A CHARITY bike ride has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Organisers of the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge, a 114 mile route which starts and ends in Grasmere, said: “It is with deep regret that we are having to cancel this year’s event.

“After many discussions with the Fred Whitton Steering Group it has been decided that to change the date to later in the year was not practical considering the current international fight against COVID-19.

“We did consider moving the event to a later date but this proved difficult with the venue, daylight hours and volunteer staff.

“Thank you for being patient with us whilst we made this decision and for supporting the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge and all its amazing charities.

“We’ll be back bigger and better then ever in 2021!”