History of the Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle Ride

This event started in 1986, when Peter McQuade, now President of the Ride, cycled alone from Paris to Hayling raising money for cot death research, following the death of the baby daughter of two close friends. Like many subsequent riders he had no great cycling experience. However, as the trip turned out to be easier than he had anticipated he persuaded another 17 cyclists (including current chairman Paul Fisher) to join him the following year.

Some facts and figures

Excluding this year's proceeds the facts & figures are:

• Over £1,035,000 raised since the ride started
• 100% of the money raised goes to charity
• More than 300 charities have benefited
• Over 2000 cyclists have taken part
• More than 15,000 sponsors
• Over 150 businesses have supported the ride
• Featured on local TV, Radio & Press both in England & France and also in National Cycling Media
• Regularly rated the best event of its type
• A "professional" organisation run entirely by volunteers with no one making a profit
• The most successful local charity event on the south coast and getting bigger