The latest news from the official Paris To Hayling Charity Cycle Ride website.http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.ukFri, 05 Sep 08 20:07:34 +0100144144http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.ukhttp://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/images/news/thumbnails/Map_250x250.pnghttp://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/le-tour-de-tours-19.htmlTue, 22 Jul 2008 0:00:00 GMT
The greatest challenge that the Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle Ride has faced in its 23-year history was met with outstanding success, during the week of 13th to 20th July. 200 riders set out, 140 on the longer 6-Day 440-mile route and 60 on the 3½-Day route and they all enjoyed some fabulous weather and scenery, especially in the Loire Valley, the southernmost area ever ridden on the event. We are still the ‘Paris to Hayling’, but after 22 years of visiting either Paris or Versailles and having reached the phenomenal amount of £1,000,000 in fundraising last year, we thought it was time for a change – and how welcome it was!

Every day’s cycling was different, with some shorter 50-mile days in the case of St Malo to Rennes and Laval to Angers, but also some more challenging days, such as the 88 miles between Rennes and Laval (diverting via our twin town of Gorron for a lunch put on by the Gorronais), a 95-mile day between Tours and Alencon (thankfully not too hilly!) and a mid-range 71-mile day to finish off, between Alencon and Caen, before our last night gala dinner party in Caen Castle, where we were once more entertained by the Crooners, a group we brought over from Hayling - and they did it for free! This was after a day when almost half of the riders sported fancy dress whilst riding, notably the Sussex Brewery Mime Team, the Cross Channel Faeries, Batwoman and Ghostbuster.

Sadly, we had more injuries than normal, with four hospitalizations, two male riders having to leave for home early, another one with an injured arm, from which he recovered to keep cycling and one of our ladies came off, fracturing her arm, which was operated upon, but she was able to return with us on the ferry. Quite a few others had minor injuries to legs, knees and elbows, but were determined to continue and finish!

The six days of new route were devised by a combination of eight committee members: Pete Alloway, Meryl Browne, Fred Dyer, Sarah Farmer, Lynne Harris, Tony Hart, Rick Hutchings and Jon Tawse, with their superb efforts contributing hugely to this year’s successful ride, much appreciated by one and all. Pete McQuade did a great job of the mammoth task of booking 32 hotels in all of our destinations and the brilliant baggage handling team of Rick Gibbs, Mike Harrington, Dave Hersee and Mark Cook worked with great aplomb, notable for only misplacing one bag all week, soon resolved! Meryl Browne is to be congratulated for ensuring the last night’s party was enjoyed by all, with dancing into the early hours, after hundreds of miles on the road! Kerry West has contributed tirelessly throughout the year, dealing with rider communications and a host of other tasks. Rod Elliot put in a bravura effort as Support Crew manager, never relaxing until everything was all in order for each day, right up until the end.

Now we have to start planning for next year, but we feel that we now have a wonderful platform to build upon, with only minor ‘tweakings’!

A report of the days of the ride will be submitted for the September issue of the Islander, together with photos, once they have been sent in. Early indications are that sponsorship raised should take us to a cumulative ride total in excess of £1,100,000.

Thanks to the superb support crew:

Will Barnard
Mark Cook
Kev Crocker
Rod Elliott
Rick Gibbs
Mags Graham
Georgie Gross
Mike Harrington
Dave Hersee
Roger Key
Helena Key
Jo Macey
Hector MacCallum
Maryon McQuade
Paul Mumford
Ian Pollicott
Averil Pollicott
Sylvia Randall
Sue Wilson
Liz Wood

Thanks to sponsors and suppliers:

Barclays Bank
Reg Beacher
Brittany Ferries
Brit-net
Burras Ltd
C.J. Driscoll Chartered Accountant
Gable UK
Gardner Graphics
Gridleys
Hayden Vehicle Rentals
Hayling United FC
Hayling Ferry
Hayling Property Management
Hayling Window Centre
Heidi’s Patisserie
Jean Simpson Agency
Kuehne & Nagel
Langstone Technology Park
Large and Gibson
Morris Crocker
Newtown House Hotel
P. M. Leisure Homes Ltd
Portsmouth Police
Qlik View
R.J. Morris Jewellers
Ship & Castle
Tessa Smith
Vodafone
WKB Toyota
Woods Travel

Bike Ride Awards 2008

Rachel Moore - Most Impressive Newcomer - McQuade Cup
Sue Loveridge - Most Improved Rider - Eberhardt Signs Trophy
Team Allianz – Best Group – Bavent Cup
Melanie Leggett – Proof That You Can – Oracle Shield
David Chapple – Special Award - Reg Beacher Trophy
Ron Spencer – Veteran Rider – Montfort Cup
Alex and Sam Leonard – Young Riders of the Year – Les Trois Pics Cup
Hector Macallum and Sue Wilson – Best Support Crew – Judy Dyer Trophy
Mike Goodwin – Character Award – Value Added Trophy
Rear of the Year – Fran Blake
CB Award – Ally Sperring
Best Fancy Dress – The Sussex Brewery ‘Marcel Marceau’ Mime Team
Qlik View Cup – Committee Member Award – Meryl Brown and Kerry West
20+ year awards – Kev Crocker, Paul Fisher, Maryon McQuade and Rick Hutchings

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@hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk

PAUL FISHER 21/07/2008
]]>http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/we%92re-off-again%21-18.htmlWed, 18 Jun 2008 0:00:00 GMT As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. However, we believe that one of the reasons why the Paris to Hayling has been such a success and why riders have returned year after year, is precisely because we have been pretty good at planning.

With a total change of route and with the move from Paris to the Loire Valley, planning has been more important than ever in 2008. We started figuring out parts of this year’s route as long ago as 2006 and we have invested an enormous amount of time in this year’s arrangements. The best part of 100 hotels in 10 different locations were contacted, before we settled on the 31 being used in 6 towns and these have all been checked and rechecked. Wayside stops for morning coffee, lunch and that vital afternoon beer have likewise been closely vetted and we have carefully plotted the route, trying to find the right balance between hills, distance, traffic load and scenery. Over half the Bike Ride Committee has been in France at some time in the last year to work on these important details.

We feel confident that riders will enjoy the event and appreciate the investment in organising a completely new route. Moreover, based upon past experience and the number of riders entered (20 more than last year), we are reasonably confident that we will again raise over £100,000, adding significantly to the £1,025,000 collected so far.

The Paris to Hayling was the first regular charity cycle ride from the French capital and now with our Loire Valley destination we again have a unique concept. But although “Le Tour de Tours” has a certain ring to it, we intend to maintain the Paris to Hayling ‘brand’ for the foreseeable future!

Sponsored by QlikTech
Corporate sponsorship, whether in money or in kind is key to the ride. Contributions from this source, coupled with the fact that, unlike with most other charity cycles rides, riders pay their full travel and accommodation costs, have helped us ensure that no personal sponsorship money is used for ride costs. We are delighted that software company QlikTech (www.qliktech.com) has agreed to support us in 2008. With its award winning business intelligence product QlikView, QlikTech is quite possibly the fastest growing software company in the world.

Our Younger Riders
Since then pupil Chris McQuade and master Will Stretch entered a Ditcham Park School team in the Paris to Hayling, the school’s involvement with cycling has grown from strength to strength. Not only have they regularly entered a team in the ride, but also they now have a cycling club, in which about 25% of the senior school are involved. At a recent open day the cycling club had a stand on which Hayling Islander Ellie Marshall was heard extolling the virtues not only of their club but also the Paris To Hayling! There have been many unexpected spin-offs from the ride, but this is definitely one of the most gratifying and hopefully this influx of youth bodes well for the future of our event.

Channel to Channel 2008
This Channel To Channel ride from Weston-Super-Mare was a great success and the Somerset Levels route on the first morning was well appreciated. The weather forecast had been pretty dire, but in fact it never rained! Most stopped off to watch the Cup Final at the Carriers in Stockton, just outside Salisbury. The result and the welcome we were given at the pub added to the success of the weekend. It’s probably the same route for next year and hotels are already provisionally booked.

Gorron Ride
The annual Gorron Ride, another Paris to Hayling “spin off”, took place in early June, with a record number of riders. In contrast with the Channel to Channel, this has normally been blessed by good weather and this year was no exception. The new route was well appreciated, as was the hospitality from the Gorronais. Plans are underway for the 2009 event which, like 2008, is sure to be a sell out. The 6-Dayers on the main ride this month are also visiting Gorron for an organised lunch, on the day between Rennes and Laval.

Details for Ride 2008
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the year’s 23rd event – ‘Le Tours de Tours’. We have had over 230 application for entry and are operating waiting lists on both the shorter 3½-Day and the longer 6-Day Ride. We had originally planned to take 180 riders, but we should be able to accommodate more in the hotels we have booked, should the normal anticipated level of cancellations not occur. As of the date of writing, we have had 29 cancellations and are now taking on riders on the reserve lists, which should please the lucky ones! Dates are 13th and 15th July, returning on Sunday 20th July, for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College, courtesy of HUFC. Riders are expected to raise at least £150, for the charity of their choice.

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@hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk
]]>http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/preparations-for-%91le-tour-de-tours%92-2008-17.htmlWed, 18 Jun 2008 0:00:00 GMThttp://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/it-was-alright-on-the-night%21-16.htmlSat, 19 Apr 2008 0:00:00 GMT
There was a good audience of the mainly local beneficiaries of donations on the night, with over £12,000 being handed out and more than 50 in attendance, plus riders and support crew. There was a very popular showing of Councillor David Collins’s video version of last year’s ride, with lots of sympathy from the attendees for how we had to cope with all the rain, bringing back soggy memories for us riders! After the presentations, there was a light buffet and the chance for the charities to ‘network’, as well as meet riders and support.

Over 100 charities and deserving causes were nominated by riders and the organising committee and the following is a full list of beneficiaries and the amounts they have received from the ‘£1,000,000 Ride’:

Age Concern (Hayling Island) - £500; Alzheimer’s Society - £150; Batten Disease Family Association - £825; BBC Children in Need Appeal - £160; BBOWT - £760; Breakthrough Breast Cancer - £526; Breast Cancer Campaign - £275; British Heart Foundation - £350; British Lung Foundation - £505; Cancer Research UK - £7,000; Canine Partners for Independence - £1,350; Cedar - £400; Chapel Lane Preschool - £2,539; Charlene Alloway - £250; Chasecare - £975; Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice - £160; CLIC Sargent - £1,425; Cookworthy Museum of Rural Life - £300; Cruse Bereavement Care - £265; Cystic Fibrosis Trust - £610; Derek Biggs - £100; Diabetes UK - £4,345; Elizabeth Foundation - £3,450; Emsworth Stroke Club - £148; Everyman - £470; Friends of Hayling Trees - £100; Friends of Radiotherapy (FORT) - £100; Friends of St Mary's Church - £830; Friends of the Animals - £370; Gaucher Association - £505; Grace & Hope Foundation - £410; Hannah's Holiday Home Appeal - £400; Haste - £400; Hayling College - £250; Hayling Guides - £250; Hayling Health Centre - £100; Hayling Island Community Centre - £100; Hayling Island Cricket Club - £2,500; Hayling Island First Responders Scheme - £100; Hayling MTI - £250; Hayling Police Helmet Cam - £632; Hayling Red Cross - £100; Hayling Scouts - £250; Head & Neck Cancer - £4,000; Heartbeat - £1,082; Hi Y Café - £400; HUFC - £750; HUFC Ladies - £100; In Ministry to Children - £200; Isle of Wight Hospice - £150; Joint Action - £2,755; Langstone Sailability - £750; Leukaemia Research - £1,545; Macmillan Cancer Support - £1270; Mencap - £275; Mengham Infant School - £250; Mengham Junior School - £250; Mill Rythe Infant School - £250; Mill Rythe Junior School - £250; MNDA (Reading) - £268; MNDA (S.E. Hants) - £910; MNDA (Hants, Dorset IoW &CI) - £250; Mothers Union (HI) - £300; MS Bristol - £1,000; MS Society - £4,070; Naomi House - £4,641; National Autistic Society - £1,590; Noah’s Ark Trust - £310; Operation Smile UK - £3,700; Orbis - £400; PALS - £395; Piam Brown Children’s Cancer Ward - £455; Portsmouth & Victoria Swimming Club - £300; Portsmouth Carers Association - £25; Portsmouth High School – Juniors - £250; Portsmouth Hospitals Rocky Appeal - £100; Rachel Maddocks School - £650; Rezurgence - £6,735; RNIB - £443; RNLI - £970; S.I.D. - £100; Salisbury Hospice Care Trust - £705; Samantha Dickson Research Trust - £600; SANE - £500; Save the Children - £100; Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary - £579; St Andrews PCC (Ghana Appeal) - £650; St Mary's Maternity Unit - £750; St Wilfrid’s Hospice - £1,546; Start (leprosy) - £100; Stroke Association - £1,495; Sue Ryder - £100; Sussex Snowdrop Trust - £405; Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust - £881; The Lady Taverners - £1,256; The Rainbow Centre - £1,712; The Ridgeway Primary School PTA - £1,355; The Rowans (Portsmouth Hospice) - £3,075; Topaz Twirlstars - £100; Volunteer Centre West Berkshire - £715; Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance - £175; Wessex Cancer Trust - £900; Wessex Wight Appeal - £875; Winston's Wish - £70; Woodland Trust - £180; WSPA - £450; Yorkshire Animal Shelter - £246.

New website
The website for The Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle has had a total new ‘facelift’, with the design being created by Hayling Island web designers, Brit-net, publishers of the www.hayling.co.uk website. Please visit www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk to see the results (even if you weren’t familiar with the old one!).

Channel to Channel Ride
The 9th Channel To Channel will take place on the week-end of the 17th and 18th May. This year we will again be starting from Weston-Super-Mare as we did in 2000 to 2005, this time with a change of rout through the Somerset Levels. As usual we will overnight in Salisbury before returning to Hayling. This event offers a great opportunity for some practice before our big event in July or can be enjoyed as an alternative ride for those unable to join us in France. Anyone interested in entering should contact Paris to Hayling President Pete McQuade on 07825 363 076 (mcquadep@aol.com), as there may still be places available.

Details for Ride 2008
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the year’s 23rd event – ‘Le Tours de Tours’. We have had over 230 application for entry and are operating waiting lists on both the shorter 3½-Day and the longer 6-Day Ride. We had originally planned to take 180 riders, but we should be able to accommodate more in the hotels we have booked, should the normal anticipated level of cancellations not occur. Dates are 13th and 15th July, returning on Sunday 20th July, for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College, courtesy of HUFC. Riders are expected to raise at least £150, for the charity of their choice.

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

PAUL FISHER 19/04/2008
]]>http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/bike-ride-charity-night-at-seacourt-12.htmlFri, 14 Mar 2008 0:00:00 GMT
We hope that there is good attendance from the mainly local beneficiaries of donations. Over 100 charities and deserving causes have been nominated by riders and the organising committee, but the trend is now for riders to send their sponsorship directly to their favoured charity, often via the 'Justgiving' fundraising website, rather than via the Bike Ride's charitable arm, known as ACE (Association for Charitable Endeavours). We shall be showing Councillor David Collins's video version of last year's ride, as well as making the presentations and providing hospitality and the chance for the charities to 'network', as well as meet riders and support.

A full list of beneficiaries and the amounts they have received from the '£1,000,000 Ride' will be published in next month's issue.

Channel to Channel Ride
The 9th Channel To Channel will take place on the week-end of the 17th and 18th May. This year we will again be starting from Weston-Super-Mare as we did in 2000 to 2005, this time with a change of route through the Somerset Levels. As usual we will overnight in Salisbury before returning to Hayling. This event offers a great opportunity for some practice before our big event in July or can be enjoyed as an alternative ride for those unable to join us in France. Anyone interested in entering should contact Paris to Hayling President Pete McQuade on 07825 363 076 (mcquadep@aol.com).

Details for Ride 2008
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the year's 23rd event - 'Le Tours de Tours'. We have had over 230 application for entry and are operating waiting lists on both the shorter 3-Day and the longer 6-Day Ride. We had originally planned to take 180 riders, but we should be able to accommodate more in the hotels we have booked, should the normal anticipated level of cancellations not occur. Dates are 13th and 15th July, returning on Sunday 20th July, for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College, courtesy of HUFC. Riders are expected to raise at least £150, for the charity of their choice.

Phone enquiries to 023 9246 1412 or by post to Paris to Hayling, PO Box 30, Hayling Island, Hants, PO11 9UD.
Mobile - 07770-888501.]]>http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk/news/santa-ride-2007-11.htmlWed, 12 Dec 2007 0:00:00 GMT
Plans For 2008
Entries are coming in thick and fast for 'Le Tour de Tours', possibly because of the radically revised route. Entries from new riders exceed those of veterans at this stage - a very exciting development! Dates are 8th and 10th July, returning on Sunday 15th July, for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College, courtesy of HUFC. Reservation Forms are available and places can be secured with a reservation fee of £75. The 6-Day Ride fee is £395 and 3-Day £295. Riders are expected to raise at least £150, for the charity of their choice. Formal entry forms will be available in January.

]]>