Christmas Message

Chairman’s Christmas Message

After another challenging year for us all, with restrictions, lockdowns and new variants of COVID developing, RVCRC closed the year off with our traditional Mince Pie Ride. I would like to thank Margery Pearson on behalf of all the members in attendance, for organising the festivities at Roots café.

I would like to say a special thanks also to all the ride leaders, who over the last 12 months have provided us with some great rides throughout this beautiful part of the world we live in. We have been taken to familiar places, some new places and also via some new and unusual routes. Additionally, the Club also hosted at the beginning of August some guests (Clare & Jon Hughes) from Pen-Y-Bont Triathlon Club, who were up in Preston for the weekend and joined the “C” Ride over to Dunsop Bridge (via the Trough) from Scorton. Jon commented that without the hospitality of RVCRC, they would have just rode the local roads and never seen both the local beauty, or the climb over the Trough.

Our Wednesday Night Social (Ice Cream Ride) managed to attract a few more members this year and gave the opportunity to current members to have a mid week ride between April & September.

This was then substituted for Zwift rides as the clocks went back and the weather started to turn in September and runs onto April 2022 until we ride in the evenings again.

Club members also participated in some external activities throughput the year and a small selection are highlighted below:

Deloitte Ride Across Britain – Stu Sumner (Charity Ride)

Moma’s Leafy Lanes 50km Audax, Alderford Lake 62km Audax & Crewe and Nantwich Whixal Marina 80km Audax- Heather Stanley

Tour de Manc sportive – Selina Hayes, Ian Pearson & Karl Dalton (Charity Ride)

Various members cycling in Mallorca

Dulux Revolution – Karl Dalton (Charity Ride)

The Club has also seen some changes over the latter part of the year, with myself taking on the role of Chairman and Sue Harvey being elected into the role of President. The management committee have some new ideas and thoughts on how we develop the Club and maintain our lead as Preston’s foremost cycling Club.

As we enter into the Christmas week, the escalation of the Omicron variant is an ever present thought in our minds, and having navigated through the year with the various restrictions being placed upon us all this festive period is the time to enjoy with your family and loved ones. Please ensure you stay safe and abide by the recommendations whilst out riding. Our governing body (British cycling) have posted advice on the UK government’s Covid-19 regulations and guidance in England

Plan B Covid-19 guidance for organised cycling activity (britishcycling.org.uk)

I would like to take this opportunity to wish every past & present member a safe and Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Sincerest best wishes,

Karl Dalton

Chariman