Chichester to Chartres ride success

The ninth annual Cycle Chartres, organised by Chichester Harbour Rotary Club, saw a group of all ages spend the bank holiday weekend enjoying a social ride to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Supported by 16 volunteer marshals, the cyclists were waved off by Chichester mayor Peter Budge at The Assembly Room, in North Street, and had a smooth crossing to France.

Martin Helyer, one of the organisers, said: “Saturday is the big day with more than 90 miles to cover. We were lucky with the weather and the riders enjoyed the a sunny route and food stops.

“There were a few mechanical issues such as a split tyre, the odd puncture but nothing was too much trouble for City Cycles, who we are grateful to for providing assistance again.”

Saturday evening was spent recovering in the hotel in Evreux, where all the riders and marshals took over the restaurant and enjoyed a meal and drinks together.

The weather on Sunday was even better than Saturday, with brilliant sunshine and the wind on their backs pushing the riders along the river valley to Chartres.

Mr Helyer added: “There is quite a hill on the approach to Chartres but the sight of the twin spires of Chartres emerge in the distance together with the knowledge of what you have just completed both physically and for charity is always reward enough – although of course a drink in the café where we rendezvous is also rather welcome on a hot day.

“Everyone completed the ride safely and on Monday, everyone returned to Chichester, tired, fitter and full of wonderful memories.”

Next year is the tenth anniversary of Cycle Chartres and Rotarians hope it will be the best yet. To go on the mailing list, email [email protected] or visit www.cycle-chartres.org for up to date information.

The event will be over the May bank holiday, April 28 to May 1. There is a limit of 35 riders.

Mr Helyer said: “We have already reserved the hotel rooms so please join us – you won’t regret it. It’s a very inclusive event with all sorts of riders of differing ages and abilities enjoying the weekend.”

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