Last year the mountain biking community did itself proud with the formation of the RUSS Appeal. Hundreds of riders raised thousands of pounds for the Air Ambulance service through sponsored rides, activities and, of course, the Ride for a Flight event held in August 2003.

The grand total has now been totted up and the Air Ambulance has received a grand total of £21,000 cash from RUSS Appeal fund raising. Gift Aid donations will increase this further. You should all be very proud.

Our first act is to hand over the cash to the Air Ambulance. Russell Pinder will be presenting their CEO with a cheque on Saturday March 20th at Kingsclere following the Evans Ride organised by Trail Break (between 1-2pm). Each and every one of you is invited to attend, say “Hello” and maybe even get your mug in the picture.

Trail Break were integral to the fundraising effort. TB’s planning logistics, staff and experience ensured the success of Ride for a Flight event. We’ll all be doing the Evans ride as a social and also as a thank you to the Trail Break team for all of the effort they put in.

Details of the ride are at www.trailbreak.co.uk. Please come along and show your face, ride some new trails and show your support for an excellent cause.