Shropshire Star

Musicians to welcome cyclists in Clun event

Cyclists will be met by musical accompaniment when they end a tour south Shropshire – but if they want to take part they only have days to sign up.

Published
Bishop's Castle Community Band getting ready to welcome cyclists on the Tour d'Arts Alive

The Tour d'Arts Alive, a cycling event that tours around village and town venues involved with the Arts Alive initiative, is now in its third year and the closing date for entries is Monday.

Bishop's Castle Community Band will be welcoming cyclists back from the three possible routes at the end of the tour, when it takes place on June 25th.

Arts Alive is an organisation that brings theatre, dance, music, comedy and spoken word, plus films with Flicks in the Sticks, to community venues all over Shropshire and Herefordshire and all money raised helps to keep such events available at local community venues, said Mary Napper-White, Arts Alive administrator.

She said: "Whether you are a Wannabe Wiggo or more of a part time pedaller, whether you ride a Pinarello or a vintage velo, Arts Alive, Flicks in the Sticks and cycling event company Rideventures have combined forces to create a day of cycling, fresh air and fun in the beautiful south Shropshire hills. This will be a friendly event with route options to suit a wide range of cyclists.

"All routes have been carefully designed and ridden by a group of regular south Shropshire riders. We had plenty of compliments for the 2016 course and have made a few tweaks to make them even better. There's also a new 'inbetweener' route for those who want a little bit more than the short option.

"Routes all offer near-car free cycling on quiet lanes with many scenic viewpoints. We're investing in top quality signs to make finding your way even easier and continuing our partnership with British Cycling, who supplied special signs and banners to help the event go smoothly.

"Funding for the charity is tighter than ever, so please join us for a great day out and keep the local professional arts thriving in Shropshire and Herefordshire."

Setting out from Clun Memorial Hall, the three routes include a short 28 mile (44km) route with a stop at Bucknell, the 'inbetweener' 43miles (70km) route with stops at Norbury and Bucknell, and the long 68 mile (110km) route with stops at Priestweston, Stretton and Bucknell.

Entry to all routes is £20, £21 online, and all profits go to support Arts Alive’s programme. Full details of routes and how to enter canbe found at www.tourdartsalive.co.uk.