We are often asked why we take on the task of organising events. Well 78 out of 80 tired but happy faces at the end of this, the first in the 2017 Keswick Bikes Allerdale Bike Challenge, gives you an idea why we keep doing it.

We have a reputation for providing good weather but as the date approached we though that this was at risk. However right on cue the sun came out and provided some magnificent views for a record number of riders as they worked their way around the Newlands and Borrowdale valleys. To add to the delights of the valleys riders could enjoy a tour of Derwentwater as well as some intricate urban orienteering to get the brain cells whizzing. The controls were in clusters and riders had to decide on whether it was more profitable to go for the short but hilly group around Castlerigg, go for the more distant, but flat ride, out to Seathwaite or rely on picking up enough points in the streets of Keswick.

Last Year's winner Kevin Hodgson opened his account with a narrow win over Dave Rawle whilst it looks like being another closely fought contest between Kate Charles and Fiona Wright. Well done to all.

Many thanks to Amos of Keswick Bikes who opened up the shop as a base and has provided us with tremendous support for the series this year, to Rupert Bonnington of Mountain Fuels who was on hand to provide sample of energy products for all of the riders and to Kat of Kat's Kitchen who manage to satisfy the hungry bikers afterwards with some very tasty cuisine.

The next event will be held at Maryport Golf Club on the 31st May. Entries are already open so please save time and money by entering online via this website. It also makes our job a lot easier!

Thanks to all for making it a great evening out.

What about the remaining 2 riders? Well they were surprised to find that they couldn't order a beefburger in a Vegan cafe!

See you soon.