Take this unique opportunity to join household names in cycling and a number of celebrities this summer and take part in Pedal with the Parcs, in association with Center Parcs.

It’s often difficult to take the whole family with you when you’re entering a ride but this national event provides the perfect opportunity for all members of the family to get fit and enjoy riding together, whilst raising money for a good cause.

The event launches on the 23rd July 2006 and runs every Sunday until 13th August 2006. On-line registration goes live on April 3rd 2006.

Pedal with the Parcs consists of a series of charity bike rides designed to appeal to all abilities of cyclists.

On four consecutive summer Sundays cyclists will be able to take part in a 50-mile challenge ride or a 10-mile family fun ride in countryside around each of the four Center Parcs villages. All rides will be open to members of the public as well as Center Parcs guests providing the perfect way to get active and enjoy the summer with friends and family.

In addition to the main event, Center Parcs have also created a special team of 6 people who will undertake the ultimate challenge by cycling every one of the four 50-mile challenge rides taking place at each of the Center Parcs villages plus the journey in between each Center Parcs’ location. The team, which will include celebrities and sports professionals, will begin at Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, cycling on to Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, across to Elveden Forest in Suffolk, then finally to Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire – a total of nearly 800 miles!

This unique event is to raise money for SPARKS, the pioneering children’s medical research charity backed by sporting celebrities, and the National Byway, which maintains a 4,000-mile cycle route around Britain, promoting the health and environmental benefits of cycling.

Martin Dalby, the CEO of Center Parcs UK, said: “We are delighted to give our whole-hearted support to Pedal with the Parcs because it embraces many of Center Parcs’ key philosophies. It encourages environmental preservation, exercise, safety and enjoyment – and at the same time it is raising money for very good causes.”

SPARKS President Martin Johnson, CBE, said: “Thank you to Center Parcs for making SPARKS a benefiting charity of Pedal with the Parcs 2006. Every penny raised for SPARKS from the event will go towards giving more babies and young children a winning start in life. And if that helps those tired legs keep pedalling to the very end, I’ll be deeply grateful.”

Pedal with the Parcs will also be supported by Boots, Halfords, Saab and David Lloyd Leisure, Holiday Inn and British Cycling.

From Monday 3rd April 2006 you can register to take part, simply log into www.pedalwiththeparcs.co.uk
Or call 01372 464666.

Keep an eye on the site as we’ll be bringing you more news and updates on the sporting celebrities in the run up to the event.