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LiDBA Bike Ride - Roger Miller (3rd Apr 2004 - 13:56:50) The LiDBA bike ride will be held on Sunday 13 June 2004. Entry forms are now available in the Liphook shops, Estate Agents and at The Bohunt Centre. LiDBA hope to exceed last years £44000 raised for local charities. Further details can be obtained on www.lidba.co.uk.--- so dust off those bikes, practice a little and support the village by either entering or watching this spectacular event on the day

Re: LiDBA Bike Ride - Les (15th Jun 2004 - 13:34:30) Having now completed my 8th Bike Ride, I would like to congratulate Lidba for organising another superb event - they even got the weather spot on too! Unfortunately the hardest part now begins (getting the sponsorship money in!!) However, as a seasoned eventer, I would like to bring to the attention of the organisers one or two things that horrified me during this years ride, which I hope they will look into. I was always under the impression, and I'm sure it was in the bumph sent out in the riders pack, that a separate event would be held for under 16s. Yet the number of 6-10 year old out amongst the pack wobbling all over the place was frightening. In fact, I have heard that several small children not being able to control their bicycle caused a number of accidents. One lad of about 7 years, who I passed at the Black Fox was crying because he was tired and frightened - His mum told him "not to be so bloody silly cos they had a long way to go". If parents want to take their children around the course - great, but I would it not be safer if they have a Parent & Child section that sets off behind the main group of riders. Then there was Grandpa & Grandma who wanted to drive their car amongst the rides so that they could keep an eye on the grandchildren - What a Pillock!!. How this Chap did not cause a serious accident is beyond me. Do we really want to see another note in the riders pack to say don't go around the course in you car with the riders, surely common sense would tell you not to do it - then again they were old and drove a..........Volvo!! By the way, I hope the chap who came off his bike near Rogate made a full recovery! Bikers riding three/four abreast (idly chatting), forcing anyone wishing to get past them onto the other side of the road into oncoming traffic, was something else that got up my nose. I know I sound like a Victor Meldrew, but I do hope someone will take notice of these observations (and any others should they come in) so that next years ride will be even more successful AND SAFER.

Re: LiDBA Bike Ride - Alan (15th Jun 2004 - 22:03:17) Thank you for your positive comments Les. With the very high number of riders this year (1288), we had to expect some problems. We are also very concerned about the number of young riders on the main ride when we have an organised event for under 14's on the Bohunt field. We have our usual post ride meeting next week and this problem will be on the agenda for discussion. Our literature does specifically request that people do not follow riders around the route - but unfortunately, this is impossible for us to control. We even heard of drinks being passed from a car to a rider - may be the same person. Riding three or four abreast is not safe and if we could ban and control it in some way we would, but again, riders have to be in charge of their own safety and should be considerate to other cyclists and road users. Unfortunately a minority do not follow common sense rules. You will be pleased to know that the rider who was knocked off (by other riders) on the A272, was fine, and actually completed the route, even riding up Lynchmere Hill ! Keep you eye on www.lidba.co.uk for information about any changes for next year, and to see a large collection of pictures from the day. As you mention, now the difficult part starts, getting all the sponsorship in to us, for distribution to the charities and organisations in September. Once again, many thanks for your input. Alan - LiDBA treasurer

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