A breezy but bright day greeted a car park full of WVCC riders, new faces and Breeze ladies for our annual Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity Ride.
As there were so many, we split up our groups and left in blocks of four to head out into the Cheshire countryside. A faster group left, followed by a ‘vets’ group, then a group of us with some first time club run riders. The Breeze ladies left last to take a more direct route, led by Breeze leaders Claire and Northwich Guardian’s own Gina Bebbington, hoping for a tasty scoop for next week’s copy.
Those new to the club ride were put through their paces on the hills – Norley Lane and Heaths Lane, before we descended and followed a flatter route to the ice cream farm.
Before the farm, we donned our bibs and rode in to join the massive throng of riders – and to queue for our obligatory beans on toast.
I did note the new ‘clean-up’ service at the cafe, where as well as taking your plates away, they now employ a cat to clean up any remaining milk not used for tea.
Evidence is below as you see, my tea is nearly finished, and the cat unpreturbed by canine presence, went about it’s duties.
The feline milk monitor project. A purrfect method, or bit of a catastrophe. Decide for yourselves.
After our relaxed dining…
Relaxed dining, al fresco..
it was time to stump up, and amazingly, there were spotted, some cyclists, happily (with smiles and everything) giving away their money in not insignificant quantities…
Stop - press (Gina). Cyclists gives away money happily. Guide Dogs for the Blind volunteer finds it hilarious...
..and generously queued to do this.
A fantastic day, raising money for an excellent charity that counts on our help (if you feel so moved of course, you can still give – contact Alan Silver or see the web site at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/.
Prizes on the day were given to Kris Zentek for winning hill climb and sprint, and to the Young Rider of the day, the prize went to avid Breeze rider – 12 year old Katie Booth.
Thanks to all who turned out and made this such an excellent day again – both club members and new riders, and the Breeze ladies for joining us to make the day a success. Thanks must also go to Mel at the ice cream farm, for supplying us with free food, so that our dinner money could go to the dogs… 🙂
Alan thanks Mel.
Best Young Rider Katie gets her prize.
The Breeze ladies pose.
..and WVCC (and Breeze Ladies, and new riders!) support the Guide Dogs for the Blind!