UNDAUNTED by wet weather conditions, the 26th charity bike ride turned into a success for the Crankers – the new organisers of Liphook’s annual major fundraising event.

Around 700 riders braved the elements and rode the 25-mile route from Liphook, taking in some of the most beautiful parts of Hampshire and West Sussex, while the juniors enoyed a fun trip around the playing fields at the Bohunt Centre.

It was the first year the event was fully managed by the Liphook Crankers, who took over from LIDBA after last year’s 25th anniversary event, which reached its £1m target of money raised for charities across East Hampshire and further afield.

Ride chairman Alistair Halliday said: “Overall, the ride went very smoothly despite the damp conditions. There was some excitement when a runaway horse occupied the road holding up riders for a while until it was captured and put back into a field.

“More than 50 marshals were placed around the route, with three support cars providing mechanical back up, along with Owens Cycles who went along the route repairing bikes and fixing punctures.”

The first riders back to the Bohunt Centre were David Mitchell from Petersfield, who took part for the first time last year and whose time of one hour and three minutes was matched by regular participant Ben Williams, aged 18.

The first woman to finish was 25-year-old Natasha Whishaw, who finished in one hour 17 minutes, accompanied by her brother Tim. Both were inspired by their parents, Tania and Nick, who have taken part in the ride for many years.

The second lady back was first-time participant 23-year-old Rachel Weager, who finished in one hour 25 minutes. She was visiting her boyfriend and decided to take part.

Kevin Hughes, a Royal Navy veteran, did the whole ride on a recumbent handcycle in just under three hours, while 73-year-old Dick Ayres completed the ride with his wife Mary on his vintage 1958 Claude Butler.

The 100th rider back from the 25-mile circuit was Seb Doyle, aged 13, who completed the ride in one hour 32 minutes.

Wearing fancy dress and ballet tutus were 14-year-old Bohunt pupils Alex Mann and George Davy, who rode for Liss Athletics Club.

Matt Northcott took it one step further and pulled a dinosaur along the entire route, despite getting chased by a dog. He and his CM Sports team of primary school teachers were riding for Liphook Junior School.

The junior ride was once again a success with 145 children taking part. The youngest and first-time pedal bike rider Jessica Wilson was just three years old – but still completed nine laps at two miles each.

It took her 90 minutes to do it and she never gave up despite falling over a couple of times – she just got back on and kept going.

Her three elder brothers also took part, trying to upstage each other. Cameron, aged seven, completed 100 laps, Brandon, aged six did 101 laps and Zak, aged four, managed 55 laps.

Both parents, Philippa and Alex took part for the in the main ride sixth time, and finished after two hours 30 minutes. The family raised money for the village’s Little Cherubs Nursery.

Katie Edwards, aged 11, rode a distance of 20 miles at 10mph over the entire two hours. Eight-year-old Fred Price rode 25 miles at 12.5mph over two hours while Harry Remnant, also aged eight, cycled 23 miles.

Four-year-old Jack Green and his brother Tom, six, took part for the first time since moving to Liphook just under a year ago were

Jack managed to complete one lap and his brother Tom did 18 laps. Both want to do it all again next year.

Junior ride manager Rob Pretorius said: “Every one had great achievements, but some in particular stood out.

“It is wonderful seeing so many youngsters getting out on their bikes, putting in a lot of effort, and having fun.

“It is great for them and great for cycling.”

Ride chairman Alistair added: “It was a fabulous day. The rain did not dampen the spirits at all and it was wonderful seeing so many cyclists, young and old, enjoying a great ride and coming back safely.

“We are particularly grateful for all the support we received from marshals, LIDBA members, our compere, Dennis Foster, volunteers and friends who all contributed to making it such a special day.

“I wish to highlight the Liphook Guides for their support at the refreshment stops and at Bohunt, the Petersfield Air Cadets, who managed the car parking incredibly efficiently – and Bohunt School for their continued support of the bike ride, while Hampshire Search and Rescue provided excellent support to the marshals.

“East Hampshire district councillor Rebecca Standish gave the Crankers £1,000 from her councillor’s grant, which went towards safety signage, tabards and the new Liphook Bike Ride T-shirts.

“I must also mention our wonderful sponsors, Owens Cycles, Barons of Hindhead and The Royal School, our principal sponsors, as well as Allianz, The Green Dragon, Clarke, Gammon Wellers, Liphook Travel, Oak Lodge Dental Practice, Liphook Carpet Warehouse, Macdonald Oates and Cycle Sphere.

“Owens enabled us to give out eight £50 vouchers to adult and junior riders for their efforts and originality.

“Of course we must thank LIDBA for creating this special event for Liphook and the Crankers are just privileged to have been able to take it on.

“Their support and advice to us in our first year has been superb.”

Maria Carney, who organised 22 riders to take part for ‘We Ride For Ryan’ managed to raise in excess of £800 on the day for her charity Disability Snow

Sport UK in memory of her son Ryan Carney, a former chef at The Links pub, in London Road, who was killed in a car crash on the B2131 at Lynchmere, nearly three years ago.

The final amount raised is still unknown.