Councillors set to cycle from Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Council leaders across the county have obviously been reading Ilfracombe People's Get on your bike in Ilfracombe article as they get set to join forces on a tough cycle challenge next week, to promote their sections of the stunning Devon Coast to Coast route and raise funds for a specialist disability cycle.

Ilfracombe Town Council has organised the event as our town is the proud host to the start of the trail which the council aim to make entirely off-road.

Councillor Geoff Fowler said, "The whole route is spectacular, but reaching the opposite coast after 100 miles of inland cycling has to be a thrill. I wish everyone participating a safe journey."

North Devon Council Leader, Councillor Brian Greenslade, will be among those getting on his bike to take on part of the challenge. He will be joined by Mike Mansell, the council's Chief Executive, who is aiming to cycle the whole 102-mile route along with Ilfracombe Town Council officer Andrea Beacham and DCC cabinet member Will Mumford. 

Sponsorship is being raised by the team, and the participants are aiming to reach the £1,700 target to buy a re***bent hand cycle suitable for people with mobility disabilities, which can be borrowed free along the trail.

The Ilfracombe to Okehampton section of the ride will take place on Saturday September 3rd, with the remainder, from Okehampton to Plymouth, being completed on Sunday 4th.

Councillor Greenslade said: "The council's Chief Executive Mike Mansell and I are going to be getting on our bikes in support of this worthy cause. By raising money for this special bike, even more people will be able to access the coast-to-coast cycle path. This in turn means even more people will be able to enjoy the stunning scenery we have here in North Devon, whilst keeping fit at the same time."

If your councillors have inspired you to take to two wheels but you haven't got a bike, Ilfracombe Healthy Town now have three men's and two women's mountain bikes available for anyone over the age of 18 to hire. You can rent the bikes free of charge for up to 24 hours, complete with helmet and bike lock. All you need to borrow them is proof of address, photographic ID, and to live in an EX34 postcode area. The bikes can be hired from Studio 20 Gym.