September 7th 2008, Spud Riley Gran Fondo.

As many of you will have seen we're entering the "Spud Riley" en masse. Many of you probably aren't aware of the reason for this Gran Fondo been a particularly special one for us. Basically "Spud" was mine and Terries dad, and was a cyclist all his life and a great supporter of cycling and cyclists. He introduced many of today's veterans to the sport in the forties and fifties and was probably most famous for driving the broom wagon in the classic Tour of the Peak for many years and for being the chief joiner on the original track at the Velodrome. In July 2001 he developed a virulent form of leukaemia and died in October 2001. During that time he was looked after on the adult leukaemia ward at the world famous Christies hospital. Whilst there as well as excellent care we were also helped by the adult leukaemia ward charity, which provided food supplements, money for fuel and extra heating, TVs, playstations and even exercise bikes for patients many of which are kept in total isolation due to the extreme risk of infection. Around the same time my uncle, Dave Riley had started to organise Sportives and the following year ran the inaugural "Spud Riley" Gran Fondo around the quieter lanes of the White Peak and Staffordshire. This event has developed into a classic Sportive and has also along with the Polka Dot Challenge has raised nearly £50,000 for the ALU charity from entry fees alone. Will has very kindly paid the entry fee for 20 club members to participate this year, there is a 54 mile route that i will be doing and the ultimate 100 mile route for the fitter amongst you to have a go at. Route details and profile are available on www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk So if you've never done a Sportive before then have a go at this one. Participants names are required 2 weeks before the event so sign up at the shop ASAP to guarantee your spot and make Wills Wheels the largest participating club in the event.

Danielle M. Riley