UniSpace, part of the University of Sunderland, will open its facilities to support this year’s ‘BIG Bike Ride’ in Sunderland on May 26^th and 27^th.

The BIG Bike Ride is part of the Sunderland in 2012 programme of sporting and cultural events and opportunities, designed to celebrate the upcoming London Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Launched in 2011, the 2012 event has been significantly developed, with routes redesigned to provide a better cycling experience for all participants.

The event will see more than 500 people gather at UniSpace’s Sir Tom Cowie campus to begin their choice of four rides, with something suitable for all ages and abilities, from families to the veteran cyclist.  UniSpace will transform its campus into a sporting arena, complete with a sports massage clinic in the University’s Prospect Building, physiotherapy support and outdoor event catering to support riders along the way.  The ride will also end at the Sir Tom Cowie campus.

Councillor Watson, speaking on behalf of Sunderland City Council said: “I’m delighted to launch the Sunderland in 2012 BIG Bike Ride. We hope that this will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which had over 500 people taking part.”

Sharon Olver, University of Sunderland Commercial Manager responsible for UniSpace, added: “This is a huge event for the region and we are thrilled that UniSpace is able to host an exciting sporting event.  We are looking forward to seeing the space transformed to accommodate hundreds of cyclists!”

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Notes to Editors:

About UniSpace

UniSpace Sunderland offers an extensive choice of conference and events facilities for up to 1,000 delegates with good quality accommodation all year round.

There is a modern, well equipped portfolio of venues, with a range of unique activities available to enhance your delegates’ experience. The University’s exceptional sports facilities are also available, so whatever the scale and nature of the event, UniSpace can deliver a perfect solution.

In addition to offering a wide range of events space, UniSpace offers corporate incentive programmes, including glass blowing and demonstrations at the National Glass Centre.

UniSpace’s main conference season runs for four weeks in March/April and 12 weeks from mid June to mid September and a number of facilities are available all year round across the university’s five venues, namely:

Ÿ City Campus – offering four self-contained venues in and around urban green spaces

Ÿ Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s – set on the banks of the River Wear next to the historic St Peter’s Church, six self-contained venues surround University Square

Ÿ CitySpace – an award-winning iconic building located at City Campus

Ÿ The Industry Centre – less than one mile from the A19 on Sunderland Enterprise Park, the venue offers a choice of four meeting/training rooms, seating 10 to 100 people

Ÿ The National Glass Centre at the University of Sunderland – located at St Peter’s Campus, the stunning venue on the banks of the River Wear is home to the university’s internationally renowned glass and ceramics programme and is a premier visitor attraction and wedding venue. Architecturally unique, the venue has exceptional banqueting meeting and events facilities for up to 300 delegates in a remarkable setting.

For more information on UniSpace, log on to: http://www.unispacesunderland.com/.

Sunderland Big Bike Ride details

On Saturday, May 26, the five-mile route which circles the perimeter of Herrington Country Park is ideal for beginner cyclists and families with younger children. Registration is from 9am and the ride will start at 10am.

For the longer rides on Sunday, May 27, all rides start and finish at the University of Sunderland’s Sir Tom Cowie Campus on St Peter’s Riverside. Registration takes place from 8am and the rides will start at 9am with the 35-mile participants the first to head off, followed shortly after by the 20 mile and finally the 14-mile riders.

14 Mile Ride – Family Ride too short? 20 miles too long? This fun 14-mile route is the ideal way for beginner adult cyclists, young people and capable children (accompanied by an adult) to take part in the Sunderland BIG Bike Ride. The route completes a scenic loop of the River Wear between St Peter’s and Washington, crossing the river at Cox Green and is enjoyable and challenging without taking things too far!

20 Mile Ride – The 20-mile route allows participants to cycle a little further into Washington crossing the river at Fatfield, discovering new areas along the riverside before returning to the City Centre and back to St Peter’s. This option is ideal for regular cyclists and capable young people and children (accompanied by an adult).

35 Mile ‘Tour de Sunderland’ Ride – This 35-mile route may be slightly shorter than last year’s ‘Tour de Sunderland’ but the route has been improved and the challenge just as great. The addition of some hill climbs makes up for the shorter distance and allows participants to cycle the city and enjoy its landmarks and open countryside. After crossing the river at Fatfield. the route will also take in Fence-Houses, Rainton Meadows, Hetton le Hole, Seaton, Ryhope, Silksworth and the City Centre before returning to the Riverside. This option is ideal for strong or regular cyclists, those wishing to challenge themselves and capable young people and children (accompanied by an adult).

The Sunderland in 2012 programme includes a wide variety of sporting, arts and cultural events and opportunities to take part, by either doing, watching or supporting through volunteering in Sunderland in 2012.

The council aims to have at least 50,000 people taking part in some element of Sunderland in 2012 and is also aiming to attract 2,012 new volunteers by the end of the programme.

There are three different ways for people to be part of Sunderland in 2012 and they can enter and register their interest for a number of activities. Events and activities are being added to the programme all the time, the latest information and details on how to register to take part are available at www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk.

People can also support as many of the events as they want, by becoming a Sunderland in 2012 Volunteer. Residents are encouraged to register their intention to become a volunteer, details of how to do this are also on the website www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk.