Latest edition is a big success

Riders from as far afield as Sussex, Kent, Spalding, Wolverhampton and Devon took to the lanes of Suffolk for the Cycle Club Sudbury long distance audax rides from Bildeston on Saturday.

The Suffolk Extravaganza route, 209k (130 miles) saw 34 riders travel via Walsham-le-Willows and Halesworth to the coast at Orford and back via Framlingham and Debenham.

Another 29 took the 168k (100 miles) route via Walsham and Framlingham to Orford, returning via Wickham Market.

The shorter Bildeston Lanes route, 104k (65 miles), attracted 38 entries for a circular route through the countryside around Bildeston.

Nine local riders, including four Juniors – Charlie Upton, Tommy Dickson, Jasper Casey and Aaron White – also completed a 25-mile Challenge route, using lanes to Buxhall and back. Aaron, aged 5, took advantage of his aunt’s pedalling power and rode a tag-along.

The total distance ridden on the day was 9,700 miles. Cycle Club Sudbury will be aiming for more than 10,000 miles next year.

The riders had almost ideal conditions, dry with little wind, although very warm towards mid-day. The main hazard on the longer routes near Orford was sand blown off very dry fields.

As a result of the entire day’s activities, donations of £80 each have been sent to the trio of St Nicholas Hospice, St Helena Hospice and the East Anglian Children’s Hospice.