By 90 People Took To Their Bikes and Joined Some of the Big Names in British Cycling
Almost 90 people took to their bikes and joined some of the big names in British cycling for a journey through the Lincolnshire Wolds, organised by St Hugh’s Hospital.
The not-for-profit hospital’s latest Ride with the Pros event took place on Saturday 21st September, starting and ending from its site on Peaks Lane in Grimsby.
Professional cyclists Tom Stewart from Team Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes – this year’s Lincoln Grand Prix winner – and Russell Downing from the Giordana Cycling Racing Team led the 30km and 53km routes.
Up-and-coming talents Joe Laverick, who cycles for Madison Genesis, and Kieran Hotson, who is sponsored by TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling Gett Taxi Bottecchia, also joined riders for a coaching session as they travelled through the Lincolnshire Woods.
Riders were split among three groups depending on ability and preference, including three 53km routes – fast, medium and steady – and one 30km route which they could enjoy at a more leisurely pace.
Routes were organised by Dave Evans from NEL Lindsey Go-Ride and St Hugh’s Hospital’s Community Officer Gary Allington.
Gary is a keen cyclist himself and joined riders on the 30km route to offer support and keep the riders on route, while Hospital Director Ashley Brown cycled alongside the 53km group.
Gary said: “It’s always great to welcome so many cyclists to our Ride with the Pros, which we’ve been hosting for the last four years now.
“People sometimes don’t think they’re good enough, so these informal events are designed to help them feel at ease on their bikes. We’re not cycling at 100 miles an hour; everyone has fun and goes at their own pace.
“This year, as well as those who joined us from the St Hugh’s car park, we even picked up riders on the route! They tagged along for a chat, everyone felt welcome and that’s why we do it.”
Ashley added: “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout for this year’s event; every year we see such a mix of people getting involved.
“Everything went smoothly from start to finish and we were especially lucky with the weather!
“Our Ride with the Pros gets more and more popular each year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for this event.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us on the bikes, the volunteers and everyone involved in the organisation of this year’s outing. You help to make this all possible, and we’ll hopefully see you again at the next one!”
For more information about the Ride with the Pros sessions or to get involved in the activities supported by HMT St Hugh’s Hospital, visit: hmthospitals.org/st-hughs/community
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