The latest news from CW and Sustrans
October News
Farewell Joseph!
The gifted designer of the magazine and this site is sadly moving on to greener pastures, over the past 18 month's Joseph has totally overhauled the magazine, giving it a new, fresh look that has made it a breathtaking explosion of cycling action, he will be missed by all at the cycling world team, also our parent company CPL Media and we wish him all the best. Farewell Joseph!
Wight on
September 15th to 23rd sees a series of exciting cycling events for all ages and abilities, during the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival. There is something pretty much for everyone, and there are plenty of opportunities for exploring this microcosm of English downland and seaside independently. For the energetic there is The Hills Killer - an ATB event - and Cycle The Wight - a road circuit of the island; all sorts of short rides, lead and independent; and “Sink or Swim”, in which “cycling eccentrics” (alien concept, to me), attempt to pedal vessels of their own design across the River Medina. Have a look on www.sunseaandcycling.com
Bridge the Gap and Make the Link
Sustrans are pursuing £50 million to help build bridges, crossings and links over and around major obstructions to cycling: you can help by watching TV and voting. Find out more at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk This is big money for cycling, but there is competition. Connect2 needs you!
July News
Bravo Joseph!
Cycling World has a new website, thanks to the hard work of designer Joseph Wooldridge of CPL Media, the publishers. Development of the site will continue, but subscriptions can now be bought online along with single issues, and previews of Cycling World are available.
The Bicycle Treatment
Major investment in their cycle response unit has lead to St. John Ambulance winning a Cycling Development Award in the Transport for London Cycling Communities Awards. Seamus Kelly, Commissioner, London (Prince of Wales's) District, said that cycle units had treated patients at over forty London events, including the Notting Hill Carnival and the Flora London Marathon. The cycling medics are, of course, volunteers.
Bikes to Paris
Cycling from London to Paris or viceversa is rapidly becoming the fundraisers event of choice it seems. Two more charities seeking support for their work on this route are Help the Aged and Brake. Help the Aged's event runs from September 14th to 17th. Over the long weekend adistance of 300 kilometres will be, finishing with a celebratory dinner
before returning home. There is the usual entry fee and minimum sponsorship to raise. The striking feature of this ride is the attention paid to it being carbon neutral and ecofriendly: all emissions by support vehicles will be offset after the event. Further details of another very good cause can be found through www.helptheaged.org.uk/events, email events@helptheaged.org.uk or call 020 7239 1922. On a more individual note, Rebecca Crawley, a twenty -six year old social work student at Bedfordshire University, completed a three hundred mile ride to Paris from London, on behalf of BRAKE. BRAKE campaigns for road safety improvements, for education of road-users and, also, supports victims of road crashes. Rebecca, sadly, is supporting BRAKE for very personal reasons: her brother Neil was killed in road crash three years ago, leaving behind his wife, two very young children, and his loving family. “The gap in my life is unbearable and I still don’t think I’ve come to terms with the reality of never seeing my brother again. Doing this cycle ride and raising money for charity is my way of doing something and of celebrating Neil’s life.” Congratulations to Rebecca and power to the elbow of BRAKE. www.brake.org.uk for information.
May News
Calling All Cyclists
The new Highway Code does nothing to promote cycling or make the lot of the vulnerable road user better. There are elements that are potentially harmful to the cyclist. If you wish to register your diapproval there is still time to do so. A petition has appeared on the Downing Street website asking the Prime Minister to urge Parliament to reject the new Highway Code. It cannot, I am told, be amended. To register your support for this and, by implication, to express a desire for a Code that is not necessarily anti-car, but pro-cycling and other forms of sustainable transport visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
For years the car has been allowed to dictate to other road users, it is time that the Highway Code was used to start to redress the balance.
York Cycle Show 2007
Over 15,000 pedal cyclists from across the UK and beyond, will gather on York’s Racecourse, over the weekend of June 23rd & 24th, for the annual York Cycle Show. At the first York Cycle “Rally” in 1945, a few hundred pedallers gathered in a post-war celebration of cycling. Since then it has grown to become the country’s favourite cycle show, and this year it will celebrate its 63rd birthday. In the Trade and Exhibition marquees, the latest bargains in bikes, clothing and accessories will be on sale and display. Arena events will include championship racing, cycle polo, vintage bike displays and demonstrations.
The R.J.RideGuide stunt cycling show will be presented three times each day.. Organised social rides will leave the Racecourse on Saturday morning June 23rd, with distances to suit all abilities. Cycle Show visitors can join the thrill and challenge of bidding for a bargain bike in the Auction sale. Or visit the saddlebag sale - our version of a car boot sale - for those elusive bike bits. A series of Junior cycle challenge events, plus local entertainers will be on hand for younger visitors.
On Sunday June 24th , an 0900 cyclists’ service in York Minster will be followed at 0945, by a Grand Parade of some 2,000 cyclists, returning to the Racecourse, via the city centre.
Admission to most of the Show is free. Adult entry to the trade marquees will be by £2.50 event Programme (accompanied under 16’s free). Camping and caravan pitches are available, at the Racecourse, over the weekend.
Website and event contacts details at www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk
Contact Paul Hepworth York Cycle Show Committee. 01904 791700 (home) 07989 258586 (mobile)
Cycle the celebratory Sustrans Channel Challenge ................................................. . . . Sustrans, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, is challenging cyclists to join them on a week-long bike ride over 300 miles around the Bristol Channel this summer, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Sustrans Channel Challenge ride will set off from the charity's home city of Bristol on 29th June for the marathon trip and arrive back there on 7th July, to coincide with the official anniversary party in Castle Park.
The celebration ride will guide cyclists west from Bristol, over the 'old' Severn Bridge into south east Wales and on to Swansea, where a special chartered ferry will take participants across the channel to Ilfracombe on the west Devon coast. Riders will then make their way through Devon, Somerset and Bath before pedalling back into Bristol on the final day. Celebratory events and receptions will take place along the route to give the riders a warm welcome, or send-off.
The Celtic Trail provides the base for the Welsh section of the ride. The route takes in the breathtaking viaduct at Hengoed, then follows the stunning High Level route from Pontypridd to Neath, before dropping down to the coast and the seaside city of Swansea. There is an alternative start on day two of the ride, as a group of riders and Sustrans representatives visit the Senedd in Cardiff to thank the Welsh Assembly Government for their continued support. The group will then pedal along the Taff Trail to meet the main ride near Pontypridd.
Day four sees riders take a well-deserved break from the saddle with a trip across the Bristol Channel aboard a chartered ferry, and a few hours stop-over on the beautiful Lundy Island, before docking in Ilfracombe. Riders can choose to jump back on their bikes and explore this beautiful part of north Devon independently on day five, a rest day, or make the most of the stunning local beaches and relax.
The journey through the south west begins on the sixth day with a long ride from Ilfracombe to Tiverton, across Exmoor, on Routes 3 and 27. Riders then weave their way through Tiverton and Wells, with overnight stops in each, to reach Bath on Friday 6th July. On the final day riders take to the famous Bristol and Bath Railway Path for the last leg of the journey to arrive back in Bristol for the free 'Party on the Path' event in Castle Park.
John Grimshaw, Sustrans Chief Executive, said: "The Sustrans Channel Challenge is a unique anniversary ride and will certainly be an event to remember! The ride gives us a chance to thank people who have supported the charity over the past 30 years, and also highlight how important it is that people continue to support us over the next 30 years. With transport accounting for a quarter of all CO2 emissions it's vital that we all think about the effect the way we travel has on our health and the health of the planet and our work is as relevant today as it was when we begun in 1977."
Sustrans Channel Challenge has proved extremely popular with spaces for the full week's ride booking up fast, but there are still some spaces remaining. Each overnight stop is £25, which includes ride organisation, maps, camping accommodation, a light breakfast, luggage transfer and a special edition celebration ride t-shirt. The Lundy Island trip is £60, which includes all of the above plus a packed lunch and the boat trip to Lundy Island. For those not wanting to take part in the full ride, cyclists are welcome to join in for day rides, the cost is £10 for a guided ride, map and special edition ride t-shirt.
Anyone interested in booking a place on the full ride, or joining in for a day section, contact Vickie Robertson on 0117 915 0125 or vickie.robertson@sustrans.org.uk.
Further information about Sustrans, including other news releases and detailed online route mapping, is available through our website: www.sustrans.org.uk
Faversham Charity Bike Ride 2007 Sunday 6th May 11am, Recreation Ground
Come and take part in Faversham's yearly charity bike ride for young and old. Starting at the recreation ground at 11am, participants can sign up on the day, there are adult's and a children's also team catagory. The route goes down Plumford lane, past Wilgate Green and slingshots back around Belmont House to the recreation ground again, there are refreshments along the way, should be a brilliant day out.
By Tummel and Loch Rannoch
But not Lochaber will you go, unless you accidentally cross Rannoch Moor, which is just about impossible. Even if you have breath to carry on singing, your puff may be taken away by the scenery or the hills if you take part on what is being billed as the first mass participation closed road timed event in Britain. The route includes Pitlochry, Garry Bridge, along the north shores of Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch, to Bridge of Gaur, then back along the south side of Loch Rannoch before climbing over the shoulder of Schiehallion and dropping down to Keltneyburn. Thence through Fortinghall to Fearnan, on the shore of Loch Tay, across the Appin of Dull, passing Aberfeldy, and thence following the Tay before heading north to Pitlochry. This is spectacular country. I have
cycled it often and vouch for the fact that it is not a flat course. Indeed, there are numerous hills, especially that over the shoulder of Schiehallion. In bad weather the 83 miles and 2.000 metres of climbing will be a very serious
expedition. If you like the sound of it, there are 2,500 places. It takes place on Sunday June 24th. You will be
expected to be able to complete the milage in a maximum of seven hours, that is about 12 mph on average. Many will go much quicker and there will be seeding for the faster riders. To ride the full route you will have to fork out £49. A shorter 28 mile course is also proposed at an entry fee of £25. The event is organised by a new division of
the Quintus Group, who already promote various triathlon events. The roads will be open for free before and after the event, but then again, the cars will be bad. Information and entries at: www.EtapeCaledonia.co.uk
Coast to Coast 2007 (Norwood Challenge)
Capital to Coast, the London to Hove Charity Bike Ride,takes place on Sunday 15 July 2007 and is in its 12th year. It benefits four charities: Norwood, the Down’s Syndrome Association, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Southern FM’s Help A Local Child. Registration costs £20 for the full 60 mile rideand £15 for the 30 mile half ride. All participants should aim to raise a minimum of £200 sponsorship. It is a great family day out and is open to all ages.
The 60-mile ride begins at Esher College in Thames Ditton, Surrey, with a 30-mile alternative beginning at Haywards Heath. The beautifully scenic route to Hove will take you to the top of Devil’s Dyke where you’ll see the sparkling blue sea ahead of you as you approach the finish. The route is lined with experienced stewards, free refreshments and mechanical support all along the way. Coaches are available to transport you and your bike and parking is available at starting points. An average of around 1,500 riders take part each year, so there
is plenty of space on the road for everyone, and no gridlocked traffic on the way home to London. The ride is organised by Norwood, one of the UK’s leading charities, supporting children and families with learning
disabilities or coping with social difficulties. To register, call the Capital to Coast team on 020 8420 6944, email info@capitaltocoast.org.uk or log on to www.capitaltocoast.org.uk For information on all Norwood Challenges, including this year’s bike rides in Wyoming, Israel and Vietnam/Cambodia, contact the Challenges team on
020 8420 6834, email challenges@norwood.org.uk or visit www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
March/April News
Cycling Honours
There were New Years Honours for three men who have made major contributions to cycling. Founding member of the Veteran Cycle Club (whose members were, when I came across a group out riding a few years ago, keen to point out that it is the bikes that are veteran) and of the Fellowship of Cycling Old-Timers, Derek Roberts was awarded the MBE, for services to the History and Sport of Cycling. He is also amongst the most respected historians of cycling. Awarded the same honour was Thomas Lynch, ‘For Services to Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) Racing and to Ambulance Cycling’. Apparently, in tests in London, medical attention arrived most swiftly by bicycle. David Higman, curator of the National Cycle Museum was also awarded the MBE ‘For Services to the Tourist Industry in Wales’. The Museum is situated, thoroughly appropriately, in the ‘Automobile Palace’ in Llandrindod Wells. The exhibits, some 250 bicycles on display at any time as well as costumes, components and accessories, form the National Cycle Collection. This includes David's own
historic bicycle collection. Perhaps the citation should have recognised his dedication and commitment to keeping alive our cycling past. Congratulations go to all three.
Your Air Ambulance Needs You
You will probably never need it. As a regular cyclist you re likely to have a longer, healthier life than your sedentary contemporaries. Yet what chance of getting to hospital on our ever more congested roads from an out of the way spot? Air ambulances, which provide a vital service throughout the country, are supported by charitable donations and activities. The North-West Air Ambulance will be holding its second Cycle Challenge on May 13th at Tatton Park in Cheshire. There are two
rides; a five miler around the picturesque park and a forty miler. Entry will cost you ten pounds if you are over sixteen and five pounds if you aren't. Register your interest at www.northwestairambulance.co.uk or phone 0800 587 4570 during normal office hours. The air ambulance service in the north-west costs £1.3 million each year and serves a population of some seven million folk.
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February News
A fond farewell
The big news is, of course, that this issue of Cycling World has not been put together by Mark Jacobson, though he retains overall control. In the next couple of months Mark will be handing over to me, Stephen Dyster. Cycling World has made great strides forward under Mark's editorship: colour, improved format, more pages and more subscribers. We owe him many thanks. The good news is that Mark will be able to do more cycling and will continue to contribute articles. The finest thing about this magazine is that it is written by cyclists for cyclists. Several readers have told me that they feared the magazine would disappear. It hasn't and there is no reason why it should. Cycling is growing in many areas of the UK and much of this is in the sphere of leisure cycling and touring. Readers don't need to be told that we have the finest pastime in the world; I hope we can do our bit to encourage the growing number of cyclists, especially the younger ones. There can be few greater repositories of cycling knowledge and experience than the collective readership of Cycling World.
Well Done Eddie!
Eddie, a long-time contributor to CW, has recently been awarded a CTC Certificate of Merit for his services to the CTC DA and his literary works, whichinclude, of course, his writing over the years forCycling World. Congratulations, Eddie, your readers are pleased for you.
Sustrans
Sustrans claim that the vast majority of the population now lives within two miles of a Sustrans route and development goes on apace. Work has commenced on a new route into Belfast city centre, and a newly signed route through the Chilterns from Princes Risborough to Chesham, has been opened. This "new" route through the Chilterns mentioned above uses country lanes that were, presumably, there before they became a signed route. However, even the most experienced rider can appreciate signed routes and for the newcomer to cycling they are a great encouragement to get out and about, eventually to find routes of their own. On the other hand, the Comber Greenway, running from rural Comber to the centre of Belfast is traffic free. At an expected cost of £720 000 it will be completed by autumn 2008. This project is part of a the Lough and Land programme, aimed at enhancing facilities for cycists in County Down; a circuit of the Ards peninsular, with links to major towns and a route through Castle Ward, a fine National Trust property.
A Good Excuse and a Good Cause
Sustrans' Lon Las Cymru route has featured quite a bit in the pages of this magazine. If you are not yet convinced of its merits, supporting an organisation providing integrated programmes for children with cerebral palsy may give you the excuse you need. Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre in Wales give cerebral palsy sufferers and their families hope of real improvements in quality of life. So, why not join in a six day, 254 mile ride from Holyhead to Cardiff through some of the finest countryside wild Wales has to offer? As our reviewers mentioned, the route has its strenuous bits, but Wales in April will reward your efforts. You'll need to get cracking to raise sufficient sponsorship, but you'll be doing yourself and others a bit of good. Further information can be obtained from fundraising team at Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales on fundraising@bobathwales.org, 029 20522600 or visit www.bobathwales.org
Crown Estate
The Crown Estate at Dunster, in the Exmoor National Park, has published a leaflet describing waymarked walking and cycling routes in its 9900 acres. The cycing routes are short, from one to nine miles, but the scenery promises much. the leaflets describe a wide range of flora and fauna that might be seen, as well as points of historical interest. They are available from the Estate Office on 01643 821309 or from alvin.houchen@thecrownestate.co.uk or graham.smith@thecrownestate.co.uk
www.visitdunster.co.uk/walking-and-riding.html
Rum Nicky on the Tea Trail?
From Silloth to Cockermouth, Buttemere to Garsdale, eleven Cumbrian tea shops are on the Tea Trail. Cyclists, amongst others have been flocking to sample the local delicacies, such as Rum Nicky. A brochure can be downloaded from www.golakes.co.uk, if you like the idea of lots of cuppas and even more glorious scenery.Plan your own route through this beautiful and varied area. You can even buy the tea trail tee-shirt for £5, proceeds to conservation work. You don't have to cycle the trail, but what better way could there be to see Cumbria?
Further Afield: Algarve Coastal Eco-Road
Fancy a bit of springtime warmth in Portugal? In March a 214km touring route through the Algarve should be opened. Linking Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east with Cape St.Vincent in the west it is designed for all non-motorised transport. It will be properly surfaced throughout, with sections of compacted earth, cement and tarmac. Cobblestones are also promised. The route passes through all the main cities along the coast.Plans for an Interior Eco-Road are already underway. Joao Ferrao, Secretary of State "of the Ordination of the Territory" described it as "an exemplary project." Cycling sun-seekers can now mix a tour with hours on the beach and swimming in the clear blue sea. The big question is, how will they keep the ubiquitous scooters off it?
