Midnight or Bust is Sue Ryder’s ground-breaking new cycle ride which shakes up the traditional sportive format

Midnight or Bust is Sue Ryder’s ground-breaking new cycle ride which shakes up the traditional sportive format and has received a big thumbs up from pro cyclist Tom Moses.

The event, sponsored by All Terrain Cycles debuts on the evening of 20 June.  Unlike a traditional sportive where the challenge is all about time to do a set distance, this is all about how far you dare go in a set time knowing that your distance won’t be counted if you are not back before midnight.

 

Tom Moses, who recently competed in the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire with the JLT Condor team tackled a ‘test ride’ of Midnight or Bust and after a fantastic performance he is urging people to support the event. Tom said, “The good thing about the challenge is that it’s suitable for cyclists of all abilities, because you can gear it to yourself and choose to go at whatever pace suits you. You don’t have to reach a specific destination.”

 

On his test ride, Tom reached and placed his cable tie on a roadside post at Kidstones Pass – the Cote de Cray climb during stage one of last year’s Tour de France – near Buckden.  He arrived back at Manorlands with less than two minutes to spare.  He said, “It was quite tough but it was four hours of good training and I covered 128 kilometres – it’s as difficult as you want to make it,” he said. “I’m hoping to take part on the night, but it will depend on racing commitments.”

 

For sponsors All Terrain Cycles, this is the latest of a trio of Sue Ryder cycling events that they are involved with.  Managing Director Tony Booth said, “We’ve been supporting the Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge and the Bronte Sportive for many years.  This is the final piece of the jigsaw now as the Bronte Sportive is one of the toughest in the country but this new ride would suit anyone and is as hard as you make it for yourself! There is even a 10pm start time for those who only want to ride for 2 hours.

 

The challenge is dedicated to the memory of Keighley bike enthusiast Frank O’Dwyer, who died earlier this year.  He, together with Manorlands Fundraiser Andrew Wood developed the concept.

 

Andrew said, We’re very excited about the totally new concept. “It’s great that a pro cyclist such as Tom has given the event such a glowing review, we’re very grateful to him for giving up his time to set a standard that others can compare themselves with.”

“Participants will have to take various things into account when deciding how far they dare go – not just how they feel physically, but such things as the wind conditions and whether those will be favourable or against them on the return. And team entrants will have to ride together, so will need to also consider their colleagues.”

 

Entry for teams of four is £60, or £15 for individuals. Participants who can’t attend on the evening can do it at a time of their choice for £10 and send their Strava details into Manorlands to be counted on the results. More information and online entry is available at www.sueryder.org/Midnightorbust