MORE than 1,000 cyclists came out in force to raise funds for J's Hospice at the weekend for the fifth annual Pedal for J's ride.
Starting out from Admirals Park on Sunday, in Chelmsford, the charity ride saw everyone from the first-timers to seasoned riders kit out and get pedalling for the 15, 35 or 50-mile routes around the mid Essex countryside.
There on the day was 66-year-old Colin Madder-Smith from Tiptree.
He said: "I am doing this because I love cycling. The exercise is great and keeps off obesity, illness – it is just really good for you. "More and more people are taking it up as well. Of course, it is a top cause to be supporting as J's Hospice does great work caring for young adults."
Organisers are still totting up the fundraising total but it is expected to smash last year's record of £35,000.
Dave Sweet, 55, of Field Fare, Billericay, is relatively new to the sport.
He said: "I have only had my bike about ten weeks. I had been meaning to take it up for a while but ten weeks ago I finally bought the new bike and here I am now.
"I have been doing a lot of training over the last weeks, with 30-mile rides at the weekend. This is my first ever sporting event.
"My sport of choice is running, which I have been doing for a while longer. I have done marathons and other races, so I am quite healthy. I will be doing the 35-mile ride."
Also there on the day was 55-year-old Jacqueline Mills from Wickford.
She said: "I am here because I do a lot of cycling and it is one of the events on the calendar. I do quite a few in the year. I am doing a 100 mile ride later in the year and this is part of the training."
Jim Garratt, of Butterfield Road, Boreham, was getting back in the saddle after a winter away. The 23-year-old said: "I am doing the 50-mile ride today. This is my first time out on a ride since last summer. I only do a lot of riding during the warmer months, but practically none during the winter."
Riding alongside Jim was 46-year-old Keran Palmer, also from Boreham.
He said: "I am quite a regular cyclist. I do about 30 or 40 miles every weekend. Most our group here today is down from Boreham."
Maz Keenan, community events fundraiser for The J's, and the event co-ordinator, said: "It's amazing to see the commitment and dedication of some of the riders who have come along today."
