Pork Pie Pedal organisers launch fundraiser in lieu of event

The non-competitive event, which challenges dozens of participants to complete 50, 60 or 70 miles through local countryside and around Rutland Water, would have been held on Saturday.

It has raised around £100,000 for various worthy causes since starting up in 2009 and organisers want the fundraising to continue this year.

Fittingly, with many people suffering from mental health issues during the ongoing lockdown, the charity Mind has been chosen to benefit from money raised.

An online page has been set up for people to donate and cyclists are being encouraged to take on a ride despite no organised event being held.

The Pork Pie Pedal organisers say in a statement: “Sadly the Covid 19 pandemic has got in our way and we have not organised anything for this year.

“We were hoping that lockdown would have been relaxed a little more and we could have organised a more informal ride but the time is not right yet.

“We may try to organise something in the autumn, depending upon the situation, but can’t make any promises.”

The statement continues: “We intend to mark the big day with a cycle and will be making a donation to Mind, thinking about the money we would normally raise.

“This seems an appropriate charity as they are helping the many people who have been dealing with mental health issues during, and possibly because of, the changes to our lives over the last few months.

“If you would like to make a donation, or if you want to do a cycle and then make a donation we have set up a Just Giving page which you can access by clicking on the box below.

“Whether you want to do the full 50, 60 or 70 miles, or take young children for their first short cycle in a park, it doesn’t matter.

“Getting out in the fresh air, doing a little exercise and thinking about those who may be less fortunate than ourselves is all part of the Pork Pie Pedal ethos.”

Go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/porkpiepedal2020 to make a donation to Mind through the Pork Pie Pedal event.

Organisers hope next year’s event will be able to go ahead on the first Saturday in July, 2021.