Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank, the three-day celebration of all things Velo on the Isle of Man, is set for a spectacular curtain raiser with its Community Day on Friday 12th May in Ramsey town centre.

The day opens with the Sure School Challenge on the purpose built Street Velodrome with a number of the Island’s primary schools tackling the pop up 40-metre structure in a series of head to heads around the banked track.

The packed day also features Bike for Life, an initiative run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take up cycling and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Bike for Life is ideal for novice and nervous cyclists, those recovering from illness, with special educational needs or disabilities or simply trying to get fitter can try out the sport in a safe environment, free of charge.

The session, which starts at 12 noon and runs until 4pm, is open to everyone and offers the chance for anyone to complete laps around a purpose built 0.3 mile circuit on closed roads in Ramsey town centre.
 
Bike for Life in conjunction with Cycling Projects will provide a number of specially adapted cycles including tandems, trikes, special needs bikes, hand cycles, bikes adapted for wheelchair users, quad bikes and mountain bikes for anyone who wants to have a go.
 
The circuit is then handed over to the ‘Big ride with Rebecca House’ at 6pm with cyclists of all ages and abilities given the chance to ‘put the pedal to the metal’ and experience cycling on a closed road. 

The session is open to anyone by purchasing a ?3 wristband on-line at iomcyclefest.com, or via the wristband kiosk on the day of the event in the Isle of Man Bank branch on Parliament Street on the course itself.

All funds raised from the sale of the wristbands will be donated to Rebecca House’s ?100,000 in 10 months fundraising target, which was launched in February to celebrate the charity’s ten-year anniversary.

Throughout the day the cyclists will be accompanied by the distinctive and unmistakeable sound of brass bands with the Manx Youth Town band playing live before handing over to the Ramsey town band to provide inspiration for the ‘Big Ride’ cyclists.

Many of the town’s shops and caterers will be staying open late to serve weary cyclists and their supporters.

Andrew Cowie J.P. Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners:

“The Commission are delighted to welcome Cyclefest back to Ramsey and are hoping for an even more successful event to build upon the achievements of the first occasion. The whole Ramsey Commissioners team are enthusiastically supporting and helping the Cyclefest organisers to make the event run smoothly and efficiently. We would especially like to welcome the participants in the Community Day, which we believe will extend the appeal of the Cyclefest to a wider audience and make the festival more inclusive, as well as extending a warm welcome to the visitors, artists and competitors who are taking part in the other events. We look forward to a fabulous weekend of entertainment and competitive and exciting contests, and wish all involved with the Cyclefest every success.”

Chris Blatcher, Chairman of Ramsey Chamber of Commerce:

“Ramsey Chamber of Commerce is pleased that in its second year that Cyclefest has increased the events taking place in the centre of Ramsey on its Community Day.  Market Square will be a great setting for the street velodrome. The Bike for Life and Big Ride for Rebecca House on closed roads around the Courthouse will be a great opportunity for those of all abilities to take part in the festival. Ramsey has a wide range of retail, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants, which offer something for every taste as well as plenty of free parking.” 
 
Paul Phillips, Director, Isle of Man Cyclefest Ltd:

“Isle of Man Cyclefest is very much a Ramsey event, and we are delighted to be taking our Community Day into the heart of the town. We have received tremendous support from Ramsey Town Commissioners, Ramsey Chamber of Commerce and the wider Ramsey community from the outset and we are excited to be kicking off the weekends activities with our new look Community Day which offers something for everyone.”