21st Paris to Hayling Bike Ride.

- Tue 31st Jan 2006

LOTS OF ROUTE CHANGES FOR THE 21ST RIDE 2006

We have masses of lovely new route this year and so we look forward to a brilliant ride in July. The 6-Day riders will be re-visiting the passage over the Pont de Normandie and the route to Grandchain, last ridden in 2002, then cycling from Evreux to Chartres and from Chartres to Beynes, where we join up with the 3½-Dayers, on the way into Paris, with most of these days of cycling being on new roads. We then have the familiar Paris to Rouen day, which we have done for 20 years, albeit with several route improvements over the years. However, the final day in France is completely different, as we make for Dieppe, via Forge-les-Eaux and the Avenue Verte cycle track. We cycle from Newhaven back to Hayling on the Saturday, which is a bit of a new challenge and means a change to our normal welcome home arrangements, but we are planning to make this run smoothly, to the satisfaction of all. We are using two new ferry companies: LD Lines from Portsmouth to Le Havre and Transmanche from Dieppe to Newhaven.

Hayling 13 & Practice Rides
The practice ride season gets under way on Sunday, 12th March, the morning after the Charities Evening, with the Hayling 13, a family fun ride around Hayling Island, open to all. A map of the route for this event will be submitted for publication in the March issue of the Islander. Fred Dyer and pals are busy plotting the new practice ride schedule and hope to ensure that it is to the liking of the riders, including some new stuff. The schedule will be on the website.

Charities Evening
This will take place on 11th March at Seacourt, Hayling Island, when we hand out donation cheques to nominated charities, this year with over 100 beneficiaries sharing the record total sponsorship.  Sponsorship pledges from cyclists taking part in last year's event now exceed an amazing £106,000, with over £76,000 already collected! It is planned to show Councillor Dave Collins's video record of last year's ride on the Charities Night.

Father and Mother Christmas Ride
This took place on 18th December and was a great success, with more Santas than ever, perhaps 60 in all, having a good day out in Hampshire and West Sussex. Readers may have witnessed the progress of these red-clad figures as they cycled brightly off the Island, but more carefully on their return, in darkness!  

70,000 Mile Appeal & Hayling Ride Aid
John Clayton, of Bishops, Hayling Island, has been phenomenally successful in raising over £50,000 for new equipment at the Hayling Health Centre, by appealing to all Islanders to support the ride through donations. In order to purchase the equipment free of VAT, we have successfully applied for the formation of a new charity: 'Hayling Ride Aid', which will also help to uplift the fundraising via Gift Aid. At present the focus of the charity is fairly local and limited to specified activities, but we hope to widen its scope over time.

Channel to Channel ride
Plans are also well advanced for the 7th Channel to Channel Ride (13th/14th May) - the ideal preparation for those planning to do the Paris to Hayling or an alternative for those who cannot make the July ride. This year we are cycling from Weymouth to Salisbury, rather than from Weston-Super-Mare. Entry forms are available on our web site or via Pete McQuade (07900600167 or mcquadep@aol.com) 

Participation in the 21st Ride 2006
New entry forms are now available, but over half of the places are now filled, so it's best to apply as soon as you can, if you want get in. Total cycling miles are 235 for the 3½-Day and 420 for the 6-Day. Entry fees are £230 for the 3½-Day (cabin and three good quality hotels) and £330 for the 6-Day (five hotel nights), which goes out from Portsmouth overnight on Sunday, 9th July. Cheques to 'Paris to Hayling'. All riders are expected to raise at least £150 for charity and can choose their beneficiary. Over the last 20 years, more than £800,000 has been raised through the event, going to over 250 charities and deserving causes, local, national and international. 100% of the money raised goes to the charities or deserving causes nominated by riders and the Bike Ride Committee. Riders of all standards and age groups are welcome. We particularly encourage people new to cycling, as well as ladies and younger people.

General phone enquiries to 023 9246 1412 or by post to Paris to Hayling, PO Box 30, Hayling Island, Hants, PO11 9UD. Mobile - 07770-888501
For more information on participation, consult the website or call Jenny Phelps on 023-9226-9311 or 07810-568172.
Website - http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk
e-mail address - paul.fisher69@ntlworld.com

PAUL FISHER  26/01/2006

By forum user, PaulFisher