CYCLE enthusiasts made the most of the first sunny weekend of the year.

The first Abingdon Freewheeling event on Sunday gave people a chance to get together with other bicycle enthusiasts for free guided rides around the countryside.

It was organised by keen cyclist Emily Sharp.

She said: “It has been such a success.

“People have been able to just turn up, book themselves on a ride, then go, enjoying cake stops on route and free massages at the end.”

Fifteen different guided rides took place during the course of the day, lasting four, ten, or 27 miles around the Oxfordshire countryside Ms Sharp, 30, who lives in Abingdon, said: “So many people have said they cycle around Abingdon on their own and would like to meet up with other cyclists.

“A lot of cycle clubs are about going fast, but this is about going out and having a nice, leisurely ride.

“We have been showing them some really beautiful rides.”

She added: “We have had no accidents at all, and, as far as I’m aware, only one puncture.”

As well as the standard bicycles, there were a few more unusual attractions, including a cycle powered by seven riders, plus a few unicycles.

More than 200 people took part, but many more turned up at the Market Place to find out more about riding in Abingdon.

Among those who took part was Barry Gates, 45, from Wantage — who rode the ten-mile course on his unicycle.

He said: “It’s not too much of a distance for me.

“It was very good. You got to try out some local cycle routes, so you know your way around a few places. You can also mingle with a few other cyclists — there was another unicyclist I’ve never met before, so that was good.”

Mr Gates takes the train to Paddington, London, every day, before commuting from the station by bicycle to work at London Bridge.

Ms Sharp said she hoped to arrange another similar event at a later date.