Ribble Valley Ride challenge raises £4,000 for charities

The money will go towards the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Rotary Great Britain and Ireland.

This year, the ride returned to its usual date in June, with a 25-mile route, a challenging 60-mile route and the classic 100-mile route taking in some of the best hill climbs in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

In the soaring temperatures, a small army of volunteers stretched across the three routes ensured riders stayed safe in the heat and kept them fed and watered from 7am to 5pm.

The ride is a big logistical challenge, involving more than 50 volunteers and is made possible by support from key sponsors Hanson Cement and Rufus Carr. 

As well as plotting and signing the three routes, volunteers marshal the checkpoints on the day, staff multiple feeding stations, bake cakes and prepare sandwiches and assist cyclists with mechanical issues. 

Clitheroe Tesco’s, Oddie’s Bakery, Fergusons Deli and Walkers Fruit and Veg all contributed fresh produce.

Specialist sports nutrition and hydration suppliers Secret Training provided free gels and energy drinks to riders while PLT Physiotherapy were on hand to soothe post-ride aches and pains and made a generous contribution to the final sum raised.

The ride returned to its usual date in June, with a 25-mile route, a challenging 60-mile route and the classic 100-mile route. Pictures Franco Sanna

Bill Honeywell, who established the Ribble Valley Ride in 2015, said: “I’d like to say a huge ‘thankyou’ to everyone who took part in this year’s ride – and to the sponsors, supporters and volunteers who made it all possible.

“We’d really like to turn the Ribble Valley Ride into a mass participation event and raise as much as possible for good causes and we can only do that thanks to the support of our sponsors, some generous donations and the goodwill of our small army of volunteers.

“Everyone is welcome to get involved in the Ribble Valley Ride. It isn’t just for fitness enthusiasts and road racers – it’s a community ride raising important funds for local charities.

“We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers and sponsors and we’ll be seeking ideas on how to stage a bigger and better event in 2024.”

Fundraising Manager at Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Sue Swire, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Rotary Clubs of Accrington and Clitheroe for continuing to support Rosemere through this fantastic cycle challenge. 

“The Ribble Valley Ride has raised a brilliant amount for Rosemere over the years, and those funds have helped to support life-changing projects, to make a real difference for cancer patients across the region. 

“Thank you to all of the riders who helped to raise this great total this year, and everyone involved with the organisation of this ever-popular event too!”

A number of riders also raised money individually by completing the ride. 

Local cyclist Steve Lord raised more than £3,000 for Prostate Cancer UK by completing the challenging 60-mile ride in under five hours.

Steve said: “The ride went well and I was pleased to make it to the top of Malham Cove without getting off to push, but I did get through about five litres of water in the sweltering conditions.

“The amazing organisation by local Rotary clubs makes this a really special community event. The food stops are legendary and pausing to refill the drinks bottle and enjoy a slice of pork pie and some home-baked cake is wonderful for morale!”