History
Phil'sRide started in 2016 as a memorial ride for Phil Beeton who sadly lost his life in an RTC in October 2015. Due to the swift action of the EAAA, they were instrumental in saving Phil's nephews life by airlifting Jack to Addenbrokes Hospital.

Last year, people who'd not been on a push bike in years rode the prescribed 24 mile course on a glorious sunny Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Team MAMILTON (Middle Aged Men In Lycra Tour Of Norfolk) rode the 197 mile circumference of Norfolk over 4 days, returning the day before Phil's Ride itself and the motorbikes had an equally successful return ride to Blakeney on the Norfolk Coast and with almost military precision, escorted the push bike's back to the Old White Bell, Southery.

Phil's Ride 2018 will be on Sunday 26th August 2018 and is open to anyone on 2 wheels who would like to take part. The team, comprising family and friends of Phil, are hoping to repeat the success of 2017 and also encourage children to take part in their own course, mapped out on Southery playing field.

So far Phil's Ride has gone from strength to strength. Last year's total of £12,155.22 was an exceptional amount raised and we felt a little cheeky setting last years target 1p higher than the year before (£6,205.22), however, we're not to break with tradition, so this year's target is once again, 1p higher than the previous.

Taking Part 
If you would like to take part and join the ever growing number of riders on 2 wheels for Phil's Ride, simply turn up with your steed of choice at The Old White Bell public house, Southery (PE380NA) from 11.00am [onwards] on Sunday 26th August 2018. (NB: Due to the popularity of the event, it may not be possible to park in the pub car park, so we advise people arriving by car to park sensibly in the side streets and be mindful and respect local residents.)

• Bicycles will ride a local 20.5 mile return route to Downham Market via Denver Bell, Downham Market Swan & Wimbotsham Chequers
• Motorcycles will ride a 100 mile return route to Blakeney
• Mini Ride will be parent supervised bicycle laps of Southery playing field

All we ask for is a donation in one of our two collection buckets upon arrival at time of registration, or if you'd rather sponsorship forms are available to download and print. All donations, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.

A "Phil's Ride - In Aid of East Anglia Air Ambulance" high-vis will be loaned to all riders (subject to availbility) upon your registration. Please return this after your ride.

Bicycles
The bicycles will be organised into 3 groups at registration for marshalling purposes consisting of Casual, Experienced and Enthusiast. The groups will have staggered starts to aid the marshals and the impact of the short ride on the A10 for other road users.

The route will consist of riding along 10 Mile Bank to the Denver Bell, on into Downham Market and around the one way system to The Swan then reaching the turn around point at The Chequers in Wimbotsham. A full map will be publish soon of the route.

Should a cyclist be unable to do the full distance, simply wait at either the Denver Bell or The Swan for the main entourages return or if that isn't possible there will be a support van able to take your bicycle back to the Old White Bell.

Motorcycles
The motorcycle ride will again be riding 110 miles to Blakeney as frequented so often by Phil and Jane on his bike. 

The Old White Bell car park is strictly for motorbikes and bicycles and it is anticipated this may fill rather quickly so if this is full upon your arrival, please park responsibly in our overflow car park [almost] opposite the pub and down Recreation drive [which is opposite the pub.]

At 12.30pm, we'll hold an observance of 1mins NOISE in a remark of respect and remembrance of Phil and his family.

THERE WILL BE NO SCHEDULED FUEL STOPS so please arrive with a full tank. For those not familiar with the area, the nearest petrol station is Stone Cross, Downham Market, PE380AD to the north of Southery or BP, Littleport, CB61JJ if coming from the south.

The ride will be marshalled by riders in orange high-vis and will follow a fairly simple main road ride to Blakeney via Mundford and Swaffham, stopping at Blakeney where the burger van will [hopefully] be prepared for our arrival. The return leg will be the same as 2017's route via Wells-next-the-Sea, turning left after Holkham Hall estate, through Burnham Market, left at the pond at Stanhoe, through the CITB at Bircham Newton, Fitcham, Grimston, Gayton, East Walton, Narborough and then pick up the Swaffham Road near RAF Marham and back to Southery. All being well, motorcycles will be entering the northern entrance to the village at 4.30pm and will escort the cyclists the last few hundred yards back to the pub.

Phil's "Mini" Ride
For the first time this year, we'll also be running a Phil's "Mini" Ride, open to the younger generation who are unable to participate in either of the main rides. This ride will consist of sponsored laps of Southery playing field on 2 wheels (stabilisers are of course allowed) and will be supervised by some of the MAMILTON team, however parently help and supervision would also be appreciated.

Timings - Please note this itinerary is correct as of 15th Aug 2018.

• 11.00 am - Two wheel registration and gathering opens. 
• 12.30 pm - 1 Minute's noise in respect and remembrance of Phil
• 12.31 pm - Motorbike riders departure
• 12.40 pm - Push bike riders departure (staggered groups)
• 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm - Phil's "Mini" Ride (Southery playing field)
• c.4.00 pm - BBQ commences
• c.4.30 pm - Two wheel riders return
• c.5.30 pm to 10.30pm - Live Bands
• c.7.00 pm - Auction & Raffle announced

Daytime and evening events are as yet to be confirmed, so stay tuned for updates as to the days events.

Any queries or questions, please email philsride@southery.com and of course keep up to date on all the latest Phil's Ride developments at www.philsride.org

Enjoy your ride.