Grand Day Out 2026
The club’s summer long ride returned on Saturday for its fourth and most ambitious edition, delivering a day of riding, sunshine, gorilla spirit and a very popular barbecue. With two routes on offer for the first time, a broader cross‑section of the club turned out making this year’s Grand Day Out the largest yet.
Two Routes, One Grand Day
This year saw the introduction of the Gorilla’s Summer Excursion, a 100km option designed to welcome more riders into the Grand Day Out experience. The shorter route was well attended and brought out many riders who haven’t traditionally taken part in the longer challenge.
The original 200km Grand Day Out remained popular, with 25 entries and for the first time a 100% completion rate. The Summer Excursion saw 20 entries, 19 starters and 18 finishers. Both groups rolled in to Whitlocks End with tired legs, big smiles and waving brevet cards to receive their finishers patch.
A barbecue Worth Finishing For
The day culminated at Old Yardleians Rugby Club for the Summer BBQ which was open to all club members (whether they rode or not), partners and families. The venue proved to be a very suitable choice, offering plenty of space, a relaxed atmosphere and a great setting for riders to chill after the ride.
The volunteer food team once again delivered a brilliant spread. Catherine leading the food prep with Ava and Emma, Eugene on grill duty and Emma providing her baked treats.
A Successful Template for the Future
With strong attendance and an excellent atmosphere, this year’s Grand Day Out has set the standard for future GDO events. Offering multiple ride lengths clearly worked, the venue was more than suitable, and the combination of ride plus social BBQ created exactly the kind of friendly, community‑focused vibe the club strives for.
This format will now become the general template for the future and we’ll continue to refine and improve it each year.
Thank You
A huge thankyou to the volunteers, and riders for turning out and making the day a success. Events like this only happen because people give their time and energy, and the club is stronger for it.
Here’s to an even better Grand Day Out in 2027.
Neil.
