MORE than 600 cyclists saddled up for the Great Shakespeare Ride, raising £20,000 for the Shakespeare Hospice.
In perfect weather conditions, they set off from Walton Hall hotel near Warwick, taking part in either a 40 mile race, 100k challenge, or 100 mile sportive.
The routes took them through beautiful Warwickshire countryside, and quintessential Cotswold villages including Chipping Campden, Wincombe and Broadway.
Mike Worrall from Stratford rode the 100 mile route: “The Shakespeare Hospice looked after my mum, who died last October.
“I can’t speak highly enough about them – they were fantastic. They helped her to achieve her dying wish, which was to die at home and I was riding for her today.”
Winners of the 100K team challenge were Nick Dykes, Tony Daniels, Graham Sims and Nick Hawtin from the Wellsesbourne Wheelers.
Tony said: “Having a team win the 100km event is a fantastic achievement for the club and a testament to all those cold winter training rides!
“The event is always superbly organised and starting it from Walton Hall was the icing on the cake. Thanks to the Shakespeare Hospice and all the volunteers for putting on such a great ride.”
Angie Arnold, chief executive at the hospice thanked everyone involved: “We’ve had brilliant feedback about the event. The cyclists loved the new venue and the routes, and we were told several times that the food stations were amazing!
“I am so proud of everyone involved in this great event. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the day, including the marshals and volunteers, and of course everyone who took part.”
