FAMILY and friends gathered at the finish line to welcome home the cyclists who took part in the twenty-seventh Tour de Furness this weekend.

The first rider arrived at Roose Conservative Club on Leece Lane in Barrow at 7am and was shortly joined by many more.

The Rotary Club of Furness was proud to host two hundred riders on Sunday September 3, as they raised money for St Mary’s Hospice and other causes.

There are three different routes, one at 50 miles, 25 miles and 13 miles, which means that cyclists of all abilities can join in, have fun and raise money.

Out of 113 people taking on the Bluebird 50, Josh Phifer was first back. There was water, coffee and bacon buns waiting for the cyclists to return as well as music from CANDOFM.

Everyone who completed was awarded a certificate and commemorative medal, while the team who raises the most money will be awarded the Bill Bartlett Memorial Trophy, which is named after the cyclist who founded the ride 27 years ago.

Vattenfall is the main sponsor of the Tour de Furness. This year their cycling team included Ben Oldham who said they enjoyed 'perfect weather' - even at a 'blistering pace' he was able to appreciate the scenery.

Ben said: “When the fog lifted, the views were beautiful.”

The youngest rider was Violet Dexter, who completed 13 miles with her dad at just six years old. It was the longest ride she had ever done, but Violet enjoyed it and plans to go again. She even managed to “get up all the steep hills.”

Despite being in their late 70s, four ladies from Barrow’s Inner Wheel continued their ten year streak with the Tour de Furness.

They said it was the “perfect day” for a 13 mile ride and they particularly enjoyed the “lovely sea view from the Coast Road.”

They praised the organisation and how “nice and friendly” everyone was as they enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea.

Dave Salt, who organised the event, said the Tour de Furness 2023 was “excellent” and thanked everyone who helped make it possible for their “wonderful support”.

Last year, over £20,000 was raised, while the sum total amount raised by the Tour de Furness over the years surpasses half a million pounds.