Hundreds of bearded Father Christmases will again take to the Island’s roads in December for the Isle of Man’s 2019 ‘Santa’s on a Bike’ event. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which raised more than £4,000 for Rebecca House, this year’s festive charity bike ride for the charity will take place on Saturday 14th December.
Bikers are invited to dress up as Santa, give their bikes a festive makeover and meet at the Grandstand, Douglas, from 10am before setting off at 11am. The cavalcade will complete a lap around the Island and then return to the Grandstand, via Rebecca House, for 1pm.
All riders are welcome including L-plates, bikes, trikes and quads, the ride is fully marshalled by Isle of Man Constabulary and there’s no cost to take part. Donations for Rebecca House are encouraged along with sponsored rides.
Spectators are welcome and there will be festive fun, entertainment and complimentary food and drink for all the family to enjoy from 10am-1pm at the Grandstand, where it’s hoped lots more money will be raised for Rebecca House.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is for the second consecutive year providing free travel for Santa on a Bike organiser Oli Allen, so he can travel to Bristol to complete the Bristol ride and then return to Isle of Man the following week for the Manx ride. Oli moved to the Island last year and organises both events.
Santa’s on a Bike originates from the UK and is now in its 15th year in Bristol, with this year’s Bristol ride taking place on 7th December.
Oli said: ‘The Steam Packet Company's travel support will help me get to the Bristol Santa’s on a Bike and then return ready for the Isle of Man event the following weekend. 100% of donations go to our chosen charities, Children's Hospice South West in Bristol and Rebecca House in the Isle of Man; running the events can come at significant cost as we don't take a penny in expenses.
‘The invaluable support from the Steam Packet Company helps reduce costs plus it’s a great boost to have repeat support from such an established name on the Island.
‘Last year the rides raised more than £4,000 for Rebecca House and more than £13,000 for Children's Hospice South West in Bristol – and we’re hoping to surpass these totals this year.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Last year’s first Isle of Man ‘Santa’s on a Bike’ event was a spectacular fundraising event for the Island, especially given our motorbiking heritage. We wish Oli the best of luck for both events and hope lots of money is raised for the two very worthy children’s charities.’
To find out more and sign up, visit: www.santasonabike.im.
The calvacade leaving The Grandstand for the inaugural Santa on a Bike event in 2018. (photo credit - Mark Weir)
