AROUND 450 cyclists toured the Cotswolds and stopped off to see the sights along the way.

The Fire Service College, Moreton, played host to the 2017 CTC Birthday Ride, an annual event marking the founding of the Bicycle Touring Club, now Cycling UK, in 1878.

The cyclists toured the Cotswolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Evenlode Valley and the Vale of Evesham.

With the option of 20 different routes of varying lengths, ranging from 30 to 70 miles and including on and off road cycling, the location provided terrain suitable for all ages and cycling abilities.

From Roman remains and nationally renowned gardens, to independent breweries and surrounding towns such as Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, collegiate Oxford and Georgian Cheltenham, and medieval Tewkesbury, there was something for everyone.

The college was the venue for indoor accommodation and meals, and campers pitched their tents or motor homes on the sports field. The cyclists were also able to make use of the Sports Centre and other onsite facilities.

The week got off to a flying start with a welcome from Nick Akerman of the college, followed by Sally Graff of Cotswolds Tourism giving a tourism presentation to the cyclists.

She said: “It was a wonderful honour to speak to the riders giving them ideas and inspiration for their weeks stay as well as invite them back to watch the Tour of Britain on September 9th.

"We have so many attractions and refreshment stops in the area, the College makes a great base for these types of large events and hope the CTC will want to return in the future.”

Allan Luxton, of CTC Cycling Holidays and Tours said: “The college was ideal for us. Beautiful lanes and lots of tea and cake shops in all directions. Our combined cycling mileage for the week exceeded 45,000 miles.

"Plenty of attractions too but one of the highlights was returning to the College every evening for plenty of dinner rounded off with a swim or just a quiet evening with friends in the bar.

"Despite the college being unexpectedly full to capacity with training exercises, the staff were consistently patient, helpful and good humoured. "Thanks to the college, 450 cyclists left with great memories of a brilliant week’s holiday.”

The event was organised by CTC Cycling Holidays, part of Cycling UK.