BUSINESSES are throwing their support behind the mayor of Brighton and Hove’s charity bike events next Sunday, April 23.

There is an adult ride which follows the boundary of the UN-designated Biosphere – recently renamed The Living Coast – which takes in some of the best of the Sussex countryside.

A shorter family ride from Hove Lawns to Saltdean and back is happening on the same day.

South Coast Bikes is providing a mechanic for the day as well as two riders.

The company’s experts, based in Portslade, have been putting bikes through their full 33-step bike service since 2003.

Cycling Support Services is a locally based, not-for-profit charity bike ride company which has planned the route and organised the logistics for the day.

It has 15 years’ experience of running charity bike rides around the country.

Eagle Labs, a business innovation and support centre in London Road, Brighton, has provided laser cut medals for those completing the ride.

Cycle Wand also supports the rides with an offer of a ten per cent discount on products and services throughout April for those taking part.

Mayor Pete West said: “It is brilliant that South Coast bikes have kindly offered to supply a mechanic on the day and Eagle Labs have designed and produced our medals.

“We also really appreciate the support from Cycling Support Services and Cycle Wand very much.

“It is going to be a fabulous scenic route around Sussex.

“I’d love to see more people sign up and get sponsored to raise funds for the 27 charities I support.

“They all do fabulous work and linking them up in this event while highlighting what our beautiful environment has to offer is a perfect mix.”

Paul Topham, of South Coast Bikes, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the mayor’s charity bike ride.

“Our expert mechanics will be there to help out with any problems.

“It promises to be a great day out and we are pleased to help raise funds for the mayor’s 27 charities.”

There is still time to register on the rides and you can find the details at eventbrite.co.uk/e/mayoral-charities-charity-bike-ride-tickets-31254152010

There is a £20 registration fee for the adult ride and £5 for the family ride.

In previous years, mayors of Brighton and Hove have traditionally chose one, two or three charities to support but Cllr West changed that when he took office last summer, deciding to support a larger range of charities.