The Ibbo Cake Quest was promoted by friends and family of the sorely missed John
Ibbotson, or “Ibbo” as he was affectionately known, together with
help from members of Fit-For.

Starting at the local village hall in Walton on the Hill, Surrey, four different
routes took riders of all abilities around some of the most scenic roads the
area has to offer. The courses were all devised by Keith Butler, the man behind
the Surrey League, and gave everyone a taste of John’s old stomping grounds
and, inevitably, a couple of his favourite cake stops. Indeed each route was named
after a type of cake.

The “Fairy Cakes” undertook a mainly off-road route covering approximately
18km, allowing some of the younger or less experienced amongst us to enjoy a lovely
ride on a perfect autumn day. “Jaffa Cakes” (yes they are cakes
actually!) covered 60 km through rolling Surrey lanes with a gradual climb or
two thrown in on the way back to the HQ via Fanny’s Farm Shop of course!
The “Carrot Cakes” completed 110 km and the same return leg but
not before they had taken an excursion over Leith Hill, one of the highest points
in the county, with the “Fruit Cakes” sticking in a few more km to
total 150km with a few more of Surrey’s lung busters chucked in for good
measure!

The route was fully signposted with arrows in the shape of slices of cake (a
nice touch) and for the most part allowed riders to navigate the route without
problem. There were some teething difficulties, but these have been noted and
will be overcome next year, as there is every intention to run this event annually.

Riders were signed out in small groups at 5 minute intervals and were offered
one of a range of small laminated pictures of Ibbo in action during his racing
career or just stuffing his face at some café or other. These were tied
to everyone’s bike before departure. A poignant reminder of why everyone
was there…

Upon return everyone was greeted with a warm welcome and awarded a medal before
tucking in to a range of homemade cakes together with fresh rolls made while
you wait and as much tea and coffee as you could drink. Even McVities had made
a gesture of support and provided a pile of Jaffa cakes to keep hunger at bay…

The weather was very kind to all starters with an early mist that hung around
in several places, gradually burning off to reveal Surrey bathed in sunshine
and glowing with stunning hues of amber leaves hanging on until the winds arrive
with winter.

Something in the region of 150 riders took part in this fund-raising event,
which aims to support two young hopefuls in their first year placed with a club
in Northern France…

The final selection process for the riders is currently taking place and once
chosen the lucky two will be named. The John Ibbotson Memorial Fund will feature
a progress report on www.fit-for.com
in the near future and will allow all those interested to follow the progress
of the first successful candidates.

The first “Ibbo’s Cake Quest” was certainly a success and
helped build on the money raised from the “Ibbo
BBQ” held a couple of weeks ago.

The organisers wish to thank every single person who attended and ask that
they spread the word to help increase numbers for next year’s event, details
of which will be announced here as soon as they are available.

Website – www.fit-for.com/