THE i360 in Brighton hosted a cycle event in the sky, as a charity launched a new fundraiser.
Two penny-farthings rode around the attraction’s main pod on Thursday, 7 April, to mark the beginning of the Earth, Wind and Tyre fundraiser, organised by Brighton-based energy charity, Renewable World.
Cyclists are invited to take part in the 108-mile trip on Saturday, June 11, either in-person or virtually, to raise money for renewable energy sources for marginalised communities around the world.
Emily Jesshope, the charity’s fundraising and events manager, said at the launch: "The challenge is great fun, raising money for a hugely important cause, and the fundraising will have a great impact on poor communities.
"The virtual challenge is very flexible. The route can be completed in bite-sized chunks so you can adapt to your own cycling ability, and we also have a distance tracking facility to log the number of miles, allowing your sponsors to follow your progress.”
The penny-farthings were ridden around the i360 pod by Neil Laughton and Mark Newman.
Neil set three Guinness World Records for riding a penny-farthing without using his hands, while Mark is a tour guide at the Penny Farthing Club in Brighton.
The main cycle race will take place in Durham, passing through the sites of five onshore wind farms.
CEO of Renewable World, Phil Brown, told 100 guests at Brighton's i360 that he has been “blown away by the passion and quality of his team” working across the world.
"Earth Wind & Tyre is a fantastic event and we are incredibly grateful to all the cyclists who take part and our sponsors,” he said.
"The entrants will be using the energy in their legs, lungs and hearts to pedal the 108 miles and transform lives through the power of renewables
"Access to affordable and reliable energy services is critical in empowering people in very poor areas to lift themselves out of poverty.
"This energy helps to keep homes smoke-free, raise people's income, create time for education, and improve health. Access to clean energy literally can change lives."
The cycling fundraiser been running since 2015, and has so far raised £430,000.
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