Great North Air Ambulance Service

A CHARITY bike ride with routes to suit different abilities is taking place in July to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

The GYRO, which stands for GNAAS Yearly Ride Out, is happening on 9 July and starts and ends at GNAAS’ headquarters on Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS16 0QB.

The non-competitive cycling event offers three incredible routes to choose from. The Classic 60-mile route, GYRO 60, will provide anyone, from beginners to experienced cyclists, with a great ride taking in the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire hills.

For those who want to push themselves a bit more, the GYRO 90 is a 90-mile route that includes the challenging Buttertubs Pass, which is rated 49 in the top 100 climbs.

There is also the option of the GYRO 30, a 30-mile ride around the North Yorkshire countryside.

Tracey Wright, events lead for GNAAS, said: “We’re thrilled to host the GYRO again after first running the event in 2019. We have three great routes to choose from which promise spectacular views of the North of England and a big climb for those brave enough to tackle the 90-mile route.

“It’s not competitive, just a lovely day out on your bike, and everyone who completes their ride will be awarded their own GYRO medal at the finish line.”

To take part you must be age 12 and over and training is recommended for all cyclists as the rides will take place on open roads.

Participants don’t need a specific bike, any is allowed including electric bikes, and everyone must wear a helmet.

There will be feed stops on all the routes and an event mechanic and medical team on hand to help any cyclists.

Entry fee is between £20-35 depending on the route you choose and there is no minimum sponsorship for the event.

Mrs Wright added: “Fundraising events like the GYRO help to keep our charity operational and ensure our critical care team can respond to the most severely ill and injured people across the region.

“After paying the entry fee, there is no pressure to raise additional funds, however if you would like to fundraise, we can send fundraising information and sponsorship sheets to help reach your sponsorship target.”

To find out more and sign up visit: https://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/support-us/fundraising-events/the-gyro/

About GNAAS

• The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is a charitably funded air ambulance service which provides life-saving care throughout the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Isle of Man.
  
• They operate two helicopters 365 days a year and also operate a night-time service in the North East and Cumbria on rapid response vehicles.
  
  
• The aircraft cover an area of more than 8,000 square miles and on board are specialist doctors and paramedics who effectively bring the hospital to the patient.
  
  
• The level of skill and expertise of the on-board team mean they respond to the most critically ill and injured people, giving them the best chance of survival.
  
  
• GNAAS is a progressive organisation which has pioneered pre-hospital care in the region.
  
• The latest techniques, equipment and drugs are constantly being evaluated to ensure the charity can provide the best care possible for their patients.
  
  
• 2022 marked the service providing 20 years of life-saving care. Throughout this time, they have responded to more than 23,500 incidents across the region, with road traffic collisions being the most frequent type of incident responded to by the team.
  
  
• They do not receive Government funding and must therefore raise £7.7m a year through public donations to remain operational.

For more information visit: https://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/ or follow @gnairambulance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok