MORE than 450 cyclists set off on the Ribble Valley Ride yesterday in a bid to raise more than £10,000 for charity.

Riders, from three 10-year-old boys to a 74-year-old man, took part in the event organised by the Rotary Clubs of Accrington and Clitheroe.

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Cyclists took part in three routes of varying distances, with the 100-mile riders departing from The Fell Bike and Tri Superstore in Clitheroe, as early as 7am.

Rob Hayles, three-time Olympic medalist and double Track World Champion, took part in the 25 mile route.

Event organiser Bill Honeywell said: “Some cyclists on the 100-mile route made it back here within five and a half hours, but they are the serious cyclists.”

“About 150 riders set off between 7am and 8am, 275 then started the 60-mile route between 8am and 9am and the final 75 cyclists commenced the 25-mile after that. “Our event is becoming known for its legendary food stops.

“We have home baking and generous sponsors such as Oswaldtwistle Pies who have given meat pies.”

All 464 participants donated a sign-up fee to the event’s charities Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Dan’s Trust and the North West Air Ambulance Service.

Michael Parker, 59, from Clitheroe, said: “I took part last year for the first time and really enjoyed it.”

“I’m interested in my time, but it is not a race.”

The 100-mile expert route took participants as far as Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales and Aysgarth Falls.

The 60-mile enthusiast route took riders towards Malham Tarn and Cove.

Darrin Robinson, 50, owner of The Fell Bike, said: “We helped provide equipment and sponsors in the ride’s first year.

“We are able to look after people at our site as we have a warehouse which is used for repairs.”

Friends Siobhan Howell, 45, and Cheryl McCullough, 47, with Siobhan’s sister Kate Tunstall, 39, were taking part for the first time.

Ms Howell said: “This was our practice run ahead of a 150-mile cycle in memory of a popular Great Harwood GP, Dr Grayson in August.

“We don’t do rain, so we were relieved about the weather.”

Mr Honeywell said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has taken part, to our sponsors, including The Fell, to those who have provided food and everyone who has made today possible.

“Last year we raised just over £10,000 and we are hoping to raise the same again this year for our charities.”