The second edition of Tour de Latitude will raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Supported by Latitude and M&S, the tour takes place on the first day of the festival, Thursday 18 July 2013, giving ticketholders the option to cycle from one of three points along the route to the Henham Park site.

The first is in London, a 125 mile ride with an estimated journey time of eight to 12 hours. The second is just under half the distance, in Colchester, with an estimated journey time of three to five hours. The final starting point is in Ipswich, 35 miles from the site, estimated at between two and four hours out.

It’s a scenic journey, with small hills, so all levels and abilities are invited to take part in the tour. The route will be clearly signposted, with bicycle mechanics, guides, emergency response teams and rest stops every 20 miles with refreshments courtesy of M&S.

At the end of the Tour de Latitude, cyclists will be met by a welcome team while their bikes are securely stored for the weekend. There will also be plenty of food and drinks to ensure they are fully refreshed for the weekend. Participants’ bags, transported separately, will be waiting for collection.

As a thank you for the fundraising, riders will receive a ticket upgrade giving them access to the guest area/campsite. They will also get free transport back to their start point where they will be reunited with their bikes, delivered courtesy of Latitude Festival. 

“It was such a joy to see almost 200 people cycling for charity and reducing their carbon footprint on its first edition,” Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, said. “I hope that, with the help of M&S, this exciting bike ride will be a success again in 2013 and will hugely benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity,” 

There is no fee charged to take part in Tour de Latitude. Organisers simply ask for participants to raise at least £150 for the charity. Click here to register: https://www.tourdelatitude.org/