The St Albans charity cycle ride (SACCR) has began announcing the prizes for this year’s event.

Herts Advertiser: Philip PearlmanPhilip Pearlman (Image: Sussex Sport Photography.com)

The event, being run by the three city rotary clubs on Sunday, May 14, awards those who raise the most for charity.

Cyclist Sara Davies, who won the prize for most raised of any under-16 participant, said: “The atmosphere surrounding the cycle ride is what I enjoy most.

“I practise with a few long bike rides to get ready for the event.”

Trophies are awarded to those who raise the most money in multiple classes, including under-16s, over-16s, family teams, youth teams, and business or club teams.

The SACCR allows cyclists to either do a 10-mile, 20-mile, 30-mile, or 40 mile ride.

66-year-old Philip Pearlman, who previously won the prize for over-16s, said: “For me the secret is preparedness and training.

“I make certain that I am able to go the distance, four Sundays running before the event, and then I know I can do it on the day.

“The first time I did the 40-mile ride in 2008, it took three months to build up from 25 miles to 40.

“On my last ride, the people who overtook me fell behind later. So slow and steady is better than gung-ho.”

In addition to the trophies, everyone who raises at least £25 in sponsorship or donations to Rotary charities receives entry into a free prize draw.

The ride has been a fixture in the local calendar for 21 years, raising over £500,000 for charity in that time.

Last year alone, 1,300 cyclists raised £40,000 for Macmillan Nurses, Medical Detection Dogs and The Daylight Club in St Albans.

The SACCR is this year supporting Herts Action on Disability (HAD), Youth Talk, and Home-Start.

HAD spokesperson and team member Paul Bishop called the SACCR “good in every way”.

Youth Talk’s chief executive, Trevor Fromant, said that without the support of the ride, the charity would not be able to retain its current number of counselling sessions.

SACCR chair Christine Thomson said: “It’s a fun day out and one of St Albans’s top fundraisers.

“Many of those who have participated before cannot wait and we know we will be joined by many new friends as well.”

To enter the event, visit www.saccr.co.uk