ORGANISERS of the Liphook Charity Bike Ride called this year’s event another huge success with more than 500 cyclists taking part in the main ride.

The 25-mile ride, which was started by Liphook and District Businessmens’ Association (LiDBA) and taken over by the Crankers two years ago, has been running for 28 years, generating well over one million pounds for local charities during that time.

The junior ride attracted more than 90 riders, ranging from two to 10 years old, who took to the field with competitive spirits, cheered on by many parents and friends.

Both rides were started off at Bohunt Centre by East Hampshire District councillor Rebecca Standish and marshalled with more than 45 volunteers on the road.

First rider back was 18-year-old Max Doyle, a former Bohunt pupil, who completed the 25-mile route in a time of 63 minutes.

The first female rider to arrive back at the centre was 47-year-old Kay Bush, from Bordon, a member of Liss Cycling Club, who completed the circuit in one hour and 18 minutes.

The youngest rider was 11-year-old Myon Humby, from Petersfield, while 14-year-old Jude Brindley and his friend Joe Waine, from Liss, were flying the World Cup flag.

Liphook vicar Valentine Inglis-Jones and his 16-year-old son Oscar, were able to enjoy the ride for the first time, after cancelling the Sunday morning service at the Church Centre in order to take part.

Invictus Games double bronze medalist Kirk Hughes, who lives in Hindhead, together with his father Colin and brother Kevin, supported the Help For Heroes charity by completing the route on his handcycle in 2hrs 24 mins.

The former Royal Navy sailor had his leg amputated after suffering menengitis, received his Invictus medals in Toronto, at wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis, last August.

Winning the best fancy dress prizes were 16-year-old Liss Athletic Football Club members Sam Waine, Theo Brindley, George Davey and Alex Mann, who dressed up as the Mario Brothers and Princess Peach.

The only tandem participants, Liphook’s Ian Humby and Gill Chowley, managed to improve their circuit time by completing the route in 1hr 38 mins.

First-timer and cycle enthusiast Josie Dew, from Milland, finished the main ride with children Daisy, seven, and Jack, four, on her trike, raising funds for Hollycombe Primary School.

Another first-timer was 11-year-old Fin Hepper, who together with family friend Warren Peters, raised awareness for the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) charity, helping those with a conditition that only affects children.

Long-time Sainsbury’s employee Michael Winter, who supported Cancer Research UK, also managed to take part for the first time, since the event had always clashed with his shift work in the past.

Overcoming a personal challenge by completing the ride was Sam Tellyn, 18, from Liphook, who earlier in the year had two major operations for a brain tumour, as well as acute appendicities and had to spend four months in hospital. He was elated when he received his certificate.

Even Donald Trump made an appearance at the bike ride, being towed by a team of PE teachers.

The biggest group taking part this year was 22-strong ‘Team Jo,’ who raised funds for the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) charity in memory of Jo Elliott, from Liphook, who passed away, in October.

Jo’s husband Bob told The Herald: “Jo worked for Heritage Centre and Preservation Society chairman Adrian Bird for many years and was loved by all the people who knew her.

“This is the first time I entered the bike ride – at the age of 60 – and together we all did it for Jo, raising money for PBC, which she suffered from.

“She always had a stand for the charity at every bike ride and was a tireless fundraiser. We are planning to do it all again next year.”

Liphook Day Centre for the elderly was represented with four riders this year while the Royal British Legion Liphook branch brought along 10 veterans and serving soldiers, to commemorate the 100th anniversary year of the end of World War One, and the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) – with all monies going to the Poppy Appeal.

Ride chairman Alistair Halliday said: “It really was a stunning ride this year.

“It is always heartening to see so many cyclists – young and old – really enjoying themselves on their bikes on this picturesque course, as well as raising money for local charities.

“This year the ride was dedicated to the memory of Don Cook, who was known as the Liphook cobbler for 56 years, and who had his little shop in London Road.

“He sadly passed away last month, aged 89, but was known and loved in the village by many of the riders, who gave a round of applause and rang their bicycle bells in a touching tribute.

“Next year it would be great if we had even more charities, clubs and schools take part. The Liphook Bike Ride is all set up as a great opportunity to raise funds for their causes and increase their profile – as well being part of a wonderful community day of fun and exercise.

“We are hugely grateful for the support of all our volunteers and marshals who gave up their time as well as the charities, the Liphook Guides and Petersfield Air Cadets, who did such a grand job and our sponsors, whose support has been amazing.”

Key sponsors were Bramshott Place, Barons BMW, Oak Lodge Dental Practice, Macdonald Oates, Clarke Gammon Wellers, EHDC, Bohunt School and Owens Cycles.