FIVE hundred mountain bikers aged from nine to 69 took part in Saturday's annual Sam Houghton Challenge from Staveley.

The event, which sees riders tackle a 'long course' that takes in the Longsleddale, Kentmere and Troutbeck valleys, and Garburn Pass, is held in memory of Sam Houghton, a keen mountain biker who lost his battle against cancer in May 2006. There is also a shorter course which takes in some tough terrain.

One competitor flew in from Germany specially for the event and one rider who entered the short course - her first mountain biking event - was promised a holiday to the Maldives by her husband if she completed the ride - which she did successfully!

The first competitor back in the long course was well-known fell runner Ben Bardsley who completed the ride in two hours and 37 minutes. Helen Jackson was the first woman home in three hours and six minutes.

Shay Hayton completed the short course in the fastest time of one hour 29 minutes and the first woman was Claire Weller in two hours and 18 minutes. One couple completed the short course - Alan and Penny Ridding, of Staveley - on a tandem and gave themselves the name Team Tandemonium.

There was also a trio who went round with very stylish wedding hats over their helmets and completed the look with cuddly toys attached to the front of their bikes.

Weather conditions for those that made an early start were ideal but later some riders got caught in a heavy downpour.

Stocks of home-baked cakes at all the checkpoints went down well and there was a generous donation of free beer from Hawkshead Brewery for the first 100 finishers (over 18) and an end-of-race meal for all riders from Wilf's.

Hawkshead Brewery also made a special event ale called Mud, Sweat and Gears, with all proceeds donated to the event which supports Cancer Research UK. The event has raised £140,000 for the charity over the years.

Spot prizes were given out on the day and a mountain bike donated by Wheelbase, Staveley, was one of the raffle prizes.

The after event party was held in the mill yard with entertainment provided by DJ Dom and Nine Lives.

One of the organisers said afterwards: "Everyone got round safely and I don't think we've had so many happy riders."