Cyclists to take on 70 mile ride through Test Valley for heart charity

Heartbeat is joining forces with house builder Barratt David Wilson Homes' Southampton division to host the eighth annual Heartbeat Cycle Sportive event.

The cycling event is set on the scenic Test Valley with two options available for participants - a 70-mile route and a 40-mile route.

Both paths conclude in the pastoral grounds of Embley school in Romsey.

Cycle Sportives are organised long-distance bicycle rides that involve completion of a set route of up to 150 miles.

Cycle event (Image: Supplied)

These events are not just about speed; they aim to test cyclist’s all-round riding skills. The community spirit derived from engaging with a large group of riders is an added bonus.

Scheduled for September 29, the Heartbeat Cycle Sportive route extends from Romsey to Winchester, Stockbridge, and Broughton.

After reaching Broughton, the longer route veers towards Salisbury, while the shorter route takes the riders back to Romsey via East Tytherley.

This year, Barratt Southampton is sponsoring the event. The house builder's partnership with Heartbeat coincides with its selection as its Charity of the Year.

The planned routes will be marked and supervised by Heartbeat's volunteers. Free mechanical support will be available along the routes, courtesy of Giant Southampton.

Hildon water sponsors the en-route refreshments, and a support car is provided by Hendy Motor Group.

Embley Independent Day and Boarding School permit the use of their facilities from the start until the end of the event.

Megan Hamlyn, marketing manager at Barratt Southampton, who will be participating in the ride and is currently in training, said: "This will be my first time taking part in this event, and not to mention the first time I’ve cycled 40 miles! I know several people who have benefited from Heartbeat’s amazing support and I’m really excited to help raise much-needed funds for them."

Tina Richardson, head of operations at Heartbeat, said: "We’re so grateful for the support of the Barratt Homes team. They are even putting our smoothie bike in their reception for promotional purposes, so when people visit their offices they can make a smoothie by pedalling, while helping to raise funds for Heartbeat."