Rugby League Cares has today launched a search for five Rugby League fans who have what it takes to complete one of the sport’s greatest adventures: the 2018 UK Red Ride to Wembley.
As community clubs prepare to enter the first round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup this weekend (January 27-28), RL Cares is pleased to announce that it will once again be taking the scenic route to the Wembley showcase final with a 300-mile off-road cycle challenge.
The inaugural ride from Leeds to Wembley in 2017 raised over £20,000 for the charity and this year the ride will feature five lucky fans who will cycle alongside Rugby League legends, sponsors and RL Cares staff on an epic route from Manchester to the national stadium.
Setting out from the North West on Monday August 20, the UK Red Ride to Wembley will head south through the beautiful Peak District national park, avoiding roads whenever and wherever possible on a picturesque route to Wembley.
Riders will stay in hotels en route throughout the week before arriving at the Wembley legends statue on the afternoon of Friday August 24 and staying overnight to take in the 2018 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final.
The ride once again has UK Red Security and Fire as its title sponsor and RL Cares is inviting offers of interest from other companies who would like to become an associate sponsor of this fabulous event.
Chris Rostron, the Head of Rugby League Cares who was one of 12 riders who completed the UK Red Ride to Wembley in 2017, said: “Last year’s ride was a huge success, both in terms of the money we raised for the charity and the fantastic time everyone involved had throughout the week.
“We are delighted that UK Red have agreed to be title sponsors for the second year and have been blown away by the approaches we’ve received from some real Rugby League legends who want to give up their time to ride with us in 2018.
“Because the ride creates so many great memories, we want to give fans the opportunity to cycle alongside their heroes and help us raise the profile of the charity, as well as do some important fundraising at the same time.”
Kevin Walton, the Managing Director of UK Red Security and Fire who also completed the 2017 route alongside colleague Dean Jettison, said the Leeds-based company were delighted to be involved again.
“UK Red were privileged to be able to cycle to Wembley from the Rugby League heartland and raise money for a charity which does so much good in the sport,” said Kevin.
“What’s more, we raised the profile of our company and had a whale of a time doing the ride, creating memories that will last forever.”
Participation on the Ride to Wembley for Rugby League Cares will be by invitation only: members of the public who would like to take part must guarantee to raise a minimum of £2,000 in sponsorship for the charity.
Hotel accommodation en route and most meals are provided: Trek mountain bikes are available to borrow by prior arrangement. Riders do not have to be experienced cyclists but must have a reasonable level of fitness and an ability to laugh!
Last year’s associate sponsors included Halfords, Infinity Works, Yorkshire Boilers, NL Van, Truck and Car Hire, Oddballs, Environmental Services Design, All Sport Insurance and Club Doncaster Foundation.
If you would like to become involved in the Ride to Wembley, as an associate sponsor or rider – or both! – please contact Chris Rostron at chris.rostron@rlcares.org.uk
