A fundraising cycling event in Aberdeenshire has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
The Methlick Cycle Challenge on Sunday brought together 180 riders who took on temperatures as high as 28.3C on 67 mile, 40 mile and 20 mile-long routes.
Along the way they enjoyed some of the north-east’s most picturesque countryside communities, including New Deer, Udny and Tarves.
The bikers raised more than £6,000 for the Methlick British Legion and other local charities and projects and celebrated their success with a barbecue at the finish line.
Now in its fourth year, the annual event had previously started in Ballater and ended in Methlick, taking in parts of Deeside, however this year organisers decided to both start and finish the challenge in the village.
The move came after “little tykes” pranked riders by sending them on detours in last year’s race by pretending to be event marshals on the Sheddocklsey stretch of the route.
Organiser Boyd Ross said the 2018 event has been one of the most successful yet and is already planning next year’s challenge.
He said: “Feedback on all our routes was great and no one went off course – though many found the first 10 miles tough going.
“The views up at Skelmonae Windfarm were tremendous and the route around Pitfour Lake was stunning.
“Special thanks are due to all the helpers, marshals and sponsors as we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Next year’s event has been set for July 14, but a Kid’s Challenge will also take place in October.
To find out more, visit www.methlickcyclechallenge.co.uk.
