Their reception was as warm as the weather.
The 180 riders on Huddersfield Town’s Pedal for Pounds 7 bike ride were given a heroes’ welcome when they arrived back at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.
They were cheered on by thousands of people as they completed a lap of honour ahead of Town’s final game of the season against Brentford.
Spectators took to social media with their messages of congratulations to the riders on completing the gruelling 216-mile fundraiser.
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Their proud strides around the stadium marked the end of their challenge, dubbed The Shankly Tour in homage to Bill Shankly and taking in three of the clubs he managed.
They began on Wednesday at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park and finished the day 80 miles to the south in Lancaster.
The second day saw the riders pass Preston North End and end in Liverpool, covering 65 miles.
Then on Friday they left the city’s Anfield Stadium before heading back to Huddersfield Town’s Canalside training base.
There cyclists enjoyed a well-earned celebration event with their friends and family.
Those taking part in this year’s ride, the seventh in the series, included Town’s Academy manager Mark Lillis and commercial director Sean Jarvis as well as many fans.
Once again riders have supported the Keep It Up Campaign, which raises finds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy.
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The initiative has so far raised £1.2 million towards maintaining the YAA’s two lifesaving helicopters as well as assisting the academy.
YAA fundraising manager Paul Gowland told the crowd at the stadium: “Every person whose life has been saved by the air ambulance in Kirklees for the last seven years has been paid for by you guys.
“Shankly built great teams and we have had a great team looking after us for the last three days. It was a great privilege to be there.”
