A GROUP of 120 determined cyclists set off early in the morning sunshine on Sunday to take on a challenging 33-mile sponsored bike ride in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice.

The route started at the hospice in Northwood and took them through Amersham, Chipperfield, Bovingdon and Hemel Hempstead. it finished back at the hospice, where the cyclists were given a well-deserved cuppa and doughnut. A Ruislip Police team helped cyclists along the way and kept them safe on the roads.

Tony Taylor, from Pinner, and Mike Harman, of Chorleywood, were among the first cyclists back to base and finished the route in two hours.

Mike said: “We are both veterans of this event. We have been taking part since it began back in 2007. We love cycling, live locally and like to support a local cause.”

Rob Clarke, of Northwood, said: “This is my fifth year doing the event. The course was quite challenging with a few horrible hills, but it was a beautiful route on a beautiful day and all for a good cause.”

Ophelia Chambers-Henry, events and community fund-raising manager at Michael Sobell, said: “So far, we have raised more than £2,400, with more sponsorship money to come.”