The weather genie was kind yet again for the Round Stra'ven 50/15 charity cycle on Sunday 24 August, now in its ninth year and bigger than ever - fine and dry throughout, with a variable wind to push the riders round the testing courses.

A total of 175 riders took part in the 50 mile ride, and no fewer than 53 family teams - a total of 161 people -for the 15 miles. When the RS50/15 was first established in 2002, just 53 hardy souls rode off into the early Autumn mist. This year more than 6 times that number took part, including 83 children aged 11 or under.

As ever, the RS50/15 throws up some remarkable stories. This year Philip Levy came all the way from Northampton to record one of the best-ever times for the 50-mile circuit, just over 2 hours and 30 minutes - an average speed of 20 mph, very impressive when you take into account the grinding ascents of Millsheugh and Ardochrigg which few save the hardened racer can complete at speeds approaching double-figures.

One of last year's heroes, local scout Kyle Dixon, built on his record as the joint-youngest rider by completing the course in under 5 hours. Kyle was 10 last year when he completed the 50-mile ride, but that achievement was challenged this year by five-year-old Aine Hunter (pictured), who completed the RS15 entirely unaided. A very high benchmark has been set for all future participants to live up to.

This year the mass start in the George Alan Park at Strathaven was launched by the local MSP, Andy Kerr. There were many regulars among the hordes of cyclists supporting the event, but also lots of new faces from far and wide, including riders from Aberdeen, Freuchie in Fife, Moniaive in Dumfries and a large family group of fourteen from Edinburgh taking part in the 15-mile event.

A number of families have now taken part in every single one of the nine editions of the RS50, and in that time some of their children, such as local Scout Sam Park, have progressed from being towed round by their parents in 2002 to completing the 50 miles route under their own steam this year.

The organising committee from Friends of Strathaven Scouts are grateful to all those who assisted in many ways throughout the day, including members of the Strathaven Rotary Club and the Round Table, as well as the regular individual supporters who assisted with marshalling and safety controls.

As ever, home-baking and drinks were provided at various points throughout the route and at the finish in the park, confirming the RS50/15's reputation as the best-fed charity ride in Scotland.

Last but not least, the ladies of the Strathaven Scout Executive did a marvellous job recording the entries and checking in the returning cyclists. The monies raised by this sponsored event look set to come to just over ££4,000, half of which will go to the Charity Health Help International and the other to the Scouts and Guides in Strathaven. Join the ride next year to see if we can push the decade's total to over £40,000.