London Sportive 61-mile tests Gaywood biker Mark Howard of Bridge for Heroes Armed Forces Charity

Two beneficiaries of The Bridge for Heroes Armed Forces Charity, joined 20,000 other bike riders to take part in the Ride London Sportive.

The riders started the 61-mile course on Victoria Embankment and finished the event on the iconic Tower Bridge, having gone via Epping Forest and South Essex.

Gaywood's Mark Howard, a wheelchair user and veteran of HM Forces, completed the course in just under six hours on a hand-cycle provided by the Bridge for Heroes. He was supported throughout by Karl Perryman riding a Cube road bike.

Mark said: "This is one of the toughest sportives I've ever participated in and I found it much more of a challenge than going over Snaefell on the Isle of Man.”

The course climbed a total of 639 metres over the 61 miles with all but one of the hills being small inclines over a long distance, this being a particular challenge for hand-cyclists.

At the end, Mark commented: “Despite it being tough going, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was a wonderful experience being with so many other riders, the memories of which will last a life-time."