Bike Week 09: Riders try Wiltshire motor circuit for size

The chance to cycle a motor-racing track in Wiltshire is being offered as part of a charity event for African schools.

The Castle Combe race circuit near Chippenham is the venue for the event, held by Chippenham and District Wheelers cycling club on the evening of June 16, that's next Tuesday.

The Midsummer Bike Night will see riders trying to complete as many miles as possible in three hours. A collective target of 5,000 completed miles has been set and it is hoped riders of all ages will come along to help beat the target. road.cc regulars will be there too.

Bath-based Jole Rider is the chosen charity for the evening. The charity operates the Bikes4Africa scheme, which aims to supply second-hand bikes to African students who would otherwise have to walk many miles to school.

Organisers of the Midsummer Bike Night are hoping that as many people as possible will bring along unwanted mountain or hybrid bikes so they can be reconditioned and shipped abroad.

Other attractions at Midsummer Bike Night include a British Cycling ‘Go Ride’ skills circuit, DC Leisure ‘Spinning bikes’, Wiltshire County Road Safety Unit plus various cycling oriented trade stands. There will also be opportunities for the blind or partially sited to share a tandem ride around the track.

Andy Cook, Chairman of Chippenham & District Wheelers said: “Last year over 400 participants of all ages rode over 4,000 miles. This year we hope to go even further. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the evening supporting Bikes4Africa whilst getting active on their bikes.”

For more information visit www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/chippenhamwheelers