Covid-19 Update

Last Updated: 20:00 – 10/03/2021

Since the Government’s announcement two weeks ago, Bike the UK for MS staff, and the Board of Trustees have been reviewing the roadmap with regards to our May challenges. Our focus has been on ensuring the health and safety of you as cyclists, that of the local/MS communities we visit on route, as well as the experience we wish for you to have on the trip.

With the Government’s proposed steps to ease lockdown restrictions, the Board of Trustees have voted to reluctantly postpone the May Sea to Sea until August 21-23rd and the North Coast 500 until September 4-11th.

We have all learnt over the past 12 months that even the best laid plans have been challenged by the pandemic. The likelihood of delays to the roadmap and the close proximity of the original dates with the proposed introduction of Step 3 mean that even the slightest change could result in a last minute postponement. 

All our staff and board members are BTUKFMS alumni and know first hand how much preparation is required as a rider. We don’t want to see your efforts wasted and hope that this early postponement allows you ample time to prepare physically, with your training, logistically, with travel arrangements, and mentally, to feel comfortable returning to a group environment.

Our Concerns

Our Covid concerns are not related to the cycling itself, but the time spent off the bike. Our feedback from alumni has shown how important the team’s camaraderie is and how the highlights of the trip are often time spent as a team or with the MS Society. With the continued vaccine roll out, we believe that August and September will provide a better chance to safely meet each other as well as the local MS groups on route that your hard earned fundraising will support!

We want you to enjoy the event without fear for your health and that of your family when you return home. With the proposed restrictions in place, we feel we would not be able to deliver the amazing experience you deserve whilst implementing the required social distancing measures.

Please believe us when we say we are desperate to get back out on the road together, but we also want this to be the incredible experience we promised. As frustrating as this postponement is for us all, we know it is for the right reasons.

Thank you again for your continued patience and support of the fight against MS. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please be in touch – info@biketheukforms.org or call/text 07854 620166.

Bike the UK for MS Team.

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