OAKHAVEN HOSPICE PRESS RELEASESeptember 2006 NEW FOREST BIKE & HIKE CHARITY CHALLENGE - SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER 2006 On Sunday October 1st the famous “New Forest Bike & Hike Challenge“ in aid of Oakhaven Hospice will start from Hollands Wood Campsite near Brockenhurst for the 7th successive year. Both cycle and walking routes will take you through beautiful ancient woodland or rugged heathland with fascinating wildlife. In response to requests, for the first time this year, the organisers have introduced a new 30-mile circular bike route split between forest tracks and country roads. The hikers will be guided by leaders who will take them to many parts of the Forest not usually explored by casual walkers. The routes are of varying lengths to suit all ages and abilities, with singles, seniors, families, sports clubs, youth groups, social clubs, pubs and company teams all invited to join in helping to realise this year’s ambitious target of £35,000 for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. The Bike Challenge starting times are 9.30am onwards. For more energetic participants there is a choice of circular routes of 5, 15 or 30 miles or, they have the option of going twice around the 15-mile course in the Forest or doing 15-miles on quiet country roads. The guided walks will start off with a 6-mile “Fast Track“ at 9.30am. The 10-miler leaves at 10am followed by several 6-mile walks at regular intervals, with the last departure at 12 noon for the more gentle 3-miler. Over the past 6 years £168,400 has been raised from the Bike & Hike Challenge. This year, the organising committee want to raise the awareness of the importance of Gift Aid. Gift Aid has represented only 10% of the revenue raised - whereas the event could be claiming 28% of sponsorship from UK taxpayers if the forms are filled out correctly! Hollands Wood will be the finish line for the bikers & hikers where free beer and fun will be provided, thanks to Ringwood Brewery. Why not bring a picnic? Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads -- End -- For further press information please contact Jayne Ashley on 01590 688697 |