The Rotary Bikeathon charity bike ride is back for a second year, and is aiming to raise thousands of pounds.

The charity cycle has started, and you can raise money for local charities until mid-June, and everyone is invited to take part.

Rotary-Congleton say that their Bikeathon cycling event is a great excuse to keep fit, and do some good for others on the way.

Fifty percent of the money collected is sent to charities chosen by the individual teams themselves. Rotary-Congleton will use the rest of the money raised plus the Gift Aid it recovers to support its work in the local community.

Last year, Rotary-Congleton's Bikeathon event attracted a great deal of interest and support from the town's cyclists.

All abilities with ages from three to over 80 years old took part. Being good fundraising fun for all the family.

So it's no surprise to learn that, with cycling becoming ever-more popular, the event will make a return visit.

The club says that you don't even have to cycle on the roads to ride for charity! You could even take part in an stationary exercise bike in your own home, and record your stats.

On Saturday, May 28, teams of Rotarians will set an example by riding their exercise bikes at the Makers Market in Congleton Town Centre, to draw attention to the event.

The Bikeathon will end during the weekend of June 10th – 12th, but, says the club, enthusiasts and weekend cyclists alike, can start now and tot up their mileage until June.

Once a team has been registered, the total distance travelled until the final weekend can be recorded. There's no age limit. Last year, nursery and junior schools rose to the challenge, raising substantial sums of money riding around circuits set up using road cones in their playgrounds.

At the other end of the scale, cycling enthusiast Jim Elkin rode the Pennine Way and raised over £1,500.

Teams of Congleton cyclists from families, groups of friends, business and established groups joined in. And participation is expected to be even bigger this time round.

Entry is simple. Click this website to register their team names. Raising money from sponsors is easy as well, as there's an online form.

Bikeathon is neither a race nor a rally. The only stipulation is that teams or individuals must follow the Highway Code.

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