Cycle Sportive marks 90th Anniversary of record-breaking flight

Hadleigh Cycling Club’s Annual Gayford Flyer sportive will take place on Sunday, 10th September. It costs £15 to enter (via the British Cycling website) and this includes refreshments. We are keen to encourage cyclists to try out the many lightly trafficked routes around the town. The Gayford Flyer’s two signed routes of around 60 and 30 miles incorporates mostly quiet roads with some great views and the odd challenge. Once riders have crossed the finish line, they can celebrate their achievement with family and friends while enjoying post-race food, drink, entertainment. Details on how to enter can be found www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk

The Gayford Flyer is named in recognition of Hadleigh's world record-breaking aviator, Oswald Gayford. In 1933 he flew nonstop from England to South Africa with Gilbert Nicholetts. The flight covered 5,340 miles. Returning to Hadleigh, the whole town turned out to cheer him in an open topped car to his mother’s home in Angel Street. The feat was front page news and a Pathe news reel report said: "Just think of those two flying for two and a half days and nights through all kinds of weather over land and sea…once again showed what British engineering, brains and pluck could do."

On Tuesdays, our Junior Club meets at Hadleigh Community Primary at 18:30 to 19:30, with a monthly ride on the Railway Walk to help our young riders to build their confidence to ride in the ‘wild’. Our coaches will work with riders on specific skills and techniques to help them improve all the way through the season.

On Sundays: our Club Ride departs at 9.00 from The George Inn, High Street, Hadleigh. This ride is normally about 30 to 40 miles at a speed of approximately 15 mph, depending on the preferences of the ride leader and the capabilities of the group. Our rides are 'no-drop'. That means you won't be left behind (unless you choose to be), but the group may split into smaller groups of different speeds if that makes it easier to handle. Keep an eye out for the details from the ride leader nearer the time.

The rides and activities are weather dependant so, if in doubt, check our Facebook page @hadleighcyclingclub Twitter @HadleighCycling Instagram hadleighcc or www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk