Local Cycling Club Comes to the Rescue!
Hundreds of cyclists from all over the country were looking forward in to riding the 'Cornwall Tor' cyclosportive event on Sunday 1st May (an organised, mass participation bike ride). But with only a few weeks to go, KiloToGo, the company organising the event, went into receivership and the event was cancelled with no refunds available. Not only had people paid for the event, but many had booked accommodation and travel to Wadebridge.
All gathered and ready for the off
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So into the breach stepped Camel Valley Cycling Club (as WCCC was then known)! Based in Wadebridge, many of the club members were planning to take part in the event, so when they heard it was cancelled they organised an alternative event: 'The Camel Tor'. Word was spread via the KiloToGo website and social media. Unlike the original event, this would be completely free to those taking part.
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Big thanks to to everyone at CVCC for a great day out on Sunday and also to the guys who were on the front of the group impressively pulling us through the brutal headwind up at Davidstow airfield, you are all legends!! Was nice to meet such a friendly bunch. (David, Bristol) |
The 'Camel Tor' event offered three alternative bike rides at 42, 85 or 111 miles, wittily named the 'Dromedary', 'Bactrican' and 'Humphrey' respectively (well, what else do you call a three-humped camel?). All three routes explored the beautiful coast north of the Camel estuary, and also Bodmin Moor, with the longest ride going all the way up to Bude. The routes were all hilly too, involving between 3,000 and nearly 10,000 feet of climbing!
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Camel Valley CC members and their families quickly pulled out all the stops to organise food stations and emergency support for the cyclists, all on an entirely voluntary basis. The event was also helped by Wadebridge Co-Op who generously donated large boxes of bananas and bottled water, and by Wadebridge Town Football Club who kindly provided their club house as a base for the event (including parking and showers).
A big thank you to you and all the other club members (and partners) who worked hard to put on a fantastic event today. How you did it in the timescale I will never know. (Richard, Chesterfield) |
Bactrians at Crackington Haven
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Assorted camels at Delabole feed station
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On the day, around 50 people turned up and rode, including visitors from Bristol, Bournemouth, Oxford, London, Chelmsford, Manchester and Chesterfield. The sun peeked out for a moment just before they set off, but that was the last anyone saw of it – contrary to the forecast, it turned out to be a very wet, cold and windy day! And yet despite that, everyone who took part thoroughly enjoyed it! The cyclists rode in groups – each led by a 'camel' – to support each other and help less experienced riders. With the routes involving climbs like Port Quinn, Port Gaverene, Boscastle (in both directions), Crackington Haven and the dreaded Milook, the moral support proved more important than the mechanical! Some Camel Valley CC members drove vans and cars round the course, stopping at prearranged points to dish out bananas, homemade cakes and hot drinks – all much appreciated!
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We would like to say a huge thanks for stepping in at the last minute and saving the Cornwall Tor following Kilo To Go’s demise. Despite the poor weather and the fact that my father and I had to finish early (due to him being unwell with a chest infection and my buckled wheel!), we thoroughly enjoyed the ride and would not hesitate to return next year. We would like to say a big thanks to our ride leaders, Dave and particularly Jonathan, who was an absolute legend, helping my father get up the hills and staying with him despite his difficulties brought on by illness. Not only was he there for support, his partner, Naomi, was there to provide food and drinks and even picked us up and drove us back to HQ after we had to abort our ride. All in all it was well worth the 600 mile round trip from Essex to cycle up your brutal Cornish hills. (Simon, Chelmsford)
Getting ready in the short-lived sunshine
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The Humphreys
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The 'banana van' at Davidstow airfield
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I had a very rewarding day having survived well and realising that the pace was just fine for me, and that riding in the rain is not that big a deal. It’s a first for me somewhat late in life but I feel quite pleased with myself! (David, Wadebridge) |
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Big thanks to you all at CVCC for your generosity and hospitality! (Gary, London) |
A big thank you to everybody involved in helping to organise and run the Camel Tor. Brilliant job!! Enjoyed the ride in some rather testing weather conditions. Also I'd forgotten just how lovely and steep some of the hills are! (Andy, St Merryn) |
Meeting new faces, checking out their bikes
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Massive thanks again to the Camels for Sunday's organisation and giving up time to feed us in the rain on our way round. (Tom, Manchester) |
Olivia and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the Camel Valley Cycling Club for letting us join you for the Camel Tor ride last weekend. The poor weather didn’t dampen our spirits at all and we really loved the ride. The route had been thoughtfully planned and had beautiful views, even in those conditions. Everyone made us feel incredibly welcome and looked after us wonderfully. The club had gone to a huge amount of trouble to ensure the day ran smoothly, which we appreciated very much. Thank you also to everyone who helped with the organising behind the scenes, including those who provided the delicious (and very welcome) tea and food at the feeding station and at the end. (Rosamund, Aylesbury)
Delabole feed station
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First outing for the new CVCC kit!
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Budd's Titson feed station
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A big thank you and well done to everyone involved in putting on The Camel Tor - and doing it in a very short space of time. I would like to thank the Co-Op for donating bananas and bottled water for the riders; the members and families who helped with the feed stations, support vehicles and refreshments; and finally to the riders, who came from near and far. It was tough going out there - some lovely climbs, strong winds and rain made for interesting riding conditions. You are all welcome to ride with the Camels any time. Chapeau to you all!
Damian Cudmore CVCC Chair.