Cyclists get together at Cedar Court Hotel
The final meeting of the cyclists taking part in ‘Pedal for Pounds 4’ took place at Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield last night.
Over 250 cyclists descended on the hotel at Ainley Top and listened to P4P4 cyclist – and Club Director – Sean Jarvis unveil the timings for each of the four days on the ride, which will see the fundraisers tour Yorkshire between 1 and 4 May to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy.
Sean also explained what roles the vital support team will undertake during the ride and went into detail about the final leg of the ride to Huddersfield on Saturday 4 May, which will see participants cycle en mass from Canalside into the Stadium for their lap of honour ahead of the First Team game against Barnsley.
Route master Mark Ronan also took centre stage, giving a rundown on the route and placement of feed stops. Day one will feature a stop in Howden; day two has a nice scenic stop at Flamborough North Landing and day three’s feed stop is in Thirsk.
The official route will be uploaded to htafc.com before p4p4 sets off so Town fans can see where the bike ride will be going!
Paul Gowland of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Town’s Academy Manager Mark Lillis, who are both doing a Pedal for Pounds ride for the first time this year, then took to the stage to explain exactly what the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign means to them.
Lillis told htafc.com that the enormity of his challenge has now really hit home:
“Now we are on the eve of the bike ride, I think it has hit home just what an undertaking this ride will be for the 290 participants!
“However, it is worth it given the amount of money we should raise together for two very worthwhile causes. It’s obvious how important the work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is – they save lives all around our county – but I thought it was important to talk to all the riders at the meeting about how important the money is to the Academy.
“Contributions such as the one the Academy will receive from this ride help us to give local youngsters the chance at fulfilling their dream of becoming professional footballers, helping to provide vital equipment, facilities and coaching.
“I’m going to be proud to cycle alongside them when we line up on 1 May.”
The cyclists were also given their official Pedal for Pounds 4 jerseys to wear on the ride; further details about these shirts will be revealed on htafc.com this week!
The 235 mile ride around Yorkshire will set off on Wednesday 1 May, taking in overnight stops in Hull, Scarborough and Harrogate before returning back in time for the Club’s last home game against Barnsley on Saturday 4 May.
You can donate to the ride online now by visiting www.justgiving.com/keepitupcampaign or text KIUP99 £5 to 70070.