The 3rd
Nello Memorial Century Cycle Challenge
proves to be a real challenge
The
long and winding road: centurions and children on Exmoor
This
year’s Nello Cycle Challenge, which took place on July 7th, 2002, saw
250 cyclists gather on the Topsham Quay to set off on three separate and grueling
routes: the now classic 100 mile pedal over Exmoor and back; a new 55 mile
route cunningly devised by Pete ‘The Flying Bean’ which meanders
up and down mid-Devon; and, for the children, a challenging ‘mini Tour
de France mountain stage’ on top of Exmoor. The cyclists on the Quay
made a colourful sight indeed, all dressed in bright cycling gear, and there
was a keen buzz of anticipation, if not downright trepidation before the rides
got underway. The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Val Dixon, was kindly on
hand and the only slight glitch was when a confused and rather wild looking
stray cat ran out in front of the cyclists, just seconds before the Lord Mayor
put down the start flag! As has become tradition, the peloton was led out
by Nello’s old cycling chums, an always moving and emotional start to
the ride. I was alongside John Brandon, who had returned all the way from
New Zealand to take part once more.
This was truly the
year that the Nello ride went international. Not only did John bring over
other Kiwis to take part in the cycle, David Lynn, formerly of Topsham, came
over from the USA, together with John Dorsey and Kirsten Williams, who took
the opportunity to get married a few days before the ride. Wynn and Marie
Davies and family meanwhile came over from Switzerland while Mario and Luisa
Fontanta (and baby son Edoardo) represented Italy.
As in previous years,
the Nello ride was a massive community event and effort. Many friends and
new friends cooked a wonderful array of the most delicious baked goods for
the cyclists to enjoy at the support stops along the way, which were invariably
manned with enthusiasm, verve and real style. All the cyclists spoke of how
these stops helped them to recover, find the energy and the will to continue.
Other helpers were on the road to encourage any strugglers and stragglers,
and on hand to assist with bicycle repairs or medical assistance if needed.
We even had the luxury of a tea urn, transported piping hot to South Molton.
How welcome that was!
The half century
and the century riders, meanwhile, parted company at the Tiverton stop, with
the former heading up the aptly named Long Drag to Nomansland, while the latter
struck out to Dulverton and the now familiar testing climb up Winsford Hill
to the top of Exmoor. There, the children had gathered (with the help of the
“Ian Jay Bike Express”) to begin their 10 mile mountain stage. The
day was fine, if chilly and a little overcast, with conditions perfect for
cycling. Apart from the odd sore bums, usual aches and pains, occasional spills,
and one or two grumbles (“I fell over twice and end up in a cattle grid,”
chuntered 9-year old Bella), everybody returned safe and sound which is always
a huge relief.
The majority of participants
took the Nello century challenge, with around 140 completing the circuit.
About 60 chose instead to try the new half century route, while around 50
intrepid children and parents braved the mini Tour de France mountain stage.Those
who completed the half century route agreed that this is indeed a testing
ride in its own right. “It was much harder than we thought,” was
a familiar, accusatory comment. Well, what did you expect? This is the “Nello”
after all. Meanwhile those on the hundred mile circuit experienced once more
a route that we still consider to be one of the finest century rides anywhere
in the world.
As in previous years,
the scenes at the finish on Topsham Quay were heroic and joyous, the expressions
etched on the riders’ faces that strange and now familiar mixture of
pain, relief and exhilaration. Cyclists, proudly wearing their Nello t-shirts
and medals, perhaps enjoying a well earned pint, lingered on the Quay, cheering
enthusiastically each and every new arrival. A massive cheer went up as the
children cycled together on to the Quay, while another huge cheer was raised
when Ben Woolner, at 10 years old the youngest centurion for the second year
running, arrived with his father John.
Meanwhile an army
of willing helpers and volunteers was at work preparing the Topsham Recreation
Ground for the ‘picnic in the park’ party, while in kitchens around
town an array of brilliant foods was being prepared by some wonderful friends.
In the evening, some 400 people gathered to help the cyclists celebrate their
achievements. There was, of course, the now traditional Nello pasta feast
which was absolutely fantastic, while picnickers sprawled out on the grass,
enjoying the traditional jazz band. Ben Cornish, meanwhile, entertained children
and adults alike with his infectious mix of juggling, tricks and good natured
banter. Everybody must have felt a little deyhdrated from their exertions,
for large quantities of liquid refreshments were consumed. It was a truly
great finish to the day.
Many are already
asking how much money this event will raise for the Force Cancer Support Centre
Appeal. A sizeable amount, no doubt, but this all depends, of course, on the
goodwill and generosity of the cyclists and those sponsors who they have cajoled
and arm-twisted to support them. I am sure that everyone who takes part in
this great event understands the importance of this appeal for everybody in
our community and that consequently a huge effort will be made to raise as
much as possible. When we have a final figure we will of course report it.
Finally, Kim and
I on behalf of the Ride for Life team would like to thank everybody who helped
to make this year’s Nello Century Cycle Challenge such a great success.
It has been a real team effort from a truly great bunch of people and we really
appreciate it.
See you next year?
Marc
& Kim
A
helping hand up 'the hill that never ends'
|
King
of the mountains
|
The
end
|
2002
Route Details
2nd
Nello Century Cycle Challenge Report 2001
2nd
Nello Century Cycle Challenge raises £17,000 for FORCE Cancer Support
Centre Appeal
Thanks
again to:
Billingtons
for supply of sugar for baked goods
Exmouth
Community College ("Ian Jay Bike Express")
St.
John's Ambulance (Seaton)
Colin
Lewis Cycles
Richard's
Cycles
Arthur's
Butchers
Safeway,
Tiverton
The
Cross Inn, Copplestone
and
all who helped to make this event possible
Ride
for Life, launched January 1st, 1997, is the name that Nello and I gave to
our fundraising efforts in aid of cancer charities which culmnated in our
epic cycle from Topsham, Devon to Venice, Italy in June 1997 raising in the
process over £24,000 for FORCE and The Imperial Cancer Research Fund as its
beneficiaries.
That
event is highlighted in our Ride for Life Trip Diary.
Life, happily and sadly, moves on. I
miss my friend as so many of us do. But none of us will ever forget him.
Therefore,
it is our intention that Ride for Life will carry on, as Nello would have
wished.
It is my hope that the Nello Memorial Challenge will become an annual event
in the Topsham cycling and eating calendar.
We'd love to have you along for the ride, and take part in future Ride for
Life activities in whatever way or capacity that you can.
If
you are interested, please contact me.
Thanks and
see you soon,
