Saddle-sore Champions
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“The annual event raised money for six excellent causes, including charities in aid of prostate cancer, polio and canine helpers for disabled people. This year saw 17 riders from Silverman Sherliker – the largest team the firm has ever fielded – raising money for these charities by taking part in the event. We joined around 1,700 others who shared the view that spending the day cycling 40 hilly miles on a Sunday morning was a splendid idea. I’m sure I speak for most of us, however, in reporting that when my alarm clock went off at 5.30am that Sunday, the splendour of the whole exercise was not immediately apparent. |
“Once we were out in the sunshine, however, our enthusiasm began to build. Resplendent in a bright red, skin-tight, all-in-one cycling suit, litigation partner Richard Pearlman was an inspiring – if slightly frightening – leader. Sporting a whistle, an ordnance survey map, and a look of gritty determination, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Richard had organised our participation in the ride like a military operation.
“Even for those who ride regularly, it was a genuinely tiring route, largely due to the hills. Some riders’ spirits were broken during the steepest uphill stretches and I suspect that those who did not wear padded shorts will not be making the same mistake again. But it was all worth it, and not just because we hope to retain the cup for most sponsorship for a business team for a third year. The event was good-natured and extremely well run, with marshals providing refreshments and encouragement at the various checkpoints and police willing to stop traffic to let us pass. What’s more, having been blessed with perfect cycling weather – sunny, but not too sunny – we were able to enjoy some superb English countryside at its glorious best, riding through yellow fields and woods full of bluebells.
“Thank you to Richard Pearlman for organising and to Mrs Pearlman for post-ride hospitality. Well done to everyone who took part. See you next year?” |
