Nearly 250 cyclists took part in this year’s Ride North Norfolk, making the latest edition of the long-running Active Fakenham event another great success.

Riders chose routes ranging from around 15 miles to 103 miles, taking them through the North Norfolk countryside, with participants travelling from across the region and further afield to take part.

There was particularly strong support from Fakenham, Norwich and the surrounding area, but riders also travelled from many other parts of the country. The event even welcomed a team involved in running cycling holidays in Majorca.

Feedback from riders has been extremely positive, with many commenting on the routes, organisation, friendly atmosphere and support provided throughout the day.

One rider, Mark Whitmore, said:

“Had a great day out, even though my legs may disagree right now. Thanks for putting on this event — good to ride with friendly people and no pressure. The flapjacks were excellent too.”

Mike Goldwater described the event as:

“Brilliantly run and managed. Made the ride an absolute joy. Thank you so much to all the volunteers. Even the weather was on our side!”

While Keith Stockdale, who rode with his son, said:

“Brilliant morning. Me and my son had a great ride. Superbly run.”

Other riders also highlighted the contribution made by the volunteers. Andy Payne thanked the organisers and “all the volunteers who helped make it happen”, while Pete Goodyear praised the “great organisation and team of volunteers”, adding that the friendly support helped keep him going despite bike problems.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Ride North Norfolk is also the opportunity it gives participants to raise money for causes that matter to them.

Among this year’s riders were Sue and Chris, who completed the 36-mile route and raised more than £900 for Macmillan Cancer Support through sponsorship. On last years ride they raised more than £1,000 for a dementia charity.

They are far from alone. Although Active Fakenham does not directly raise large sums for charity through its events, over the years thousands of pounds have been raised for charities and good causes by people taking part in Ride North Norfolk and other Active Fakenham events.

Participants in the organisation’s Easter Festival of Running, for example, regularly use their runs to raise sponsorship for charities and other good causes.

Active Fakenham reinvests its own funds into providing good-quality, welcoming community events at affordable prices or no cost, helping to ensure that as many people as possible can take part.

Active Fakenham Chair Richard Crook said:

“Ride North Norfolk was a great success again this year and it was wonderful to see nearly 250 people taking part.

“We had riders from Fakenham and across Norfolk, as well as people travelling from much further afield, and the feedback has been extremely positive.

“One of the things we are particularly pleased about is the amount of money people raise for charities through taking part in our events. We don’t directly fundraise large amounts ourselves because our money is reinvested into keeping our events affordable and maintaining their quality, but over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised by participants for causes that are important to them.

“Sue and Chris are a great example, and we congratulate them on both completing the ride and raising such an impressive amount for Macmillan.

“We would also like to give a huge thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors. Events like Ride North Norfolk simply could not happen without the tremendous amount of time, practical help and financial support they provide.

“The comments we have received from riders about the friendliness of the event and the support they received from volunteers are particularly pleasing. That welcoming atmosphere is exactly what we want Active Fakenham events to be about.”

Ride North Norfolk is organised by Active Fakenham and has become an established fixture in the local events calendar, attracting both experienced cyclists and recreational riders.

Photographs from this year’s event are available on the Active Fakenham website and social media pages, with more images being added following the event.

Richard Crook

richard@activefakenham.org.uk

07887 803091