BIKE RIDE P&O FERRIES SHOCK

- Tue 28th Sep 2004

The news about P&O’s decision to cut their services to France from Portsmouth has left our plans in total disarray. At the time of writing, just as the cuts are being announced, it looks like the Portsmouth-Le Havre service will be taken over by Brittany Ferries, but that the current service offered by Brittany to Cherbourg is to be dropped – so no more ferries to Cherbourg! This has a serious effect upon our planning and possibly pricing, since recently we have had such a good deal with P&O.

ANNUAL REUNION
We hope to have a record number of riders and supporters attending our Reunion on 30th October at 8pm, once again at the Newtown House Hotel. All the awards are to be engraved and brought up to date for re-presentation and we hope that previous winners will be able to attend to make it a special event. We also hope that many will be able to hand over sponsorship on this evening, if not already sent in. It should be a good night as ever, with live music from top local band, The Crooners, the video and a buffet. Riders are encouraged to bring their photos and relive this year’s Ride. Arrangements are being made for accommodation, too. The AGM is also at the Newtown on the 29th at 7.30pm. Please come along to give your support, see how we are getting on and maybe also to vote on or join the committee.

PRACTICE RIDES
Since these have been so popular in the lead up to the main event in July, we have decided to continue them through the autumn and winter months, although not as intensive, of course. The schedule can be found on the website below. The majority of riders who are local to Hayling find them very useful, but don’t wish them to be too long, preferring a mid-morning start and a break for lunch, where the family have the opportunity to join them. Also, don’t forget the C2C in May!

PLANS FOR THE 20th RIDE IN 2005
New entry forms will be available at the Reunion, but reservation forms are already going out, so that riders can book their place, with a £75 reservation fee. Entries are already flooding in, so book your place now! We hope to provide further details about the shape of next year’s 20th Ride in the November issue, once the dust settles on the crossings issue.

But make no mistake, there will be a great ride in 2005, whatever happens!

Phone enquiries to 023 9246 1412 or by post to Paris to Hayling, PO Box 30, Hayling Island, Hants, PO11 9UD. Mobile – 07770-888501.
Website - http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk
e-mail address – paul.fisher69@ntlworld.com

PAUL FISHER 28/09/2004

By forum user, PaulFisher