Gym membership lost its novelty? Forget grappling Bridget Jones style with a bike that goes nowhere - the best way to cycle is on the open road, by taking part in the Action 100 Bike Ride in aid of Action Medical Research. Applications have just opened for the 2006 Silver Jubilee Bike ride, which challenges its participants to cycle the 100 miles from Bristol/Bath to London  Whether a keen cyclist, enthusiastic fund-raiser, or just trying to honour New Year’s resolutions, applications are open now to sign up for Britain’s best charity bike ride.

The event is taking place on Sunday 27th August, 2006, and is a great way to enjoy the summer sunshine whilst raising money for one of the country’s most important organisations. In its lifetime, Action Medical Research has contributed to groundbreaking research on migraine, stroke, and epilepsy as well as developing the polio vaccine and the hip replacement. The ride is one of the highlights of the charity’s fundraising calendar, and promises to be a great deal of fun.

Participants don’t need to be keen cyclists to take part, but they do need bags of enthusiasm. The ride has seen sponsored participants from all walks of life in its 25 year history, and the team is hoping to make this year its most successful ever.

Jennifer Reid, Community Fundraising Manager for the South West and Wales, said, “In 2005, 22 research grants were made by the charity. Our contribution to that was over 60 thousand. To be able to contribute so much more from this one event is a real tribute to the organising team, riders and supporters.” Jennifer is keen to recruit 750 riders this year. “Everybody is welcome, whether, like many, you have been touched personally by the work of Action Medical Research, or just want an excuse to get fit and support a good cause.”

The pioneering research funded by the charity resulted, last year alone, in breakthroughs such as finding a link between exercise in early childhood and prevention of osteoporosis; a special diet for children with liver disease; and a lactic acid link to caesareans – the key to preventing some unnecessary caesareans could be linked to cramp.

Application forms are now available online at www.action100ride.org.uk, or by contacting registration officer Roy Clark on (0117) 973 6993.

/ENDS