(Image: Supplied)
A NEW cycling challenge will take riders on a cross-county journey between two air ambulance bases.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has launched Pedal to the Pad, a 102-mile charity ride starting at its new Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton-on-Swale and finishing at the Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield.
The event will take place on October 3 and is expected to attract around 50 cyclists, including members of the air ambulance crew.
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."
Riders will be among the first members of the public to visit the new Northern Air Support Unit before it becomes fully operational.
Cyclists will travel across Yorkshire to the Nostell Air Support Unit, with a shorter 30-mile route also available, ending in Malton.
The new base will replace the charity’s existing rented site at RAF Topcliffe, offering a permanent location for YAA’s North Yorkshire operations.
Participants will ride alongside members of the charity’s medical and aviation teams and will receive a Yorkshire Air Ambulance cycling jersey and water bottle.
The event will include signed routes, staffed checkpoints, refreshments, mechanical support and first aid cover.
Those completing the full route will be invited to celebrate at the Nostell Air Support Unit and, if available, pose for a photo with one of the helicopters.
Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of £200.
Registration is now open and will close on September 10.
Entry costs £65 for the 102-mile route and £30 for the 30-mile option.