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Added: Wed 18th Jun 2008
Planning the Ride
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
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