20th Anniversary Bike Ride all set to go!

- Tue 21st Jun 2005

We are now all set for the biggest ride ever, with over 240 on the event, not counting the band and other well-wishers joining us in Le Havre for the last night party on Friday 15th July.

Click on link for larger image.  Click for Ride Map Image

For Islanders not directly involved in the ride, there is a big day to look forward to - our return on Saturday 16th July. We should be arriving in Portsmouth at about 2pm and then all cycling round to go over the bridge at about 3pm, so please give us a great welcome there! We then cycle safely through Northney and via Daw Lane and West Lane to the Station Theatre in West Town, where we pick up the jazz lorry, to proceed on our way, with musical accompaniment. We cycle down Staunton Avenue and then along the Sea Front to Eastoke Corner, going up Rails Lane to Mengham. After the turn on Elm Grove we shall then reach the Hayling School at about 4pm.

At the School many attractions have been organised for the general public from mid-day onwards, so please take the opportunity to have a good day, as well as welcoming us all in. There will this year be a much greater awareness of the bike ride and its contribution over the years, amongst Islanders, thanks to the 70,000 Mile Appeal, organised by John Clayton, of Bishops, so please make an effort to join in on the day.  

Sponsorship of the Paris to Hayling

All of this year's riders now have their forms and will be looking for sponsorship, so I hope that Islanders will be generous to the 70 or so riders from Hayling that are taking part. Readers will also be aware of the other major opportunity for Islanders to show their support for the ride, as already made clear in this website and through the mailing to all Islanders, in connection with the 70,000 Mile Appeal, designed to raise funds for equipment at our Health Centre, for the benefit of all who live on Hayling.

Details for Ride 2005

The 5-Day 418 mile ride goes out in the afternoon of Sunday 10th July from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and the 3-Day 228 mile ride overnight on Tuesday 12th July, from Portsmouth to Le Havre (leaving from the Hayling Billy at about 8pm). We shall all be in Rouen on Bastille Day, 14th July, and return on Saturday, 16th July, from Le Havre, arriving on Hayling in mid-afternoon. Riders are expected to raise at least £150 for the charity of their choice, with entry fees and business support paying for the organisation of the event, allowing 100% of the sponsorship raised to be distributed to the nominated charities and deserving causes.

This is my 100th bike ride article in my present series and so another milestone to celebrate!

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

Paul Fisher 20/06/05

By forum user, PaulFisher