ALMOST 100 cyclists took to the saddle on Sunday to take part in inaugural Salisbury Hospice Cycle Challenge.

The cyclists were offered a choice of two routes to help raise money for the hospice with a scenic 35-mile ride through the Woodford Valley or a 60-mile ride aimed at the more experienced cyclist. The longer ride also took in some beautiful scenery as cyclists went out Chitterne and the open landscapes of Salisbury Plain.

The fundraising target for the first ever Cycle Challenge was £4,000 and organisers hope easily achieve this figure.

Rachel Turnbull from Salisbury Hospice Charity said: “We are very happy with the way the event went. The cyclists arrived back smiling and said what a great route it was. We have learnt a lot from our very first Cycle Challenge and will certainly be looking to run it again next year.”