders.
Steve Pettican, CEO of Light Project Peterborough, who will be there to see the riders on their way on Wednesday morning outside Garden House, said: “As a keen cyclist myself I think the Cathedrals Cycle Route is a fantastic idea and we really appreciate the Peterborough team’s decision to raise money for our work.”
The full Cathedrals Cycle Route is set out on Cycling UK’s website here https://www.cyclinguk.org/cathedrals-cycle-route-challenge and more information about the idea for the route is in the English Cathedrals website here https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/cathedral-cycle-routes-announced/.