Kenilworth bike shop's charity ride cancelled due to horse fair

A postponed annual charity cycle ride organised by a Kenilworth cycle shop has now been cancelled as it clashes with the first horse fair of the year.
Mike Vaughan Cycles has had to cancel its charity bike ride for Myton Hospices because it clashes with the horse fairMike Vaughan Cycles has had to cancel its charity bike ride for Myton Hospices because it clashes with the horse fair
Mike Vaughan Cycles has had to cancel its charity bike ride for Myton Hospices because it clashes with the horse fair

Mike’s Myton Ride, run by Mike Vaughan Cycles in High Street, was originally going to be held on Sunday March 11 but was cancelled because of delayed roadworks on the route.

The ride, which aims to raise money for Myton Hospices, was moved to Sunday April 29 after the route was re-planned. But no one at the shop realised that date clashed with the first horse fair of the year in Kenilworth.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nicky Vaughan of Mike Vaughan Cycles said Warwick District Council did not allow them to hold the ride after police reportedly told the council they ‘had concerns’ about it being on the same day as the horse fair.

Nicky said: “It’s very frustrating. We don't usually get affected by the horse fair at this end of town. I've never had any problems with the fair.

"But it's such a shame that it has been prioritised over local events really."

She also said the shop’s staff could not afford to hold the ride in the summer, as demand shoots up when the cycling season is well underway and the shop needs to prioritise serving customers rather than taking time out holding events.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesman for Warwick District Council said after its events team received the shop's application to hold a race, it spoke to a 'safety advisory group', which includes the emergency services, to see if it could be done.

The spokesman added: "It was unfortunate that on this occasion that the revised date for the cycling event clashed with the horse fair, which involves a lot of local resources.

"The safety of all residents and visitors to the district is of the utmost importance, and we are sorry that we were unable to accommodate the cycling event on the day the organisers wished to stage it.”

And Inspector David Kettle of Warwickshire Police said: "The horse fair is a large event and puts considerable strain on the local road network. The April horse fair has historically had the most significant traffic issues which we have worked hard with the local authorities and the event organisers to minimise.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We raised concerns to the district council that closing roads on this day would increase these challenges and cause more congestion at an already busy time.

Mike's Myton Ride has been held annually since 2011, and last year's event raised a record £6,000 for Myton Hospices.

And Nicky still wanted to help the charity in some way despite the event being cancelled.

The shop will offer free safety checks on all children’s bikes over the Easter holidays in return for donations in their buckets in store.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And although riders that had already entered will automatically receive a refund for the entrance fee, Mike Vaughan Cycles is encouraging entrants to donate their entrance fee to Myton Hospices.

Anyone wishing to do this should contact the shop by emailing [email protected]