Post by peterh on Sept 17, 2021 9:09:21 GMT
150 cyclists took part in Wivenhoe’s first ever cycling sportive event on Sunday 12th September, setting out on a either a 65 mile cycle ride or a 20 mile route, from the Wivenhoe Cricket Club ground in Rectory Road. The main organiser of this event was David Crewe, of the Wivenhoe Dementia Support Group, who came up with this idea to raise money for the Support Group and for the Alzheimer’s Society. The event was called the Constable Country Cycling Sportive.
Riders had the option to join a 65 mile ride out to join national cycle route 51 through quiet country lanes, and then through the town of Dovercourt, and its lighthouses as painted by Constable. The ride then turned back along the southern side of the Stour estuary and through Mistley, before heading out through the beautiful Shotley peninsular, returning through Constable’s home village of Flatford, and through the lovely Dedham Vale (AONB) to Wivenhoe. There was a shorter route of just 20 miles out to Dedham.
People came from many different places to take part in this sportive – London, Chelmsford, Witham, Bury St Edmunds, Basingstoke and even Paris! The oldest rider was 81 and the youngest just 10.
Wivenhoe Town Mayor, Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, was present to set the riders off at 8am.
Wivenhoe’s OneStop supported the event supplying energy food and drinks at the Cricket Club whilst Lanswood Park Business Centre sponsored the cost of a refreshment stop at Brantham.
A party at the Cricket Club was awaiting riders on their return with several musicians and bands including Band of Fools. The bar at the Cricket Club did very well and various stalls were kept busy too.
Riders had the option to join a 65 mile ride out to join national cycle route 51 through quiet country lanes, and then through the town of Dovercourt, and its lighthouses as painted by Constable. The ride then turned back along the southern side of the Stour estuary and through Mistley, before heading out through the beautiful Shotley peninsular, returning through Constable’s home village of Flatford, and through the lovely Dedham Vale (AONB) to Wivenhoe. There was a shorter route of just 20 miles out to Dedham.
People came from many different places to take part in this sportive – London, Chelmsford, Witham, Bury St Edmunds, Basingstoke and even Paris! The oldest rider was 81 and the youngest just 10.
Wivenhoe Town Mayor, Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, was present to set the riders off at 8am.
Wivenhoe’s OneStop supported the event supplying energy food and drinks at the Cricket Club whilst Lanswood Park Business Centre sponsored the cost of a refreshment stop at Brantham.
A party at the Cricket Club was awaiting riders on their return with several musicians and bands including Band of Fools. The bar at the Cricket Club did very well and various stalls were kept busy too.
Many riders said how much they had enjoyed the route and expressed their appreciation at the way the event had been so well organised including the party afterwards. There were calls to make it an annual event.
So thank you David Crewe for your idea and the effort that you and many others put in to make it the success it was, as well as all of the riders who took part and those who came for the music at the Cricket Club in the afternoon. Michelle Burrows and I yesterday counted the money collected in tins on the day. £600 will be going to the Alzheimers Society in consequence of people's generosity.
Peter Hill, Chairman, Wivenhoe Dementia Support Group.