Sun shines as mayor starts PedalPush event (From Bucks Free Press)

Sun shines as High Wycombe mayor starts PedalPush event

10:12am Sunday 22nd May 2011 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

A MASS of cyclists set off through the Chiltern Hills this morning for the 16th annual PedalPush.

The newly elected High Wycombe mayor Chaudhary Ditta started the event in Saunderton, in one of his first duties in the role.

About 50 riders had pedalled off by 8.30am, with more than 200 expected to complete the 25 or 50 miles routes, which start and finish at the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People headquarters.

The event is organised by The Rotary Club of High Wycombe and will raise money this year for Scannappeal and the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Last year the event raised £4,500 for various charities. Rotary president Rod Barber said: “Over the years this has been a major fundraiser for the club.

“It's got great support from everybody in the community and we hope we can raise some good sums of money, it'll be nice if we can top last year's figure.”

Despite overnight rain, the conditions were bright and sunny as riders set off. The 25 mile route takes them to Thame, Shabbington and back, and the 50 mile ride goes through Thame, Oakley, Cuddington, Askett and Hampden.

Among the riders today were Les Hubbard, a veteran Rotary member, William Baxter, the chairman of Scannappeal, and 18-year-old Olivia Timms, who should cruise over the Chilterns.

Olivia, a Wycombe Abbey School pupil, is in training to do the L'Étape du Tour this year – which allows amateur cyclists to test themselves on a mountain stage of the Tour du France.

She only started training in January but goes out cycling six days a week.

All the money raised for the Pedal Push comes from entrance fees, which cost £15 or £20, depending on whether it was pre-booked. Over its lifetime the event has raised more than £130,000 for charity.

Matt Piercy, from Naphill, was taking part for the first time with a group of cycling friends.

The 41-year-old, who owns a software company, said: “We go out at weekends and there's a gentleman's agreement that there's no racing, but you always end up racing.

“I'm very much looking forward to it, but the objective is to get back in time for the Grand Prix. I need to be back in the lounge by one 'o' clock.”

Mayor Chaudhary Ditta, fresh from celebrating his appointment with family and friends last night, said: “I was so tired this morning but it's straight into the job, I'll have to get used to that.

“It's wonderful to be here, it's all started very well for me with the fine weather. Somehow I'm feeling relaxed in the job already.”

His mayoress Jane White was also there, and Cllr Ditta said she's helped him get rid of the nerves and “make a flying start”.