Paris to Hayling Cycle 20 Years On

- Tue 21st Jun 2005

Founded in 1986, when I did a solo ride for cot death research and led successfully since 1994 by Paul Fisher, the Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle Ride has become an important feature of local life.  Literally hundreds of residents have completed the challenge of cycling back home from the French capital and indeed in many cases have cycled both ways.    While the Ride has attracted entrants from all over this country and indeed from 14 other countries, it remains very much a community initiative, organised with one or two notable exceptions by residents of Hayling and the surrounding area.  It's probably true to say that few communities can boast a truly local initiative of this kind.

The secret of the Ride is that it provides a tough, but for most, an achievable challenge.  It raises a lot of money, but at the same time there is a lot of fun. I don't know of any other ride that can claim to have drunk a pub dry (La Chaumiere, Muids, Normandy, 1996)! Indeed the fun side of the Paris to Hayling has led to other events such as The Father Christmas Ride, a hashing club and a highly successful quiz team, ACE.

Over 250 different charities and good causes, local, national and international have benefited to the tune of more than £700,000. For example, Cancer Research has received over £60,000 and other cancer-related charities, a further £100,000. Various hospices (including The Rowans), Save the Children and all Island schools have received significant and regular payments, as have the Scouts and Guides. Another major beneficiary has been The RNLI and in the words of Nigel Roper (Hayling Island Manager):

"Quite simply, their money has helped us to save lives at sea - we are extremely grateful"

A good example of a really local cause that has benefited is O.S.C.A., the after school club, based at Mengham Infants School.  In the photograph they are enjoying a newly purchased bouncy castle, bought with Bike Ride money. 

You may well have recently noted an extra volume of pedal traffic, as cyclists prepare for their French venture.  I would urge all resident to sponsor a rider, whether it is via the 70,000 Mile Appeal or via an individual raising money for his or her own pet cause. Remember, 100% of money collected goes to the intended beneficiaries: a claim which I believe no other major charity cycle ride can make. 

Peter McQuade (Founder/President)

By forum user, PaulFisher