Thorpe Bay Rotary Events - Foulness Island Bike Ride

Foulness Island Bike Ride

We are delighted that once again we are able to offer the opportunity to cycle on this lovely local island that cannot normally be entered without a special pass.

On Sunday September 9th 2012 the Foulness Bike Ride will again be staged using the new starting place and the route that incorporates an opportunity to visit the villages of both Churchend and Courtsend while raising funds for The Prince’s Trust. We were delighted to welcome over 1100 riders to the event last year and hope that the sponsorship monies to be raised by this year’s event will enable us to help The Prince’s Trust change young lives by giving practical and financial support, and by developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. The Prince’s Trust works with 13 to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.

Enjoy refreshments at Great Wakering Primary School where the ride starts and we hope that you will visit the Heritage Centre in the former Foulness Church of England Primary School built in 1846. Developed by the local residents it contains many fascinating exhibits showing the history of life in this timeless corner of Essex. Refreshments will also be available at the Heritage Centre and Churchend Post Office Store.

Photo of a group of cyclists

The flat terrain and quiet roads make the island a perfect place for cycling. Riders of all ages and abilities can reach Churchend, the island’s quiet old main village. The four mile circuit beyond the village includes a short stretch of gravelled road suitable only for touring cycles or mountain bikes with stout tyres. Three circuits round this will complete your 23 mile trip and allow you to reach the most isolated part of the island.

The area is rich in wildlife and a haven for birds. You stand a good chance of seeing avocet, geese, herons, kestrels, merlins and many other birds.

Enjoy refreshments at Great Wakering Primary School where the ride starts and we hope that you will be able to visit the Heritage Centre in the former Foulness Church of England Primary School built in 1846. Developed by the local residents it contains many fascinating exhibits showing the history of life in this timeless corner of Essex.

Why not get a group of your family and friends together and have a really enjoyable day out whilst giving a boost to deserving local charities.

Sponsorship
This is the most important source of money for our chosen charity. Please try and get as much support for your ride as you can.

Awards
All entrants will receive a commemorative medal on completion of the ride to recognise their achievement. The individual raising the greatest amount of sponsorship money will receive a prize in the form of vouchers for an adventure day. The presentation will be made later in the year and the winner will be publicised in the local press.

Thanks
Our warmest thanks go to the MoD, QinetiQ and to the Parish Council of Foulness for their assistance, and to the Residents of Foulness Island and Great Wakering for their co-operation and forbearance. Without them this event could not be held.