Beacon Hill Community Bike Club was formed in 2010 for school children in Aspatria and has grown ever since, recently extending its intake to school children in Silloth. The purpose of the club is to provide cultural, enrichment and sporting opportunities for those involved. Each year all members undergo an initial eight week skills and maintenance course before club rides begin in the spring. In the summer term members train for and take part in a multi-day cycle challenge. These challenges have included the Coast2Coast, Sea2Summit Adventure, international challenges cycling from Rotterdam to Dunkirk and a 160 mile WW1 centenary ride in France and a 200 mile Challenge Normandy which saw students cycle from D-Day Beach landing sites to Mont St. Michel via the US Cemetery at Omaha, The Bayeux Tapestry and William the Conqueror's castle. This year we plan to take on our biggest challenge yet, a 300 mile ride from the leaning tower of Pisa to the Coliseum in Rome.

What we'll deliver:

• Cultural Exchange
• Community
• Learning outside the Classroom

Why it's a great idea:

Inclusion Bike club is more than just a sporting club, in addition it has served as an excellent tool for inclusion. The students being targeted have had few opportunities to travel. Many have never left the UK. For some the Coast2Coast ride was the furthest they had ever been from home. Even visiting a city is a huge experience – never mind foreign countries. Pupils that take part in these challenges often have life changing opportunities. The club has benefitted and is open to an entire range of young people- from the stronger older boys to the smaller younger girls, disadvantaged students and those with learning difficulties and physical difficulties. Everyone plays a vital role! Every year the student who has attained the highest at GCSE level in the local school is one who has previously taken part in the Bike Challenge - having worked hard, overcome extreme difficulties, committed and seen a challenge through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTx6BmiGPfA&t=2s

Steps to get it done:

• Training Rides - all team members regularly taking part
• Recce funded, planned, completed and acted upon
• Full Day Practice Ride completed by all
• Support Vechicle and Maintenance Team in place
• Accommodation booked, paid and confirmed
• Team fitness levels are appropriate for Challenge by mid-July

Community As the challenges have become more ambitious the cost has significantly increased. Local businesses have supported us with equipment, raffle prizes and sponsorship; all of which has been raised as a result of our members venturing into the community and developing relationships. Local police have also regularly joined the bike club for training rides which has been extremely helpful in breaking down barriers and developing positive relationships which benefit both the pupils and the wider community. Bike Club serves as a platform and allows members to grow into valued member s of local communities.