The Foundation Rides may, in the great scheme of things, be a small event (with 100s rather than 1000s of riders) but, as we all know, good things can come in small packages. 

June 21st will see the third running of the Foundation Rides from Crewe in Cheshire. These rides are the main annual fundraising event for the Up and Under Foundation – a Cheshire based charity that supports disadvantaged youngsters to take part in adventurous activities. All profits from the ride go to the charity, and in 2014 over £6,000 was raised from a combination of entry fees, sponsorship, donations and a spectacular prize draw.  

There are three lovely routes to choose from, ranging from 50-160km, offering something for everyone. The rides are audax-style and include free refreshments at the end and a certificate for all finishers.

There are trophies up for grabs for the riders raising the most money for the Up and Under Foundation and last year’s winners included Simon Walker and Rob Hughes, and in the corporate category, Hewden.

Foundation Ride (50km/ 30m)

The Foundation Ride, being the shortest, is the latest to start – at a very leisurely 9:30 – so if you like a Sunday lie-in, this might be the event for you.  The route is pretty flat and potters around the Cheshire lanes, taking in Audlem, Wrenbury and Nantwich. There are a couple of café possibilities in Audlem if you fancy a cuppa part-way round, and of course, refreshments at the end.

Good Stuff (100km/ 60m)

The Good Stuff is a bit longer and bit hillier and starts a bit earlier (9:00). It heads off in the same direction as the Foundation Ride, but at Wrenbury the routes diverge as you head towards Malpas and almost into Wales. The route offers a choice of two possible cafés (Old Ma’s or the Ice Cream Farm) about three-quarters of the way round. The scenery is fabulous and none of the hills are too hard.

Tough Stuff (160km/ 100m)

As might be expected from the name, this is longer, hiller and kicks off earlier (8:00) than the other two options – but the scenery and sense of achievement should more than make up for the pain! The route takes in the gentle Cheshire lanes before heading whole-heartedly into Wales to Llangollen (via the Panorama) and up and over the Horseshoe Pass, before turning back towards Cheshire and the finish at Up and Under HQ.

For more information and to enter visit www.foundationrides.co.uk.