Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Shropshire the setting for Great Big Bike Ride

26 August 2008

The Great Big Bike Ride is all set to kick off in Shropshire this Sunday, 31 August.

With its range of biking trails, the event is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, the event's website reports.

It states that the majority of the 12- and 26-mile routes follow off-road cycling tracks and pass through family-friendly destinations such as Telford Town Park and Ironbridge, offering a range of attractions and refreshments along the way.

However, there are also longer routes of 100 kilometres and 100 miles, which are largely road-based cycling tours taking in impressive aspects of the Shropshire and Telford countryside.

The non-competitive event aims to encourage wider take-up of bike riding as well as to raise funds for Severn Hospice.

Entry to the 12- or 26-mile route is free for under-14s and £10 for adults, while the entry fee for the 100-kilometre and 100-mile biking trails – which are open only to over-18s – is £25.

Meanwhile, Shropshire County Council reports on its website that the area represents ‘wonderful’ horse-riding country, with the various rights of way shown on modern Ordnance Survey maps.

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