CYCLISTS from across Rochdale took to the saddle to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
More than 350 bike riders turned out on everything from tandems to tricycles and even a traditional butcher’s bike.
Departing from Hollingworth Lake, some riders chose a 22-mile bronze route climbing Blackstone Edge heading towards Halifax, the more adventurous picked the 29-mile silver route through the Calder Valley to Hebden Bridge, while the ultra determined opted for the 52-mile gold route and riding as far as Burnley.
The is the 11th year that the bike ride has been organised by founder David Geldard in conjunction with the Transpennine Cycling Club.
Mr Geldard originally launched the Over the Edge bike ride in 1996 after using cycling as a way to increase his fitness levels following major heart bypass surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Named as ‘Man of the Millennium’ for his efforts in raising money for the charity and awareness of heart disease, he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s new year’s honours list.
And he was thrilled with the turnout at Sunday’s event.
He said: "It was a good day for riding as the rain stayed off for most of the day and it wasn’t too sunny. There were no serious accidents and we’re hoping we’ve raised in excess of £10,000. The mayor, Councillor Robin Parker, has always supported the British Heart Foundation and the money raised will be funnelled through his charity."
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Wendy Howarth (14/05/2009 at 12:57)
On the good side there were selfless, hardworking volunteers helping to make sure a wonderful charity event ran safely and smoothly. I saw hundreds of people all giving their time and energy to help raise money for a very good cause. They were of all abilities, young and old. They went 'over the edge' for a charity event that brings out the best in people and puts Rochdale on the map.
On the bad side I saw Rochdale Council crowing about how it "supports" the event but then charges car visitors £2 each in the car park. To add insult to injury I saw not one but two RMBC parking wardens ticketing some participants.
How petty and mean minded.
What a welcome to Rochdale?
Pathetic.
Lancashire Lad (14/05/2009 at 14:08)
Rochdale Council wastes obscene amounts of money on crazy and failed projects but continues to destroy goodwill with penny pinching.
Will the money Rochdale Council took from charityraisers be used to help fill roads potholes?
Or as "Millionaire" hairdresser Cllr Couzens says that the poor state of our roads is down to RMBC being a "victim of its own success" then will he donate some of his own money to do some desperately needed road maintenance?
Let's hope these welcome visitors to our town have not been put off by tight-fisted parking charges and shoddy, dangerous roads.