The organisers of Builth Bike Fest set themselves an ambitious target on Sunday September 11th – to cycle the entire Tour of Britain mileage of 774 miles in one afternoon ……… without leaving the Groe!
In the event, the community of Builth and neighbouring towns and villages turned out in force with nearly 200 cyclists completing an incredible distance of 1,506 miles …. very nearly twice the distance of the Tour of Britain in just over 4 hours. The combined efforts of toddlers completing a short course of one tenth of a mile, together with children of all ages and adults tackling a mile course around the Groe, the initial target of 774 miles was soon reached. One of the organisers, John Lloyd awarded an MBE last year for his services to Welsh Cycling, commented that “this afternoon we have watched the professional cyclists of the future with children as young as six years old cycling distances well in excess of ten miles in an hour. This area has so many talented cyclists of all ages”
Whilst demonstrating their cycling skills, the riders have been raising huge amounts of sponsorship for The Prostate Cancer Charity and will now be busy collecting in their hard won contributions. Whilst the total amount raised will not be known until the end of the month, Adrian Jones, Mayor of Builth Wells and another member of the team behind the event stated that he was “very impressed with the willingness of people to raise money and awareness of the Prostate Cancer Charity and was confident that Builth Bike Fest would be forwarding a large cheque”
In addition to cycling laps around the Groe, members of the public were encouraged to assist Rob Corson, another organiser, and the staff of Builth Wells Sports Centre on their static bikes temporarily sited in the large marquee on the Groe. Some 75 riders covered 250 miles with their pedal power. Mel Graham not only led the spinning classes but cycled non stop for the five hours of the event.
Bonna Williams, a focal member of the hard-working team who arranged the event, set up the finale of the day – a half hour high-speed race for adult riders around the course eventually won by James Nixon, Simon James and Heather Evans in the various categories.
Avril York, County Councillor for Builth, and who instigated the event and led the organising team, said afterwards “ I’d like to record my thanks to all who have worked so hard to put on the event – both behind the scenes beforehand and on the field during the event. The day was such a resounding success that we have already been asked by many participants and spectators to make Builth Bike Fest an annual event.”
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