Over 500 cyclists headed into Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (June 23rd) for the 10th annual Chase The Sun cycling challenge.
The popular event involved the cyclists riding from sunrise to sunset from coast to coast, east to west, across Britain over a distance of more than 200 miles.
The weary cyclists started arriving at Burnham jetty from 5pm, with the majority arriving between 8-9.30pm, just in time to complete the challenge of seeing the setting sun over the Bristol Channel.
Burnham’s Town Crier Alistair Murray welcomed the cyclists to the seafront during the evening, alongside a crowd of spectators, mainly family and friends of the cyclists.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, one of the organisers, Phil Webb, said over 700 people had registered to take part, and around 500 completed the gruelling challenge.
“2018 marked the 10th anniversary of Chase the Sun, an annual cycle challenge originally conceived by Olly Moore in 2008.”
“The concept is unique; this event is a ride, not a race, it is a collective endeavour shared by an annual community of cyclists inspired in pursuit of a common goal.”
“The ride again attracted a broad range of cyclists from many countries and backgrounds, from trained athletes to determined novices.”
Chase The Sun UK started at sunrise in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, ending at sunset in Burnham-On-Sea, some 205 miles later.
The event also helped local accommodation providers in the Burnham-On-Sea area, with many saying they were fully booked on Saturday night.
Cyclist Darren Williams had a superb family welcome when he was accompanied on the last 500 metres along the seafront by his son Oliver, as pictured above.
The Boldmere Bullets ran in unison as they finished – as part of an epic 535-mile cycle ride over four days. They cycled from Birmingham to Sheppey on Thursday and Friday, from Sheppey to Burnham on Saturday and were cycling back to Birmingham on Sunday.
