NEARLY 700 riders took part in the annual Liphook Charity Bike Ride on Sunday.

More than 540 riders braved the elements and rode the 25 mile route from Liphook.

This was the first ride managed by the Liphook Crankers who took over from the Liphook and District Businessmen’s Association (LiDBA) last year. Overall the ride went very smoothly despite the damp conditions. There was some excitement when a runaway horse occupied the road, holding up the riders for a while until it was captured and put in a field.

The first riders back into Liphook were David Mitchell and Ben Field in a time of one hour three minutes. The first woman back was Natasha Whishaw in one hour eight minutes. Kevin Hughes, a Royal Navy veteran, did the whole ride on a recumbent handcycle in under three hours. Dick Ayres (73) completed the ride with his wife Mary on his vintage Claude Butler bike from 1958.

There were a number of riders aged ten years old who did the full 25-mile route.

Some did it in fancy dress, including cyclists in tutus and a team who towed a dinosaur around the route.

The junior ride was again a success with 145 young riders taking part, the youngest being three years old. Junior ride manager Rob Pretorius said: “It is wonderful seeing so many youngsters getting out on their bikes, putting in a lot of effort, and having fun. It is great for them and great for cycling.”

Ride chairman Alistair Halliday said: “It was a fabulous day. The rain did not dampen the spirits at all and it was wonderful seeing so many riders, young and old, enjoying a great ride and coming back safely. We are particular grateful for all the support we have received from marshals, LiDBA members, volunteers and friends who all contributed to making it such a special day.

“I would wish to highlight the Liphook Guides for their support at the refreshment stops and at Bohunt, the Petersfield Air Cadets who managed the car parking incredibly efficiently, East Hampshire District Council and Bohunt School.

“Of course we must thank LiDBA for creating this special event for Liphook and we in the Liphook Crankers are just privileged to have been able to take it on. Their support and advice to us in our first year has been superb.”