Over 3000 Cyclists Turn Out in Force for the 19th Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride
Photographs by Alan Edwards and report by Wiesia Kuczaj

OVER 3,200 cyclists took to the streets of Merseyside and Cheshire this weekend for the annual Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, raising money for Claire House Children's Hospice.

Former track World Champion, Craig MacLean, London 2012 Paralympian, Rik Waddon and former Atomic Kitten star, Natasha Hamilton were just some of the guests who turned out to ride the sell out event.

The event, organised by Pennine Events, featured five different routes for participants to choose from. The Wirral Circular, Chester-Liverpool and Liverpool-Chester, were all 25 miles. The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool, 50 miles, and the Liverpool Challenge, a 90 mile route through the Wirral and Cheshire countryside. New to 2012, was the Chester-Liverpool route, which was introduced to accommodate the influx of cyclists around the Chester area.

The majority of riders started in Liverpool (with the exception of those riding the new Chester-Liverpool route). The closure of the Birkenhead Tunnel was made possible through the events partnership with Merseytravel, allowing this unique underground element to exist.

The Countess of Chester Health Park played host to a family friendly Cycle Show for the day, to ensure that family, friends and relatives of those riding the event were kept entertained. Activities on offer included, make your own sensational smoothies by pedal power, Sport Massages, Cycle Safety Checks, Fabulous Face Painting, Circus Skills, Bike Security Markings plus the Claire House Children's Hospice.

Former Atomic Kitten star and Liverpool local, Natasha Hamilton set off the first wave of riders from Liverpool and also took part in the ride.

Natasha Hamilton, who was riding the event with her mother said:- "This was my first ever Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride. We were a little bit nervous before the start, but the sun was shining for us and we had a great time."

Paralympic cyclist, Rik Waddon, who grew up in Chester, rode the 25 mile Liverpool-Chester route. "It was a really fun day. I am currently training hard for the Paralympics, so it is nice to come out and have an easy ride on my bike. I grew up in Chester so I love riding on the roads around Chester and the Wirral."

Craig MacLean thought it was an excellent event for the North West:- "It was a fantastic event for families to get involved in, cyclists of all levels turned out in force to ride their route of choice. It's one of the very few days cyclists can pass through the Mersey tunnel, which is an experience in itself. With nearly three miles under the Mersey, it was definitely different to anything any of the participants had done before."

Mark Sandamas, Director of Pennine Events, said:- "Once again I've been blown away by the support and turnout this event raises for local charities. We have put a lot of time and effort into this event to make it as appealing for the supporters and to cater for everyone's needs."

For more information please visit:- liverpoolchesterliverpool.com.

Formby hit by a run of burglaries...

IN the past fortnight burglaries or attempted burglaries have occurred in Altcar Road, Bull Cop, Trafalgar Road, Olive Grove, Churchill Avenue, Rufford Road and Bath Street. 4 of them, according to Sefton Home Watch, were possibly a result of the property being left insecure. "Even when you are in your home please remember to lock external doors. It only takes a few minutes for an opportunist burglar to enter a house take what is in easy reach and leave. Also when you leave the property check all windows and doors are securely locked, many insurance companies will refuse to pay out if all precautions are not taken to ensure your home is secure. Another manner of entering houses is by using garden tools to open windows or doors, either from your property or taken from your neighbours. Please ensure tools and ladders are locked away safely." said Margaret Jepson from Home Watch.