BLESSED with brilliant sunshine and perfect cycling conditions, the 27th Liphook Charity Bike Ride was a resounding success for the Crankers, who last year took over the running of the annual fundraiser.

Almost 800 cyclists took part last Sunday, with 650 adult riders completing the 25-mile route which started at the Bohunt Centre and took in some of the most beautiful parts of Hampshire and West Sussex along the way.

At the same time, 102 juniors, all aged under 12, had fun completing laps on the school’s playing fields.

Both rides were started by East Hampshire district councillor Bill Mouland.

The first cyclist back into Liphook was regular participant Ben Williams, 19, from Waterlooville, who completed the course in just over an hour.

The first female rider back was Natasha Wishaw, 26, from Conford, in one hour eight minutes, beating her 2016 time by nine minutes.

Raising money for the Royal British Legion with his 11-year-old son Theo was Daegan Inward. They both took part on authentic Second World War bikes and were supported by other Royal British Legion cyclists.

For the first time in many years the legion entered the ride with a team of seven cyclists consisting of veterans and serving soldiers. All monies raised will be donated to this year’s Poppy Appeal, which supports British Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

Liss Football Club entered a team of four blue-and-white bedecked Smurfs to raise money for their club. Sam Waine, Theo Brindley, George Davy and Alan Mann, all 15 years old, attracted lots of cheers and support along the route and arrived at the finish line together.

Sisters Sarah and Claire Archibald have taken part in the event for the last 16 years. Together with Sarah’s boyfriend, Simon Scolding, they rode dressed as an egg, spoon and fork.

Priory School in Portsmouth, one of the Bohunt Educational Trust schools, had 30 students and staff riding to help raise funds for a forthcoming expedition to Norway.

The event proved quite arduous as students had to push themselves out of their comfort zone as part of the Trust’s ethos for providing expedition experiences.

Neil Strowger, headteacher of Bohunt School, said: “The wilderness location of the planned expeditions and the financial commitment are both significant challenges. However, the students’ determination, their positive attitude and our high expectations of them will mean that they will have incredible experiences.”

Also entering the ride was Bohunt School’s assistant headteacher Phil Avery, who helped to guide the priory school children along the route and through the stunning countryside.

Maria Carney this year organised 15 riders to take part in ‘We Ride For Ryan’- in memory of her son Ryan Carney - raising money for her charity Disability SnowSport.

Ryan was a chef at The Links Tavern and the team, as well as family and friends, celebrated at the pub after the event with a barbecue and music.

Veteran cyclist Glenn Blake from Grayshott, who is in his 60’s, decided to enter the ride on his recumbent bike, taking on a greater challenge when cycling up-hill, while father and daughter Paul and seven year old Annabel Collins entered for the first time on a tandem.

The Bethell family, Laura and Mark, regulars at the Charity Bike Ride, this year included their small children George and Harry who came along on a child seat and in a trailer. Laura’s father William and brother Piers also lent their support.

The junior ride proved to be popular with 102 children under the age of 12 taking part - watched by 150 parents. Two of the youngest riders, three-year-old Rafe and Jonathan, both completed several laps while nine-year-old Harry Remnant and his best friend Archie Bush completed more than 100 laps each, the equivalent of 22 miles. They received a complimentary ice cream and a certificate for their efforts.

Junior ride manager Rob Pretorius said: “It was 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. They really pushed themselves and found out what they are capable of, since there was nothing stopping them from going round in circles over a 90-minute period. Hardly any children wanted to stop until the time was up.

“It was a great atmosphere with music playing, our marshals dancing and parents having picnics. We also had Ben Govier with his wonderful Dylan’s Ice Cream van as well as Christine, the Liphook Station coffee lady with her van, both of which proved extremely popular.

“Every one of the junior riders had great achievements, but some in particular stood out. It brought out the competitive spirit in many, especially where siblings were involved. But it was also lots of fun for the children as well as their parents.”

Ride chairman Alistair Halliday told The Herald: “This was a fantastic day for everyone involved and the great weather helped to make it a memorable occasion and a lot of fun.

“It was wonderful seeing so many riders enjoying the experience and there was a real sense of community spirit at the event.

“We are particularly grateful for all the support we have received from our sponsors, volunteer marshals, LiDBA members, local volunteers and friends who all contributed to making it such a special day.

“I would also wish to highlight the Liphook Guides for their support at the refreshment stops, EHDC for their grant support and of course Bohunt School.

The ride was well marshalled with over 50 volunteers and no incidents were reported except for - like last year – a runaway horse which trotted along the route for a while - holding up riders until it was captured and put back in a field.”

The event was supported by several charities including Happy Cat Rescue and the Liphook Day Centre, while the Guides and Scouts provided refreshments for the adult riders and Haslemere Chiropractic Clinic offered massages and relief for strained muscles. Barons of Hindhead and the Spire Hospital in Havant were the principal sponsors – both donating more than £700 each, while Bohunt School sponsored the road signs.

EHDC provided a £1,000 grant to fund new gazebos for the Junior Ride as well as a finish arch and certificates for all participants and Owens Cycles, as always, offered the ride and riders their invaluable support on the day.