THE WEATHER may not have been kind to the 1,000 cyclists who set off from Tonbridge on a charity bike ride on Sunday, but
that did not stop them enjoying the day. Tina Middleton, one of the team responsible for organising the ride, said the event had been a success, with only 12 people dropping out in the difficult conditions. “Apart from the torrential rain and wind, it was really brilliant, it really was,” she said. “We thought the cyclists were going to come back really disheartened but they didn’t.” With those setting off at 7am aged from 19 up to 74, the first riders arrived back after six-and-a-half hours, while some did not finish until 8pm. With many club riders taking part in the event, Mrs Middleton said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive. “Many of the cyclists that took part have come back and said it is the best in the South East,” she said, “which isn’t bad for a little charity ride.” The route taken by the riders took in both Bodiam and Rochester castles and The Pilgrims Way as it made its way around the area and included a stop for lunch in Headcorn.
As well as the work of the team of marshals, mechanics, motorcycle escorts and first aiders, Mrs Middleton said the event could not have been such a success without the help of two Tonbridge companies.