Community Foundation: Sign up for Break The Cycle 2023!

Tuesday, May 16th 2023

Cyclists of all abilities are being urged to sign up for Break The Cycle 2023 to help raise vital funds for the Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s wheelchair programme.

Bristol Sport Foundation’s annual fundraiser, which takes place on Sunday July 16th this year, has supported the Bears Community Foundation since its inception 13 years ago.

Participants can choose between the Bronze route (42 miles), Silver route (66 miles) and Gold route (100 miles), with all the money raised from the entry fees going to the Bears Community Foundation to sustain and grow the multi award-winning charity.

And Craig Capel, Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s Community Development Manager, highlighted the importance of the money raised to the charity’s wheelchair programme.

Craig Capel said: “Break The Cycle is hugely important to the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, especially the level of engagement we get from the local community – from Bears fans, sport fans, Ashton Gate attendees and corporate sponsors.

“The money raised by Break The Cycle for the Bears Community Foundation allows us to support underfunded programmes, so the value of the funds raised by those jumping on the bike and paying their admission fees is massively important to what we do.

“The funds raised for the Bears Community Foundation from Break The Cycle this year will be allocated to supporting the continued delivery of wheelchair sport and the likes of Rob Camm, who’s our wheelchair sport coach. We’ll continue to deliver the programme, but the extent of that delivery will be determined by the funds raised by Break The Cycle.”

Hargreaves Lansdown, Santander, Sprague Gibbons, Molson, Plantforce, Aspire, Indigo Food Group, Whiteladies Business Centre, Alliance Communications, MHR Manager, BW Cycles, Bristol Beer Factory, Knee Specialists, Nando’s and Presca have already been confirmed as partners for Break The Cycle 2023 and will all feature on this year’s official jersey.

This year’s event, which starts and finishes at Ashton Gate, also gives cyclists the chance to raise money through sponsorship for any cause of their choice for the first time.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, FareShare South West, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Children’s Hospice South West are already on board as charity partners for the event, encouraging riders to sign up for Break The Cycle to raise money on their behalf.

Cyclists will be able to celebrate completing their chosen route, all designed by Olympian Oli Beckingsale, with refreshments at the finish line to conclude a memorable day in the saddle.

“The aspiration is to have somewhere close to 350 to 400 riders,” Capel added. “The day itself is always brilliant, from when the early risers arrive to start the gold route to the final finishers crossing the line, Ashton Gate becomes a very special place.

“That feeling when everyone comes back around the same one or two-hour window, celebrating the achievement of completing the ride with the new friends they have made along the route and sharing that experience, is great for all involved.

“You have people arriving to clap and support their loved ones and celebrate brilliant day on the bike, usually in the sunshine, and to help raise important money for the Foundation.”

To find out more about Break The Cycle 2023 and sign up, click here.

Donate to the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, here.