1,000 cyclists jump in saddle for Dorset Bike Ride (From Bournemouth Echo)

1,000 cyclists jump in saddle for Dorset Bike Ride

7:45am Monday 6th July 2009 in

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YOUNG and old came out in the sunshine to take part in the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride ’09.

Sunday’s Echo-backed event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support saw nearly 1,000 people of all ages and abilities jump on their saddles and hit the road to raise cash for the charity.

Daily Echo editor-in-chief Neal Butterworth cut the ribbon at 8am to signal the start of the day, which offered rides of 15, 25, 40, 50, 60 and 100 miles.

David Gower joins a cast of hundreds in the cyle ride

Did you take part? Click the Related Link below to view our gallery and order photos online

The newspaper chief, who hadn’t ridden a bike for 35 years before he started training for the event, got off to a shaky start on his 40-mile course when his chain snapped, but it was soon fixed and he was on his way.

On his return to the start and finish point at Broadstone Youth Centre, he said: “My legs went about ten miles from the end, but it was great. The organisation was brilliant. I would love to do it again. I’ll do 50 miles next year, 60 miles the year after and 100 in 2015!”

Seeing off the starters in the 15-mile ride was former England cricket captain David Gower, who then joined in.

He said: “It was very nice – I only got lost once. I made a wrong turn and had to make up for it. It’s been very successful.”

Rolling into the finish on a tandem were Tracey Havard, 44, from Springbourne and her friend’s daughter Ria Herridge, 13, from Highcliffe, who did the 25-mile ride. Tracey said: “We’ve just got started this summer, getting on the bike and getting fit. We’re doing London to Southend next weekend, so this is good practice.”

Helen Roughley and son Harry, from Bournemouth, were riding in memory of Helen’s mother-in-law, Kitty Roughley.

Helen, 40, said: “It was hard work going out, but easier coming back. This is the first time we’ve done a bike ride. We might come back and do 25 miles next year.”

Also on his first ride was Bill Patrick, 48, from Broadstone. He decided to do the 15-mile ride after reading about the event in the Echo and said: “It helps you get fit if you have a challenge and a goal to go for.”

Tired riders were given banan-as, drinks and massages on their return to the youth centre.

Organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls said the turnout was the best in the ride’s 21-year history.

He added: “In the last six years it’s got bigger each year. On average the amount of money collected is £100 per head, so we could raise £90,000.”

Could rider Jordan Au please call reporter Stephen Bailey on 01202 411255?