A RETAILER has pledged its continued backing to a series of cycling events in aid of Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

All Terrain Cycles, which has superstores in Saltaire and Wetherby, has sponsored the mountain bike challenges and sportives for the past six years.

It will again offer a mystery bike-related prize to the winner of a free draw for all entrants who raise more than £50 in sponsorship.

And it will make a donation for each rider from the All Terrain race team who takes part in the events.

The announcement was made as the countdown was officially launched to the first of this year’s events, the Three Dales Mountain Bike Challenge.

The event – on June 17 – starts from Threshfield near Grassington and there will be a choice of three routes.

The Ribble covers 38.9 miles, the Aire 25.3 miles and the Wharfe 12.7 miles.

Up next is the popular Bronte Sportive, on July 15.

It will set off from Keighley College and offer four routes, of varying lengths between 54.5 and 88 miles, catering for all abilities.

The third and final event is the Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, on September 16.

It will start from Oxenhope Community Centre and once again there will be a choice of four routes, from a 15-miler to 35.1 miles.

The activities – organised by the Manorlands cycle events group – have built-up a loyal following over the years, attracting hundreds of cyclists annually.

All proceeds, including entry fees and sponsorship, go towards the care provided by Sue Ryder.

Last year, the events together raised £24,000 for Manorlands.

Andrew Wood, a fundraiser at the hospice, said: “It’s great to have All Terrain Cycles on board once again – the incentive of a prize draw to win cycling goodies definitely helps to focus entrants’ fundraising efforts.

“We’re hoping that this support will help us to raise even more for the hospice than last year.”

Tony Booth, managing director of All Terrain Cycles, said the firm was delighted to once again be offering its backing.

He added: “We’re always pleased to be associated with Sue Ryder and we’re looking forward to this summer’s events being bigger and better than ever, giving enthusiasts the chance to enjoy some of Yorkshire’s finest cycle routes as well as supporting a fantastic local charity.”

More details about the events can be found at sueryder.org, under the Get Involved section.

For further information about the sportive, visit sueryder.org/brontesportive or contact Mr Wood on andrew.wood@sueryder.org or 01535 640176.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.