The Bikeathon 2001 took place on Sunday 9th September
The day started early(7am)for the branch volunteers. Chilly to start with but gradually warming up.
Tables and chairs to put up, gazebo's to erect, signs,cones and tape to put into place. The gates were opened about 08.40am, riders keen to start, Marshals directing them to the right check in. The riders collected their T shirts, pinned on their numbers and queued ready for the start. The Mayor (Councillor Howard Briggs) cut the tape and they were off. Some in fancy dress, a dog sitting behind it's owner in a box, children, family groups, corporate teams, individuals.
Heading out towards the seafront, a smooth ride, marshals directing the riders. A lovely ride along the seafront, tides out, getting breezy.Turn right into Shoebury, traffic getting a little busier, heading for Great Wakering now.
The winds getting stronger,starting to find it difficult, thinking of the reason that you are doing this, keep going. In Great Wakering, The Red Lion checkpoint, get control card signed,have a drink, chat to other riders, swap stories.Off we go, towards Little Wakering, riding passed the fields, the wind is really strong now, head down, moan about the wind to other riders. See Sutton Hall in the distance, push those pedals a little harder, need a rest after that wind. Have a drink, those biscuits look nice, why not, deserve a treat. Card signed, cycle past the pond and out into Sutton road. Negotiated the temporary traffic lights with the help of the marshals, renewed vigour now, the wind's not so strong here. Waitrose in sight, glance left,smile at the Marshals and keep going. A quick refreshment stop at Cecil Jones School and do it all again. It's harder this time legs aching, heart pumping, near the end now, turn left, back at Waitrose, welcomed, band playing, given medal, drinks, biscuits, congratulations!!! Talk to other riders and helpers, laughing, banter, good atmosphere, Satisfaction, feeling good inside. Must do this next year.
Before this there were months of planning.The hardest part of which was to assemble enough people to be able to run the event. Each of these volunteers had specific tasks, such as, Check Point Managers, Safety Officer, Check in staff, Refreshment staff and so on. Another hard part was to persuade some more volunteers to turn up on the day and be marshals, at least 80 were required.This is a very important role. Safety of the participants being of prime importance.
Contact has to be made with the Council, Police and Parish councils to seek approval and assistance.
A Special Thank You
To Waitrose, for continuing to support the event, providing a start and finish area and refreshments.
To Cecil Jones School for allowing us to use its grounds as a check point.
To The Red Lion in Great Wakering for allowing us the use of its car park and facilities as another check point.
To Tabor Farms for allowing us the use of the barn and grounds of Sutton Hall as our final check point.
Many Thanks to St.John's Ambulance for providing First Aid cover for the event.
Click here to see Photos of the Bikeathon
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