THOUSANDS of riders cruised through the New Forest as two mass cycling events operated successfully in tandem over the weekend.

Around 3,000 bikers donned their lycra for the flagship Wiggle Sportive 100, winding their way through the national park over the two-day event.

Meanwhile a further 540 riders took part in yesterday’s Gridiron 100 ride – a separate mass event attracting families and rather more inexperienced riders of all ages.

Both events, covering 100 miles and incorporating a series of shorter routes, passed without a hitch.

That’s despite organisers of the smaller event having to change their route just days before the big day to avoid a head-on collision.

Fears of sabotage by anti-cycling protesters also proved unfounded with the events passing peacefully following last spring’s Wiggle being stopped in its tracks when vigilantes removed signs and spread tacks across the road.

Instead, many locals, ramblers and dog walkers welcomed the visitors, waving and cheering them on, even though the huge numbers of riders taking in the golden autumnal view slowed down car journeys.

Motorists took care to avoid the riders, who in turn wound their way carefully past iconic New Forest ponies, donkies and cattle in roads and bridleways.

In fact, one driver was thrilled to see the cyclists – after they helped her car out of a ditch.

Hazel Platt was helped by six riders after her Nissan Micra got stuck in Rhinefield Ornamental Drive near Bolderwood – a point where both rides converged without major congestion.

She said: “They were so kind. I didn’t know what to do and suddenly these six men turned up. It’s great that people are able to enjoy the Forest like this.”

A heavy late-afternoon downpour soaking the final cyclists, who were already battling through exhaustion, muscle fatigue and dehydration on their way to the finishing line, was the weekend’s only dampener.

Several cyclists suffered flat tyres in the latter stages but were helped by fellow riders.

There were emotional scenes as riders embraced their families when the Wiggle climaxed at Match-ams Leisure Park, Ringwood, and at the Gridiron finish line at Lymington Community Centre.

Martin Barden, director of UK Cycling Events, which organised the Wiggle Sportive, said: “It’s lovely to see so many people taking part and taking on personal challenges to raise money.

“People can enjoy the national park on their bikes and have a wonderful time.

“Riders have been well supported by locals and there has been a great spirit.”

Gridiron organiser John Jackson said the change of route meant numbers were restricted to 540 compared with 850 last year, but added: “ It’s been fantastic. For us safety is paramount and we appreciate all the people who have helped us on the route.”

Riders came from across the country to take part in the events.

Caroline Simm from New-bury was joined by her two daughters Poppy and Rhian to cheer on husband Ralph, who was joined by nine of his friends to raise cash for Oesophagus Cancer Research.

She said: “We’ve come for a nice day out, the weather’s nice. There’s plenty of riders taking part. There’s even been a woman taking part in the bike ride who has got her dog in the basket.”

Guy Fisher from Green-wich commutes through London on two wheels to get to work but today was a “day off” compared with his usual hair-raising rides across the capital.

He said: “The route is reasonably quiet. It’s a really nice event, it’s very well run.”

Three food stations were set up with volunteers handing out treats to keep riders’ energy levels up. One of the volunteers outside Woodfalls and Morgans Vale Village Hall, Sarah Davies, said: “We’ve had a van stacked full of food and most of it has gone over the last two days – it’s that busy.”