Pype Hayes CCC Memorial Ride to Meriden

Leaving Paget School promptly at 9 am riders will ride to Walmley to join the North Birmingham CUK group at the war memorial outside The Fox Inn. From there the route goes through the villages of North Warwickshire to Meriden.

This is an annual ride to Meriden to take part in the memorial service dedicated to all those cyclists who have died in combat. Pype Hayes CCC riders will be meeting up with North Birmingham Cycling UK and joining on them on the ride to Meriden.

The route takes in the country roads of Warwickshire to the memorial at Meriden.

While the memorial service has a solemn moment with the minute’s silence to remember fallen cyclists, the event is generally uplifting. Cycling and cyclists are celebrated and groups come together to socialise and provide each other with support and friendship. Dave Hearn of CTC Coventry has organised the service for the past seven years with help from his wife Margaret. This year’s service will be led by a new incumbent, the Reverend Kevin Flanagan. The service consists of hymns, readings and prayers followed by members of Cycling UK plus other cycling clubs and organisations laying their wreaths in turn at the cenotaph. The event is supported by the Bulkington Silver Band who provide the much-appreciated musical accompaniment. The organisers are keen to involve all faiths in the service. One year a poem was read out by a member of the Sikh Cycling Union. The event concludes at the Village Hall, which is open afterwards for refreshments and cakes baked by the local Women’s Institute.

Helmets are advisable but not obligatory. Riders should bring with them spare inner tube, puncture kit etc. You are advised to dress for the weather and carry water. This is a Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club ride. For those wishing to borrow a bike please arrive at 08:45 am for a prompt departure at 9 am. New riders will need to complete a registration form.

We never leave anyone behind