Backwards From Buxton For University’s 45 Mile Charity Bike Ride
16 June 2008
Look no hands - Charles Shields demonstrates his unusual talent.
I learned how to do this when I was about 12-years-old and have practised over the years
”Charles Shields, from the University’s Innovation 4 Learning unit
A cyclist riding 45 miles ‘backwards’ and a Reverend on a tandem will join more than 70 entrants for the annual bike ride between the University of Derby’s Buxton and Derby campuses.
The fourth annual charity bike ride is set to raise more than £3,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Last year’s event raised over £2,000 for the Derby Stroke Unit.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne has granted a day’s ‘special leave’ for all staff taking part in the event on Friday 20 June, subject to their manager’s agreement. It is being held during national Bike Week (June 14-22).
Cyclists will set off at 10am from the University’s Devonshire Campus in Buxton and are expected to take around four to five hours to reach its site in Kedleston Road, Derby.
Charles Shields , from the University’s Innovation 4 Learning unit, will ride the route backwards, by sitting on his handlebars facing towards his back wheel and pedalling – very carefully.
He said: “I learned how to do this when I was about 12-years-old and have practised over the years, to the extent that I can even ride a motorbike in the same way.
“I’m only adapting my bike slightly for the task, replacing the saddle with a mirror so I can see where I’m going, but I’m confident I can complete the route.”
Charles will be kept on the straight and narrow by colleagues Terry Fox and Scott Wilson, riding with him.
Also taking part in the ride – on a tandem – will be the Reverend Chris Hodder, the University’s Pastoral Services Co-ordinator and Anglican Chaplain, and Ben Bailey, Senior Assistant Registrar at the Student Support Centre.
James Brown, event organiser and University Transport and Travel Manager, originally came up with the event to encourage more staff and students to cycle into work.
He said: “One of our staff, Tony Walsh (of the University Facilities Team), wasn’t into cycling at all when he did the bike ride last year and raised £700 in sponsorship. He now cycles 18 miles a day, between the University and home, and says he has saved a lot on petrol money.”
Entry for this year’s bike ride for University staff and students has now closed with more than 70 cyclists paying £5 each to take part, a record number for the event.
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For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email: s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
