A TEAM of volunteers will be riding a sixteen-seater bicycle from Ipswich Hospital to Shotley this weekend in aid of charity.

Naomi Cassidy

A TEAM of volunteers will be riding a sixteen-seater bicycle from Ipswich Hospital to Shotley this weekend in aid of charity.

As many spectators as possible are encouraged to take to the streets on Saturday to support the event, which has been organised by the 24th Ipswich Scout Group to raise money for The East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Special Care Baby Unit at Ipswich Hospital.

The Big Bike Ride will begin at 10.30am and follow a route through town towards The Bristol Arms pub in Shotley.

People are invited to watch and cheer as the bike heads past Woodbridge Road East and Spring Road, and through to Freston Hill, Chelmondiston, finishing in Shotley.

The riders are happy to accept donations at the rest stops (Tower Ramparts, The Oyster Reach pub, The Boot at Freston, The Red Lion at Chelmondiston and The Rose in Shotley), but not while they are riding. There will be a number of other cyclists on individual bikes too.

Stewart Bethell, group leader of the 24th Ipswich Scout Group, said: “The Big Bike is expected to arrive from approximately 3.15pm. We invite you all to come and see the big bike and support the team as they ride down the last hill to the finish.

“Our aim is to raise vital funds for local charities and to raise awareness that scouting is not just for young people, but adults too. “We aim to recruit more adults into supporting young people in the Ipswich area, either directly with scouting or along with other agencies.”

Following the ride, The Bristol Arms is hosting a barbeque and will also be holding a karaoke evening from 7pm, which will include a prize draw.

For more information or to donate a prize for the draw, call 07887 534541.

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