A Tribute in Every Pedal Stroke: The Alan Preston Memorial Ride

To everyone who turned out for today’s Alan Preston Memorial ride: Thank you. A memorial ride is never just "another day in the saddle." It carries a weight that other rides don’t, and today, that weight was matched by the challenges of the road itself. It was a day that didn't pass without incident, reminding us all of the fragility and the strength of our community.

The Reality of the Road

Early on, the group was shaken when Martin was rammed by a disability scooter, an unexpected collision that brought down several other riders. Later, the irony wasn't lost on us as we faced a couple of heart-stopping close calls with cars. On a day dedicated to Alan—who was snatched away from us by a reckless driver—those moments served as a sobering reminder of why we ride together and why his memory remains so vital.

Battling the Elements

The "lumpy" route proved to be a massive understatement for those who took on the long haul. Between the early-season floods and the relentless elevation, it was a true test of character. While we were let down by a broken coffee machine at the finish, the real fuel today wasn't caffeine—it was the collective spirit of the group.

A Feat of Endurance

To those doubting their fitness or feeling the sting of the climbs: remember that it is still early in the season. Most people could not even dream of doing what you did today. You navigated water, traffic, and exhaustion to honor a friend and fellow rider.

I am, above all, incredibly glad that everyone made it back safely. Alan would have been proud of the grit shown today.

If you want to become involved in this wonderful social club please get in touch with us via the web site or the Facebook group PSCC.