Cyclists brave weather to take on Brewood Cycle Challenge for scouts - with pictures
Cyclists jumped on their bikes in the pouring rain to take on an annual cycling challenge in Staffordshire.
More than 300 cyclists braved the bad weather for the Brewood Cycle Challenge, which raises money for the 2nd Brewood Scout Group.
People had the option of taking on the 50km or the 100km circular route – both of which took them through the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside.
Rebecca Talbot, a fundraiser for the scout group, said: "I think the cyclists expect this kind of weather if you cycle in the UK.
"They came prepared with their kits and whilst it has put a dampener on things, I don't think it's impacted us a lot today.
"Numbers are down and that's due to the weather. We did have more than 500 cyclists register and the weather has put people off on the day.
"Those who've braved it will hopefully have a good event."
The event was due to get underway at St Dominic's Grammar School for Boys and Girls at 9am, but started slightly ahead of schedule due to cyclists being "raring" to go.
Jean Martyn, who made the Britain's Got Talent finals in 2011, also played some songs for people waiting in the rain.
The 50km route saw riders take to Wheaton Aston, Church Eaton, Gnosall Heath, Moreton and Sheriffhales.
Participants could rest at Sheriffhales Village Hall before completing the final trek back to Brewood, through Cosford and Bishop's Wood.
The 100km saw cyclists head thorough Wheaton Aston, Church Eaton, Gnosall Heath, before heading through Norbury, Sambrook.
Riders could rest at Sambrook Village Hall, before taking on the second half of the ride to Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Community Centre.
Cyclists went through Waters Upton, High Ercall, Rodington, Uppington and Little Wenlock before arriving at the centre.
For the last section, riders had to tackle Ironbridge, Brockton, Ryton, Donnington, Boscobel before heading back to Brewood.
The 38-year-old, from Brewood, said: "It's a really important event for the scouts.
"It's to raise money to get the scout huts renovated.
"It's a fantastic event and one which is very well supported – not just by the people who take part, but the volunteers and the people who live in the village."
Rebecca, from Brewood, also praised Bill Gallan and Ian Grew from the scouts group for helping keep the tradition going – calling them "instrumental" in the ride's success.
