This year I set off on my bike, thinking on the way round of our dear friend Rev Clive Todd. Clive came as our rector in succession to David Bevington, and was given the daunting task of trying to pull twelve parishes together into a Mission Community in the West Wight. His cheerful approach to life, and his manic cycling ability, made him a great hit with his far flung flock, and it was a terrible shock when we heard earlier this year that he had died, very suddenly, of motor neurone disease.
Many of you will remember a previous Ride and Stride during which Clive flew along beside Rhod and myself, dressed up to his ears in lycra. Rhod quickly saw the writing on the wall and allowed his chain to come off, leaving yours truly on his tod, trying to stay in sight of the Todd, as he raced away towards the horizon.
Well this year, as the heavens opened, I set off to visit those twelve parishes. Starting at Thorley, I then headed on to Yarmouth, where I scooped up one of Maureen’s delicious fruit slices, courtesy of Michael who was manning the fort at St James’.
From there I headed down the Yar to Freshwater, and then – avoiding the temptation of a quick sharpener in the Red Lion – on to Totland.
From Totland I navigated my way down to Freshwater Bay to scoop up the thatched church, and then headed onto the Military Road to head up, down, up and down again, followed by up, to Brook. The view on the way, as the sea churned beneath me, was stunning.
From Brook I headed on to the run of three churches, Mottistone, Brighstone and Shorwell.
Then I had to double back on myself to get back to Brighstone before climbing vertically (well, it felt like it was vertical) to get to Calbourne, where the very jolly churchwarden was entertaining a group of art lovers, and then on to Newtown.
From Newtown, and with the sun now shining, it was a quick hop back to Shalfleet, with 28 miles on the clock and a little over three hours in the saddle.
I know Clive would have considered this a walk in the park, but the aged bones are certainly beginning to feel this, and I can’t say I was sad at the decision to call it a day.
Money raised by Ride and Stride goes to an amazingly good cause. 50% goes to the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust, and 50% comes straight back to Shalfleet Church. So many thanks to you who have already supported, and if anyone else is minded to do so, in memory of Rev Clive, here is the link.
Many thanks for your support.
Fundraising page: https://app.goodhub.com/shalfleet2024