THEY faced torrential rain, winds – and some of the steepest roads in the country!
But hundreds of intrepid cyclists have given a massive boost to a Huddersfield charity appeal.
The cyclists took to the roads around Huddersfield to raise money for sick children.
They were taking part in the second annual Kirklees Mayor’s Charity Sportive to help the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust.
The charity is trying to build a children’s hospice and respite centre at Brackenhall.
Nearly 300 cyclists from as far afield as London and Cumbria set out from the YMCA in Salendine Nook on Sunday morning.
They rode for 80 miles around the Holme Valley and Denby Dale, raising almost £5,000 for the trust.
The Mayor Clr Jean Calvert was on hand to start off the ride – which could now become an annual event in Huddersfield.
Niel Stewart, of Kirklees Council, who helped organise the event, said: “It was a marvellous success – despite the heavy rain and the wind for the first part of the day.
“The cyclists who took part were delighted with the route, even though stretches were very hard.
“Some of them said that it could become a cycling classic.
“We also need to thank the many volunteers who helped make it possible. Many of them were out for hours in some awful weather, acting as marshals and stewards, and they did a great job.
“And at the end of the day they have raised almost £5,000 for a worthwhile cause”.
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for transport Clr David Hall thanked those who took part.
He said: “To raise such an amount for a worthy cause is a great achievement.
“I would also like to acknowledge all the hard work that has gone into organising the event, with special thanks to all the people who volunteered as marshals.”
