July 30, 2014 3.56 pm This story is over 131 months old

Mayor of Lincoln saddles up for charity bike ride

Gearing up for charity: The Mayor of Lincoln took to his bicycle in order to raise awareness ahead of an upcoming 32-mile charity ride.

Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Brent Charlesworth took to the Water Rail Way ahead of the fundraising event in July 2014. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Mayor of Lincoln reached for his helmet on July 30 in order to support a city learning disabilities charity’s upcoming bike ride.

Councillor Brent Charlesworth tried out the Water Rail Way, which will form the route of the third annual Linkage Community Trust bike ride fundraiser on Sunday, August 31.

Those taking part in the 32-mile round trip from Lincoln to Kirkstead Bridge will raise funds to buy a new minibus to transport its clients to various events and activities across the county.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Kerry and Deputy Mayoress Sharon Longthorne will be taking part on the day on the Mayor’s behalf.

The event will also be in aid of Linkage’s appeal for the charity’s planned new college mini-campus at Boultham Park in Lincoln.

The bike ride is open to everyone aged 10 and above who can provide their own bike in full working condition.

The entry charge is £10 per person – children 16 or under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Registration on the day is between 9am–10am and the ride will start at 10am from Beech House car park on Waterside South.

Members of the cycling charity Sustrans can check bikes before the start.

People can register online, email [email protected] or call 01522 503190 for details.

The Mayor of Lincoln gearing up for Linkage Community Trust's charity bike ride. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Mayor of Lincoln gearing up for Linkage Community Trust’s charity bike ride. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Charlesworth said: “I am delighted to be able to support this bike ride to help raise funds for the support of people with learning disabilities.

“I have ridden along the Water Rail Way many times before and it’s a really superb cycleway, full of interest and with some welcome café stops on the way too.

“I really do hope that a lot of people will make it a great day out as well as a successful fund-raising event.”

Julie Stubbs, Linkage Development and Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s a great family activity but we also hope that businesses will take part too and we’ll have a trophy for the best team performance.

“We’re grateful to the Mayor for his support and encourage people to enjoy the Lincolnshire countryside on a late summer’s day.”