The sun shone on more than 100 cyclists who joined paralysed mum Claire Lomas during a training session around Rutland Water on Sunday.
The 32-year-old was delighted that so many of her friends and supporters managed to get on their bikes to raise money for two spinal injury charities.
Originally she had hoped that more than 60 people from across the East Midlands would join her on the 18-mile training ride.
Claire, from Eye Kettleby, near Melton, said: "I was worried that the cold weather and the bitter wind of the past weeks would put people off.
"But the sun smiled on us and we had a great time. There was more than 100 people who took part.
"I had lots of people from Nottingham Trent University who came along and who made it a great day. The course was quite flat and there was no wind."
Everyone who went on the ride donated at least £5 which will be shared between the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation and Spinal Research.
She said: "I have no idea how much was raised as one of my friends did very well and raised £500 in sponsorship on her own."
The money raised on Sunday will go towards a bid to raise £100,000 for the Spinal Research which is working to develop treatments for people who have suffered severe injuries like Claire.
Claire's website has already raised more than £22,000 towards her target. To sponsor Claire on her cycle challenge, text LEGS60 £3 to 70070.
