54 spoon challengers took part in the Wooden Spoon BikeFest which was a multi - route bike ride to the edge of the 'Henge', starting from a number of top Premiership Rugby Clubs. Those feeling energetic opted for the 95 mile journey from Leicester Tigers RFC or the 90 mile journey from Twickenham Stoop, while those who wanted a slightly shorter challenge could start from Worcester RFC (66 Miles), London Irish Madejeski Stadium (54 miles), Bath RFC (42 Miles) or Gloucester RFC (36 miles).

For many a big chunk of the hard work had been done before they had even saddled up. Not only had they been training hard in preparation, but there were some herculean fundraising efforts made by challengers with each pledging to raise a minimum of £300 in order to guarantee their place on the start line. For most this proved too easy and many pledged far greater amounts, including Gareth Harkin who received the most funds pledged award for his stirling efforts in raising a whopping £2,000.

All of the cyclists set off on Saturday, 19 June 2010 with the sun beating down on their backs. Some donned the rugby shirts of their affiliated Rugby club while others wore their specially designed BikeFest cycle jerseys but all wore a smile on their face, for the first few miles anyway!

Each route had a pit stop where cyclists could replenish their water bottles and have a bite to eat. However, the lure of the pubs on route proved far too tempting for some and the orange squash was replaced by a pint or two of something a little stronger.

The second half of each route proved much more challenging as most cyclists had never covered so many miles before. Fortunately there was a welcoming finish in sight and the smell of freshly barbecued sausages and burgers spurred the cyclists on and encouraging them to stay on their saddles.

Family and friends of the participants were at the finish site at Wootton Bassett RFC throughout the afternoon and set up tents in preparation for the weary cyclists' arrival. Joined by local families, everyone enjoyed the afternoon's entertainment of bouncy castles, face painters, cake stalls, and of course the bar and barbecue supplied by Chris Elias at Wootton Bassett RFC. Those feeling a little energetic themselves, signed up for the 5 mile family route while the more sedate spectators patiently awaited the arrival of the bikes with their air horns ready to cheer them over the finish line.

There was a steady stream of arrivals from 4pm to 9pm and all were greeted by rapturous applause. Former Leicester Tigers and England Captain Martin Corry and his team including Tigers Player Leon Lloyd, were the first to arrive and completed their 95 mile route in a record breaking 6hrs and 50 minutes. Corry has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged the public to beat his team's time in 2011, although he will be back to try and beat it himself!

Martin Corry at the start of BikeFest 2010

The entertainment continued throughout the night and a host of bands supported the event and livened things up as the night progressed, with some revellers staying up celebrating until the early hours.

Although some of the challengers swore never to go near their bike again, others were already talking about the other Spoon challenges and some competitors were already signed up to take part in the Four Peaks Challenge (which is just two weeks away) and the End 2 End Bike Ride in August.

All in all the Spoon BikeFest was a fantastic event that brought together supporters of different rugby clubs with Wooden Spoon supporters, to raise money for disadvantaged children across the UK and Ireland.
The victorious Martin Corry described the Bike Fest as "a great concept and a fantastically well organised event. We thoroughly enjoyed taking part and look forward to coming back next year with a bigger Tiger's contingent."

If you fancy joining Martin in 2011, keep an eye on our website www.spoonchallenges.co/bikefest as a date is due to be confirmed in the next week, and entry forms will be made available online very soon.
A huge thank you to the Rugby Clubs involved for providing their ground as a start point, recruiting their fans and in some instances entering staff members and rugby celebrities into the challenge! We couldn't have done this event without you and hope to welcome you back in future years.

Thanks must also go out to Chris Elias of Wootton Bassett RFC, who not only provided a fantastic finish venue but transformed it into the perfect festival atmosphere with support from local bands and villagers, not to mention the fantastic selection of food at the evening barbeque and at breakfast.

A final thank you to the challenge sponsor, Ford, for their provision of the support vehicles and of course to all of the support marshals, follow cyclists and motorbike outriders for the fantastic support.