CYCLING to a country pub on a summer’s day and enjoying a nice, cold pint is definitely one pleasure in life.

For one pub in Woolmer Green though, it’s a tradition.

The Chequers Inn stages an annual charity bike ride and auction.

This year’s event, for the fourth successive time, was dedicated to raising vital funds for the Herts Air Ambulance.

Landlady Marian Darter said: “We raised �9,000 this year but in total we have raised over �50,000 over the past four years for this well deserving charity.

“Our bike rides always have a theme and this year the fancy dress was based on the 60s, so it was full of hippies and flower power.

“Very colourful!”

About 70 riders took part in the 10-mile ride, stopping at seven pubs en route before returning to The Chequers, for a barbecue, live music and auction.

One of the top auction items was a trip for four in a helicopter flown along the Thames, which raised �1,000.

Marian added: “The generosity and support shown by all our regulars, even in this tough economic climate, is amazing.”