RSPCA Isle of Wight is all-set for its annual Red Squirrel Ride, now in its new slot on Sunday 5th July.
Two routes to choose from
Unlike most cycling events, the Red Squirrel Ride is largely traffic-free, making extensive use of the Island’s cycle tracks and old railway routes.
The shorter 16-mile route, starts at the RSPCA’s Island Animal Centre near Godshill, and follows the Red Squirrel Trail via Alverstone, Sandown, Shanklin and Wroxall. With plenty of time to stop at the beach or Appuldurcombe House, this option is ideally suited to families or leisure cyclists.
For those wanting more of a challenge, the full 34 mile option takes in Newport, Ryde, St Helens and Brading, before sharing the same route back to the Island Animal Centre. Cyclists from the mainland can start at Fishbourne, with Wightlink offering discounted crossings to those taking part.
Mainland cyclists welcome
Steve Backhouse, Branch Director, explains,
“The Red Squirrel Ride is a fantastic way to explore the Isle of Wight by bike, whilst helping a great cause.
“We have specifically designed the event to make maximum use of the Island’s traffic-free cycle paths, and as a result previous events have seen a wide range of ages and abilities taking part.
“It’s always really encouraging to see lots of people having fun and exploring the Isle of Wight by bike, whilst supporting a great cause.”
About RSPCA Isle of Wight
RSPCA Isle of Wight is an independent Island-based charity, focussed on providing rehabilitation and rehoming to animals in need. Each year it rehomes around 300 animals, with particular focus on those suffering from cruelty, neglect or abandonment.
Whilst working closely with the RSPCA national charity, it is largely self-funding and raises the vast majority of its income on the Island via events, donations, shops and legacies.
It costs around £750,000 each year to run our branch and provide vital care for the Island’s most vulnerable animals.
Alongside rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need, we also support the wider community
- including people facing poverty, isolation, mobility challenges, and other hardships
- by helping them care for their pets and remain together.
Find out more the website.
News shared by Rebecca on behalf of RSPCA Isle of Wight. Ed
