Pedals started the GNBR in 1982. One of the most successful charity rides in the UK, it is now organised by Nottinghamshire County Council. Following 50 mile (long ride) or 18 mile (short ride) circuits through the Trent Valley, the GNBR is staged each year in early summer.

Next year's Great Notts Bike Ride is scheduled to take place on Sunday 22nd June 2008 at Holme Pierrepont.

 See the BBC website for more details of the 2008 ride.

Great Notts Bike Ride entries open now!

The Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride, sponsored by Boots, launched at Boots Headquarters in Beeston. Geoff Thomas, former England footballer and Forest player attended and stated his intention to take part in a the new 100 mile Sportive Route that has been introduced this year by organisers, Nottingham Country Council.

The Great Notts Bike Ride aims at getting more people on bikes, having some fun whilst getting fit. Now in its 27th year the event attracted 4500 riders last year. With two new route options, including a Family Lap Challenge and a 100 mile Sportive, plus a Corporate Challenge for businesses, there really is something for everyone.  Entries for all routes have gone live on the event website
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/bikeride  

Taking place on Sunday 22 June, during national Bike Week, the Great Notts Bike Ride will also feature a 50 mile Challenge Ride and an 18 mile Community Ride, open to both individuals and organisations taking part in the Freeth Cartwright Corporate Challenge. 

The Corporate Challenge invites businesses to take part in the Great Notts Bike Ride in teams with the challenge of raising the most money for the five event charities, rather than completing the course in the fastest time. 

Geoff Thomas, who has twice ridden the Tour de France as part of his remission from Leukaemia, intends to take on the 100 mile Sportive route.
He was challenged to a head to head 1000m cycle race on the new Wattbikes by various members of the media and guests at the launch.

He said: “I think it’s my fault that the 100mile route has been included! It was good to get a bit of training in at the launch today and I was relieved to win the cycle challenges! The Great Notts Bike provides a huge boost to all of the charities that are involved, and I’m delighted that the Geoff Thomas Foundation will be involved this year.”

The County Council wants to increase the charitable impact of the event, aiming to double the donations generated from £40,000 in 2007 to £80,000 this year.  An additional charity; The Geoff Thomas Foundation, has been added to the four which benefited last year; Marie Curie Cancer Care, When you Wish Upon A Star, Rainbows Hospice and Cerebral Palsy Sport. 

All routes will begin and end at Holme Pierrepont at varying times on the
Sunday:
Family Lap Challenge
Community Ride (18 miles)
Challenge Ride (50 miles)
Sportive (100 miles)
Freeth Cartwright Corporate Challenge (18 / 50 miles)

To enter any of the Great Notts Bike Ride events visit the website
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/bikeride and enter online or download an entry
form for a friend.

If you would like more information about the bike ride please tel: 08449 80 80 80, e-mail: bikeride [at] nottscc [dot] gov [dot] uk, or see the website: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/bikeride