THE Olympic spirit was alive and well in Uttoxeter on Sunday as the town’s mayor held what is hoped to be the first annual mayoral charity bike ride.
Cyclists could either tackle a challenging 60-mile route or a more comfortable 20-mile route for families and younger riders during the well-supported event.
Led by Uttoxeter Mayor Councillor Martin Blencowe the two groups set off from Bramshall Road Recreation Ground before taking in the picturesque countryside around the town.
Councillor Blencowe told the Advertiser he was happy with how the first event went and said it helped to promote the idyllic location surrounding them.
He said: “For a first attempt it went really well with an enthusiastic turnout exemplified by the rider who not only chaperoned his young son on a 20- inch wheeler but had two younger passengers in a bike trailer my hat goes off to him.
“Experienced and not so experienced riders had a great time and judging by the banter back at the town hall it is an event everyone wants to see repeated.
“On a beautiful October morning there is little to match the countryside around Uttoxeter and it is there for us to promote.” Councillor Blencowe said he was determined that the event will continue and be bigger and better next year.
He said: “This was called the First Uttoxeter Mayoral Cycle Ride to ensure we would follow the idea through!
“We learned a lot and that will help us set up the next one and hopefully we can introduce a shorter circuit to add on to what we have aimed at getting more family involvement.
“We hope to target a wider audience next time around and having discovered it is an event that will work we hope it is something else that helps put us on the map.
“The icing on the cake was that we raised £200 for the mayoral charities and a big thanks to all those who took part for that effort.
“My thanks go out to Uttoxeter Cycles who provided back up and a service station at the halfway house — the usual share of punctures were had and the crew were called out to get a wheel off that couldn’t be shifted but that was all part of the fun!
“A thank you also for the police for their support and keeping a safe eye on us I think there may be more for them to do next year.”
