RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR 20th BIKE RIDE

- Tue 23rd Nov 2004

We are very pleased to be able to announce that entries for next year’s special event are flooding in, leading us to believe that we will achieve the record number of 200 riders targeted. We are nearing 100 riders already, which contrasts markedly with numbers entering last year, since we had 38 entered in February 2004, 51 in March and a mere 77 in April, with only three months to go before Ride 2004! Luckily, the number of entries picked up dramatically after April and we ended up with 150 riders, reversing a recent trend downwards. Reservation forms are available, so that riders can book their place, with a £75 reservation fee, so book your place now, whilst stocks last! We are not yet in a position to announce the final entry fees and therefore issue full entry forms, since we are still in negotiation with the ferry companies. Contact details can be found below.

Annual Reunion

The Bike Ride’s 2004 Reunion was held at the Newtown House Hotel on Saturday, 30th October and was great success, with over 100 of our number attending. Treasurer Will Barnard was very busy taking in over £13,000 pounds in sponsorship on the night. The total sponsorship collected has now swelled to over £37,000, with more than £71,000 pledged from the 150 riders in this year’s event, a new record. The new video and DVD version of this year’s ride was shown, courtesy of motorcycling support crew member, Councillor Dave Collins and all copies were sold. Riders, support crew, partners and friends were brilliantly entertained on the night by The Crooners and were treated to a very good buffet. The year’s awards and trophies, freshly engraved, were re-presented, with all winners in attendance.

AGM

The annual general meeting of the bike ride and ACE, took place on Friday 29th October, also at the Newtown. The usual reports were made and committee elections were held. The committee is now composed of Paul Fisher (Chairman); Phil Benton (Secretary); Will Barnard (Treasurer); Pete Alloway (Vice-Chairman); Tony Hart (Vice-Chairman); Rick Hutchings; Reg Beacher; Meryl Browne; Lynne Harris; Leigh Hunter; Maryon McQuade; Jenny Phelps; Pascal Pichon and Jon Tawse. Sarah Farmer attended the AGM and tentatively put her name forward for election to the committee. This has now been accepted. Kevin Knight stood down, due to work commitments, but will continue to help with the practice rides, especially the Hayling 13 at the end of February. John Adcock and Kev Crocker are to remain as consultants to the committee. President Peter McQuade is a life committee member and, as such, is not subject to re-election.

Santas on Bikes
Yes, it’s that time of the year again, meaning that we are looking forward to a jolly day’s cycling on Sunday, 19th December. We always have a great time just before Christmas, when we dress up as Father or Mother Christmas and go cycling in and around Hampshire and West Sussex, visiting welcoming hostelries and imparting seasonal cheer. Last year there were over 40 red-clad riders and so we hope for a similar, if not larger, turnout this year. As usual, we shall be assembling at Tesco’s for breakfast at about 10.15, striking fear in the morning pre-Christmas shoppers! The riders will be returning to The Ship at Langstone after the ride, before continuing on their merry way.

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. They start with the Hayling 13 on Sunday, 27th February, which we hope to make an evening more popular event than the first one, on Leap Year Day, ealier in the year.
Channel to Channel Ride
Plans are also well advanced for the 6th Channel to Channel Ride (14th/15th May) - the ideal preparation for those planning to do the Paris to Hayling or an alternative for those who cannot make the July ride. Entry forms are available on our web site or via Pete McQuade (07900600167 or mcquadep@aol.com)

Bike Ride Contact Details
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

By forum user, PaulFisher