ORGANISERS of the York Cycle Rally made the right choice after deciding not to cancel the annual event at an emergency meeting only hours before it was due to begin.

As the rain fell - parts of the country experienced torrential downpours and even the Olympic Torch had to cancel part of its programme - the rally committee met on Friday afternoon to consider calling off the two-day event.

But organisers decided to go ahead, and the annual national two-day celebration on Knavesmire of all matters relating to bicycles and cycling turned into a big success.

Chairman Paul Hepworth said: “I think it has been worth it. On balance, we took the right decision on Friday evening. We are conscious of a lot of events cancelled right across the country and I am very relieved that we have not included ourselves in that list.”

Organisers had to do some quick reorganisation when the rising River Ouse blocked the normal route for the Grand Cycle Parade from York Minster to Knavesmire after the annual cyclists’ service yesterday.

City of York Council lifted the current road closure in Skeldergate and instead of going down Terry Avenue as usual, cyclists went down Bishopthorpe Road.

Mr Hepworth said that attendance was affected as many who would normally come to the annual get-together had been unable to travel because of the weather and others had had “horrendous” tales to tell of their journey to York.

The rally included stunt riding, displays of vintage bikes, a saddlebag sale of secondhand parts and frames, children’s cycling competitions, exhibitions, trade stands, rides and arena displays.