After two pandemic-affected years, 2 October 2022 saw the return of Dulwich Paragon’s Ride of the Falling Leaves as a public event. Places sold out in advance proving the event’s enduring popularity having reached its 25th edition. On the day 185 riders, undeterred by a forecast of heavy rain that mercifully failed to materialise, set off from Herne Hill Velodrome with everyone making it safely back after enjoying the delights and challenges of the Surrey and Kent countryside.
Making the 2022 edition a self-timed event with a facility allowing riders to upload their data, plus a modest increase to the entry fee, resulted in the Club raising over £2,000 for its chosen charities – the Lavender Trust and Prostate Cancer UK. This was welcome news as the editions running up to the last public event in 2019 had struggled to cover costs.
Thanks for helping putting on such a successful event go to the staff at Herne Hill Velodrome and Velo Barn; and of course our wonderful caterers including Cliff Steele and his delicious barbecue. The event also wouldn’t be possible without club members giving up their time to volunteer with everything from signage to sign-on. And finally thanks to everyone who took part and hope to see you again next year.
Photos by Julia Hawkins.
