RAIN did little to dampen the enthusiasm for two-wheeled travel at the  Devizes Cycle on the Green event on June 15.

What was the second annual extravaganza organised by Cycle Devizes! was hit by heavy showers in the afternoon that sent spectators scurrying inside.

But, despite the downpour, all three of the planned cycle rides went ahead, with only the final trip to the Pewsey Vale delayed by the weather.

Co-ordinator Margaret Nightingale said: “The weather affected numbers, that is the nature of an outdoor event, but the people who came were rewarded.

“It was a very happy atmosphere and the wartime spirit came to the fore.”

Stoic bike lovers were treated to shows of fire-eating and stilt-walking by entertainer Fiery Jack as they huddled in tents to avoid the downpour, while stalls selling hot drinks also enjoyed good trade.

Outside, M.A.D. stunt riders wowed the crowd with their tricks and Cycle Now presented ingenious cycle-powered activities.

Two lucky children - Jamie Hallett of Rowde Primary School and Maddie Evans of Dauntsey’s Aided Primary School - also received a signed card from Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy after winning the young poetry competition, judged by Canal Poet Laureate Jo Bell.

“Even though the numbers were down the presence was felt,” said Kate Freeman, of Cycle Devizes!

“People have got the key message - think bike.

"The group has established cycling for Devizes and the area and that it is something to take up. We have set up a programme of bike rides – the first is on June 29.”