Only one month to go! In this issue, I will be trying to answer all the questions which I have been asked up to this stage about the ride. I do hope that you find it useful!

How much does it cost to enter?

To ride this year, there is a minimum £50 sponsorship raised for The Children's Hospice South West, and a new £5 entry fee, to cover event costs. This £5 has to be paid IN CASH on the day.
The sponsorship needs to then come in as soon as possible to the Hospice- but riders must let me know how much you are paying in, so we can keep tally on the amount raised. Our estimation was £3000 last year, but talking to various riders this last week or so, I do feel it could have been £4000+; some funds went straight there with out us being told.

What does the £5 cover?

The entry fee covers costs- such as food, drink, signage, petrol and the hire of the Mayflower Sailing Club at the end. Any funds which are left over at the end will go back into next years ride. No one makes a profit except the Children's Hospice!

Sponsorship form

This year we have the match giving sponsorship forms, which means more of the funds raised will go to the Childrens Hospice.

What are the rules of the ride?

There are only 2 rules on the day- wear a helmet, and follow the Highway Code! Understand that up to 100 cyclists pedaling their heart out will not seem that attractive to people in cars who want to go places- no matter how great the cause is. Suggestion? If in doubt, pull in! The last 10 miles from Yelverton will see the two groups merge and ride triumphantly into Plymouth across the moors- a VERY busy part of the course. So it is vital that we ride single file along here, with a cheery hello and a wave to the lovely motorists, and just prey that none of them are Jeremy Clarkson.

Where do we finish?

We are lucky enough to be finishing on the Barbican in the Mayflower Sailing club. Here we will have a bar, showers, changing rooms, food and some music.

What support will we get?

We are pleased to be supported once again by Edd's Fruit and Veg, who are letting us use their vans for support. In each van, you will find food, drink, a place to put your clothes, and a smiley face who will be pleased to help you. The key vans will be driven by Mike Paddon (07805950508) and Ian Moon (07891384199)- put their numbers into your mobiles now so you can call them on the day if you need them! Hey, why not ring them NOW and say hello? We are also having a third van- look for the driver's name and number on the day!.

What if I can't make it all the way?

Don't worry- it's supposed to be fun! At the next scheduled stop, simply get in a support van (supplied by Edd's Fruit and Veg) for a bit! You can then hop out when you like- but it is worth me saying the last 10 mile into Plymouth is something to behold and worth trying to be there!

What stops are there on the way?

There are official stops every 10 miles or so- first at Roundswell Service Station, Barnstaple, then Torrington BP garage, then Gribble Inn, then Okehampton bypass (one hour stop), Tavistock, and Yelverton. All except the Gribble Inn have toilets for the ladies.

What do I do on the day?

Ride sensibly, have fun, make friends!

The first group starts at 8am- try to be at Ilfracombe Pier for signing in from 7.15, announcements at 7.45, and assembly of the group at 7.55.

The Omega group starts at 9.30- sign in from 8.10, announcements 9.15, assembly 9.25.

It's a great idea to ride in pairs, so you can look out for each other- if one drops back, the other can tell the support vans. It's not a race, and we will regroup each stop point.

Don't forget your helmet!

The Coach home

The coach home is scheduled to leave Plymouth at Seven pm, and will be making stops at Barnstaple, Braunton, and of course, Ilfracombe. RIDES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRE-BOOKED WITH SEAN! Although it is now FULL, if you still require a lift, then email Sean at seanross@f2s.com and he will place your name on the reserve list- if the interest is strong enough, then we will organize a second coach. For those of you who have reserved your place, then the cost is £8- this is cost price- and is payable on the day in cash please.

And one last thing from me- this is very exciting this year, with a chance to have fun, make friends and raise a lot of cash for the Hospice. I would just like to take this chance to thank Mark, Sean, Mike and Ian for keeping me in reality and promoting the ride in their own styles- without you folk, we would not have sore legs on July 2nd!

Also, thank you to all you folk who have registered with a cheery 'hello' and a quick 'thank you'. It takes about 15 minutes per rider to register, get you on the internet, and into the back up database (yes, I have one this year!), and it has been a pleasure to get involved with such damn right great folk.

End of the Oscars speech- see you all on 1st July- prey for light wind and Sun!

Simon

Simon@simonpaddon.com

07791906433