RACE organisers were forced to postpone the annual Race Across Torbay, originally due to take place on Sunday 11th August, after severe weather warnings and rough seas. It became just one of numerous events across Devon and Cornwall that were either cancelled or reorganised as the Met Office issued a series of Yellow weather warnings.
The Race Across Torbay, however, will be back on Saturday 7th September, starting at 11.30 am, with racers expected to cross the finish line between 12:15pm & 12:45pm. Organisers are hoping that it will still be bigger and better than ever.
This event due to go from Beacon Quay, Torquay across to Oxen Cove in Brixham has for the first time opened not just to sea bikes, but to paddle boarders and kayakers as well.
Last year’s winner, Simon Sherbersky, lead officer at Torbay Community Development Trust, who threw down the gauntlet to all comers to raise funds for OurBus Torbay said he hoped that the 20plus people that were due to take part on Sunday will still be available for the re-arranged date.
“It is unfortunate, but we had no choice, with a forecast like that and advice from the harbourmaster we simply had to postpone for the safety of all,” said Simon.
Organised for several years by Robert Excell, a sea bike enthusiast, last year four bikes took part racing across the bay from Torquay to Brixham Yacht club, with Simon winning in a time of just 56 minutes.
But this year paddle boarders and kayakers are being encouraged to race each other for the first time: “Paddleboarding has become such a big sport, and there aren’t many races for them in Torbay. We have also had interest from kayakers, so this is an opportunity for them all to go up against each other.
“It is a challenging race whether on a bike, on a board or in a kayak, but most of all it is fun,” said Robert.
All competitors will be asked to raise money for community bus services – an announcement about the number 60, which served Livermead and the St Lukes area of Torquay is expected in the next few weeks.
“Community bus services serve some of the, hilliest parts of the bay. A great many people rely on the services to get out and about. For some it is their only lifeline – their way of getting out of the house and socialising,” said Simon.
“‘We need to ensure that community bus services can be provided for those that most need them and we are hoping that this event will help make that a reality,” he added.
For more details and how to get involved contact Tracey Cabache on 01803 212638 or at traceycabache@torbaycdt.org.uk. There is no fee to take part, but competitors will be asked to raise sponsorship money for the cause from family and friends.
