Drum roll please… as we announce the Forge Rider of the Year 2022…
It’s…. SUE E!
Yeah Sue! Come and get your trophy and bask in the adulation of the assembled Forge massive, who voted you the No1 rider and all-round superstar.
The prestigious gong goes to the person who best embodies the spirit and ethos of our Club. Welcoming, friendly, ready to help, inclusive and fun; just a few of the attributes required. And Sue has them in abundance.
Crowned at our glittering, festive-filled Forge Christmas Party at The Norbiton Pub, Sue’s qualities of “caring and always being there” saw her bag the most votes.
Her fellow clubmates said she deserved the accolade because of her, “energetic and constant promoting of F1 riding, leading new joiners, taking in kit management and conquering Rocacorba”.
She was recognised for being “welcoming, enthusiastic, looking out for all the members, regardless of ability”. While she also showed, “unwavering commitment to intro riders with her effortless ability to welcome new and prospective members”.
Quite the well-deserved plaudits. Chapeau Sue.
And there were other winners on the night too with Bex C scooping the award for the Most Improved Rider. A relative newbie to the world of two wheels, her bike handing skills, fitness, speed, dedication and all-round improvement have been remarkable.
Sam D took the Inspiration of the Year award, as voted by the Forge Committee, for his awesome, mental and physical strength to not only get to race speed, but to then return from a very nasty accident at the Dragon Ride. And always with a smile.
Liam W was crowned Newcomer of the Year for his week-by-week improvement and general smashing demeanour.
Our jack-in-the-box Ironman Ruben, won the Ying and Yang award for blasting up Rocacobra one minute then nursing people up and down the same mountain the next.
Andrew T was a shoo-in for the Welcome to the 21st Century Award, for finally succumbing to the world of titanium frames (among his envied collection of steel steads.) But also for his super reliability and wonderful cycling routes. Who knows, next year he might even join Strava.
The No Drop Policy Award was nabbed by Father of the House, Simon N, for ditching Sue on the Ride London after 85 miles, claiming he had a crick in his neck from turning around so often to see if she was still on his wheel.
The Hangover of the Year Award was due to go to Pete D, but unfortunately illness meant he had to send his apologies.
And in among the fizz, the cheers, the claps and the frolics, Forge celebrated signing our 101st member, the now self-named Gabor101.
So here’s to 2023, to Forge and all who might want to join us. You’d be made feel very welcome, guaranteed.
