Four hundred cyclists gave their legs a May workout when they took part in Haslemere’s 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, May 21 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.

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

Ken Griffiths, the Little Lumpy chairman, was delighted by the turn-out. He said: “I can’t believe it. It was a fantastic day and our volunteers made the event so special for all our riders.

“It 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, said: “We were so honoured to be selected as charity partner for Little Lumpy. All our staff who 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.”

Undershaw parent Rob Stock said: “Thanks 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 16-year- old he is today. He joined the school aged 11 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.”

The next Little Lumpy sportive takes place on May 19, 2024 and pre-registration is now open at https://bit.ly/Little Lumpy2024

The Farnham Charity Bike Ride is on Sunday, July 2, and is expected to attract around 800 cyclists with four routes available: 16, 25, 50 or 75 miles.

For more information and tickets, see https://farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/farnham-charity-bike-ride/