Hundreds of cyclists, young and old, fastened their helmets for an inaugural sports event this weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: The inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Riders gather on the Market Place.The inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Riders gather on the Market Place. (Image: Archant)

The first Diss Cyclathon saw 500 riders embark on courses of 100, 50 and 25 miles, taking in a number of Norfolk towns from Harleston and Long Stratton to Wymondham and Beccles.

There was also an afternoon of entertainment at the town's park, with stalls and children's rides, which kicked off as the first riders returned around midday.

The sportive was organised by Diss Cycling Club with support from local businesses Madgetts Cycles and Pedal Revolution, with the latter running coaching sessions for children and less confident cyclists.

Neil Collins, cycling club co-organiser, said: 'It is a sportive, not a race – the main thing is that people are not competing against each other, they are just enjoying the ride out.

Eastern Daily Press: A participant in the inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Courtesy of Neil Collins.A participant in the inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Courtesy of Neil Collins. (Image: Archant)

'The atmosphere has been very good, very cheerful, and it is going to be a good day for cycling – not too hot or cold with not much wind.'

Mr Collins said he believed the event would run again next year, hopefully with even more participants.

'We got a lot of support from Diss Town Council and South Norfolk Council, and I think if we can get similar support next year then we would love to run it again.'

All 500 cyclists started from the Market Place in Diss. The 100 mile ride visited nine towns including Bungay, Wymondham and Thetford, the 50 mile ride went through Harleston, Long Stratton, Wymondham, and Attleborough, and the 25 mile ride ran to Harleston and back.

Eastern Daily Press: Entertainment in the park at the inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Courtesy of Neil Collins.Entertainment in the park at the inaugural Diss Cyclathon. Courtesy of Neil Collins. (Image: Archant)

There were also five and ten miles cycling routes for families and less experienced riders, managed by the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), which set off from Fair Green later in the morning.

Giles McCathie was taking part in the 25 mile ride with his son George, seven, believed to be the sportive's youngest rider.

Mr McCathie explains that the ride is one of five events he is taking part in – alongside a marathon, a tour of Cambridgeshire, and Ironman events in Holkham and Weymouth – to mark his 40th birthday and to raise money for Adoption UK.

He said: 'George is helping me with my endeavour. It should be a good day.'

Did you take part in the Diss Cyclathon? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk.