Cycle ride chief stands down
THE chairman of the Paris to Hayling cycle ride is to stand down later this year after 16 years organising the annual charity trek across France.
Paul Fisher, who is also chairman of Hayling Island Residents' Association, announced his decision as the scores of cyclists were making the return ferry crossing back to England on July 18.
The voyage home marked the completion of the 25th Paris to Hayling ride, which has collected more than 1.2million for hundreds of charities in that time.
Mr Fisher will officially step down at the next AGM but stressed that – contrary to some rumours that have been doing the rounds – the Paris to Hayling ride willl continue, hopefully for another 25 years.
Peter McQuade, the group's president, said: "Paul has been chairman since 1994 and has turned a successful event into a highly successful one and on the way created a tremendous Hayling institution.
"Each year, Paul has invested an enormous amount of time in leading the organisation of the ride.
"The huge amount of money raised and the high rating that the event receives from participants is in significant part due to his tremendous work.
"Like Paul, I have also decided to step away from organising the ride, though I am happy to stay on as president, or indeed co-president, if Paul were to join me."
Mr McQuade revealed that several other committee veterans are also leaving the committee.
He added: "With a recent influx of new blood, I am sure that the Paris to Hayling remains in good hands and will continue its success."
Perhaps Paul wanted to make sure he would not be forgotten but, for whatever reason, he felt the need to have a spectacular tumble, shortly before the riders left France last month.
Pete added: "Cycle falls are often amusing to look at and this one outside the famous Pegasus Bridge Caf was no exception."
The hapless rider misjudged a kerb outside the caf's entrance and broke his fall by hitting a postcard stand, showering postcards over the caf's patio.
Pete, who dressed up with Paul as the 118 118 phone directory characters during the ride's fancy dress parade, said: "It's fortunate that Paul was unhurt, since his cycling companions were in no fit state to assist, due to being doubled up with laughter.
"Luckily, the postcard stand was also undamaged!"
Paul took his tumble in very good spirit and graciously accepted the Value Added Trophy, during the annual awards ceremony while sailing back from Caen.
The trophy is awarded to the rider who provides most amusement during the event and this year it was a no-contest!
Full ride report and pictures – see here
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Weather for Hayling
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
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