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Search forFamilies urged to get on their bikes
Thursday, August 14, 2008, 09:00
The Potteries Pedlar Pied Piper is one of a number activities taking place to coincide with Stoke-on-Trent hosting a stage of the Tour of Britain.
A four-stage 10-mile route between Fenton Manor and Hanley Town Hall has been mapped out, and riders of all abilities can take part on September 10.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is organising the ride which it hopes will raise money for charity and promote fitness and fun.
Deputy elected mayor councillor Mohammed Pervez said: "The community ride will give everyone a chance to discover cycling without feeling pressured to be in a competitive environment.
"It is not a race to be won; it is a ride where people can enjoy themselves."
All the proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Lord Mayors Charity and this year's main beneficiaries are the Donna Louise Trust and the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation.
Lord Mayor Derek Capey, who will start the ride at Fenton Manor, said: "The city will benefit from having its own local community ride alongside the Tour of Britain.
"The Pied Piper is a chance for anyone, whether amateur or professional, young or old, the chance to be part of a very special day."
Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap, pictured, – fresh from a 172-mile bike ride for the Donna Louise Trust – is also expected to take part.
Club chief executive Tony Scholes said: "We are delighted to be involved in the ride. Any campaign that promotes health, well-being and sporting activity is a good thing.
"At this moment in time the event falls into an international break for us and Rory Delap will be representing the club."
Local cycling champion Brian Rourke, aged 69, from Tunstall, said: "It is a good number of years since Stoke-on-Trent had a stage of the Tour of Britain.
"It will help put the city on the map and if we can get a good number of people taking part in the Pied Piper ride that will be an even greater way to promote the sport and the city."
PEDAL POWER: From left, Barney Swinnerton, Tony Scholes, Mohammed Pervez, Lord Mayor Derek Capey, Brian Rourke and Paul Swinnerton help launch the Pied Piper. Picture: Clare Jennings
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