THE first mountain biking challenge in South Oxfordshire was launched on Sunday, with 250 riders taking part.
The Uptonogood charity race, organised by a group of local cyclists who meet at the George and Dragon in Upton, near Didcot, each week, included a five-mile family ride, along with 25- and 45-mile challenges through countryside close to the Ridgeway.
Organiser Mike Tibbetts said: “The day was superb and the weather was unbelievable.
“We had 250 riders, and about 50 children in the family ride.”
The day, which raised more than £2,000 for Upton Village Hall, Blewbury Primary School and local cadets, could now become an annual event.
Among the youngest riders taking part in the five-mile family ride was Blewbury Primary School pupil Ben Lott, six.
He said: “I’m riding on my brand new bike that I got for Christmas and have only ridden about six times. I’ve done 12 miles on it before, and want to ride it as fast as possible.”
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