FUNDRAISERS at Manorlands has challenged ambitious cyclists to tackle a new ‘extreme’ ride as part of this year’s Brontë Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge.

The hospice team, who have christened the new ride Heathcliff, have also unveiled two new sponsors for the September 18 event.

In addition, the well-established existing routes, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, have been freshened up.

Sue Ryder senior fundraiser Andrew Wood said: “We’ve given participants a choice between Charlotte Emily and Anne routes for many years now, but we did a long ride in the 3 Dales Mountain Bike Challenge earlier in the year and it was a huge success.

“Therefore we’ve added a 36.4 mile route to this event too and called it Heathcliff.

“Emily Bronte’s Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights spent much of his time in this landscape and was a tortured hero, as will anyone who takes on this challenge.”

The main sponsor this year’s All Terrain Cycles who have moved up from start-finish sponsor last year. Taking place this year is Colin Appleyard Ltd of Keighley.

Tony Booth, managing director of All Terrain Cycles, said: “The Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge suits all abilities and is for a great cause so we are delighted to step up to being the main sponsor.

“The addition of the new Heathcliff ride should be a great challenge for the more advanced riders.”

Tracey Butterfield, group marketing manager of Colin Appleyard Ltd. said, “We’re really looking forward to the event especially as we’ve created a bit of healthy competition between our staff and now have a group signed up to the new Heathcliff route!

“The team at Sue Ryder Manorlands do an amazing job and we’re pleased we can get involved to support the fantastic work they do.”

Charlotte is a 28.2-mile challenge route which this year will have an additional stretch in Hardcastle Crags and a new final stretch into Oxenhope.

Heathcliff lasts 36.3 miles and encompasses the Charlotte route plus an additional 8.7 mile loop at the end which takes in the steep incline of Hill House Edge Lane, more of the Calder Aire Link and the other two on hilltop tracks around Thornton Moor Reservoir.

Emily has been heavily revamped, with slightly less distance but more cycling off-road. Anne has a new route with a tough moorland start then down into Hardcastle Crags.

Visit sueyder.org/brontebikechallenge for further details of the rides and how to sign up.