There are always loads of fun events going on around the Isle of Wight, but this we think is a definitely a first…. Bears on Bikes! Well actually, they are humans dressed as bears, and not just your common bike, but a Penny Farthing Bike.
This may sound a bit far-fetched, but on Sunday 21st July Neil Laughton and Rolf Woodward from London’s Penny Farthing Club, will indeed be cycling dressed in Bear suits on Penny Farthing bikes across the Isle of Wight.
Why?
To help raise funds and awareness for two European Brown Bears, Benji and Balu, who are in desperate need of rescuing from a tiny cage in Azerbaijan and will be coming to their forever home at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown later this year.
In order to provide these bears with a home at the Sanctuary they need to raise the huge sum of £150,000. Since May this year the Sanctuary has already raised almost half of their target through generous public and corporate donations. This event will be a huge boost to their fundraising efforts!
Where and when
The fun filled day will start at 9am on Sunday 21st July at Albert Cottage in East Cowes, and finish at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary (see map below).
En route the bikes will be stopping at other popular Island attractions such as The Steam Railway, Quarr Abbey and Ryde Esplanade, where there will be loads going on throughout the day, all of which you are invited to join in with.
Have your photo taken
There will be plenty of opportunities to have your picture taken or ride along with the cyclists or just give them a wave as they pass along your street.
Check out the map for details of the planned route and watch the Wildheart socials for more information nearer the time. It’s going to be tough going for these two bears on these bikes so any support you can give them will certainly help to spur them along.
This is set to be such an incredible day, with so much for the whole family to get involved with and enjoy.
Share your photos on social media
Plus, if you manage to snap a picture of the fearless duo, be sure to post it on socials for a chance to win a VIP Bear experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary when Benji and Balu arrive.
Make sure you use the hashtag #SaveBaluBenji and #BigBearRide.
Find out more by visiting the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website.
News shared by Lee on behalf of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Ed
