Local MP Alan Mak has praised the organising team behind the 40th anniversary Hayling Cycle Ride to Paris and back.
He met up with the cyclists across the Channel and rode with them for part of the leg from Evreux to Paris – the hardest stretch of the entire Ride.
This year's ride marked 40 years since the very first Paris to Hayling ride by Pete McQuade in 1986. He cycled alone from Paris to Hayling to raise money for cot death research after two close friends suffered the loss of their baby daughter.
The following year he persuaded another 17 cyclists to join him and the rest is history.
Since then those taking part have raised more than £1.7m for charity and riders of all ages and abilities have come from 15 countries to enjoy the camaraderie and take on the challenge.
This year the seven-day ride of nearly 400 miles began with a ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Ouistreham.
More than 60 cyclists then made their way to Paris and back to Caen, where the ride ended with a fancy dress day and a celebration gala dinner.
The next morning riders cycled the short distance to Ouistreham to catch a ferry to Portsmouth before getting back in the saddle for the return to Hayling and a reception at the Royal British Legion.
Members of the Organising Committee under Chair Sarah Jefferies work hard all year round on a voluntary basis to ensure the event is a success.
This includes several recces to check and book hotels, plus identify any road closures. The route is cycled in advance and Andy Henderson, who used to take part in the ride, then produces paper route notes and GPX files for riders with GPS-enabled smartwatches.
The Committee also ensures that support vehicles and their crews under Support Team Leader Jo Macey are available to follow the cyclists with spares, medical supplies and refreshments.
Meanwhile Kim Hopkinson provides valuable admin on rider recruitment and communication, Treasurer Keith Stringer keeps an eye on the finances and Roger Borton is responsible for Technical Services including official cycle jersey design and business sponsorship.
Mr Mak said: "The Hayling Cycle Ride is a real local success story, not just in the amount of money raised for charity but in the fantastic camaraderie it creates and the new friends that are made en route and each evening at the overnight stops.
"But it wouldn't happen without all the hard work put in by members of the Organising Committee and the volunteers who make this annual event so special. I enjoyed meeting them during my ride, and it was good to thank them personally for their hard work."
