School push to pedal in the pounds

The Big Bike Bash will take place on October 4 when a team of Ravenscliffe staff, pupils and friends will cycle a 42-mile stretch of the Tour de France Calderdale route.

The new academic term for the Skircoat Green, Halifax school and its Ravenscliffe@Spring Hall campaign means a drive to raise £500,000 of funds needed to specially equip the proposed nearby Spring Hall centre.

The first stage of the community campaign was a huge success with £750,000 raised from public donations toward the £2.4m building cost which Calderdale Council has pledged more than £1.5m.

After the successful legacy of July’s Tour de France, a community cycling challenge has beenorganised; departing from Spring Hall, Huddersfield Road, and returning at around 3pm where they will join the public for a static bike challenge and a British Cycling ‘Halifax Speedway’ Sky Ride, from 1-3pm.

A team of 20, including six students on conventional or adapted bikes for all or part of the route, will make up the team. On the last leg of the journey, the school pelaton will be joined by the Halifax Courier and Halifax business men Bryn Bevan and Nick Horsfall who are taking part in a 24hour cyclethon across Yorkshire in support of Ravenscliffe@SpringHall.

Head teacher Martin Moorman, said: “The Tour de France was one of the best weekends I have spent in Calderdale. On a smaller scale, we hope the Big Bike Bash will recreate that unique spirit.

“It’s our first funding event for this school year as we attempt to complete our second challenge to raise £500,000 to equip the building due to open in 2016.

“The Calderale community has been brilliant in helping us to get the green on light on the commissioning of the build. We are very thankful to so many for their magnificent support and hope it continues into the next stage.”

On the day of the Big Bike Bash, the community of Calderdale is invited to Spring Hall athletic track for a British Cycling Sky Ride ‘Halifax Speedway’ bike ride and a Covea Insurance static bike challenge on October 4, from 1-4pm.

Sky Ride Local rides, promote cycling across the country and the easy going Halifax Speedway ride, suitable for all, will be guided British Cycling ride leaders.

Dan Goodey, from British Cycling, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the legacy of the Tour de France with Ravenscliffe High School.

“Ravenscliffe has a fantastic range of adapted and regular bikes which they loan to participants which means that absolutely anyone can come and join in the fun. Springhall track is the perfect place to get lots of people cycling regardless of age or ability.”

Head teacher Martin Moorman, said: “Everyone is welcome and we hope will want to come along and try out a funky adapted bike and lend their support to a great local cause that will benefit the whole Calderdale community into the future.”

To donate to Ravenscliffe@SpringHall see virginmoneygiving.com/springhall

Get in the saddle at Spring Hall:

On the day of the Big Bike Bash, the community of Calderdale is invited to Spring Hall athletic track for a British Cycling Sky Ride ‘Halifax Speedway’ bike ride and a Covea Insurance static bike challenge on October 4, from 1-4pm.

Sky Ride Local rides, promote cycling across the country and the easy going Halifax Speedway ride, suitable for all, will be guided British Cycling ride leaders.

Dan Goodey, from British Cycling, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the legacy of the Tour de France with Ravenscliffe High School.

“Ravenscliffe has a fantastic range of adapted and regular bikes which they loan to participants which means that absolutely anyone can come and join in the fun. Springhall track is the perfect place to get lots of people cycling regardless of age or ability.”

Head teacher Martin Moorman, said: “Everyone is welcome and we hope will want to come along and try out a funky adapted bike and lend their support to a great local cause that will benefit the whole Calderdale community into the future.”