2nd October 2015
500 cyclists rode out of Keswick in brilliant sunshine for the fourth annual Jennings Rivers Ride on Sunday 27 September.
The cycle sportive, set up in the wake of the 2009 floods, raises money for Cumbria Community Foundation to help good causes around the county.
It’s hoped this year’s fundraisers will match last year’s total by raising more than £23,000 for the charity.
The Jennings Rivers Ride is organised by Keswick-based cycling and events company Rather Be Cycling (RBC).
RBC’s Director Cheryl Frost, said: “We’re delighted that so many people took part. The weather was fantastic and everyone really enjoyed their rides. The atmosphere was really friendly and there was a lovely mix of people of all cycling abilities taking part.
“The Jennings Rivers Ride is a special sportive for us. It’s our flagship event and it’s great to see so many people raising money for a good cause.
“I must say a big thank you to all the riders for taking part, our jolly volunteers who smiled their way through the day and our staff who worked like real troopers to make sure everything went smoothly.”
Cyclists from around the country took part in one of four rides: the ten mile family challenge, the 38 mile Community Circuit, the 55 mile Foundation Flyer and the 75 mile Big Day Out.
A number of Cumbrian firms entered teams, here’s what they had to say:
Workington based Iggesund had 15 riders taking part, Head of HR Jonny Lowe said: “The riders have come back full of it, they had a fantastic day, obviously helped by the brilliant weather. The Iggesund team numbers have grown year on year. Iggesund encourage people to get involved and support events and initiatives to do with health and well-being. It is the inclusiveness of the Jennings Rivers Ride which appeals, never mind what level you are at you can take part, from those just getting into or returning to cycling the family ride is ideal and there is something for the keen cyclist in The Big Day Out. The event is brilliantly organises and it feels very safe, which is important when a company is encouraging people to take part.”
Penrith based Handelsbanken entered a team of seven led by Richard Lancaster, he said:
“What a wonderful day to be cycling around the stunning scenery that West Cumbria has to offer. The Handelsbanken Team were all delighted to be involved in the Jennings Rivers Ride this year and out of seven starters, six of us completed the Big Day Out. A huge thank you to the Cumbria Community Foundation and Jennings for organising such a great event. The marshals and volunteers at the feed stations were all so helpful and provided much needed encouragement at just the right times. We will definitely be back next year as a few of us need to try and conquer Honister!”
The Low Level Waste Repository at Drigg once again entered the biggest team with 23 cyclists taking part, they said: “Everyone enjoyed it and at the moment they are keen to do it again next year!”
Warwick Street Osteopaths in Carlisle said: “Our team went out smiling and came back smiling, we had a good day!”
West Cumbrian Shepley Engineers had a team of eight: “We had a good time, lovely weather, good routes for different abilities.”