Hundreds of cyclists, aged from nine to 75, toured the north-east as they took on the Methlick Cycle Challenge yesterday.
The event offered up a gruelling 68-mile route over roads, old train lines and forestry tracks including the Formartine and Buchan Way.
The winner was Stephen Smith, of Deeside Thistle, who completed the course in four hours and 10 minutes.
Less taxing 42 or 20-mile routes were also available to cyclists.
The weary participants, the majority of whom were amateur, plodded to the Ythanview Hotel for a well-earned pint and free barbecue afterwards.
Boyd Ross, who organised the first ever Methlick Cycle Challenge five years ago, was able to complete the 42-mile route after handing over the reins to Murdo Campbell to run it this year.
He said: “The weather was kind, although there were some spots of rain in the morning.
“It was a great event, I was encouraged by the number of people out today – the oldest participant was 75 and the youngest was nine.
“When I see the impact cycling has had in places like Methlick, and surrounding areas such as Tarves, it really is amazing.
“The variety of people you see out to support the event is tremendous and everyone behaved mannerly this year.”
Mr Boyd was referencing a notorious occasion in 2017 when young people pranked riders by sending them on detours.
Teenagers donned high-vis jackets and masqueraded as event marshals on the Sheddocksley stretch of the route, directing cyclists away from the correct path leading to Howes Road.
As a result, organisers decided to start and finish the Challenge in Methlick in future years.
The challenge has raised thousands of pounds throughout the years.
Mr Ross added: “We’ll have raised about £40,000 for the Methlick branch of the British Legion over the years.
“We also have given to other places such as the local Scouts and also the local football club – it all stays local.”
Methlick will be hosting a second fundraising cycle this year, specifically for children, on Sunday, September 8.
For more information, people can visit
https://methlick.wixsite.com/cyclechallenge
