DOZENS of cyclists endured a surprise road closure, missing signs and windy conditions to complete a charity trek.

Despite a fall in numbers taking part in the 2026 North Dorset Cycle Ride, sponsored by BV Dairy/First Milk, organisers Shaftesbury Rotary Club hailed the event a success.

Participants chose from three new routes on offer this year – a family ride route, a 25-mile course and a 50-mile trek – setting off from Park Walk with caffeine provided by Bamboo Coffee.

However, before the rides got underway, a team of Rotarians set off to mark out the 50-mile ride, only to find Shaftesbury Road between Motcombe and Mere closed until June 12.

“This created a major re-route as the official diversion was through Gillingham, which we were keen to avoid,” a spokesperson said.

“Finally the route was agreed, even though the odd arrow went missing.”

However, they said the new route meant cyclists were still able to enjoy the countryside from Stourhead to Maiden Bradley and Kingston Deveril.

“The Nadder Centre became the natural place for a feed station, where cyclists could pick up power snacks kindly provided by Lidl, Shaftesbury and they could enjoy hot drinks served up by Coffee Devils, which several cyclists did, relaxing before the long slog back through the Doningtons, finishing up Gold Hill,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the 25-mile ride was similar to the original route, taking off through Motcombe, Sedgehill, and Semley, joining the 50-mile ride at the Nadder Centre.

“It all worked out perfectly, with the 25-milers – despite leaving an hour later – arriving together at the food station,” the spokesperson went on.

And fun was in abundance on the Family Cycle Ride, they said, with a skills/fun section of the ride taking place at Barton Hill Skate Park.

The course was open to both adults and children, setting mums and dads off against their children, with refreshments were very kindly supplied by sponsors, BV Dairy.

Riders were able to return to butchers’ sausages and burgers, cooked by fellow Rotarians, washed down with more coffee from Bamboo Coffee.

The event is organised by Shaftesbury Rotary Club to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and other charities.

“We would find it very difficult to put the event on without the generosity of First Milk/BV Dairy,” the spokesperson added.

“They not only provide financial support but get very much involved in helping and entering.

“Shaftesbury Rotary would also like to thank Lidl’s, Shaftesbury yet again for their generous donations of cereal bars, biscuits and the all important bananas.

“We would also like to thank the Nadder Centre for the use of their facilities – a great halfway stop.

“The club would also like to thank Bamboo Coffee and Shaftesbury Chiropractic for their donations. Thank you also Shaftesbury and surrounding villages for making this very much a regular event for all the family.”

Final figures are yet to be calculated regarding money raised.

For more on Shaftesbury Rotary Club, visit shaftesburyrotaryclub.org, and save the date for the 2027 North Dorset Cycle Ride – May 9.

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