Update 3/29/16 – The final Cycle the Solway event will take place on July 17 in Cumbria, England, with proceeds benefiting Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. The sixth annual charity bike ride will offer four routes ranging from 10 to 100 kilometers. Although last year’s event, hosted by Scott Self Storage, was supposed to be the final ride, the sudden death of organizer Ian Dixon two days before the event prompted the storage business to push for one more year.

“Last year’s Cycle the Solway was tinged with the sadness following Ian’s untimely death two days before the event. However, in spite of the tragedy, due to Ian’s thorough preparations, the event was a huge success and raised an amazing amount of money for the hospice,” Scott told the source. “We wish to take the opportunity to thank all those who took part, donated or helped with the event. We intended last year’s event to be our final event, but due to the circumstances, we decided to organize this year’s Cycle the Solway in memory of Ian.”

The 10- and 20-kilometer rides will take participants through Carlisle, England, from Great Orton to Watchtree Nature Reserve. Both offer flat courses suitable for children and inexperienced cyclists, the source reported. The 50- and 100-kilometer routes will be more challenging, taking cyclists along the Solway Coast and a portion of the course used for last year’s Tour of Britain.

Last year’s event raised more than £16,000, including £2,000 donated in memory of Dixon. More than 250 cyclists participated. Since 2011, the charity ride has raised more than £50,000 to support adults and children with life-limiting illnesses.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.

3/30/15 – The fifth annual Cycle the Solway will take place on July 12 in North Cumbria, England. Registration and additional money raised from the event will benefit Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. This year’s event will include a family-friendly 10-kilometer route for the first time as well as 50- and 100-kilometer paths. All of the courses will begin and end at the Border Reiver Inn in Carlisle, England.

“This year we are introducing a shorter family ride with a difference. The ride will be fully marshalled, with a feed station and, hopefully, some children’s entertainment en route,” Scott told the source.

The longer routes have been changed based on feedback from last year’s participants, Scott said. “I am assured that the sun will be shining, the wind will be a slight South Westerly, and the tide will be present. We therefore anticipate ideal conditions for a pleasant and scenic ride.”

Event registration is £7.50 for children ages 10 to 16 years and £15 for adults for the 10-kilometer path, and £28 for the 50- and 100-kilometer courses. There is also a family price of £40 (two adults and two children) as well as special pricing for “fantastic fundraisers” of £75 and club-entry of £100.

Since 2011, the event has drawn hundreds of cyclist and raised more than £35,000 to support adults and children with life-limiting illnesses.

4/10/2014 – Scott Self Storage in Carlisle, Cumbria, England, is organizing a charity bike ride on July 13 to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice, which provides nursing and medical care for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses. The fourth annual Cycle the Solway includes 25-, 50- and 100-kilometer paths for cyclists of all abilities along bike-friendly and coastal areas. All three courses begin and end at the Border Reiver Inn on Holmrook Road in Carlisle.

The 25-kilometer route is described as a family-friendly, flat-surface ride, according to event organizers. The 100- kilometer course passes through the cities of Allonby, Kirkbride and Silloth. Refreshments will be provided prior to the race and again at the finish line. In addition, three en-route feed stations will be available.

“This is an opportunity to raise money for a really worthwhile cause and have an enjoyable day out at the same time,” Stephen Scott, managing director of Scott Self Storage, told the source.

Event registration is £20 for the 25-kilometer route, and £28 for the 50- and 100-kilometer courses. There is also a family and club-entry price of £70 and £100, respectively.

Originally created as a team-building exercise in 2011, Cycle the Solway evolved into a charity event after employees shared their cycling plans with friends and colleagues. The team dedicated the funds to Eden Valley Hospice in honor of Stephen and Jacqui Scott’s daughter, who was killed in a 1999 car accident.

The first ride included a 25- and 50-kilometer route, drew 64 riders, and raised £4,200. The 2012 ride introduced the 100-kilometer course and drew 128 cyclists, who raised £8,400. Last year’s event raised £14,500 for the charity and included 202 riders.

In addition to self-storage services, Scott Self Storage offers mobile-storage, warehouse and bulk storage, commercial units, and office space at its two facilities.

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