This Is Guernsey

By Nigel Baudains

RIDE, dine and rain were the order of the day in yesterday’s money-raiser for Les Bourgs Hospice development fund.

More than 500 cyclists left the starting points at Saumarez Park and Salerie Corner in the event formerly called Rock to Rocque.

Wind and rain failed to deter riders who were firmly focused on helping the cause.

Paul Wakeham, 43, took part dressed in a gorilla suit. ‘I enjoy doing it, it’s for a good cause, and I like to be a bit different,’ said Mr Wakeham.

The postman was taking part in the event on a 1959 postman cycle that had no gears.

John and Natalie Riley, part of a team from The Jamaica Inn, had raised £318 by the start of the ride.

‘We’ve had a few friends who have contracted diseases and it’s for a good cause,’ said Mr Riley, who owns CI Block Paving.

His wife, who works at the Jamaica, said some of her relatives had been cared for at Les Bourgs.

The Saumarez Park start for the 20-mile course was at 10am, with the Salerie riders leaving an hour later. It meant that the Salerie starters could join the other route halfway, with everybody aiming to finish at Saumarez Park.

Organisers changed this year’s format so that people who did not wish to cycle could turn up at the end of the riding when a variety of food and entertainment was on offer.

Last year’s Rock to Rocque raised £18,000 and news that the 30/30 Challenge, which raised money for the same cause, had collected £36,000 was welcomed by the organisers.

‘It means we have doubled the amount raised last year before we start,’ said ride ’n’ dine organising team member Mira Domaille.

‘It would be great if we could reach £50,000 in total but we’ll have to wait and see.’

Culture and Leisure minister Mike O’Hara started the Saumarez Park riders with umbrella in hand.

‘I’m sure they will all come back wet but will have enjoyed it,’ he said.

Those with doubts about the mechanical surety of their bikes had the chance to get them checked out before the start at a clinic run by the Guernsey Bicycle Group.

‘We are supporting this event to promote cycling and to emphasise the safety aspect,’ said group chairman Francis Paul.

‘We want to highlight the importance of having proper brakes, bells and the like.’

The Let It Beatles and Bananadrama performed at the after-ride party in Saumarez Park.

Mrs Domaille said the weather had affected the event but that nothing could be done about it.

‘We definitely suffered as a result of the weather but we got more people than we expected when we had looked at the weather forecast in the morning,’ she said.

‘You have to be grateful for small mercies.’

Article posted on 7th July, 2008 - 1.00pm