2009 Viking Challenge Sunday 4th October
Viking Challenge cyclists take the fast track
Over 1050 cyclists took on the 15th Viking Challenge in near perfect conditions on Sunday 4th October. Enjoying blue skies and sunshine it couldn’t have been more different to last year’s event which saw cyclists battle through non stop rain, bitter cold temperatures and a mud clogged route. With dry, smooth surfaces riders flew around the 2009 course.
Jim Coleman, from Long Bennington, who was the first rider to complete the 50km route, in just 1 hour 55 minutes said ‘ it was a fast course out there, one for the speed merchants’.
With the sun shining, the event saw families, teams, the young and old in great spirits and relishing the opportunity to ride through the stunning Vale of Belvoir countryside in such fine weather. One rider was especially up for a challenge, riding the entire 50km route on a unicycle!
Jim Coleman was followed to the finish by Martin Seddon, who took 1 hour 57 minutes and the first woman to complete the 50km route was Helen Shore of Market Rasen.
A particular congratulations to Jacob Pantling who at just 8 years old was our youngest rider – completing the 30km ride in 2h 43minutes.
As well as raising money for Redmile Cof E Primary School the 2009 event was raising money for the charity When You Wish Upon a Star which helps makes the dreams of poorly children across the region come true. The event was started by 4 year old Harriet Lobo a pupil of Redmile CofE Primary School who has experienced first hand the fantastic work the charity does. Harriet, who has Leukaemia went to Lapland with her mum in December 2008, when she had her own wish, to meet Father Christmas, come true thanks to the charity.
Thank you to everyone who rode the 2009 event – many of whom have already said they’ll be back again next year ! ======================================
Our chosen charity for the 2009 Event is the children’s charity When You Wish Upon a Star, who will receive half of the money raised, the other half going to Redmile CofE Primary School.
Sponsorship Prizes: The Viking Challenge is a sponsored event and we want this years event to be even bigger and better than last year. So please help us to beat last year’s total by gathering as many sponsors as possible from your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Does your employer offer a Match Giving scheme to double your donation?
And as a thank you for your hard work and effort we are delighted to offer some fantastic prizes for those who raise the most.
All riders who raise £50 or more will receive a FREE VIKING CHALLENGE 2009 T SHIRT
The over 16 individual who raises the most will receive a Mountain Bike Holiday.
The under 16 who raises the most will receive a £250 bike
The team who raises the most will receive Mountain Hardwear fleeces and win the prestigious TEAM CHALLENGE TROPHY New for 2009.
For those of you who have entered the event before you will notice some big differences when you approach the school this year. We have got a fabulous new school hall and new assault course, both made possible with the help of monies from the Viking Challenge. This has resulted in a new bigger, concreted ‘start and finish lane’ with access to the registration and refreshments marquee now at the back of the school.
For Supporters If you are bringing along friends and families on the day, refreshments will be available for supporters (in a special area) at the school (tbc)
Redmile also has a lovely playpark for young children and access to the Grantham Canal towpath . There are also two good village pubs which serve food. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the school premises.
Viking Challenge 2009 Prizes Terms and conditions:
sShokwave Mountain-Beach Prize – For the individual (16 and over) raising the most sponsorship
1. The winner will be notified by the 5th February 2010 and the decision of the Viking Challenge Committee will be final.
2. The mountain biking holiday is to be provided by sShokwave Mountain Beach Holidays and their standard terms apply. Please see www.mountain-beach.co.uk.
3. No cash alternative to the holiday will be offered.
4. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the holiday.
5. sShokwave Mountain Beach offer several holidays in Scotland at various times of the year and the final holiday choice will be a matter to be agreed between the winner and a representative from sShokwave Mountain Beach.
6. The prize includes accommodation, private transfers, and guiding/vehicular support. The winner and their guest will pay for travel to and from the starting/finishing point of their holiday.
7. Insurance is to be arranged by the winner and guest and is not included in the prize.
8. Upon accepting their prize, the winner and guest agree to the use of their names/photos in any literature or promotion undertaken by the Viking Challenge Committee in the future.
sShokwave Bikes Prize - For the U16 individual raising the most sponsorship
1. The winner will be notified by the 5th February 2010 and the decision of the Viking Challenge Committee will be final.
2. The winner will be presented with a bike provided by sShokwave Bikes to the total value of £250 and no cash alternative will be offered.
3. Upon accepting their prize, the winner agrees to the use of their names/photos in any literature or promotion undertaken by the Viking Challenge Committee in the future. www.sshokwavebikes.co.uk
Mountain Hardwear Prize & Team Challenge Trophy – For the team raising the most sponsorship
1. The winning team will be notified by 5th February 2010 and the decision of the Viking Challenge Committee will be final.
2. Each member of the winning team (up to a total of six members) will be presented with an item of Mountain Hardwear clothing to the retail value of approximately £90 and no cash alternative will be offered.
3. The winners will be presented with the Viking Challenge Team Challenge Trophy.
4. Upon accepting their prizes, the winners agree to the use of their name/photo in any literature or promotion undertaken by the Viking Challenge Committee in the future.
