David Bellamy Memorial Ride - Fundraising Ride

This is the fundraising Ride for which we have been preparing and training since January. Some of us have ridden the full route many times in preparation. It's a tough ride and not for the novice or unprepared. The ride is free to join and you don't have to raise funds but should you wish so to do then visit http://bit.ly/east-dbmr9 where you can elect to raise funds or donate. It's entirely your choice. The link also tells you the background to and purpose of the event. Route is ridden at an average speed of around 12.5 mph - obviously hills are very personal so we regroup at the top but tend to press on when it's on the level and rolling. If you plan to join us then please ensure you have food (we usually have fish and chips is Southend – it’s a tradition), drinks, two spare tubes, pump, levers and scabs and check the hourly forecast to ensure you are appropriately dressed, as this is a long ride. There is a large W/C by the car park behind the arcades but we do not recommend filling water bottles from the taps. Parking and access to Town Hall Grounds Facilities Management Team will mark off the area behind the Magistrates Court from 7am on the day. To enable easy access to this area, they will arrange for the Farnan Avenue barrier to be opened from 7am to 10am. Parking in that car park is free at the weekend according to the signage. Riders are encouraged to access through the Farnan Avenue entrance. The barrier will be raised for the start of the ride, and then returning bikes can ride past the barriers on the way back (which will be down). For cars departing at the end of the ride, please use the large gates on Forest Road. Access to Town Hall Building The Town Hall will be open from 7am for access to male and female toilets. There are also 2 showers on the ground floor and a disabled toilet which will be available for your use. We will expect riders to have left the grounds by 10am at the latest. Please note that the official ride departure time is 0900. Due to the length of the ride, it is appreciated that it will not be possible to predict return times for riders. Additional security staff and the Town Hall to be opened for your use from 3pm until 10pm that day but we should all be back in time for tea if all goes to plan. Water provision There are 2 kitchens on the ground floor, and their taps provide drinking water, there also 2 water machines, but these will probably cause queues so if you could encourage riders to use the normal taps this will speed things up for everyone. With thanks to the Personal Assistant to The Leader for arranging these facilities.