Monsoon-like rain and ferocious winds did not dampen the spirits of 270 committed cyclists when they tackled one of the North’s toughest challenges.
The fearless folk definitely deserved their Sunday lunch after they braved steep climbs and slippery roads as they wound their way along a 30-mile route through the Colne Valley as part of the annual mountain bike challenge.
People from as far afield as Worcestershire, Lincolnshire and Goole proved that Tour de France fever had definitely swept the country as they came together with local riders to scale testing hills such as Wessenden, Deer Hill, Blackmoorfoot, Linfit, Pule Hill, Wellhouse and Bolster Moor.
Click below to see a short video from the event - which highlights just how wet and windy it was!
Some even proved that they had the stamina to give the professional cyclists a race for their money after they completed the course, which started in Parkwood Methodist Church and finished at Leymoor Cricket Club in just over two hours.
Meanwhile, this year more women and those who had not previously taken part in the challenge took part than before, following a call out in the Examiner for more diverse participation.
The 11th event of its kind, it was organised to raise ‘crucial’ funds for Leymoor Cricket Club and 39th Parkwood Scouts in Longwood and provided a great warm up to a summer of cycle-centric events around the county.
Organiser Jonathan Brook said: “It was a fantastic day and I was really impressed with everyone who took part because they had to battle monsoon conditions and strong winds along the whole route; the weather was incredibly testing.
“Around 20 people took the shorter route and it also proved useful for some people who started out on the main route but felt unable to continue on it.
“We also had more women entering this year, alongside people who had not had a go before and I’m already planning next year’s event
“The challenge raises crucial funds to keep both clubs going and without it they would struggle.”
To find out more about the event, including results from the day, go to: http://cvmbc.co.uk/
