The Bollington Bikefest is going virtual this year in response to the coronavirus restrictions to raise money for local causes.

In its ninth year, the Bikefest has proved to be a popular event in Bollington and organisers are looking local cyclists to take part in in this new virtual way.

The same three distance categories remain of 20km, 75km or 116km. The difference is that you choose where to cycle over the weekend of 12 September.

The virtual event is being organised by the Macclesfield and District Lions Club in partnership with Bollington Town Council.

With numerous events having to be cancelled as a result of the pandemic, it is hoped the Bikefest will raise much needed funds for local causes.

Alex Price, the President Macclesfield and District Lions Club told Nub News: "Due to the pandemic it is not possible for Macclesfield and District Lions Club to run its regular fundraising activities. The Bollington Bikefest, that it has organised for the past eight events, is no exception.

"We are delighted the Bollington Bikefest can still happen but now on a virtual platform. The Bollington Bikefest generates funds that we use to support local good causes. In the past, these charities have received more than £20000 from cyclists' donations and sponsorship money."

Simon Spurrell, who owns the Cheshire Cheese Company which is sponsoring the event, came on board to help with the organisation after the success of Macclesfield's Virtual 10K in June.

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He said: "My dad is part of the Lions club and they had been holding off and holding off to see if they could run it as an actual event, but it got too close to the time so I just said to him it's not going to happen and you really need to think about something else.

"I said I would be one of the sponsors for it and use the technology from my other company ITG to run it virtually as we did on the virtual 10k."

Much like the virtual 10k running/ walking event, participants in this years Bollington Bikefest can pick their distance out of the three categories and cycle whichever route they find most suitable.

Participants can record their times digitally on their phone or smartwatch and submit it online. Everyone will get a medal for taking part and be entered into a prize draw.

For the competitive among you, the times in each category will also be published online.

To take part you will need to make a donation of £10 to the Lion's club. Mr Spurrell said 100% of the donations will be distributed to local causes and charities in the area.

You can register for the event on the Bollington Bikefest website.