Inaugural Vita Sportive on Wirral

Charity Sportive

Vita Cycles Sportives – for the best riding in Cheshire and the Wirral

When - Sunday 19th June 2011

Where - Ness Botanic Gardens, Ness, Neston, South Wirral, Cheshire CH64 4AY

Sign on - 85 miler from 8 am - 35 miler from 10 am

Riders leave - 85 miler between 8.30 am & 10.30 am - 35 miler between 10.30 am & 11.30 am

Vita Cycles of Irby, Wirral has organised two sportives through the stunning scenery of Cheshire and Wirral. Quiet roads and spectacular scenery at every turn will reward your efforts as you work your way through some of the finest country villages in England - a perfect 'Fathers Day' ride.

All profits will be donated to Claire House Childrens Hospice . www.claire-house.org.uk Claire House is a hospice for young children and adults in Merseyside, Cheshire, West Lancashire, North Wales and the Isle of Man. It is a bright, vibrant and positive place which provides a home from home environment for young children and adults with life shortening conditions as well as support for the whole family. Family support is intrinsic to the work at Claire House. It is a frightening experience for everyone when a child is diagnosed with a life shortening condition and the illness has an enormous impact upon the whole family. The fundamental aim is to care for the vulnerable child and the entire family, including siblings of the child attending Claire House. Claire House recognises that life is precious - however long or short that might be. It is not a sad place, but a place for living and provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy fun,laughter, love and support. Claire House is almost completely reliant on voluntary donations to fund its £2.5 million per year running costs. The children who go to Claire House are the most vulnerable in our society and require the highest specialist care often on a one to one ratio. £13,000 will support one family for a year £7,500; will fund a music therapist for 6 months; £1,000 will provide trips and outings for our children and their siblings; £500 will give 24 hour medical cover from one nurse; £150 will provide meals for one day; £100 will fund play activities for the children and their siblings daily. We can help !.

Both events begin at the stunningly beautiful Ness Botanic Gardens www.nessgardens.org.uk so you can combine the sportive with a day out for the whole family, enjoying a discounted entry to the botanical gardens and an opportunity to visit the Award winning Roses tea rooms which offers homemade breakfasts, lunches, light bites and cakes!. Indulge in afternoon tea complete with naturally flavoured scones homemade jam and loose leaf tea. Visitors can enjoy their famous family friendly excellent table service, children’s menu, coeliac and special diet specialties as well as their custom made very own ice cream a new and exclusive addition just for Ness.

35 Miles - The 35 mile course is a perfect introduction to sportives at just 35 miles long and 1250 feet of climbs. The route includes the beautiful villages of Burton and Thornton Hough. We have included some short challenging hills up to 10% to make this an enjoyable yet challenging experience.

Entry Fee £18 (On the day £24.00)

85 Miles - For a more challenging experience try our 85 mile route through some of the best lanes Cheshire have to offer. The course is undulating and includes some challenging 10%+ climbs. The route takes riders through picturesque Cheshire Villages, Delamere forest and along the North Wirral coast.

Entry Fee £25 (On the day £29.00)

The day starts with checkin followed by breakfast and beverages, lunch will be available upon your return, all riders will receive an energy goody bag to 'keep the legs spinning' during the ride; several feed stations and marshalls will be strategically placed with 2 motorcycle outriders continuously looping both routes to monitor progress and assist/help if required. Routes will be clearly signed, once registered you will receive either a detailed map or downloadable Garmin GPS file if required.

All registered riders will automatically be entered into the day's fantastic prize draw, you can still enter the draw if your'e not taking part in the ride by purchasing tickets (£10 each) from Vita Cycles (contact the store for details), again all profits will be donated to Claire House.

Prizes donated so far:

A 2011 Kuota Kebel Carbon Frameset which normally retails at £1,299.00 The frameset will be ordered to fit the owner of the winning ticket, in a choice of 2 colours

A 2011 Orbea Aqua Junior aluminium frame/carbon fork bike which normally retails at £630.00 The bike will be ordered to fit the owner of the winning ticket, in a choice of colours

2 UVEX Helmets

Signed copy of the limited edition Eddy Merckx 'Beat The Road' book detailing all his 525 Victories

More prizes to be announced shortly........ keep watching this space.

To register please click on the link below:

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/71302/The-Vita-Due

For information please contact Barry or Phil on 0151 648 0057 or email: info [at] vitacycles.co.uk