THE 33rd On your bike for Barnardo’s will take place on Sunday, May 18, and the children’s charity is keen to get people from the Vale in the saddle and cycling to raise funds for the leading children’s charity.

Rachel Madge, event organiser, said: “By joining the Bike Ride and raising funds for Barnardo's Cymru, you can show that you too believe in children and want to give them the opportunities to succeed in life, no matter who they are or what they have been through."

Barnardo’s Cymru runs 107 services across Wales including services for young carers; projects for homeless young people and those leaving care; support for disabled children and their families; fostering and adoption services, and family centres which offer support to parents in crisis.

The bike ride is a 38 mile route through the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. Entry fees will be £12.50 per cyclist and starts at 8am in the morning from the Copthorne Hotel, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff. The well-established route will take you through 38 miles of scenic countryside, including the picturesque villages of Wick and St Brides Major and the coastal roads between Llantwit Major and Rhoose. At the end of the race don’t forget to meet like minded cyclists at The Copthorne Hotel for some food and refreshments.

364 people took part last year and raised over £10,000 for Barnardo’s work in Wales. The event has raised over half a million pounds since it began.

Rachel Madge added: “It is not a race and you don’t have to be super-fit, just pedal along at your own pace or why not raise the challenge a gear and get a team together. All entrants must be over 12 years of age by event day. Please note entrants 12-16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who will take sole responsibility for them for the duration of the bike ride.

“We ask each participant to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship or make an equivalent donation upon registration or post event.”

To find out more about the bike ride, log on now to www.barnardos.org.uk/onyourbike or call 02920 436236 or email events@barnardos.org.uk