MORE THAN 1,000 people turned out on Sunday for the Saddleback Sodbury Sportive.

The event, which is in its fifth year, saw riders with a range of experience taking part in one of the three courses on offer, and helping to raise money for good causes in and around Chipping Sodbury.

Setting off from Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club, riders passed the town’s high street before embarking on either the 30, 60 or 100 mile course.

Despite being a little windy and damp from rain overnight, spirits were high as was seen by the smiles on the faces of many of the riders crossing the finish line at the rugby club to a clatter of cow bells and cheering supporters.

Fundraising has yet to be tallied but it is expected that the sportive has raised more than £20,000, which will be distributed throughout the year by Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club.

Demonstrating the family spirit of the event was nine-year-old Charlie Cox, who completed the 30-mile course with his grandad Adrian.

He said: “It was a really fun day – apart from the steep hills. Everyone in Chipping Sodbury should give it a go next year!”

Adrian, 69, added: “It's the first major ride Charlie and I have done together, it was brilliantly organised and it was a wonderful way to make memories together.

“The trophies at the end really made Charlies day.”

Stuart Bennett, one of the sportive organisers, said: “Providing a great day for cyclists was our first aim when starting the Sodbury Sportive, second to this was to raise money for charity.

“If we can get the first one right then this should look after the second, which of course is a real win-win for everyone involved.

“We hope everyone enjoyed this year’s sportive and keep coming back year after year. Meanwhile, we’ll keep making the event the best we can.

“The feedback always praises the friendliness of the event, great routes and good organisation and that’s certainly our aim.”

As well as the sportive itself, the event entertained riders and supporters with live music and catering to try give people a full day out experience.

Mr Bennett said: “We want riders to hang around after the ride and enjoy the atmosphere and this is certainly something we’ll look to develop on in future years.”

He added: “We would really like to thank all the Chipping Sodbury Rotary club members, friends and volunteers who spent hours putting up all the directions signs, manning the food stops, running the timing, car parking, working in the kitchen, setting up and tidying up the list goes on of all the hard work to make this event happen.

“We also like to thank the local companies that help make this happen through services and sponsorship, and would welcome more companies to get involved.

“But most of all, we would like to thank all the riders. Without them the sportive couldn’t happen. By entering they make it a great event, and even better they are part of raising a huge amount of money for charity!”