Stout Riders benefit Jane’s Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support

Sharelle Henderson can’t believe her luck in
winning the first prize of a TREK Mountain Bike.

Mike Tomlinson thanks everyone for their efforts,

while Mike Holt, Bob Drake and Cliff Barton

hold the cheque for £40,000

Harold Turner takes the Individual Challenge

Trophy again from Mike Tomlinson, while

Cliff Barton looks on.

John Whitaker accepts the Pub

Challenge Shield for the sixth

year in succession, since his father,

Malcolm, took over as landlord.

Gaby Schwabline receives the

Team Challenge Trophy on

behalf of Practice-makes-Perfect

Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe near Pateley Bridge was the venue for the Presentation Night for the 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride, when Leeds fundraiser Mike Tomlinson accepted a cheque for £40,000, on behalf of Jane’s Fund; this will help them achieve their target of two million pounds by the end of the year.

The evening began with chairman Mike Holt’s moving tribute to the late Patrick Bickers of Glasshouses, a founding committee member, who died of cancer on October 3rd. He said that he was a true friend, who had toiled tirelessly alongside his colleagues to help raise over £371, 220 for Macmillan since 1993 and he would be sadly missed by all. Then, on behalf of the committee and everyone associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride, he welcomed Patrick’s eldest son Luke, who has recently joined the committee to carry on his father’s role of registration officer.

Mike Tomlinson was then invited to present the trophies to the leading fundraisers in the following categories:
The Rob Smith Memorial Team Challenge Trophy, for any non-pub team was won again by Practice-Makes-Perfect, alias the Nidderdale Group Practice, from Feastfield Surgery, Pateley Bridge, Grange Medical Centre, Dacre Banks and Spring Gables Surgery, Birstwith, with a winning total of £1825.
The Pub Challenge Shield was won for the seventh time in the last eight years, by the team from the Crown Hotel Middlesmoor with a total of £1526.
The Fancy Dress Trophy was won this year by the Kirkburton “Ladies”, who could also be seen making fine adjustments to the marquee on the day of the ride.
The Rob Smith Memorial Trophy for the Individual Challenge was again won by Harold Turner of Rothwell, near Leeds, with a total of £4001. Harold has completed every ride since 1994 and has won the trophy every year, but one since then. He has raised over £60,000 during this time.

Mike Tomlinson was kept fully employed, assisting with drawing the raffle, where the first prize of a TREK Mountain Bike was won by committee member, Sharelle Henderson; great fun was had at her expense, as she organized the tombola and raffle!

Next came the climax of the evening and the year, when Chairman Mike Holt and Treasurer Bob Drake handed over the cheque for £40,000 to Mike Tomlinson, who thanked everyone involved in the organisation and those taking part in another GMsR. He promised that he would ensure that the money raised would be paid on to Macmillan in the very near future.


The excellent DVD, made by Nobody Films of Harrogate, of this year’s Great Milk (stout) Ride, was premiered at this annual event celebrating the conclusion to this year’s efforts supporting Macmillan and over 30 copies were sold on the night. For a sneak preview visit http://www.gmsr.co.uk/ and click on the Nobody Films logo.

Copies are still available for purchase at a cost of £9.00 (inc p&p), from GMsR c/o Thimble Cottage, Dacre Banks, Harrogate. HG3 4EL. Cheques should be made payable to “The Great Milk (stout) Ride”. Allow 14 days; all profits go to Macmillan.

New Sponsor for GMsR ensures vital water supply for riders

Yorkshire Water will be supplying riders with 500ml sports type bottles after the ride as well as providing water for the drinks stops around the routes.

Yorkshire Water manage the collection, treatment and distribution of water, supplying around 1.24 billion litres of drinking water each day - that's the equivalent of a glass of water for every person on the planet!
They also collect, treat and dispose of about one billion litres of waste water safely back into the environment each day.
Through their grid system they operate more than 700 water and sewage treatment works and 120 reservoirs. They operate 40,000 miles of water and sewerage mains - enough pipework to circulate the earth! Many of these pipes were constructed back in the 19th century and are still in use today. Their job is to maintain these in good working order and continually improve them for future generations to protect public health, the environment and public water supply.

Boost to Great Milk (stout) Ride from local charitable trust

A last minute donation from one of the regular sponsors of the Great milk (stout) Ride, has greatly increased the chances of another record year for this annual Harrogate area event. On Monday 10th November the organising committee was informed that the Cheridan Raithby Charitable Trust had decided to double its annual donation to £3,000.

Pub (‘hic) Relations spokesman for the Ride, Cliff Barton said “it was a good job that I was sitting down when news of the decision was telephoned to me, as I was completely overwhelmed at such amazing generosity”.

The Cheridan Raithby Trust has been a long time supporter the Ride since the early days, quietly making donations. Cheridan Raithby lived and worked in Harrogate for many years and died early in this century. During the 1990s she won the National Lottery and whilst alive set up a charitable trust, The Harrogate Charitable Trust, to support local charities in and around the Harrogate area, focusing on smaller, rather than larger organisations. Upon her death her entire estate was left in trust and renamed the Cheridan Raithby Charitable Trust. Since then it has continued to support local charities in the same way.
Meanwhile, this year’s Presentation Night, when top fundraisers receive their trophies from riders Leeds fundraiser Mike Tomlinson, before he receives the results of this year’s efforts by everyone in the form of a big cheque to the Macmillan Segment of Jane’s Appeal, is scheduled to take place, tonight, at Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe near Pateley Bridge starting at 8pm.

The excellent DVD, made by Nobody Films of Harrogate, of this year’s Great Milk (stout) Ride, will be premiered at this annual event celebrating the conclusion to this year’s efforts supporting Macmillan. For a sneak preview visit www.gmsr.co.uk and click on the Nobody Films logo.

Copies will be available for purchase at a cost of £8.00 on the night and £9.00 (inc p&p), from GMsR c/o Thimble Cottage, Dacre Banks, Harrogate. HG3 4EL. Cheques should be made payable to “The Great Milk (stout) Ride”. Allow 28 days; all profits go to Macmillan. To reserve copies for collection on 14th, ring 01423-780389 and leave details.

Money has been pouring in from riders and sponsors in this year’s event. Late moneys can still be paid in at the last minute, at Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe, on the night .

2009 Great Milk (stout) Ride date set

The organising committee are pleased to announce that the date for next year’s 17th annual Great milk (stout) Ride, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, has been set to take place on Sunday 6th September 2009 at the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

On-line registration for next year is not yet up and running, but there will be an announcement shortly as to when this facility will be available.

Meanwhile, this year’s Presentation Night, when top fundraisers receive their trophies from riders Leeds fundraiser Mike Tomlinson, before he receives the results of this year’s efforts by everyone in the form of a big cheque to the Macmillan Segment of Jane’s Appeal, is scheduled to take place at Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe near Pateley Bridge, on Friday 14th November starting at 8pm.

The excellent DVD, made by Nobody Films of Harrogate, of this year’s Great Milk (stout) Ride, will be premiered at this annual event celebrating the conclusion to this year’s efforts supporting Macmillan. For a sneak preview visit www.gmsr.co.uk and click on the Nobody Films logo.

Copies will be available for purchase at a cost of £8.00 on the night and £9.00 (inc p&p), from GMsR c/o Thimble Cottage, Dacre Banks, Harrogate. HG3 4EL. Cheques should be made payable to “The Great Milk (stout) Ride”. Allow 28 days; all profits go to Macmillan. To reserve copies for collection on 14th, ring 01423-780389 and leave details.

Money is still coming in from riders and sponsors in this year’s event, but to make this yet another record year all sponsorship moneys, together with Gift Aid Forms should be returned ideally before 14th November to Hon Treasurer, Great Milk (stout) Ride, Tranby Croft, Glasshouses, Harrogate. HG3 5QY. However, late moneys can be paid in at the last minute on the night.

Stout Ride DVD to be premiered 14th November

An excellent DVD, made by Nobody Films of Harrogate, of this year’s Great Milk (stout) Ride, will be premiered on Friday 14th November, at Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe, Nr Pateley Bridge, from 8.00pm onwards, as part of the annual Presentation Night’s conclusion to this year’s efforts supporting Macmillan.

The colourfully boxed disc includes three separate films: “Main Feature” in which the makers have entirely captured spirit of this annual event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, from the gentle start, through the build up of registration and the excitement of the starts to scenes on the two routes, then on to the finishing line where every rider collects a winner’s medal and a commemorative certificate. “Finish Line”, where riders and spectators are in constant movement, as individuals and teams come in to collect their medals. There is an extra surprise in “1993 Video” which shows amateur footage of the 29 riders, who set off from the Birchtree Inn, Wilsill, little imagining that their original Great Milk (stout) Race, which raised £1350, would last year yield £42,500 and total over £350,000 by 2008. For a sneak preview visit www.gmsr.co.uk and click on the Nobody Films logo.

Copies will be available for purchase at a cost of £8.00 on the night and £9.00 (inc p&p), from GMsR c/o Thimble Cottage, Dacre Banks, Harrogate. HG3 4EL. Cheques should be made payable to “The Great Milk (stout) Ride”. Allow 28 days; all profits go to Macmillan. To reserve copies for collection on 14th, ring 01423-780389 and leave details.

Leeds fundraiser Mike Tomlinson, who, with son Steven, again took part in this year’s event, will be presenting trophies to the individual and team riders, who have raised most for Macmillan this year, together with the fancy Dress trophy, before he receives the results of this year’s efforts by everyone in the form of a big cheque to the Macmillan Segment of Jane’s Appeal.

NB To make this yet another record year all sponsorship moneys, together with Gift Aid Forms should be returned by 7th November to Hon Treasurer, Great Milk (stout) Ride, Tranby Croft, Glasshouses, Harrogate. HG3 5QY.

Patrick Bickers 1951 - 2008

Patrick Bickers

One of the founding committee members of The Great Milk (stout) Ride, run in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Patrick Bickers, of Glasshouses, died from cancer, on Friday 3rd October in Harrogate District Hospital, surrounded by his family.

A tireless worker for this annual Nidderdale event, which has raised over £350,000 since 1993, Patrick devised and looked after the complex registration system and was instrumental in steering the process through to an automatic on-line procedure, when the new website was introduced last year.

He is survived by his wife Margaret and sons Luke and Richard, who wish to pass on their appreciation to all the doctors and staff at the hospital, for their devoted care during Patrick’s illness.

The funeral was held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge on Friday 10th October at 1pm, conducted by Fr Peter Dunbar. Donations to The Great Milk (stout) Ride, may be sent to:
c/o Lee & Holmes, Funeral Directors, Pateley Bridge.

Stout Riders beat the weather

16th annual event a great success

The gods of the Great Milk (stout) Riders stayed their hand with the weather for the running of the 16th annual event at the Nidderdale Agricultural show ground in Pateley Bridge last Sunday. Despite torrential rain every day and night the previous week necessitating the repositioning of the whole site layout, to protect the grassed areas for the forthcoming Nidderdale Show, the day dawned moderately fine and continued to improve until on time at 10am guests of honour Mike and Steven Tomlinson, performed the starting ceremony to get, first the 10 mile Half Litre and the 20 mile Full Monty rides underway. After which they boarded their yellow tandem and completed the twenty mile event themselves. A total of 381 riders of all ages from over 127 towns and villages throughout the north of England set off in improving conditions which even included some rare sunny spells. Unanimously all returning riders declared that this was yet another successful ride.

This is the third time the Tomlinsons have been associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride; in 2005 and 2006 the late Jane, Mike and Steven joined riders on the Full Monty route. As then the proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to the Macmillan segment of Jane’s Appeal, which aims to pass the £2,000,000 mark by the end of the year.

All day entertainment for all.

From 8.00am the barbecue was cooking bacon sandwiches, burgers, sausages and chips, while the beer tent and various “trade” stands, were complemented by the Menwith Hill fire appliance and an impressive brand new Scania 8 x 4 150 ton tractor unit belonging to one of our sponsor’s Houseman International transport.

Between 11.00 am and 5.00pm, began what is now a mini music festival with five local bands entertaining the riders, spectators and visitors, including Barry Sellars, Timewarp, Ade Payne, The Hall Brothers and Sounds Like Us. Most of these bands have supported the Ride and Macmillan over a number of years, dedicating their considerable talents free of charge, seemingly for the sheer pleasure of entertaining at this annual event; their efforts are greatly appreciated by the committee and audiences alike and have contributed to the continued success of the Great Milk (stout) Ride.

James Wilson from Fresh Radio, again provided continuity announcements during the day. He was joined by Ellie Jackson from Harrogate Hospital Radio: both were conducting interviews throughout the day for their respective audiences. Stray FM also made a live connection with the ground during the day to check on the success of the event.

Nobody Films of Harrogate are making a DVD of this year’s event, which will be available shortly at a cost of £8.00 plus £1.00 p&p, from GMsR c/o Thimble Cottage, Dacre Banks, Harrogate. HG3 4EL. Cheques should be made payable to “The Great Milk (stout) Ride”. Allow 28 days; all profits go to Macmillan. The next date for your diary is Presentation Night at Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe, on Friday 14th November at 8.00pm, when riders and teams raising the most for Macmillan, will receive their trophies and the cheque will be presented to Mike Tomlinson. Sponsorship moneys should be returned by 7th November to Hon Treasurer, Great Milk (stout) Ride, Tranby Croft, Glasshouses, Harrogate. HG3 5QY.

Finally the organising committee would like to express a vote of thanks to everyone who has helped make this year’s Ride, what looks like being another resounding success.

Surge in entries for Stout Ride

On-line registration popular with riders
Launched in June 2007, the Great Milk (stout) Ride website continues to generate increased activity with over 3690 visitors since its inauguration. The real benefit has been felt this year, when to date a total of 239 riders have registered to take part in the 2008 ride on Sunday 7th September.
Within the total are 67 individual riders, but there has been a significant increase in teams entered this year, some 28 in all. The top ten (numerically) are: Team VIRR 23, Carly's Angels 17, Team Simon 16, Practice makes Perfect 14, Crown Middlesmoor 11, Erudine 8, Millstones, QPS, Birchfield Ice Cream and Old Oakers all on 7.
The organisers know of several more teams that have still to declare, but there is still time to enter either on-line at http://www.gmsr.co.uk/ and follow the “Register” route, or ring 01423-711699 and leave your name and address for a FREE rider pack. Unlike many other charity bike rides GMsR has never charged an entry fee, relying on riders to do their best to raise over £331,000 for Macmillan, since the first event in 1993, when 29 riders set off from the Birchtree Inn, Wilsill to raise money in memory of a dear friend, John Woodhouse, of Glasshouses.
All Over the country.
Riders are coming from far and wide to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. So far this year 94 towns and villages are represented including: -Accrington -Acomb -Adel -Apperley Bridge -Armley -Baildon -Barnsley -Batley -Bedale -Bilton -Bingley -Blazefield -Boston Spa -Bramley -Burley in Wharfedale -Burn Bridge -Calcutt -Cookridge -Darley -Darton -Dacre -Dacre Banks -Darlington -Derby -Dronfield -Eamont Bridge -Eccleshill -Fellbeck -Fulford -Gilstead -Glasshouses -Golcar -Greenhow Village -Higham -Harrogate -Hessay -Horsforth -Huntington -Ilkley -Ireland Wood -Knaresborough -Leeds -Littlethorpe -Lofthouse -Long Marston -Matlock -Melmerby -Oakworth -Otley -Pateley Bridge -Pontefract -Radcliffe -Ripon -Silkstone -Shaw Mills -Sherburn In Elmet -Shipley -Silsden -South Elmsall -South Hiendley -South Milford -Summerbridge -Thackley -Tingley -Watford -Weeton -Wilsden -Wilsill -Wyke -Yeadon -York -Barnby Dun -Birstwith -Brockhall village -Eccles -Glasshouses -Huby -Kirby Malzeard -Knaresborough -Low Laithe -Netherton -Pateley Bridge -Pontefract -Shelley -Summerbridge -Taylor Hill.
Celebrity starters
Mike Tomlinson and his son Steven (pictured) will send the riders off to a resounding start again this year, before themselves leaping onto their bikes and enjoying the delights of Nidderdale. This is not the first time that the family has been associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride; in 2004 Jane Tomlinson performed the starting duties. That year the Ride donated all of the £30,000 raised to the Macmillan segment of Jane’s Fund. They returned in 2005 to take part simply as a family. Once again the organising committee has decided to donate the proceeds of this year's Ride to the Macmillan segment of Jane's Appeal to help them reach their target of £2,000,000 by the end of the year.
All day entertainment for all.
From 8.00am the barbecue will be cooking, followed by face painting, bouncy castle, bucking bronco, the beer tent, grand raffle and various trade stands. Top prize in the raffle is a TREK 3700 mountain bike (pictured), kindly donated by one of the Ride's long time sponsors STIF Mountain Bikes of Headingley.
At 11.00 am, with the riders off, what is now a mini music festival will begin, with six local bands entertaining the riders, spectators and visitors, including Barry Sellars, Charles Sellars, Timewarp, Ade Payne, The Hall Brothers and Sounds Like Us, will be playing in sets starting from 11.00am on the stage in the marquee with the open sides, which proved so popular with musicians and audience alike last year.
Most of these bands have supported the Ride and Macmillan over a number of year's, dedicating their considerable talents free of charge, seemingly for the sheer pleasure of entertaining at this annual event; their efforts are greatly appreciated by the committee and audiences alike and have contributed to the continued success of the Great Milk (stout) Ride.
James Wilson from Fresh Radio, http://www.freshradio.co.uk/ will again provide continuity announcements and interviews during the day.
The family fun continues until late afternoon.

GMsR goes to hospital

Yesterday evening I was invited to appear on Harrogate Hospital Radio by Ellie Jackson (right) and Cathie Hague, better known as “The girls who shouldn’t” to join them on their regular Monday night entertainment for the patients and staff at the District Hospital.

It was about this time last year when Ellie, from Pateley wanted her listeners to hear all about the Great Milk (stout) Ride. That broadcast and the subsequent “live” recordings they made at last year’s event at the show ground were worked into a package that the station was submitting to National Hospital Broadcasting Awards and at the ceremony held in the Queens Hotel, Leeds on March 28th. Harrogate had entered seven categories and were shortlisted in five.

Result - 3 commendations received for Best Speech Package, and Steve Pexton and Mark Bexley in the Best Male Presenter category. The station got the Silver Award in the Station of the Year, and Ellie got the Silver Award for Best Newcomer. There are 243 hospital radio stations throughout the whole of the UK, so they naturally felt very proud to have received the awards they did.
They hope to do even better next year – so watch out the rest of the UK!

We look forward to seeing Ellie and Cathie again at GMsR 2008 on 7th September.

I certainly couldn’t see why they shouldn’t!

Survey so far:

Riders come from all over. This year we have 87 towns and villages represented, including: Accrington -Acomb -Adel -Apperley Bridge -Armley -Baildon -Barnsley -Batley -Bedale -Bilton -Bingley -Blazefield -Boston Spa -Bramley -Burn Bridge -Clint-Cookridge -Darley-Darton-Dacre -Dacre Banks -Darlington -Derby -Dronfield -Eamont Bridge -Eccleshill -Fellbeck -Fulford -Gilstead -Glasshouses -Golcar -Harrogate-Hessay-Higham-Horsforth -Huntington -Ilkley -Ireland Wood -Knaresborough -Leeds -Littlethorpe -Lofthouse -Long Marston -Matlock -Melmerby -Oakworth -Otley -Pateley Bridge -Pontefract -Radcliffe -Ripon -Silkstone-Shaw Mills -Shawmills -Sherburn In Elmet -Shipley -Silsden -South Elmsall -South Hiendley -South Milford -Summerbridge -Watford -Weeton -Wilsden -Wyke -York-Yeadon -York -Barnby Dun -Birstwith -Brockhall Village -Eccles -Glasshouses-Huby -Kirby Malzeard -Knaresborough -Low Laithe -Netherton -Pateley Bridge -Pontefract -Shelley -Summerbridge -Taylor Hill.

We have 58 individual riders and 28 teams (of two or more). Altogether as of today a grand total of 215 riders will (so far) be taking part, with registrations speeding up daily.

Answering the question "..how did you hear about the Great Milk (stout) Ride the answers were as follows:
Seeing Poster 11
Hearing on Radio 7
Newspapers 19
From Flyer 17
Previous Rider 70
Macmillan website 10
Other 19

Specified as other source: School of Healthcare School website, I've known about GMsR since 1993!, Fellow drinker at Ye Olde Oak, Shipley Stride, link from Macmillan pages, friends with the Brackleys, Rode last year with Team Virr, Friend , at the York Cycle Show , York Macmillan Rally Stall, Friend, friend of Shelagh Hopkinson , Bike Events website, Friend recommended, From someone who did it last year, via Pateley Bridge locals.

The Macmillan connection

Shelagh Hopkinson (bottom) Area Fund Raising manager has been working well to promote the Great Milk (stout) Ride over a widening range of events including the York Cycle Show and It's a Knockout, both at York's famous Knavesmire racecourse. We look forward to even more help to help Macmillan Cancer Support in the future. Unfortunateley Shelagh is away on a (un-sponsored) cycling holiday in Poland on the 7th, so Roohi Lupton, Community Fundraiser works from the york office and will be attending the 2008 event to help present the medals, certificates and Macmillan "goodies".

This morning Shelagh and yours truly, were interviewed live on Harrogate's local radio station Stray FM by Chris Bell (top), who was keen to learn all about the Great Milk (stout) Ride and joined in our aim to raise over last year's £42,500.

Local musicians supporting Macmillan

Entertainment for stout riders

Six local bands are committed to entertain the riders, spectators and visitors to the annual Great Milk (stout) Ride at the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge on Sunday 7th September 2008.

Barry Sellars, Charles Sellars, Timewarp, Ade Payne, The Hall Brothers and Sounds Like Us, will be playing in sets starting from 11.00am on the stage in the marquee with the open sides, which proved so popular with musicians and audience alike last year.

Most of these bands have supported the Ride and Macmillan over a number of year's, dedicating their considerable talents free of charge, seemingly for the sheer pleasure of entertaining at this annual event; their efforts are greatly appreciated by the committee and audiences alike and have contributed to the continued success of the Great Milk (stout) Ride. James Wilson from Fresh Radio, www.freshradio.co.uk will again provide continuity announcements and interviews during the day.
From top: Time Warp, Sounds Like Us, Ade Payne, Barry Sellers.

Celebrity starters

Mike Tomlinson and his son Steven have agreed to get the riders off to a resounding start this year, before themselves leaping onto their bikes and enjoying the delights of Nidderdale. This will be the third time that the family has been associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride: in 2004 Jane Tomlinson performed the starting duties. That year the Ride donated all of the £30,000 raised to the Macmillan segment of Jane’s Fund. The following year Mike, Jane and Steven returned to take part in what they described as “a grand family fun day out”, when Steven was invited to press the starting horn for both rides.
It has just been announced that the organising committee has decided to, once again, donate the proceeds of this year's Great Milk (stout) Ride to the Macmillan segment of Jane's Appeal to help them reach their target of £2,000,000 by the end of the year.

The 16th annual Great milk (stout) Ride scheduled to start from the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge, on 7th September next. Besides the bands above, there will be a barbecue, beer tent, face painting, bouncy castle, bucking bronco and various trade stands. The family fun continues until late afternoon.

Entrants from far and wide continue to register on the website at www.gmsr.co.uk No longer simply a local event, riders are coming from all over the country, this year, as of Tuesday 12th August over 63 towns and villages are represented, including:

Acomb -Adel -Apperley Bridge -Baildon -Barnsley -Batley -Bedale Bilton -Bingley Blazefield -Bramley -Burn Bridge -Darton -Dacre Banks -Darlington -Dronfield -Eamont Bridge (Cumbria) Eccles (Manchester) -Eccleshill -Gilstead -Glasshouses -Higham -Harrogate -Huntington -Ilkley -Knaresborough -Long Marston -Matlock -Oakworth -Pontefract -Ripon -Silkstone -Sherburn In Elmet -Silsden -South Milford -Summerbridge -Watford -Wilsden -Wyke -Yeadon.

Teamz-Meanz-Poundz

As of the 15th “ August 177 riders have registered on line, with over 50 individual riders, but there is a continuing trend for more teams to enter. The 22 teams and riders so far is shown below.

Carly's Angels 18
Team Simon 16
Crown Middlesmoor 10
Team Virr 8
Team QPS 7
Millstones 7
Royal Oak Pateley 5
Team Ramsden 4
Milnes Family 4
Team U3A 3
The Lowndeses 3
Barnsley 3
Allo allo 3
Old Oakers 3
The Well Groomed Ostlers 3
Team JDP 3
Team Harlow 3
Charity Adventurers 2
Co-op 2
Motley crew 2
The Bilton Boozers 2
Fat belly Boys 2


To register and download your paperwork on-line, or donate visit the website at www.gmsr.co.uk. To request a FREE rider pack simply ‘phone 01423-711699 and leave your name, address, telephone number etc.

Help still wanted

Anyone who can spare some time to help out will be more than welcome; there are vacancies with marshalling, car parking, site erection (Saturday 6th), catering, and registration. Please ring 01423-780389, or email bartoncliff@btopenworld.com

All roads lead to Pateley Bridge

Entries in charity bike ride from far and wide

The 16th annual Great milk (stout) Ride scheduled to start from the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge, on 7th September next, is attracting entrants from far and wide. No longer simply a local event, riders are coming from all over the country, this year so far, over 60 towns and villages are represented, including:

-Acomb -Adel -Apperley Bridge -Baildon -Barnsley -Batley -Bedale Bilton -Bingley Blazefield -Bramley -Burn Bridge -Darton -Dacre Banks -Darlington -Dronfield -Eamont Bridge (Cumbria) Eccles (Manchester) -Eccleshill -Gilstead -Glasshouses -Higham -Harrogate -Huntington -Ilkley -Knaresborough -Long Marston -Matlock -Oakworth -Pontefract -Ripon -Silkstone -Sherburn In Elmet -Silsden -South Milford -Summerbridge -Watford -Wilsden -Wyke -Yeadon.

Teamz-Meanz-Poundz

After the "Glorious" 12th of August, we're not "grousing" at the growing "bag" of the 176 riders who have registered on line, but there is a continuing trend for more teams to enter. The 22 teams and rider totals so far is shown below:

Carly's Angels 18
Team Simon 16
Crown Middlesmoor 11
Practice makes perfect 9
Team VIRR 8
QPS 7
Millstones 7
Royal Oak (Pateley) 5
Milnes Family 4
Team Ramsden 4
'Allo 'Allo 3
Barnsley 3
Olde Oakers 3
U3A Team 3
The Lowndeses 3
The Well Groomed Ostler's 3
Team JDP 3
Team harlow 3
Charity Adventurers 2
Co-op 2
Motley Crew 2
The Bilton Boozers 2
Fat Belly Boys 2

We know that the rivalry between teams produces more money for Macmillan, with trophies to be won by the (non-pub) team and pub team who raise the most cash, as well as the trophies for the individual top fund raiser and the best fancy dress; this last has produced some interesting, ingenious, devious and outrageous displays, which have entertained the hundreds of spectators who line the two routes, as well as the crowds attending the entertainments at the show ground. Our pictures show (from the top) the rear view of the "Magic Carpet", gearing up for the big push in 2005, the starters line up for the Full Monty in 2004, with the Highburton Nites ready for anything to come in their twenty-mile push round the Full Monty course, before the start in 2005.

The day starts with registration from 8.30am with the 20 mile Full Monty and the 10 mile Half Litre rides starting at 10.00am.

To register and download your paperwork on-line, or donate visit the website at www.gmsr.co.uk. To request a FREE rider pack simply ‘phone 01423-711699 and leave your name, address, telephone number etc.


Celebrity starters

Mike Tomlinson and his son Steven have agreed to get the riders off to a resounding start this year, before themselves leaping onto their bikes and enjoying the delights of Nidderdale. This will be the third time that the family has been associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride: in 2004 Jane Tomlinson performed the starting duties. That year the Ride donated all of the £30,000 raised to the Macmillan segment of Jane’s Fund. The following year Mike, Jane and Steven returned to take part in what they described as “a grand family fun day out”, when Steven was invited to press the starting horn for both rides.
It has just been announced that the organising committee has decided to, once again, donate the proceeds of this year's Great Milk (stout) Ride to the Macmillan segment of Jane's Appeal to help them reach their target of £2,000,000 by the end of the year.

When Mike Tomlinson was texted this news by yours truly, his reply was: “That's fantastic, already looking forward to taking part. Mike”

Music Festival

At 11.00 am, with the riders off, what is now a mini music festival will begin, with a selection of local groups and bands performing, supported by a barbecue, beer tent, face painting, trade stands, beer tent, bouncy castle, bucking bronco and various trade stands. The family fun continues until late afternoon. James Wilson from Fresh Radio, www.freshradio.co.uk
will again provide continuity announcements and interviews during the day.
Help wanted !

Anyone who can spare some time to help out will be more than welcome; there are vacancies with marshalling, car parking, site erection (Saturday 6th) ,catering, and registration. Please ring 01423-780389, or email bartoncliff@btopenworld.com

Strawberries and cream for 2008 Bike Ride

This year's Strawberry Teas event, in support of this year's 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride for Macmillan, took place on Saturday 12th July 2007, at the Clapham Green home of Marion Stockdale, pictured here presenting the initial cheque for £750 to Bob Drake, the hon treasurer.

STOP PRESS As of 29th July Marion informs us that she has now collected £827.27. Even better. Thanks again Marion.

Beside strawberry teas, stalls of cakes, tombola, raffle, second hand books, guess the weight of the cake and name the cuddly toy, visitors were able to eat, drink tea and enjoy a chat, in either the garden, or the house.

Marion, who has been fund-raising for Macmillan for over twenty years has asked us to express a big thank you to all the members of her team and her generous donors, without whom she couldn't keep producing these amazing results.

Teams and/or individual riders can register on line at http://www.gmsr.co.uk/ alternatively ring 01423-711699 and leave your details to receive the number of rider packs required.

Strawberry Teas at Birstwith support 2008 Ride

This year's Strawberry Teas event will take place on Saturday 12th July 2007 Between 2 and 4 pm. Marion Stockdale and her team of helpers, who last year raised over £720, will be setting out their stalls in support of this year's 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride.
Beside strawberry teas, stalls of cakes, tombola, raffle, books, guess the weight of the cake and name the teddy, visitors will be able to eat, drink tea and enjoy a chat, in either the garden, or the comfort of her home, at Clapham Green, Brstwith. Marion tells us that she has been staging the Strawberry Fayre event for the last 24 years in support of Macmillan and has kindly donated her proceeds to the Great Milk (stout) Ride for the last four years.
Marion has asked us to express a big, big thank you to all the members of her team and her generous donors, without whom she couldn't keep making these amazing efforts.

GMsR at York Cycle Show

Despite mixed weather, with steady rain most of Saturday 21st and gale force winds on Sunday 22nd of June, Sheila Hopkinson (pictured above left) and yours truly had a great time meeting and talking to loads of visitors to this annual show held on York's ancient Knavesmire Racecourse.

There was terrific interest shown in the 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride on 7th September later this year.It was really good to be able to talk to prospective riders, go into greater detail about the location and answer any questions they might have. This meant that the flyers we were handing to them would mean much more when read later at home. There were several who expressed interest in forming teams and taking advantage of the free weekend's camping and caravaning facilities at the Nidderdale Agricultural Society's showground where the event is now an established annual feature in the Nidderdale calendar. We talked to visitors from all over the UK and are looking forward to welcoming increased numbers to this year's event as a result.

Life was, to say the least, a bit hairy on the Sunday and visits to "the facilities" proved somewhat exiting for some people (above right); but everyone seemed to enjoy the days out and we are keeping fingers crossed.

On-line registrations up on last year

Registrations for this record breaking annual event are running well ahead of last year and coming in thick and fast. The newly created website has so far enrolled over 50 riders, including two of last year’s teams Carly’s Angels led from Harrogate, but with members from all over West Yorkshire, including Keighley, Bingley, Oakworth; plus Team Simon led from Batley, with members from as far away as Matlock (Derbyshire), Bedale, Darlington, Dronfield and Glasshouses.

The eighteen strong Carly’s Angels led by Carly Illingworth, won last year’s Team Trophy with a total raised of £1850 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The 16 members of Team Simon, led by Peter Brackley, of Batley and his father David of Glasshouses, who is one of only two people to have completed every ride since the first in 1993.

We even have two riders entered from London and, because of increased publicity, are looking forward to welcoming riders from all parts of the UK. Last year we handed over £42,000 to Macmillan and expect to beat that again this year.

The 2008 16th Great Milk (stout) Ride starts from the Nidderdale Agricultural Society’s show ground, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire on 7th September. Registration is from 8.30am and riders are scheduled to start at 10.00am.

There are two rides: the ten mile Half Litre, for families and children accompanied by adults leaving the show ground and up the high street, turning left after Wilsill, through Smelthouses, where there is a drinks stop, then over Brimham Rocks, through Fellbeck and back to finish at the show field.
The Full Monty, a twenty mile ride takes a more “scenic” route along the Low Wath road, turning through Wath village along the top road, back through Pateley Bridge, Wilsill, Low Laithe, Summerbridge, turning left up Stripe lane, pausing at the drinks stop in Hartwith, before passing through Brimham Rocks, en route back to the finishing line, where all riders will be presented with a signed certificate and commemorative medal, both sponsored again this year by Landale Carpets of Summerbridge. Entry is FREE the only requirement is that riders raise money from sponsors. There are trophies to be won by the highest fundraising individual, team, or pub team; as well as a trophy for the best fancy dress.

Music Festival
At 11.00 am, with the riders off, what is now a mini music festival will begin, with a selection of local groups and bands performing, supported by a barbecue, beer tent, face painting, trade stands, etc. The family fun continues until late afternoon.



Celebrity starters
Mike Tomlinson and his son Steven have agreed to get the riders off to a resounding start this year, before themselves leaping onto their bikes and enjoying the delights of Nidderdale. This will be the third time that the family has been associated with the Great Milk (stout) Ride: in 2004 Jane Tomlinson performed the starting duties. That year the Ride donated all of the £30,000 raised to the Macmillan segment of Jane’s Fund. The following year Mike, Jane and Steven returned to take part in what they described as “a grand family fun day out”, when Steven was invited to press the starting horn for both rides.

Help wanted
Anyone who can spare some time to help out will be more than welcome; there are vacancies with marshalling, car parking, site erection (Saturday 6th), catering, and registration. Please ring 01423-780389, or email bartoncliff@btopenworld.com

To register and download your paperwork on-line, or donate visit the website at http://www.gmsr.co.uk/. To request a FREE rider pack simply ‘phone 01423-711699 and leave your name, address, telephone number etc.

Register on-line from Friday 4th April

The organisers of the 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride have just announced that riders will be able to register and download all the necessary paper work on line at their website http://www.gmsr.co.uk/ from Friday 4th April 2008.

Last year’s newly created website would now enable this year’s individuals and teams of riders to start their fund raising efforts at least two months earlier. It is anticipated this should result in an increase in rider numbers, leading to yet another record breaking donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 2008 Ride starts from the Nidderdale Agricultural Society’s show ground, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire on 7th September. Late registration is from 8.30am and the two rides are scheduled to start at 10.00am. Since the first ride in 1993 the event has raised a total of £331,220 for Macmillan, making it their biggest contributor in the North Yorkshire area.

There are two rides: the Half Litre, ten miles for families and children accompanied by adults leaving the show ground and up the high street, turning left after Wilsill, through Smelthouses, where there is a drinks stop, then over Brimham Rocks, through Fellbeck and back to finish at the show field.
The Full Monty, a twenty mile ride takes a more “scenic” route along the Low Wath road, turning through Wath village along the top road, through Pateley Bridge, Wilsill, Low Laithe, Summerbridge, turning left up Stripe lane, pausing at the drinks stop in Hartwith, before passing through Brimham Rocks, en route back to the finishing line, where all riders will be presented with a signed certificate and commemorative medal, both sponsored again this year by Landale Carpets of Summerbridge.

New Sponsors
Every penny raised by riders is handed over to Macmillan; all running expenses provided by local and national sponsors, by means of various types of support to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Earlier this year the Harrogate Software Systems company, Erudine were the latest to join this group. Based at Central House in the heart of Harrogate, Erudine is a highly innovative software development company. Started in 2002 by Pateley Bridge born brothers Martin and Phil Rice, Erudine is set to revolutionise the IT industry with its radical new technology - Erudine’s Behaviour Engine. www.erudine.com

They join the expanding elite band of local and national sponsors including Cartridge World, Branch Auto Bodies, Harrogate Spa Water, Birchfield Ice Cream, Deakin Accountancy Ltd., AMPS News, EW Smith & Company, Olympus Bespoke Windows, Houseman International Transport, QPS Group, Moorfield Developments, STIF Mountain Bikes, Ilkley Round Table and the Cheridan Raithby Charitable Trust.

Any company or organisation who would like to join in supporting this year’s 16th annual Great Milk (stout) Ride should contact Cliff Barton 01423-780389, or email at bartoncliff@btopenworld.com or visit the website http://www.gmsr.co.uk/ and follow the links.

John Drewery

We are extremely sorry to hear of the death of John Drewery of Dacre Banks on Friday 15th February from cancer.

John, Elaine and their sons Jason and Jonty have been supporters of GMsR since its inception. In the early years John regularly provided a free taxi service, through his “Chauff-Four” private hire service to anyone attending the annual Presentation Nights at the Birch Tree and Half Moon Inns. He was also a regular marshal on Ride days. Even since being diagnosed, he enjoying being part of the team of volunteers, without whom the Great Milk (stout) Ride could not take place. John will be sadly missed by all.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Elaine and her sons and their families.

September date for annual Great Milk (stout) Ride

It has just been confirmed that the Great Milk (stout) Ride supporting Macmillan Cancer Support will be held on Sunday 7th September 2008 at the Nidderdale Agricultural Society’s show ground in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire.

Cliff Barton says we’re delighted to hear that the established date of the second Sunday in September will again see the running of this 16th annual event, which has raised over £332,000 for Macmillan, since its inception in 1993.

That year 29 riders raised £1350, an apparently staggering amount from what was a motley collection of regulars at the Birch Tree Inn, Wilsill, near Pateley Bridge to commemorate the recent death of a domino playing friend, John Woodhouse of Glasshouses, whose family had been greatly supported by Macmillan.

Last year (2007) 400 riders were able to hand over £42,500 to Macmillan at the annual Presentation Night in Ye Olde Oak Inn, Low Laithe, near Summerbridge. The Great Milk (stout) Ride is the principal donor to Macmillan in the Harrogate area and is, this year, looking forward to beating the 2006 record of £45,000.

That year we had 500 riders at an average of £90 each; last year our 400 riders averaged £106.25. If we can exceed our previous record numbers, while maintaining our rider average we could even pass the £50,000 mark, which would be an amazing achievement in anybody’s book. Last year we had more team entries than ever before, which was a major contribution to our increased ‘rider value’ and we are looking forward to swell those numbers by returning and new teams, together with individual and family entries.

Last year saw an increase sponsorship from both local and national businesses and charitable organisations who wish to be associated with this well established event and while we are currently in discussions with yet more, we welcome further enquiries. Contact me on 01423-780389, or email at bartoncliff@btopenworld.com or visit the website and follow the links.”


The Ride has a website at www.gmsr.co.uk where from 1st June 2008 teams and/or individual riders can register and download all the information they need to take part in the event.

Here we go - here we go!

Here goes with my very first attempt at blogging - hope you'll bear with me as I make lots of mistakes?

The aim of these blogs is to promote the Great Milk (stout) Ride and encourage readers to visit our website at www.gmsr.co.uk and register on line for one of the two Rides we have been organising every September since 1993, when a group of "boozers" decided to raise money for charity. The result was 29 riders were able to hand over £1350 to Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of a dominoe playing mate, John Woodhouse, who had died earlier that year and whose family were supported by Macmillan.

Since that date the event has gone from strength to strength and as of last year (2007) we have donated in total over £320,000 to Macmillan.

Have a look at the site and come and join us; you'll be made very welcome and we guarantee you'll have an enjoyable day out.