Cyclists are invited to gather at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit before setting off on Pedal to the Pad, a brand-new fundraising challenge taking place this autumn. The event offers supporters the chance to be among the first to take part in an organised fundraiser from the site ahead of it becoming fully operational.
Taking place on Saturday, 3 October, Pedal to the Pad will see around 50 riders, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew members, cycle between the Charity’s two airbases while raising vital funds to help keep its life-saving service flying.
The ride will begin at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton on Swale, where participants will be among the first members of the public to experience the site before it becomes fully operational. From there, riders will travel across Yorkshire before crossing the finish line at the Charity’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield, linking its future home with its established base. A shorter 30-mile route will also be available, finishing in Malton.
The new Northern Air Support Unit, which is still under construction, will replace the Charity’s long-standing rented base at RAF Topcliffe, providing Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a permanent home in North Yorkshire and helping secure the future of its life-saving operations for generations to come.
Along the route, participants will ride alongside members of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s medical and aviation teams, giving them a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the Charity’s life-saving service while taking on the challenge together. Riders will receive an exclusive Yorkshire Air Ambulance cycling jersey and water bottle, alongside a fully supported event featuring signed routes, staffed checkpoints, refreshments, mechanical assistance and first aid cover.
Those completing the 102-mile route will also have the opportunity to celebrate at Nostell Air Support Unit and, subject to operational availability, have their photograph taken alongside one of the Charity’s helicopters.
Every rider is asked to raise a minimum of £200, with every pound helping to keep Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopters in the air and its expert crews responding to life-threatening emergencies across the region. As an independent charity receiving no direct government funding, the service relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to continue delivering life-saving critical care.
Dr Chris Srinivasan, Doctor at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who will be taking part in Pedal to the Pad, said: “Every time we respond to a patient, we’re able to bring advanced hospital-level care directly to the scene because people across Yorkshire choose to support our Charity. Pedal to the Pad is a brilliant way for people to challenge themselves while seeing another side of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Riders won’t just be cycling through the county we serve, they’ll be travelling between the bases that help us deliver critical care every single day. Knowing that people are willing to push themselves physically to help keep us flying means a huge amount to everyone on our crews.”
Kate James, Events Coordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Pedal to the Pad is a fantastic new addition to our events calendar and we’re incredibly excited to welcome riders to the very first event. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for your next big challenge or someone wanting to take on our shorter route, every mile you ride and every pound you raise will help us continue delivering life-saving critical care to people across Yorkshire.
We hope riders leave with a real sense of achievement, having experienced some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside, met the people behind our service and played their part in helping us be there for patients when they need us most.”
Yorkshire Air Ambulance hopes around 50 cyclists will take part in the new event, with plans for Pedal to the Pad to become an annual fixture in the region’s cycling calendar. Registration for Pedal to the Pad is now open, with entries closing on Thursday 10 September. Entry costs £65 for the 102-mile route and £30 for the 30-mile route. To find out more or book your place, visit www.yaa.org.uk/pedaltothepad.