Cyclists of all ages and abilities are gearing up for the return of the hugely popular Farnham Charity Bike Ride on Sunday, July 2, marking the event’s 15th anniversary.

Organised jointly by Farnham Round Table and St Andrew’s Infant School PTA, the ride will feature four circular routes spanning 16, 25, 50, and 75 miles, taking riders through the picturesque Surrey and Hampshire countryside.

Starting and ending in Farnham’s historic Castle Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day, participants will explore charming villages, conquer challenging hills, and discover hidden gems along minor country roads.

Eager cyclists were out in force in Farnham for annual charity bike ride

The Farnham Charity Bike Ride is a family-friendly event, with tickets priced from £26 to £36 for over-16s. Children aged under-16 will go free when accompanied by a fee-paying adult. Moreover, all finishers will receive a medal.

Safety is paramount, and organisers will be enforcing a strict ‘no helmet, no ride’ policy. Mechanical and emergency support will be available at the start/finish area and along the route, which will be closely marshalled to ensure riders stay on track.

Refreshment points will also be available along the route, providing free drinks and snacks to keep riders fuelled throughout the day.

This year’s official charity partner is the Royal Surrey Charity’s Cancer and Surgical Innovation Campaign, which will be entering a team and fundraising on the day.

Robin Legge, head of fundraising for the Royal Surrey Charity, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as a charity partner for Farnham Bike Ride and to be a part of this fantastic community event. We’re excited to enter a team into the challenge, to help raise vital funds for our Cancer and Surgical Innovation Campaign. There are charity places available so please get in touch if you want to sign up and help transform healthcare.”

All smiles at the Farnham Charity Bike Ride
All smiles at the Farnham Charity Bike Ride (Tindle)

The Farnham Charity Bike Ride is also delighted to have the support of gold sponsors EchoMed, which offers rapid access to cardiac experts and state-of-the-art diagnostics from its clinic in Carlton Yard, Farnham, as well as silver sponsors Crest Nicholson, and bronze sponsors the Farnham Herald.

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson, the developer of Farnham’s soon-to-open Brightwells Yard development, said: “We recognise the crucial role charities undertake in the local community and are delighted to sponsor the Farnham Charity Bike Ride this year alongside our wider charitable donations. The bike ride is a great opportunity to help raise money for charity and to get some physical activity in for a good cause too. Good luck to all involved!”

The Farnham Charity Bike Ride typically attracts more than 800 riders every year, ranging from young children in bucket seats on the 16-mile route to club cyclists challenging themselves on the 75-mile sportive. 

It raises thousands of pounds every year for St Andrew’s Infant School PTA and the good causes supported by Farnham Round Table, while participants are also encouraged to raise funds for the charities they care about.

Proceeds from the charity bike ride are split between St Andrew’s Infant School in Farnham and Farnham Round Table (PHOTO: JACOBA MURRAY)

Nigel Davison, chairman of Farnham Round Table said: “We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Farnham Charity Bike Ride will be supporting the Royal Surrey Charity’s new cancer centre and surgical innovation centre. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Crest Nicholson and the Farnham Herald for their generous support as sponsors of this year’s event. With their help, we can make this year’s ride the best one yet!”

Register now for the Farnham Charity Bike Ride online at https://farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/farnham-charity-bike-ride/