Buzzin’ Brains biking for bursaries

Posted on 14 May 2014

A team of staff members from the University of York are to get on their bikes to raise money to help to make sure the benefits of education are available to all.

The six-strong team, called ‘Buzzin’ Brains, Burnin’ Legs’ will join the YuCycle challenge in June, riding 100 kilometres on Yorkshire’s roads in support of the University’s Bursary Programme which supports students from lower income families.

The YuCycle challenge on Sunday 22 June is organised by the University, York Sport and the University of York Cycle Club under the banner of British Cycling.

‘Buzzin’ Brains, Burnin’ Legs’ is led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts.

He said: “We are determined to do our utmost to make the benefits of an education at York available to as many people as possible, no matter what their background. Through YuCycle we aim to raise funds to enable students from lower income families to get the most out of their time at York, supporting them financially as they undertake their degrees.

“But these are challenging times and, currently, we can only award a bursary to one in every four students who need them. So our team will be pedalling as hard as we can on 22 June and with your help we can ensure that support is there for more students.”

YuCycle offers an on road suite of rides to suit all abilities with riders able to choose a 25km, 50km or a more challenging 100km ride. Starting and finishing at York Sport Village the fully signposted routes visit some picturesque Yorkshire countryside. Participants will have the benefit of free training sessions before the event as well as on-ride support and post-event refreshments kindly provided by our supporters.

On their return, riders will be able to join the YuCycle Family event which will be in full swing at York Sport Village through the afternoon. The event is supported by Cycle Alert which is working with the University, Transdev and City of York Council on improving cycle safety.

Apart from the VC, the team includes Yvonne Geden, Michelle Rowland, Lisa Feasby, Richard Stokes and Dr Jacco Thijssen. To support the team, donate at http://www.justgiving.com/Koen-Lamberts

University of York students and staff who raise sponsorship for the University of York Achieving Excellence Bursary Appeal will have their entry fee refunded, thanks to a generous (and anonymous) staff donor.

Anyone interested in the event can sign up here and then start fundraising through Just Giving. To link your fundraising efforts to the Achieving Excellence Bursary Appeal, go to join our team here and select University of York as the nominated charity. There is no minimum sponsorship required, but any help will ensure that the University meets its target of raising £10,000 to support students in need.

Further information:

YuCycle is for anyone who likes a good ride. Places for the event are limited and riders can find more details and register at www.yorkspace.net/yucycle.