16th April 2019

Hundreds of cyclists gathered on Worthing’s seafront on Sunday to take part in Guild Care’s annual Pedal Along the Prom.

The sponsored cycle ride - which took place on Sunday 14th April - saw families, couples and friends unite for a cycle along Worthing promenade. Thus far over £3,000 has been raised for the charity’s work with local children and adults in need.

Over 200 riders had the choice of a 5 or 10 mile route which started and finished at George V Avenue. Despite the chilly wind, everyone enjoyed a leisurely bike ride along the seafront.

On the day, young riders could have their face painted and take part in a teddy tombola, as well as riders being able to enjoy hot drinks and snacks upon their return.  

The cycle ride was set off by the Mayor of Worthing and even included the Mayoress of Worthing, who took part and completed the 5 mile route.

The event was truly inclusive and saw many families of all ages band together for the ride.

Father and son, Simon, 39, and Aaron, 8, from Littlehampton took part in the 10 mile challenge together. Simon said; “We decided to take part as my son is a mad cyclist and it’s good to do it for charity.”

The youngest competitor to complete the 10-mile route was Leo, 5, and his sister Delilah, 7, with their mum Kate. Kate said: “I’m super proud that they were able to complete the 10-mile course.”

Another family taking part was Annalise Garner and her children Grace, 6, and George, 9 who even helped raise money for the charity through his school friends.

Three generations of one family took part with, grandparents Viv and Peter, mum Katie and children Tilly, 8, and Eddie 6 completing the 10 mile course. Katie said, “The kids just love cycling, my mum is actually scared of cycling and my dad’s been ill but we’ve raised £120 from online sponsorship. We really enjoyed it, it was a brilliant atmosphere.”

The event, which was the biggest Pedal Along The Prom for the charity so far, even saw people take part in more unconventional means of transport.

Friends, John and Chris travelled all the way from Bournemouth to take part in the event. The cycling enthusiasts brought their own custom made bikes which stood around 7ft tall, made by John himself. John said, “They are chopped up old bikes which I’ve put together in my workshop at home. They only just fit in the van!”

Also taking part in a custom made bike was Stephen Boult, who having suffered from mental health issues over recent years said it was the charity MIND that suggested he get involved. It took Stephen three months to build the recumbent style bike out of old, scrap bikes.

The first cyclists to return to the finishing line after the 10 mile route were Nick Williams and Nathan Edwards, who are both in training for the London to Brighton Bike Ride, who made it back in just over 40 minutes. Gran Ruby, 82 who was cheering them on attends the Guild Care Centre at Methold House twice a week, which provides activities and entertainment for older people to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Events Officer, Juliet Hinton-Smith said, “‘Thank you to everyone who came along and took part in Pedal Along the Prom this year. We had over 200 people signed up – our highest number ever for this event! All the money raised from the event will go towards running our community services which help local children and adults in need. We’ll be back again next year and hope to see lots of you there!”

If you took part and are still waiting for sponsorship for Pedal Along The Prom, please have this collected by Friday 17^th May.