Events

We are delighted to announce details of our SEVENTH annual event – the Heald Solicitors Extra Mile Loire Challenge 2009.

Teams of four will cycle in relay on 25, 26 and 27 September 2009 some 500 miles from Rouen in North-West France via overnight stops at Le Mans and Amboise. The final day will be a circular tour of the beautiful Loire Valley region, finishing back at Amboise. There will be the usual end-of-Challenge gala dinner in the evening of Sunday 27 September.

Preston Ayres, Extra Mile Trustee says “This promises to be an exceptional Challenge, passing through mixed terrain with something for everyone, of whatever ability. Cycling down the Mulsanne Straight and around the Arnage Corner on the Le Mans race circuit, passing spectacular chateaux and taking in some breathtaking countryside, the route will have plenty of highlights.”

Martin Banham-Hall, Chairman of Extra Mile Trustees and Senior Partner of Heald Solicitors says “I’m delighted my firm is once again able to support the Loire Challenge financially. Despite dramatic increases in hotel and meal costs due to the falling value of sterling, we have kept the entry fee as low as we can. You don’t have to be an athlete to take part – anyone can do it, with suitable preparation.”

After two years with no increase, this year’s entry fee of £1,196 per team remains under £300 per person. Thanks to commercial sponsorship from Heald Solicitors, and to Extra Mile Challenges’ volunteer force – there are no paid staff – the fee charged is below the actual cost of cross-channel travel, 4 nights’ hotel bed and breakfast, and 3 nights’ dinner (including the gala celebration) which are all included in the price.

Our FAQs and [Safety and Welfare guidelines] are packed with useful information on what’s involved and how to set about taking part.

Extra Mile Challenges trustee Rob Oakley adds “This year we’ve made it even easier to reserve a place. A simplified Reservation Form and a deposit of £150 are all that’s required to secure your team’s entry. However, entries are limited and will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.”

Two-thirds of the funds raised by each team (minimum £1,200) will be paid to a charity chosen by the team itself. The rest is shared between charities selected by the organisers. This year they are MK SNAP, The Prostate Cancer Charity, RNLI and Rotary charities. Go to our Charities page for further details.

Download the Loire Challenge brochure – why not pass this to friends who might be interested in entering a team?

Download a Team Reservation Form.

Download a Loire Challenge Sponsorship Form.

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