ONE DAY.
ONE NIGHT.
ONE EPIC CHALLENGE.

In aid of:

22–23 August 2026

Salt Ayre Track, Doris Henderson Way, Lancaster, LA1 5JS

On 22–23 August 2026, people from across Lancaster and beyond will come together at Salt Ayre Track for Ride for Hope, a 24-hour charity cycle ride in support of St John’s Hospice, Lancaster and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.

Target

We’re aiming to raise £18,000 for two charities that provide care, support and hope to people when they need it most. Every donation, no matter the size, will help make a difference.

How

Over 24 hours, riders will work together to complete 18,000 laps of the Salt Ayre cycle track, equal to the 18,000-mile cycle journey around the world. Some people will ride for a few laps, some for a few hours and some through the night. There’s even a time trial. Together, we’re hoping to achieve something special.

Timetable of the 24 hours

Track sessions

10:00 – 12:00	Cog Set club session
12:00 – 16:00	Open session for all, corporate teams, all inclusive
16:00 – 18:00	Time trial (Lancaster Cycling Club Bob Muir championship)
18:00 – 20:30 (Sunset)	Open session for all, corporate teams, all inclusive
20:30 – 06:00 (Ride through the night)	Clubs, groups and individual riders to take on parts of riding through the night (not open to 5-11 years, and 12-15 years must have an adult track side)
06:00 – 08:00	Picking up the pace: Early riser’s chain gang sunrise ride
08:00 – 10:00	Cool down ride session for all and final laps/finale
10:00 onwards	Celebrations and thank you’s

Track side sessions

10:00 – 20:30 (22nd)
08:00 – 10:00 (23rd)

Static bikes

Further information

Information for riders

Anyone with a bike (and a helmet) can join in this event on the cycle track. However, we will also have static bikes at the event for anyone who’s uncertain of cycling on the track.

Under 18 rider rules:
5–11 years must have an adult track side and can’t ride between 20:30 and 06:00.
12–15 years can ride without an adult present, apart from 20:30-06:00 where they must have an adult track side.
16–17 years can ride independently.
When buying a ticket for the event you will need to sign a disclaimer to ride.

All riders will need to sign on and sign out at the registration desk.
Read our health commitment statement.

Memorial rides

We encourage anyone wanting to complete miles in memory of loved ones to get involved.

Picking up the pace

We’re asking local Lancashire and South Lakes clubs, cycle groups and individual confident riders to take on the challenge of cycling through the night or the early morning chain gang – to pack in as many miles as they can.

20:30-06:00 – Riders need to be over the age of 16 to ride independently through the night. Anyone aged 12 and over must have a parent/responsible adult on the side of the track for the duration.

Fundraising

In order to raise funds there will be a £10 entry fee per rider (£5 for under-18s). Although not compulsory to raise funds on top of your ride fee, we’d appreciate any additional fundraising to raise as much money for these important charities and get us as close as we can to our £18,000 target.

DONATE

You are encouraged to collect your own sponsorship and donations by sharing the link to our GiveWheel page (the make a donation option can be found at the bottom of the Tickets/Donate section).

Alternatively, you can download our Ride for Hope sponsorship form and use the donate link to transfer your collected sponsorship funds.

We’d love it if you could donate, sponsor a rider or simply share our page.

Let’s make every mile count.

FAQs

Can I sign up on the day?

Yes, but ideally we would like you to buy a ticket prior to the event on GiveWheel.

How do I pay to enter?

You buy a ticket on the GiveWheel site.

Can I fundraise as well as buying a ticket to ride?

Yes please, if you could send/share the donation link with all your friends and family we can try to smash our target. Donations will close a week after the event.

Can I choose the time?

Please look at the above timetable for the best time for you to ride. The only restriction is on the organised Cog Set session 10:00 – 12:00 and the time trial 16:00-18:00.

Please also see the age restrictions, 5 – 11 years must have an adult track side and can’t ride between 20:30 and 06:00.
12 – 15 years can ride without adult present, apart from 20:30 – 06:00 where they must have an adult track side.
16 – 17 years can ride independently.

Do I need to be part of a club?

No, as long as you have a bike (and a helmet) you can join in. Or join in on one of the static bikes.

Do I need a helmet?

Yes you need to have a helmet to ride. However we will have a small selection of spare helmets on the day.

Do I have to cycle on the track?

No, on the day there will be a range of accessible bikes, plus static bikes for those not confident to ride on the track, but who want to do the miles.

Can I use an e-bike?

E-bikes are permittable, but only if they are restricted to the legal limit of no more than 15mph.

I’m away on this date, can I still take part?

Yes, for anyone not able to make this date do not fear. Please buy a ticket, ride your miles and forward an acknowledgement email to rideforhope2026@gmail.com with your distance covered to log your miles. Donations will close a week after the event.

Can I volunteer?

The success of this event relies upon us having volunteers. There’s plenty of opportunities to get involved and help us run this event – if you have a few hours spare to help, particularly marshalling please email rideforhope2026@gmail.com.

Can I donate a raffle prize?

Yes please, we’d love if you could help us out with any fantastic raffle prizes. Please email rideforhope2026@gmail.com. The raffle will be drawn on Sunday morning after riding finishes at 10am.

What about refreshments?

Refreshments will be provided to purchase on the Saturday day and evening, also Sunday morning. Through the night there will be access to water and it is advisable to bring your own fuelling food.

For more information on our chosen charities please visit: