The sponsored walk and cycle on Saturday 10th September 2011 is open to all local people who enjoy the outdoors and want to raise money for historic buildings of all denominations.
The event celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and organisers from the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust have set an ambitious £50,000 target.
Formerly known as the Bike Ride, Ride and Stride is the chief fund-raising event for Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust, which in 2010 gave a grant of £8,000 toward the major roof repairs at St Paul's Winchester, amongst many other grants to churches throughout the region.
People taking part are sponsored to visit as many participating churches as they wish and can plan their own route or follow suggested routes on the Trust website.
This year, the Trust has embraced social networking and has set up its own Facebook page – Hampshire Ride & Stride.
Organiser Sarah Miller said: "In 2010 more than 350 churches in the HIHCT region opened their doors for Ride & Stride, with participants raising in excess of £47,000 including Gift Aid, an increase on the two previous years. This fantastic effort bucked the national trend!"
Local MP Steve Brine said: "I have a packed diary on Saturday and sadly I cannot take part this time, but this is a great cause and I really hope everyone taking part has a great time."
Everyone who takes part is able to keep half their sponsorship money for their own church
Mrs Miller added: "Ride and Stride is great fun and a real community event. Everyone pulls together to offer support and friendship."
Pictured; A group of cyclists prepare for Ride and Stride 2010
More information...
There's still time to join this year's events. All the information is at http://www.hampshirehistoricchurches.org.uk or http://www.facebook.com/HampshireRide.Stride