Over 80 cyclists took part in the Carten 100, Cardiff -Tenby, cycle ride on Saturday raising funds for Ty Hafan children's hospice.

The event has grown in success since it started in 2004 with four riders trying to get to Tenby by bike, having done it 11 years earlier. 

"None of us were regular cyclists, so it provided a good challenge," said Peter Palmer, Carten 100 secretary.

"Over the next few years, friends in Cardiff and Tenby have fancied the challenge and so the day out grew year on year."

Peter continued: "In 2006, we decided to try to raise some money for Ty Hafan and by selling the space on our shirts and sponsorship, raised £6,000. So far over the last three years, we have raised over £17,000 for charity and this year, we are again raising funds for Ty Hafan.

"We ask all our riders to purchase the distinctive Carten 100 shirt if they haven't participated before, which has enabled us to retain the sponsorship of SofaSofa, Confused.com and several other local Cardiff and Tenby businesses.

"Sinclair Volkswagan provided a rescue van this year to carry bags, drinks and to help any riders with problems, but this year, the van crew of Bryan Davies and Richard Jones were not much employed." 

This year, there were 81 riders taking part in the 100-mile challenge, starting from 14 years of age.

Peter added: "On the day, there was a strong westerly wind which blew into our faces most of the way and certainly slowed progress and made the ride significantly harder than in the preceeding two years.

"Overall though the participants dealt well with the conditions, some having a rapid ride time back to Tenby of five hours 10 minutes."

Most of the riders however took a more leisurely pace, enjoying breakfast at the Express Cafe, Baglan, Port Talbot, lunch in the Pemberton Arms, Burry Port, and an afternoon stop at the Sporting Chance, Red Roses, to wait for other riders to turn up. The pub very sportingly provided the riders with sandwiches and chips.

The only major incident on the day was six miles in when a misunderstanding at St. Nicholas saw Tenby businessman Tim Brace being sent over his handlebars by the rider infront breaking unexpectantly. This resulted in him dislocating his index finger and needing transport to Bridgend to the Princess Diana Hospital. He had his finger reset, and was able to be reunited with his bike and son at the Pemberton Arms, Burry Port. From there, he some how managed to ride the last 40 miles home.

After leaving the Sporting Chance, the majority of the riders headed to Tenby Square for the end of the ride, followed by free food and drink provided by Adam in the Crown Inn, Lower Frog Street.

All the rider received a complimentary polo shirt upon completion and the dark blue Carten 100 polo was very much in evidence all over Tenby in the evening.

Concluded Peter: "Thanks go to all of the sponsors who make this event worthwhile and especially to all the participants, both riders and support crew."

And for those with a 2010 diary - next year's ride will be on May 8.