CYCLISTS from across the country descended on the Vale to take part in Evesham Cyclefest on Sunday.
Now in its sixth year, the event enjoyed a new location at Hampton Ferry where riders could take part in three different Sportive rides, a leisure ride and children’s fun rides – all taking in some of the best cycling routes the Vale of Evesham has to offer.
The first group to leave embarked on the epic 101-mile ‘Escapade’ and were sent on their way by Wychavon District Council chairman Frances Smith.
Thirty-four riders completed the route which included some long climbs into the Cotswolds before heading up through the Lenches and beyond Pershore to return around Bredon Hill.
The first man back, Adam Zok, took just 5hrs, 30mins and the first woman, Cheryl Radley, took 7hrs, 16mins to cover the distance.
The 100km ‘Romp’ route featured 113 riders pedalling through lanes and villages around the Vale with well-stocked feed stations along the way to keep them fuelled up. One rider described it as the “best 100km I have ever ridden”.
Fifty-two riders completed the 38-mile ‘Frolic’ and for several of them this was their first attempt at any king of distance riding, which made the presentation of their finisher’s medal all the more special.
Families and occasional cyclists were encouraged to take part in one of the 17-mile leisure rides led by members of Cycle Evesham Vale.
The groups stopped to admire historical landmarks along the way and enjoyed a break at the midway point in Broadway. It was then the turn of the smallest cyclists with children as young as three showing their skills along the riverside path.
The festival continued back at Hampton Ferry where several local organisations were offering their services. A brand new protein dessert was launched by Roar and received some fantastic feedback from the cyclists who were able to tuck in after their ride.
Meanwhile, Halfords were tuning up bikes and Feva Seat demonstrated its innovative child seat.
The event was organised by Cycle Evesham Vale with the aim of getting more people out on bikes and to showcase why the Vale of Evesham is such a great destination for cyclists.
“It was fantastic to see how much everyone enjoyed the day,” said one of the event directors, Marcus Mumford.
“It takes a lot of work by just a few volunteers to put on an event like this but when it results in hundreds of happy cyclists it makes it all worthwhile.”
Proceeds will go towards Evesham Adventure Playground as well as supporting the work of Cycle Evesham Vale to promote cycling activities in the area. Visit cycleeveshamvale.org.