400 cyclists saddle up for Haslemere’s Little Lumpy Sportive

Four hundred cyclists gave their legs a May workout when they took part in Haslemere's local and homely sportive, Little Lumpy.

Riders in the Little Lumpy Sportive - now in its 15th year - were able to cycle in a choice of three distance categories: 100, 60 or 40 miles. Some chose to push themselves against a clock, others took a more leisurely approach to the day.

The cyclists, young and not so young, set off in their saddles from the Woolmer Hill Sports Pavilion on Sunday, along country lanes with routes marked by red, blue and green signs. Along the way, they enjoyed feed stations that were stocked by local volunteer bakers with an amazing choice of traybakes, cakes, savoury treats, fresh fruit and fudge.

Organiser Ken Griffiths said the routes, which included sections through the likes of South Harting, Teglease, Chalton, Stedham and Lurgashall, were specially chosen to encompass beautiful scenery - and testing ups and downs with stunning views as a reward for longer climbs.

The routes all concluded with a grandstand finish back at the pavilion where participants were rewarded with hot food and drinks.

The ride, organised by a volunteer committee of Haslemere residents, is always popular and attracts riders from all over the South East of England.

This year, Little Lumpy supported The Haslemere Festival and Undershaw Education Trust, the latter will use their funds for outdoor play/sensory regulation equipment.

Ken Griffiths, Little Lumpy Chairman, was delighted at the turn-out. He said:

"I can't believe it," he said. "It was a fantastic day and our volunteers made the event so special for all our riders. It has ended on a real high and that's set us up nicely for next year with pre-registration already open for 2024!"

Emma West, Headteacher at Undershaw, told The Herald: "We were so honoured to be selected as charity partner for Little Lumpy this year. All our staff that helped, baked or cycled loved the event. It has been such an enriching collaboration for the Undershaw community.

"The funds raised for the play equipment will not only give our SEND students the opportunity to self-regulate and ensure they are happy and ready to learn, but also allow them to enjoy time together outdoors. It really will make a significant difference to their wellbeing and our campus at Undershaw."

James Lindsey (Undershaw staff) and Rob Stock (Undershaw parent) cycled the 60 mile Challenge route. Commenting afterwards on Facebook, Rob wrote:

"Thanks all for such a fun day out and for raising funds for Undershaw School, it means a lot. I was in the school team of riders, and my son, who is autistic, goes to Undershaw. The school has been amazing and has transformed my son in so many ways into the happy and confident 16yr old he is today.

"He joined the school aged 11yrs from another school, where he had had a torrid time being bullied and with little confidence and low self-esteem. Undershaw has been truly superb and your money could not be better spent..... well done to the Little Lumpy team."

The next Little Lumpy sportive takes place on 19th May 2024 and pre-registration is now open at www.resultsbase.net.

For more details about the Little Lumpy sportive, visit the event website at littlelumpy.co.uk.

0 Comments