ALMOST 100 cyclists ventured onto the streets of Swindon yesterday to take part in a special orienteering event.

Bicycle enthusiasts from all over the town, clad in Lycra and florescent jackets, met at the Richard Jeffries Museum in Marlborough Road yesterday morning before splintering off into different directions in search of a series of checkpoints.

Organiser Lew Lawton, a self-described cycling lover who has been in the saddle for most of his life, described the event as a way to promote Swindon’s bicycle routes.

Thirty-six checkpoints were placed at various locations around the town and the cyclists had one mission – to reach as many as they possibly could.

The further the checkpoint, the more points it was worth.

Speaking beforehand, Lew said: “It’s a good way to get people out in the fresh air and introduced to the cycle paths that they might not know about.

“It’s always great to see a lot of people out on bikes enjoying themselves and I think it will be a really good day.”

People could take part as individuals or as members of a group.

The checkpoints were strapped to lampposts and each contained a different letter of the alphabet.

All that participants had to do was make a note of the letter before proceeding to the next checkpoint.

Each checkpoint was worth a certain number of points and the winner, naturally, was the one with the most points.

However, Lew stressed that it wasn’t a race per se. The only requirement was that each contestant thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Besides, everyone got a chocolate egg at the end for taking part.

“It’s all about exploring Swindon, taking people to places they don’t usually go and getting as many checkpoints as you possibly can,” said Lew.

Keen cyclist Becky Cox, 28, was looking forward to spending the bank holiday Monday in the saddle.

She said: “It’s good that people are being encouraged to travel by bike instead of by car and it’s a great way to get out there and explore the area.

“There is so much greenery and it’s easy to miss it when you’re driving round in the car.

“It’s a great way to spend the day and I’’m sure people will really enjoy themselves.”