An annual charity cycling event which has raised more than £4 million to help preserve Norfolk church buildings will return on Saturday 14 September.
Now in its 41st year, the Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride, which last year raised £129,373, invites everyone to get on their bikes and explore Norfolk’s rich heritage. You can also run, walk or drive your chosen route if you don’t wish to cycle.
All money raised is split between the church of choice for the participant and the Norfolk Churches Trust, which was established in 1976 to help protect historic church buildings – including those within the Diocese of Norwich.
This year’s event will be the first opportunity for the Rt Revd Ian Bishop to take part since being ordained as Bishop of Thetford in September 2023. Bishop Ian is planning a route calling at 19 churches between Wymondham and Attleborough.
Discussing the importance of the Bike Ride’s fundraising mission, Bishop Ian said:
“Norfolk Churches Trust do an amazing job helping to care for the hundreds of stunning Churches around the Diocese. Coming into Norfolk last September I have become increasingly grateful for the work the Trust do and I know many of our Churches have benefitted from grants that have helped to preserve the remarkable mission that happens in and around our parishes.”
In addition to the event raising money through sponsorship and donations, several competitions will be run for this year’s participants.
The Lord Lieutenant’s certificate will be awarded to the individual who raises the most money, while a place on a Wall of Fame will be the reward for those who visit the most churches during the 2024 ride.
If you’d like to take part in the bike ride, you can register or find out more by visiting the Norfolk Churches Trust website.
Bishop Ian plans to visit 19 churches, starting at Wymondham Abbey at 9am on Saturday 14th September, stopping for lunch in Hingham. Distance is approximately 25km. The aim is to get a train back to Wymondham for those who wish to.
If you’d like to cycle with Bishop Ian, please let him know in advance. Email bishop.thetford@dioceseofnorwich.org Or if you’d like to support his ride by giving, his justgiving page is here: Ian Bishop is fundraising for Norfolk Churches Trust (justgiving.com)