7th Great Milk Stout Ride

Sunday 13th September 2009, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Nearly 60 cyclists and walkers, including 20 children, came to Hamsterley Forest to take part in the 7th Great Milk Stout Ride to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Volunteers from Hamsterley Trailblazers organised a choice of 3 bike rides through the forest – a 6 mile blue family route, a more demanding 14 mile red or the ultimate challenge – a 25 mile black route taking in new purpose built singletrack cycle trails, just opened the day before. A walking option was also available for those preferring to go on two feet rather than two wheels.

Amongst the riders was Beckie Ward from London who said, ‘The trails were amazing, I had a fantastic time. I really love it up here and will definitely be coming back!’

Also taking part was youngster Liam Wooley, one of the first to complete the blue ride, who was keen to raise money for Macmillan and receive the special trophy awarded each year to the highest individual fund raiser.

Richard and Karen Bower took their two children, Magnus age 6 and Frances age 3 along. They all came back with big smiles even if Magnus did have wet feet. ‘I’ll buy him waterproof socks next year!’ said Richard.

‘We’re still waiting for all the sponsorship money to come in, but we hope to raise around £1,500 for Macmillan’ said Vicky Chilcott, Secretary of Hamsterley Trailblazers. ‘We were really pleased to see how much everyone enjoyed themselves for such a worthy cause.’

Some images from the day:-

To see further photos from the day go to:-
http://s1008.photobucket.com/albums/af208/hamsterleytrailblazers