(Image: Supplied)
Cyclists will have the chance to be among the first members of the public to visit Yorkshire Air Ambulance's new Northern Air Support Unit as part of a fundraising challenge aimed at supporting the charity's life-saving work.
The Pedal to the Pad challenge will take place on Saturday, October 3, starting from the charity’s new Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton on Swale and finishing at the Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield.
Kate James, events coordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "Pedal to the Pad is a fantastic new addition to our events calendar and we're incredibly excited to welcome riders to the very first event.
"Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for your next big challenge or someone wanting to take on our shorter route, every mile you ride and every pound you raise will help us continue delivering life-saving critical care to people across Yorkshire.
"We hope riders leave with a real sense of achievement, having experienced some of Yorkshire's beautiful countryside, met the people behind our service and played their part in helping us be there for patients when they need us most."
The event will see around 50 cyclists—including Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew members—take on the challenge of cycling between the charity’s two airbases.
Participants will be among the first members of the public to visit the new North Yorkshire facility before it becomes fully operational.
The Northern Air Support Unit is still under construction and will eventually replace the charity’s long-standing rented base at RAF Topcliffe.
The new unit will provide Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a permanent home in North Yorkshire and helping secure the future of its life-saving operations for generations to come.
Riders will have the opportunity to cycle alongside members of the charity’s medical and aviation teams and will receive an exclusive Yorkshire Air Ambulance cycling jersey and water bottle.
The event will also include signed routes, staffed checkpoints, refreshments, mechanical assistance, and first aid cover.
Those completing the full 102-mile route will be able to celebrate at the Nostell Air Support Unit and—subject to operational availability—have their photograph taken alongside one of the charity’s helicopters.
Cyclists are asked to raise a minimum of £200 each to help keep Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopters flying and its crews responding to emergencies across the region.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity and does not receive direct government funding.
It relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to continue delivering life-saving critical care.
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A shorter 30-mile route will also be available, finishing in Malton.
The charity hopes to make Pedal to the Pad an annual fixture in the region’s cycling calendar.
Registration is now open and will close on Thursday, September 10.
Entry costs £65 for the 102-mile route and £30 for the 30-mile option.
To find out more or to register, visit www.yaa.org.uk/pedaltothepad.