On Sunday 21 May, it will be a year since our dear friend Paul Skelly, unexpectedly died while out on his bike in Yorkshire. Skelly as he was known by so many of us, was in training for another of his many charity rides, a small 400km ride over 2 days in Sweden for o2e

In the days that passed over 180 of his family, friends, team & work mates, Beckenham rugby and rugby cyclist members got together to honour his memory with a charity bike ride in and around Beckenham.

With his first anniversary almost on us, his family wanted to do something special to remember their Dad, so the following events are planned this weekend.

Saturday 20 May
Mass at St Edmunds Catholic Church, Village Way at 1pm to which everyone is very welcome to attend, irrespective of faith.

Sunday 21 May
There are 3 bike rides leaving the club throughout the morning.

Ride 3 Longest - please be at the clubhouse by 10:15 latest for the 10:30 Grand Departure. This route is approximately 40.1 miles, including a number of hills and the Col du Skelly on Beddlestead Lane.

Ride 2 Mid length - please be at the clubhouse by 11:30 for the 11:45 Grand Departure. This route is approximately 24.3 miles with some hills and the Col du Skelly on Beddlestead Lane.

Ride 3 Shortest route - a relaxed 5.4 miles around Beckenham, perfect for non cyclists who want to take part in the day. Please be at the clubhouse by 12:30 for the Grand Departure at 12:45. You should be able to complete this route in 45 minutes.

All rides will end around 13:30 at Elmers End Crematorium, Elmers End Road, Beckenham, BR3 4TD. Please don't arrive before then so Paul's family and other families can be left uninterrupted.

Helmets are complusory, so don't forget your lid! If you can wear blue and yellow (club colours) or green that would help us all stand out.

Finally, there will be drinks afterwards at Patricks, Beckenham. There will be ample space to store your bike and swap stories & memories of a Beckenham legend. Please don't drink and ride.

Skelly would be proud to see everyone enjoying themselves and remembering why he was out on his bike that day...