Great Weston Ride

Distance: Eight different cycling routes to choose from, starting from 57 miles
Where: Start from Long Ashton Park & Ride in Bristol and use your pedal power to finish at the Weston-super-Mare seafront
How much: FREE (minimum sponsorship £250) or buy your own place for £37.50 for adults and £16 for under 16s (no sponsorship target)
Included: Fully supported and marshalled route, medal, and more

(*Minimum fundraising target £250)

LIVING YOUR BIKE LIFE

Looking for a great day out on a bike, in the company of 800 other riders, while raising money for a great cause? Look no further!

The Great Weston Ride is a truly spectacular route and suitable for all riders, from complete novices to experienced cyclists. It has something to offer everyone, and is really about having fun and rising to your own personal challenge - quite simply a fantastic day out!

FREE CHARITY PLACES

Last year, in the company of 800 riders in total, we saw 50 charity riders over the finish line, all doing great things and raising almost £26,000 to make a real difference to the health and happiness of our community.

This year, as part of our 50th birthday celebrations,we want to go even further. We're talking double the riders and double the money raised to £50,000. Will you join us?

We need you, our full-hearted folks to push your limits and cycle the distance between our hospitals, for our hospitals.

As a thank you for your support, we're offering free charity places. We have a limited number available thought so sign up now to grab yours.

(*Minimum fundraising target £250)

THE RIDE

This is a fabulous 57-mile bike ride from Bristol to the Weston seafront via the breathtaking scenery of the Mendips and Somerset Levels (route details). The clearly marked route is fully supported with official refreshment stops, marshalls plus full mechanical and medical support if you need it (we hope you won't!).

With the ride ending by the sea it's the perfect opportunity for friends and family to meet you at the finish line, celebrate your achievement and then enjoy a family day out on the beach.

If you'd prefer not to have a fundraising target, simply buy a place on the Great Weston Ride website and fundraise at your own pace.

Set up your fundraising page

“Fantastic ride from beginning to end. Organisation fabulous. 100% recommended - everyone should ride this.”

WHAT'S INCLUDED FOR RIDERS?

Fully supported route with clearly marked signs, marshalls, medical support and a recovery service if needed

Refreshment stops with water and toilet facilities (there will also be food and drink available to purchase)

Food and bar facilities at the finish area on Weston seafront

Option to book transport for the return from Weston to Bristol

A Great Weston Ride 2024 medal when you cross the finish line - wear it with pride!

Fundraising materials, tips and nutritional advice from our fundraising team

Digital resources and support setting up a fundraising page.

“There is a real sense of community about the ride - less about being a competitive race, more about being together and where possible raising money for a good cause as well. Thanks to the team for laying on something special again.”

Great Weston Ride for Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity

It’s a wheely great event, for an even greater cause

By taking part in this challenge, not only will you feel a great sense of achievement, but you will also be making a big difference by fundraising for your hospitals across Bristol city centre, South Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.

From funding life-changing treatment and equipment to creating welcoming environments, your fundraising will help transform the experiences patients have in our hospitals wherever the need is greatest.

Find out more about just some of the great things we have funded for our hospitals.

FAQs

How much does it cost to take part?

As the official charity partner for the event, we have limited free places in the event with a minimum fundraising target of £250.

Or you can purchase your own spot in the ride. Adult places are £37.50 and under 16s are £16.

How much do I need to fundraise?

If you opt for a charity place, you’ll need to raise a minimum of £250. By registering for this challenge, you are pledging to raise the minimum sponsorship amount of £250 (not including Gift Aid) for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and understand that it is the aim of this challenge to raise as much as possible for your hospitals.

You must have fundraised and banked at least 75% of the target one week before the event date. If you cannot meet this target, then your place may be forfeited unless you make up the balance yourself. The remaining must be paid in no later than four weeks after the event date.

If you pay for your own place, there's no minimum fundraising target but of course we’re here to encourage you to raise as much as possible for your local hospitals.

Do I have to be an experienced cyclist to take part?

One of the aims of Great Weston Ride is to be all-inclusive - all types of riders & bikes are welcome and actively encouraged. The event is particularly supportive of newer/less experienced riders and we really mean it when we say it's NOT a race! There is of course still plenty to challenge (and delight) experienced riders, and we take the view that those who appreciate this can take care of their own timing and specific fuelling requirements - so the GWR is probably not for anyone who thinks it's impossible to have a great day out on a bike without these things being provided.

It IS, however, most definitely for anyone (regardless of cycling experience) who wants the challenge - and enjoyment - of a great day out on a bike, on a great route, in a great event, and in the company of a whole bunch of great people!

Do I have to complete the ride in a certain time?

This is not a race and riders are welcome to take as long as they need to complete the course. This is not a traditional 'sportive' where timing chips, energy gels, and time-based rider listings are the order of the day - these are simply not part of this Ride and the emphasis is very much purely on participation and the sheer enjoyment of riding a bike in a wonderful area!

How do I get there?

It is anticipated - and hoped! - that the majority of riders will take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a day out by the sea with family and friends after completing the Ride, and they will therefore be collected from the finish in Weston.

However, there is also an optional transport service available for anyone who needs it - an hourly 'shuttle' transport service will operate in the afternoon to bring riders and their bikes back to Bristol from the finish, and there will also be an early morning transport service available for anyone who wants/needs to be taken from Weston-super-Mare to the start in Bristol.

More information on the Great Weston Ride website

For more information or with any questions about fundraising, please email us at [email protected] or call us on 0117 927 7120.

Great Weston Ride for Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity