700 cyclists will be heading into Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (June 23rd) for the 10th annual Chase The Sun cycling challenge.
The popular event involves 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 will be finishing on Burnham seafront from about 6.30pm, with the majority arriving between 8-9.30pm.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, one of the organisers, Phil Webb, said: “2018 marks 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 attracts a broad range of cyclists from many countries and backgrounds, from trained athletes to determined novices, experienced long-distance adventure riders, to urban cycle couriers riding fixie bikes.”
He added: “In contrast with the now typical ‘sportives’, there is no timing or ranking, no medals, only the ultimate success of chasing the sun to view the sunset on the coastline.”
Chase The Sun UK starts at sunrise in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, ending at sunset in Burnham On Sea some 205 miles later.
Phil added: “It is a DIY ride, without support or feed-stations, a community of cyclists looking after each other.”
Last year 285 riders started, and 225 arrived in Burnham in time to see the setting sun. This year over 700 riders have registered.
