Come and join us on a cycle ride through an area where, for generations, two traditional villages have remained relatively untouched by the passage of time; yet these exist close to military establishments which play an important role in our defence and which, more than fifty years ago, helped unlock the secrets of the atom………. FOULNESS ISLAND!

The route we've chosen covers a distance of approximately 26 miles and takes you three times round most of the island in order to give you a better chance of seeing the sights and absorbing the unique, tranquil, somewhat mysterious atmosphere of this part of the county.

Pheasant

European Avocet

Shoveller

It's a terrific day out for cyclists of all ages and abilities (if necessary, for very young children, the riding distance can be reduced very easily to 12 miles), so why not get a group of your family & friends together and have a really enjoyable day out whilst giving a real boost to a very deserving local charity.

This year, all the money raised through sponsorship will be going to the "CHRISTOPHER'S COTTAGE APPEAL". The Cottage is a joint building project between THE ST. CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL SCHOOL and SOUTHEND MENCAP to create a combined Sports Hall and Residential Respite Care Facility for Special Needs young people in the Southend area.
The Sports Facility will be available for use by Special Needs Groups and pupils of St. Christopher's & other local Special Schools.
The Residential Respite Care Facility will be used to provide those same groups with Life & Social Skills Training and give support to their families.

As in the previous four years, the members of the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay are organising this event and are providing their services and resources free of charge.

AA signs will direct you to the starting point at Cupid's Country Club, Cupid's Chase (off Poynter's Lane) in Great Wakering.
For those entrants who are bringing their cycles by car, there are extensive, secure parking facilities.
The route around the Island will be fully signposted, with marshals at all key points and roving marshals in case of emergencies; St. John's Ambulance will also be in attendance, through the generosity of BUPA Wellesley.
A map and detailed safety instructions will be distributed beforehand.
Light refreshments will be available at the Island's Public House (the "George & Dragon"), the Village Hall, and one other point, as well as in the start/finishing area at Cupid's Country Club.

All entrants will receive a special certificate to commemorate their achievement when they have completed the event. In addition, on deregistration, every rider will be given a voucher for a free ten-pin bowling session at the Kursaal.

There are awards for those who are successful in attracting sponsors; One complimentary wristband voucher for Adventure Island will be awarded to every individual rider who raises £50 or more in sponsorship, and for those who raise in excess of £100 in this way the number of wristbands will be increased to three.

The individual raising the greatest amount of sponsorship money will be presented with an engraved trophy, as will the most successful School, College or Company team. Both these trophies will be presented publicly later in the year and the result publicised in the local press.

The principal way in which the nominated charity will benefit is through sponsorship so please try to get as much support for your ride as you can.

In addition, under the GIFT AID Scheme, the Government will contribute a further 28p for every £1 donated to charity, provided the donor is an income tax payer. Be sure to ask your sponsors to tick the appropriate column of the sponsorship form and record their postcode at the same time; we will then be able to claim this extra amount and it will not cost you or them any more at all.
Return the form with the money when it is all collected so that we can comply with the requirements of the Inland Revenue and get this rebate.

We wish to acknowledge with grateful thanks the co-operation and assistance given to this event by QinetiQ (Ministry of Defence) as well as the Parish Council & Residents of Foulness Island.

Without their help and forbearance this event could not be held.

Child/Student - £3.00
Adult - £5.00
Family Group - £10 in total
Members of a School, College or Company Team - £3.00 each
Children aged 10 or under must be accompanied by an Adult

Use the underlined links below to obtain copies of the appropriate forms which are available in both Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF (quicker download) formats.