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Merlin riders ready to go
Hundreds of cyclists from all over the UK and Ireland will be saddling up on Sunday July 5 for the annual Merlin Bike Ride.
Riders from as far a afield as Ireland, Essex, North Shields and Devon will be descending on the National Botanic Garden of Wales in the early hours of Sunday morning ready for the start of one of three separate rides.
The Merlin Ride is a sportive ride with three distances: the Druid, at 50 miles; Merlin One = 70 miles; and Merlin Two, 112 miles. All entrants start and finish at the National Botanic Garden.
The event will be launched (at around 7.30am) by Environment Minister Jane Davidson who is taking part in the ‘Druid’ ride.
The event is organised by Peter Jones of County Cycles and Phil Edwards of Merlin Cycles. It is sponsored by Carmarthenshire County Council, Carmarthenshire Local Health Board and the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Phil Edwards said: “This is a non-competitive event. It is an endurance event and represents a personal challenge to the individual taking part.
“The objectives of the Merlin Ride are to promote tourism in the county; showcase the National Botanic Garden; promote health and fitness; and to get the maximum number of people possible to participate in a safe and enjoyable event.
“To that end, we are very grateful to all the volunteers, the people who have helped organise the ride and, especially, the marshals,” said Mr Edwards.
The Garden will be open to participants from 6.30am on the Sunday with toilet facilities available at entrance.
A significant cycle show will be on throughout the day. Check out the latest bikes from: Raleigh, Trek, Dawes, Wilier and Giant. There will also be a display by County Cycles who will be able to supply last-minute cycle equipment.
Owayo specialise in cycle wear, they are sponsoring three jerseys for the event and are also offering 10% discount to all Merlin riders off orders placed before 5 July. To qualify for entry for jerseys competition you must have pre registered for Merlin before 20th June.
Three jerseys are up for grabs:
- First under 18 year old to arrive at first feed station
- First rider over 50years to complete Merlin 112 miles
- Last rider to complete Merlin 112 miles
A list of entrants and full details of the event are available at www.merlincycletours.co.uk
Event organisers will be located in marquee just off Millennium Square, behind restaurant.
The Formal address and opening will take place at the Mirror Pool in front of Great Glasshouse. Riders will then cycle together through gardens to main car park when event timing will start. You will need to ride with caution through gardens.
Return to the gardens is via the trade entrance at rear where we will have a large timing clock. It is your responsibility to note your time.
For visitors, admission to the Garden is £8 for adults, £6.50 for concession and £4 for children. A family ticket (two adults and up to four children) is £19.50.
The Garden is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am-6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
For more info, call the Garden on 01558 668768 or visit www.gardenofwales.org.uk
