Today was Stockport Community Cycling Club‘s annual awards event, the Club Lunch 2016. This is always a highlight of the club, as can be seen from the previous years events – 2013, 2014 and 2015.

As usual the awards lunch was held at Hyde Bank Farm in Romiley.

  

The lunch began with what Jim refers to as a short lighthearted ‘fiendish’ quiz. Our table were fortunate to this year to win. Our prize? A puncture repair kit each! It proved to be the only thing Sarah and I would win this year – not surprising really, since we have won most of the mileage medals and trophies in years gone by.

This was followed by the meal itself. Sarah had requested a vegetarian and gluten-free meal. Unfortunately for Sarah, the meal brought to her was gluten-free but not vegetarian free. She didn’t want to make a fuss about it …but we did! And it was worthwhile, for the Hyde Bank staff were very helpful and quickly provided her with an alternative.

In years gone by Bruce and I had put on a short skit after lunch for the audience. However, after running out of ideas we ‘retired’ a few years back. Today however there was something of an ‘after lunch’ slot return – but it wasn’t Bruce and I. Instead, we were treated to a short compilation video from Andy Sykes helmet webcam recordings detailing a number of ‘moments’ on the club rides from the previous year. It was well received.

Of course, the main event of the Club Lunch 2016 was the handing out of the mileage medals and the trophies. First up were the 250 (bronze), 500 (silver) and 1000 (gold) medals:

  

    

    

Next, Lyn received the club mug for having cycled over 2500 miles with the club.

We then moved on to the distribution of the trophies. First up was John who received Most Unfortunate Rider of the Year award for his bold attempt to perform an acrobatic roll topped off by headbutting a post on a club ride in the Wirral. His complaint on the day? He scratched his new bike!

  

The second trophy to be handed out was for the Newcomer of the Year award. This year it was won by Miguel.

  

The next trophy to be awarded was for the Most Improved Rider of the Year award. This year’s winner was Emma B.

  

The final award was for the Club Person of the Year. This year’s recipient was Neil W. Well done!

  

Of course we hadn’t quite finished.

As is tradition, the club members had pitched together to purchase a gift to Jim as a thank you for all the hard work and effort he tirelessly puts in to ensure that we, as members, enjoy the rich pleasures that cycling with others can bring. This year we are purchasing tickets for Jim and Barbara to attend the L’Eroica Brittania cycling event.

We presented a gift of flowers to Barbara too.

The Club Lunch 2016 was another excellent occasion to add to the club memories.

Well done to all those who won awards and reached medal targets this year. Here’s looking forward to a full calendar of interesting and exciting rides in 2016.

Perhaps at the club lunch in 2017, one of those medals or awards might be handed over to you!