Virtual cycle trip around the world right here in Lutterworth raises thousands of pounds for charity

A Harborough district sports complex hosted the Big Indoor Bike Ride fundraising spectacular for the fourth year running.

The event at Lutterworth Sports Centre was staged by Everyone Active, which manages it in partnership with Harborough District Council.

The fun-filled fundraiser, organised by Lutterworth Rotary Club, raised an impressive £2,000 for Macmillan, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and other Rotary-supported charities.

The club teamed up with spinning instructor Richard Stannard.

He laid on six one-hour spinning sessions, all with full musical accompaniment.

The workouts gave cyclists a ‘virtual trip’ around some of the world’s most famous cycle rides like the Tour de France and the UK’s Cat and Fiddle route.

The complex was buzzing as over 65 riders of all abilities took up more than 100 one-hour cycle time slots.

Free refreshments were available for the cyclists and there was a physio on hand to help with flagging legs.

Lewis Humphrey, general manager at the complex, said: “Not only was the event an enjoyable way for people to get active, but we also managed to raise £2,000 for charity which will make a big difference.

“We hope to see many returning faces at next year’s event.”

Cyclists, family and friends also took part in a raffle and contributed towards the cake stall in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the selected charities.

Sally Hollis, president of Lutterworth Rotary Club, said: “The indoor bike ride has once again been a great event to be involved in.

“It raises a lot of money for some vital causes.

“And it also encourages people to keep fit and acts as another way in which the community can come together and have some fun.”

The next Rotary Club cycle event will be Lutterworth Big Bike Ride held in August.