MOLE Valley's peaks held centre stage as 15,883 amateur cyclists completed the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 today, making it the biggest cycling sportive ever held in the UK.
Thousands of keen riders pushed themselves to the limit as they flooded the district's roads and enjoyed loud support from residents on the side-lines, with participants particularly praising the atmosphere in Dorking and Leatherhead. See picture galleries of the day's events here and here .
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson dropped a Union flag to set the cyclists on their way from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at 6am this morning. He went on to defy his doubters by completing the challenging 100-mile course in just over eight hours.
James Gorringe, a carpenter from Redhill, said he had thoroughly enjoyed the day.
"It's getting hard. I personally didn't think Leith Hill was too bad but Box Hill was hard because I was more tired," said the 33-year-old at the Leatherhead support hub.He was completing the 100 mile ride for Leukemia & Lymphoma Research.
"I wish they would resurface a few of the roads, because I have seen people getting punctures. But all the volunteers have been great and the views are brilliant."
Riding for the same charity was Graeme Kane, Mole Valley District Council sustainability manager.
"It's been great. Leith Hill is the worst in my opinion because it just keeps going. You think you've finished and then there's a bit more to climb. But then when you've done it you feel you've broken the back of the ride," he said.
"I knew what to expect from Box Hill so that was ok. It's lovely to come round an area that I know so well. Mole Valley is the perfect cycling district."
John Clinnick, from Linden Gardens in Leatherhead also spoke very positively about his experiences.
"I've really enjoyed it, it's been really well organised. A great day out," said the 53-year-old.
"I know the hills well, but they were as hard as usual today. It's a beautiful area for cycling. You can't beat the Surrey Hills, it's just stunning."
History teacher Jonathan Boulton was making the journey for Diabetes UK.
He said: "It's been going better than I thought it would. I hired a bike to do it so I haven't really been training. I did do some practising on hills on a bike with no gears."
The 35-year-old Brixton resident added: "Box Hill was alright because it's more gradual but Leith Hill was really steep so that was tough. Some people did get off and push their bikes up there.
"It has been beautiful. I've seen Box Hill before but never been up it."
Riding for Children's Hospice South West were Guy Trebilcolt from Cornwall and Greg Wilson from Norfolk.
"The hills were a bit of a killer. Leith Hill in particular is very steep," said Mr Trebilcolt.
Mr Wilson added: "We knew Leith Hill was coming but we didn't know when. It was a lot of work. That was definitely the worst part so far.
"But the countryside has been beautiful. Absolutely great for cycling. It's a lovely part of the world."
Meanwhile Cathy Black, communications manager for the Mayor's Fund for London, was riding as part of a relay group for Team Boris. The 31-strong team were fundraising for Boris Johnson's three charities, including the fund, The Legacy List and the Mayor's Fund for Young Musicians.
"I'm doing the last leg and I'm feeling pretty good about it," said the 45-year-old.
"I have to admit there's something about being part of a relay which makes you feel guilty for not doing the full 100 miles. My team mate is probably struggling up Leith Hill as we speak.
"We're going to have a party to celebrate when we're all finished. I'm sure the atmosphere on The Mall will be amazing."
Also riding as part of a relay was Miles Cripps, who had donned a pink tutu in honour of his team, Girl Power. The group of co-workers from Prudential were raising money for the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
"The centre has supported a couple of friends. It's a great local facility," said the 37-year-old.
"I am the man in the tutu because it's a girl's team but it's all for a great cause. I have been training but I haven't tried the roads round here yet so I hope I will be ok."
Another outfit which stood out from the crowd was that of 50-year-old Neil Bugler, who in a nod to Hackett, the company he and teammates hail from, decided to take on his 27-mile leg decked out in a tweed suit.
"I just thought if I am going to ride a retro bike I might as well for go for tweed. I am not a keen cyclist, I am a runner really but I'm relatively fit so what the hell."
The sponsorship manager from Ealing added: "I'm going to try and keep the button up the whole way round.
"Everyone else has lycra on. Death to lycra, long live tweed, that's what I say."
Mole Valley District Council chairman David Sharland told the Advertiser at the support hub: "There aren't as many out as there was for the Olympics or even the trial beforehand. I think the worst problem is the road closures and the difficulties they present. If it happens every year people will get fed up with it.
"But there's no doubt it will put Mole Valley on the map for sure."
Prudential RideLondon Event Director Hugh Brasher tonight declared the event a fantastic success.
He added: "We are sure it has inspired countless people both watching on TV and on the route to get on their bikes and enter next year's event. This truly is legacy in action."
