More than 100 cyclists braved atrocious weather conditions on Saturday to remember those who lost their lives in the Lockerbie Disaster almost 30 years ago.

In the morning, Lockerbie Pipe Band led the cyclists, townsfolk and representatives from the emergency services as they laid wreaths at Park Place, Sherwood Crescent and the war memorial.

They then joined the Cycle to Syracuse core team of Brian Asher, Colin Dorrance, Paul Rae, David Walpole and David Whalley for their second stage of the fundraising challenge.

Among the many residents who paid their respects at the wreath-laying before waving the cyclists off from the Memorial Cairn at Lockerbie Academy were students and Professor Larry Mason from Syracuse University.

After battling the elements – with one cyclist sustaining a sprained wrist from a pothole in Penicuik – they completed their 70-mile ride to Edinburgh Castle.

There they were met by the Scottish Power Pipe Band which escorted them up the esplanade for a reception in the Great Hall hosted by Dumfriesshire MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell.

Cyclist Paul Rae said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. It was tough going with the weather but I can honestly say it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for taking part.

“It was fantastic to finally reach Edinburgh and see all the crowds of people who welcomed us into the castle.

“Many of them were friends and family and my best pal’s son and nephew are in the Scottish Power Pipe Band so that was lovely to be piped in by them.”

The three-part cycling initiative, which will cross the Atlantic next week, highlights the links between Lockerbie and Syracuse University in New York State forged since the disaster. And it was arranged as a tribute to the 270 victims, including 11 town residents, of the terrorist atrocity.

The event is raising funds for mental health charity Soul Soup for a counsellor in the town.

■ See more pictures from the cycle ride and reception in Edinburgh Castle in Friday’s Standard.