HUNDREDS of fearless mountain bikers took on one of the region’s toughest two-wheeled challenges.
The Colne Valley Mountain Bike Challenge returned for its eighth year yesterday when 320 cyclists took on the 30-mile, all-terrain endurance ride – the second highest number in the event’s history.
The ride began at 9am at Parkwood Methodist Church, Longwood, and headed up to Outlane, through Scapegoat Hill, Pole Moor, Cop Hill, West Slaithwaite, Marsden, Pule Hill, Wessenden, Deer Hill, Meltham, Blackmoorfoot, Linfit, Wellhouse and Bolster Moor before finishing atGolcar.
The fastest rider to complete the course took two hours seven minutes.
The last rider home took five hours 15 mins.
Organiser, Jonathan Brook, said the gruelling ride across tarmac, dirt, gravel, hills and fords had finished incident free.
“It’s been fantastic,’’ he said. “Everybody’s thoroughly enjoyed it.
“They’ve all come back with really positive feedback.
“People keep coming back so hopefully it will continue for many years to come.”
Money raised from the event goes towards Leymoor Cricket Club in Golcar and the 39th Parkwood Scout Group.
