On Sunday 22 September super endurance cyclist Gina Cleere from Basildon will be cycling 166 miles across the county in one day, visiting 9 of Essex Wildlife Trust’s visitor centres in order to celebrate the Trust’s 60th anniversary year and to raise awareness of the need to protect wildlife and wild places in Essex.
Gina started cycling in 2014 and quickly developed a passion for it, becoming a super endurance cyclist; to date, she has cycled in excess of 65,000 miles and has competed in six 24 hour events.
Gina Cleere says “I’m really pleased and excited to be embarking on this special challenge for Essex Wildlife Trust. Having previously worked on an Essex nature reserve, I know how important it is to protect nature now and for future generations.”
In just one day Gina will be cycling 166 miles, climbing 6,200 feet and visiting 9 Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centres – covering Southend all the way up to Colchester, Tendring and the far tip of The Naze then back around Abberton and Hanningfield Reservoirs, finishing at Belfairs Woodland Centre.
To join in the celebration, Essex Wildlife Trust’s Belfairs Woodland Centre is hosting the Belfairs Cycling Festival in collaboration with Forward Motion, Cycle Southend and Southend Borough Council. The event is free to attend from 12pm – 5pm, where children will be able to have a go on a balance bike or cycle around a pop-up wooden bike track. There will also be a guided nature ride for adults and children through the nature reserve and a cream tea and lunch available in the centre. Gina will be aiming to finish by 4.30pm at Belfairs Woodland Centre so you will be able to welcome her back.
Gina aims to raise money for Essex Wildlife Trust to help support the wildlife conservation charity, any donations to the challenge will be helping to protect the wildlife and wild places in Essex.
To find out more and donate to the challenge visit: www.essexwt.org.uk/fundraising-events/cycling
