The 2nd
Nello Memorial Century Cycle Challenge July 1st, 2001
The
scenes on Topsham Quay as the 150-plus cyclists made their way to the finish,
having completed the challenging 100 mile course over the roof of Exmoor and
back, were truly extraordinary and even moving. Some cyclists were clearly
elated and overjoyed at what they had achieved; others were close to collapse,
totally exhausted from the hundred mile pedal; a few broke into tears, a mixture
of relief, pain, exhaustion and exhilaration. Bicycles of every type, size
and colour were everywhere and cyclists milled around the Quay, enjoying a
drink, proudly wearing this year's bright orange tee-shirt and medal (decorated
by hand with Italian ribbons and pasta, of course). Whenever a new rider arrived,
individually or in a group, there were huge cheers from the assembled throng.
It was hectic, joyous,
and, for us, hugely satisfying to see how much this event clearly meant to
those who took the Nello Challenge. Cycling 100 miles in a day is no easy
feat, so well done everybody!
In the evening, over
300 people — cyclists, family, friends, and helpers — gathered at
the Topsham Rugby Club to celebrate with a feast in true Nello style and spirit.
An incredible and abundant spread of foods was prepared by a team of very
special people, including David and Ondine Kearley; Paul and Katherine Russell;
Michael Caines; food writer friends Rosie Barron, Christine McFadden and Liz
Franklin who all came down specially for the event; Mariangela and Paola;
and many others. Much of the food was donated by local businesses, including
Arthurs, Darts Farm, Highfield, and Richards.
For the second year
running, Mario Fontana, our Italian winemaker friend who used to supply Nello
with his outstanding house Barbera, drove all the way over from his home in
the Barolo wine hills to bring over wines for the evening, an extraordinary
gesture of friendship in memory of Nello.
The sun shone, and
it was a truly special day which many will never forget.
This was the second
year that we've organised the Nello Century Cycle Challenge, with all monies
raised in aid of local cancer charities in association with FORCE. Last year's
efforts resulted in more than £10,000 to this very worthwhile organisation,
and it is our hope that we will at least be able to match this sum, depending
of course on the generosity of those who are sponsoring the cyclists.
Nello and I were
very proud to be associated with FORCE when we first launched Ride for Life
in 1997 for our cycle from Topsham to Venice. FORCE is a truly great local
organisation, indeed a true force of positive lifegiving energy within our
community.
For me, and for many
others, this event is not just about fundraising, important though that element
is. Through this day, we honour and remember a wonderful friend whose spirit
remains very much alive within our community. And through participating in
this event — both for those who knew and loved Nello, as well as for
those who never even knew him personally but in some way do now — we
can all draw positive lifegiving energy and strength from Nello’s indominable
and tireless spirit. That to me is what makes the day so very special.
Indeed for those
who took part in this year's Nello Challenge — the children who went
as far as Bolham, a huge achievement in itself; and all the cyclists who struggled
up that long hill from Dulverton to the top of the moor, who endured the interminable
(but lovely!) stretch from South Molton to Copplestone, and who suffered those
savage, sharp rises at Newton St. Cyres and en route back through Exeter to
Topsham Quay — the long hours spent in the saddle, in pleasure or in
pain, to complete (or perhaps even not to complete) the hundred mile circuit,
were a powerful celebration of our human capacity to meet challenges, to grit
in and endure, to achieve personal and collective goals: in short, simply
to be alive.
We'd love this event
to be able to continue in future years. At the moment, we’ve hardly had
time to draw breath, and it is difficult to look that far ahead. This event
has clearly caught the imagination of our whole community and even beyond.
It seems likely, should it happen again, that next year even more people may
wish to participate. In that case, it is difficult to see how it can remain
in its present form, and we are currently canvasing opinions on how and in
what form it might evolve.
Over the coming months,
we'd be very happy to hear your constructive ideas as well as offers to get
seriously involved, both from cyclists and non-cyclists as well. Please call
Marc or Kim on 873778 or email marc@rideforlife.org.uk.
But in the meantime,
just to say once more a huge thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways
and made this such a community event: the excellent and inspirational support
teams; the baking teams who made such an incredible array of goodies to sustain
us en route; the support drivers and medical team; all who helped with the
evening Pasta Feast; and the many local businesses who generously supported
the event through donating some really brilliant prizes for our raffle.
And to all the cyclists
who took part, once more, Well done and thanks for joining in. Nello would
be very proud.
2nd
Nello Century Cycle Challenge Pasta Feast Menu
2nd
Nello Century Cycle Challenge raises £17,000 for the FORCE Cancer Support
Centre Appeal
Friends
of Ride for Life
I'd
particularly like to thank the following Ride for Life friends who have generously
helped us again this year. Your assistance will help us to maximise the proceeds
from this event in aid of cancer research in association with FORCE, Exeter.
Michael
Caines at the Royal Clarence
David
and Ondine Kearly
Rosie
Barron, Christine McFadden and Liz Franklin (professional foodwriters and
authors who have for the second year running come down especially to help
prepare foods for the Nello Pasta Feast)
Mario
and Luisa Fontana, Cascina Fontana, Castiglione Falletto, Italy
(Barbera d'Alba wine brought out specially for the event by Mario)
Billingtons
Sugar (supply of a brilliant range of sugars for baking flapjacks, cakes and
other cyclists fodder)
Turton's
Butchers, Exeter (supply of delicious Tuscan sausages)
Arthur's
Butchers, Topsham (supply of meat for grilling)
Darts
Farm Shop (vegetables)
Highfield
Farm Shop (salads)
Boyce
Fruit Farm (strawberries)
Crusty
Cob (Neil Tubbs, cyclists)
Richards
(official banana sponsor)
I'd
also like to thank the following local businesses for very kindly supplying
prizes for our Raffle:
Colin
Lewis Cycles, Paignton
Richards
Bikes, Heavitree, Exeter
The
Bike Shed, Exeter
Bikepark,
London
Michael
Caines at the Royal Clarence
Restaurant
No. 5, Topsham
Cohiba
Restaurant, Exeter
The
Foc'sle, Topsham
Restaurant
No. 62, Topsham
Cooks
Aweigh, Topsham
The
Cheese Shop, Topsham
Remedies,
Topsham
The
Globe, Topsham
The
Café, Topsham
The
Bridge Inn, Topsham
