Proceeding with an initiative proposed by the Preston group vice-chairman, Geoff Saul, for the group to raise money in support of Preston Masonic hall, a sponsored ride round the Preston Guild Wheel was organised.
The Wheel is a 21 mile cycle path circling the city created as a lasting legacy to Preston Guild 2012. Its location makes the most of the different landscapes and greenery that surrounds the city, creating a rich and varied environment for everyone to enjoy cycling.
With the support of David Winder and the South Fylde group chairman, Ian Ward, the event was expanded to include participants both groups. In this case, South Fylde directed their sponsorship actions to supporting the WLFMC. Leading from the front David Winder and David Randerson, with the executive members of both Groups’, took an active part in the proceedings along with some 30 plus cyclists including a number of ladies.
From left to right: David Barr, Ian Ward, David Randerson, David Winder, Peter Littlehales, John Topping, Steve Bolton and Geoff Saul
Not to be outdone they were joined by a group of non-cycling sponsored walkers, who were fortunately tasked with covering a slightly shorter distance.
The conditions on the day were ideal for cycling, not too hot and not too cold. The riders were flagged off from the marina Lockside Road car park by the Preston group chairman, Steve Bolton.
The intrepid cyclists and walkers are ready for the off.
To ensure there were no cheating short cuts, the South Fylde Publicity Officer, Glenn O’Brian, was tasked with taking photographs of the cyclists as they travelled round the wheel. Some of the evidence is shown below.
Keep pedalling, only 15 miles to go!
The event was advertised as a non-competitive gentle ride round the wheel. However, the first riders arrived back at the car park around one hour and 40 minutes after setting off, achieving an average speed of almost 13mph.
The first back was Bob Avery closely followed by John Parkinson with David Winder taking the final podium position by arriving in third place. David is to be congratulated on keeping up with what are considered to be two very experienced cycling racing snakes.
The first lady back was Helen Barrett with her partner Creag Williams and the first tandem to return was ridden by David McKee and Geoff Fogden.
The walkers arrived back in good time led by David Randerson with the event being declared a tremendous success both from the cycling and walking point of view as well as achieving the declared aims of the event.
To mark the occasion, the Preston group chairman, Steve Bolton, presented the returning cyclists with a signed certificate of achievement.
Some of the cyclists with their certificate of achievement
As a result, Preston Masonic Hall will benefit with a donation exceeding £2,000 and the WLFMC a donation exceeding £1000. A well done to all concerned, in particular to Geoff Saul for his organisation of the event, to those that took part in cycling or walking and also to all the Masons of the Preston and South Fylde groups who sponsored the occasion.
Rumour has it that following this year’s success; it may become an annual event as next year’s adventure is already at the planning stage.