THE second Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge helped raise almost £10,000 in sponsorship for the organising charity Ryedale Special Families.

Covering 144 miles, the challenge saw 112 riders taking part, almost double last year’s inaugural event, and in far kinder weather.

The challenge, which started and finished at Norton College, follows the fully signed Sustrans National Cycle Network, Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route, taking in the sights and scenery of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Leaving Malton, the first day’s ride headed east to Bridlington, then swung south to Driffield before an overnight camp at Hutton Cranswick Sports Club.

Here riders shared their experiences while enjoying a barbecue, some live music and a pint or two of Wold Top Brewery’s specially-brewed On Yer Bike.

The following morning the cyclists set out to Beverley before turning back towards Market Weighton and Pocklington, then heading home to Malton via Millington Woods and Thixendale.

This year, the award for the most amount of sponsorship made by an individual entry was made to Neil Burgess, a mechanic from JB Motors in Malton, who took on his very first event of this kind.

Neil, who lives in Norton, decided it was time to get fit in preparation for the imminent arrival of his first child.

“I lived in Old Malton during my childhood and cycled every day to school in Norton but as soon as I got a driving licence the biking stopped,” he said.

“Then at the beginning of this year my wife got pregnant and this spurred me on to get fit ready for the sleepless nights ahead.“ Neil said a few of their friends use Ryedale Special Families and the charity was a massive asset to the area.

“Also, my grandad Lawrence Thackray, who still lives in Old Malton, was born at the property at 121 Town Street,” he said.

“Ironically, this is now used for Ryedale Specials Families head office, so all in all it seemed fitting to raise money for them and get fit at the same time. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and, of course, raising even more for this fantastic charity.”

Rob Davies, funding co-ordinator for RSF, said: “Once again we’re thrilled at the amount raised and every penny will be put to good use in relation to the care and support that we provide to so many deserving Ryedale families.

“Everyone seems to enjoy the whole weekend so much and already we’ve got more than 50 of this year’s riders with their names on the list to do it again next year.”

Next year’s cycle challenge is scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, and the charity is particularly keen to attract people who want something achievable, enjoyable and rewarding to aim for.

Anyone interested should visit www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk, phone Rob Davies on 01653 699000 or email robdavies@ryedalespecialfamilies.org.uk