What is it?
On Your Bike is open to everyone, regardless of ability, as it's a ride, not a race! This is a fun and relaxed way to enjoy cycling round the quieter roads of Oxfordshire whilst raising money for charity.
Everyone cycles at their own speed or alongside their friends and families.You choose: 6, 12 or 20 miles. There is also a supervised playground cycle for youngsters (an accompanying adult needs to remain throughout) who are still a bit wobbly on their wheels.
One hundred percent of all entry fees are shared between Sonning Common Primary School PTA and chosen local charities. For 2024, our chosen charities are Sonning Common First Responders and Sport in Mind.
The idea to create an enjoyable ride, which whole families could achieve, came about in 2006. The ambition was not only to explore the local countryside and have fun, but to promote the benefits of healthy activity and positive fitness.
The first On Your Bike in 2007 was organised with just 4 months planning and no resources, thanks to some amazing volunteers, help from the local health centre and enthusiastic local businesses.
Hundreds of people turned up to cycle on the day and the feedback was so positive, On Your Bike has evolved into a highly popular, annual community event. Whatever the weather (we’ve pedalled in sunshine and rain) there are always hundreds of people, from all generations, waiting with joyful anticipation at the start line.
Key principles
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The ride is affordable and accessible to all and is not a race.
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It is staged on a weekend day, ideally in Spring but could also be early summer or autumn.
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100% of the entry fees charged goes to the charities.
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Each year a charity is nominated to receive a percentage of the monies raised, the balance going to the school PTA (also a charity).
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The event is funded entirely through donations, sponsorship and volunteer support.
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The event is organised and staged by a sub-group of the PTA and volunteers within the community.
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The route ideally starts and finishes at school and uses quiet roads avoiding busy routes and junctions. It is fully marked and marshalled on all key junctions. It is pre-checked by local police. Route options offer a simpler, shorter route for younger cyclists and a longer more challenging option for those more experienced. Ideally routes interconnect. If possible, a supervised playground cycle enables those on stabilisers to practise safely.
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A half way point offers refreshments to riders.
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All under 16s are under the supervision of an adult.
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First aid, bike recovering and technical support to be in place.
