Why it matters: The event will raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, which provides essential care to over 4,000 people living with progressive or life-limiting illnesses across the region.
The details: The cycle challenge, named "Hop on it!", will begin at St Elizabeth Hospice on Foxhall Road in Ipswich and offer riders a choice of 50 or 75-mile routes through Suffolk.
Sponsored by Associated British Ports, entries for the 50-mile ride cost £37, while the 75-mile ride costs £47.
What they're saying: James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "With excitement building ahead of Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 hitting the streets of Suffolk, we are delighted to announce this unique fundraising cycle ride in support of the hospice.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Suffolk's stunning scenery this summer, as well as enjoying many of the amazing sculptures which make up our region-wide art trail this summer. All while raising funds to support our services, which provide compassionate care to patients and families throughout the local community."
For context: Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 is the hospice's latest art trail, running from 21 June to 29 August. Following previous successful trails - Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk, and The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 - this year's event will feature 33 large decorated hare sculptures across Ipswich.
For the first time, the trail will extend to satellite locations across Suffolk, with a mix of 22 large and small hares in Beccles and Lowestoft, supported by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council as presenting partners.
By the numbers: The hospice's annual services cost approximately £12 million to provide, with 70% of funds being raised through local community support.
The bottom line: For full details and to book your place for the Hop on it! cycle ride, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/get-involved/events/all-events-challenges/hop-on-it/ or learn more about the art trail at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/hoptoitsuffolk/
