When the first St Albans Charity Cycle Ride took place in 1995, John Thornton was one of the committee members.

Twenty years later, he is president of St Albans Rotary Club, the oldest of the three rotary clubs in St Albans which get together to organise the annual event.

John recalled: “St Albans Rotary Club members have always had responsibility for organising the routes. In the first year, the ride offered three routes, 10 miles, 20 miles or 30 miles. The 40 mile route was added later at the request of some keen, regular cyclists, so now there are four routes for riders of all ages and abilities to choose from.”

This year the ride will be on Sunday, May 18, and around 1,500 cyclists are expected to take part in what is not a race but an opportunity to see and enjoy some of the Herts countryside with family and friends and raise money for local charities through sponsorship.

The cycle ride will be taking a stall on St Albans market on Saturday, April 5, to publicise the event and the local charities benefitting this year, Keech Cottage Hospice and Youth Talk.

Alternatively, details can be obtained from the website www.saccr.co.uk or by phoning 01727 852260.

In addition, a lot of extra information about the ride and its history can be obtained via Facebook or Twitter.