Whilst preparations are underway for the 3rd World Championship Muffin Eating Championships later this month, Leek Cyclists also spend 5 hours under the gruelling sun at the week end on the 4th training ride building towards the Imperial 130mile ride in July.

This combination of cycling events and social fund raising is central to Leek Cyclists' Club's attempts to celebrate it's 130th birthday in style by raising £13,000 for the County Air Ambulance.

The next event in June is the return of the Muffin Eating Championships after missing a year due to the Club sponsors' Den Engel moving premises.

Heats for the World championship are on Wednesday 21st. June at 7.30pm at Den Engel. Numbers are limited, particularly as it is only £3 to enter and this is a donation to the Air Ambulance.

Entry forms are available in Den Engel or by contacting the Chief Judge, Brenda Halden on 01538-372391 or by Emailing astrobrennie@btinternet.com

The championship muffins used in the final on Sunday 25th June at 7.30pm at Den Engel are baked each year to a specific recipe by Brenda to ensure consistency for the World championship but this year due to increased publicity of the Charity Challenge support is being provide for the heats by Morrisons Supermarket in Leek.

This Charity Challenge has been extended this year to other sports clubs in the Leek area as the current world champion Gary Thomas is a cyclist. Clubs are being asked to come and challenge Gary's world record as cyclists are seen to reign supreme when it comes to cake eating at speed. So if you're part of a club who likes cake and think you can take up the challenge then contact Brenda ASAP to get your entries in as more entries means not only a better competition but more money for the Air Ambulance!

It wasn't just cake that was required at speed over the weekend but also fluids as the '130 & Co' training ride met one of the hottest days of the year. This was excellent practice for pace judgement in readiness for the 130mile ride on Saturday the 8th July as the ride took in part of the proposed route for the birthday ride.

Details of the final route will be available very shortly but it looks to be a circumnavigation of Cheshire taking in Delamere Forest.

Some riders have never completed 100 miles which is the reason for the training rides. Therefore the route will involve an initial 100 ride leg returning to Den Engel before setting out on a more familiar 30 mile loop to complete the distance. There will be support vehicles on the day thanks to club member and Air Ambulance volunteer Russell Rushton and crew along with club treasurer Kev Sharrock who will be out in the 'broom wagon'.

The event will start at the earlier time of  8.00am from High Street Car Park in Leek for the '130 & Co Cruisin' Section' but with route details being provided, those wishing to ride at a brisker pace can then start later.

This event is intended to mark the more traditional aspect of the club and it's imperial roots from 1876 of distance in miles and the comradeship of fellow cyclists and is therefore being run before the main Cycling Festival in August where the major event is the 130K Sportive that is open to 500 riders.

Members, friends and guests are all welcome on the 130 mile Imperial ride but it is important that those wishing to ride contact Graham Halden on 01538-372391 or Email grayza56@btinternet.com in the next couple of weeks in order to know numbers and to obtain a route sheet and further info.

Next Imperial Training ride on Saturday June 24th at 1pm from High Street Car Park Leek.