ALTON’S first bike challenge raised more than £300 in aid of Rotherfield District Scouts.

Despite some hugely unseasonal weather conditions, that was sure to have acted as a deterrent to all but the most dedicated of riders, the May 20 event was hailed a success and one to be repeated next year.

Organisers of the Alton Bike Challenge thanked “all the riders, our corporate supporters, and all those that turned out to contribute to the running of the event”.

The winning teams were Watts, Littons, and F1X (under-11s course).

Cash raised from this year’s event will be used to support a team of 38 young people made up of Scouts, Explorers, network and leaders, from Rotherfield and Basingstoke Scouts Districts, who will join Scouts from around the globe in the international Kandersteg expedition in Switzerland this summer. There they will have the opportunity to do rock climbing, white water rafting, high rope, summer toboggan, backpack to a traditional alpine mountain hut, and try out mountain biking in the hills.

According to Rotherfield District Scout leader Matt Collins, who is leading the expedition, the trip has been two years in the planning and has involved two training camps and a number of fundraising adventures such as quiz nights and the Alton Monopoly Run.

The idea for the Alton Bike Challenge came from the cycle orienteering format used successfully elsewhere in the country and offered the opportunity for everyone to get involved in the running of the event and/or the taking part, and for Scouts to engage with the community.