Pedal power raised cash for cancer research as thousands of cyclists saddled up for a huge charity bike ride.
The annual Manchester to Blackpool challenge is one of the region's largest – and most popular – fundraising events.
More than 8,000 cyclists took to the road on behalf of the Christie Hospital to complete the 60-mile trip.
Coaches and buses were put on to bring weary riders back to Manchester after two rail firms introduced a 24-hour bike ban to prevent fundraisers from boarding trains in Blackpool with bikes.
As revealed by the M.E.N., Northern Rail and First Transpennine Express said they acted in response to concerns raised by passengers at last year's event – which raised £355,000 for the Manchester hospital.
The policy was criticised by angry cyclists, but the Christie reported no problems.
The Manchester to Blackpool ride – celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – is the Christie's second biggest annual fund-raising event after the Great Manchester Run.
Jenny Haskey, head of corporate sponsorship and sports events at the Christie, thanked all those that took part.
She said: “It was a fantastic effort by everyone – more than 8,000 people.
“That is a huge number of people cycling from Manchester to Blackpool and we want to thank them all. We are now hoping to beat last year's total of £355,000.
“It is a tough bike ride and many people were riding for personal, emotive reasons. We have been moved by many overwhelming stories and all the money raised will now go to cancer research.”
The route started at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground and ended along Blackpool's South Promenade.
Bike Events, organisers of fund-raising and recreational cycle rides, put on more than 20 coaches and buses for cyclists returning to Manchester.
A huge party with barbecue and live music was held for those who chose to stay by the seaside after the ride.
Mrs Haskey added: “There wasn't any issue with the trains as buses and coaches were running every half hour. The whole event was hugely well organised.”
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I would like to know how the event organisers of this event, allowed so many to take part without wearing crash helmets! Adults and Chrilden riding on open roads with no Helmets is just damn right dangerous!!! Surely the event organiser has a responsibility to ensure helmets should be worn, otherwise you don't partake!
Well done to C relief, collydog for making it to the finish! A bloomin hard slog but well worth it for the christie. Congrats to everyone taking part. A well organised "FUN"??!! Day!
Well done to all the cyclists who cycled to Blackpool (and the ones who came from Blackpool to cycle back)
I think I might try cycling it next year again.
It were my first time this year, although i found it harder than i thought it would be...I Loved it. I didn't do it for charity purposes but next year i will train harder & be more prepared!
Would recommend it to anyone considering riding it in the future. Well done to everyone who took part.
I did the ride yesterday and have to say it was the hardest thing i have ever done ,took me 7 hours and now today i cant walk lol. Done it in memory of my cousin Thomas Paton who lost his life to this horrible disease aged just 17 so the pain was well worth it for such a good cause.
I assume they were all insured incase they were involved in a blame-worthy collision with a vehicle?
I completed the ride yesterday and agree that the number of people without helmets was concerning. Also the amount of inconsiderate drivers not giving the cyclists enough space. Surely if you know a major cyclng event was taking place you'd avoid the area.
It was a great day for a great cause (The Christie) and I must commend the organisers for looking after us and getting us home safely.