In a quest to make svelte fundraising cyclists out of chocoholics, Easter egg aficionados are being urged to leap off the settee. For those who have piled on the pounds this Bank Holiday, the Action 100 Bike Ride in aid of pioneering charity Action Medical Research, provides the perfect incentive to get fit and raise money.

It takes roughly 15 minutes of cycling to burn 100 calories, or in chocolate units, about three after-dinner mints.

For those who’ve been on the Easter eggs, the 100 mile ride may seem like a mammoth challenge, but it is one that was heartily embraced by over 500 riders of all shapes and sizes last summer.

The ride, which celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year, is taking place on Sunday 27th August and covers a scenic route from Bristol/Bath to London. Money raised will fund a variety of medical research projects, including the charity’s Touching Tiny Lives campaign, designed to improve the lives of vulnerable babies like the premature. In 2005 the ride made over £62,000 for a range of research projects up and down the country.

“Having pioneered the polio vaccine, the hip replacement, and the use of ultrasound in pregnancy, this charity has truly transformed everyday life,” said Jennifer Reid, Action Medical Research Community Fundraising Manager for Wales and the Southwest. “Participants come in all shapes and sizes, young and old, experienced riders and those who haven’t ridden since childhood. It’s an incredible challenge to undertake and a great buzz when you succeed.”

For more information about the event, see www.action100.org.uk or contact the Registration Officer, Roy Clark at (0117) 973 6993.

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