CYCLISTS saddled up for the Great Shakespeare Ride at the weekend.
More than 400 riders took part in the charity pedal raising over £18,000 to date for The Shakespeare Hospice.
The ride followed a blistering hot week across, but cooler skies greeted the cyclists at the Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel near Wellesbourne, as they set out on one of three routes – a friendly 50km, 100km challenge and a 100-mile sportive.
Ian Pinchen, who came from the Lake District to take part in the 100-mile sportive, said: “The route was absolutely stunning, the marshals at every single point were out of this world and the ladies at the feedstations were lovely.
“I’ve done sportives all over the country and this one is up there. It was a joy to ride.”
Shakespeare Hospice spokeswoman Karen Davies thanked all those who took part and helped organise the event.
She added: “It’s hard work to deliver an event of this size especially being a small team but we did it.
“We have had so much great feedback this year and that’s down to everyone’s contribution – great team effort.
“So far, we know over £18,000 has been raised which is fantastic. We expect this to rise further once individuals’ fund-raising efforts have been added to the total.”
