The first sportive North Chilterns cycle ride for charity attracted over 150 entrants last Sunday.

The event, which started and finished in Mentmore, was dubbed 'Ride to the Horns' by its founder, local Formula One motor racing star Mark Webber,

Cyclists from all walks of life tackled three routes of varying difficulties on a day that stayed sunny and warm despite the ominous weather forecast.

The 'Ride to the Horns' is a name play on the link between Webber's Milton Keynes-based race team, Red Bull Racing, and the restaurant his partner manages, Il Maschio @ The Stag in Mentmore. The ride was an initiative dreamt up by Webber, a cycling enthusiast, to raise money for children's charity the PACE Centre Aylesbury, and to support the Mentmore village church roof fund.

Spectators and cyclists enjoyed an outdoor barbecue and bar put on by Il Maschio, and a fun day on Mentmore village green. This included a mass balloon release, children's rides, trade stalls, a classic car display and a cycling service centre courtesy of Phil Corley Cycles and Madison Cycles.

While cycling families enjoyed a 10-mile loop, and the more adventurous tackled a 50-mile course, the longest route, an 85 miler, pushed the brave entrants to their limits. Unfortunately there was a nasty collision mid-way through the course and one rider earned a trip to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for some stitches, but returned to Mentmore to join in the finish-line celebrations afterwards.

Webber, who tackled the 85-mile course was pleased with how the inaugural event went.

"We were really fortunate with the good weather, and it was great to see how well attended it was", he said. "There were cyclists of all different abilities, doing it for their own reasons and personal goals.  For a first event, we were really pleased with how it pulled together. The organisers, www.wheelsinwheelscc.com, did a fantastic job with the course, which was well marked and had a great mix of terrain. 

"The activities on the village green and the barbecue went down well, and I believe we raised a nice sum for our chosen charities. It's something we can build on in the future, hopefully making it a bigger and better event again next year."