Health and Wellbeing event- Reading University

I really enjoy the camaraderie that surrounds being a cyclist - on my commute in, it's nice to see familiar faces as they pass by, with either a nod or a wave, even though they are surreptitiously checking out what you're riding! No harm in that, as I'm guilty as the next person! We do have one chap that refuses to acknowledge anyone - all I can say to Mr. Head Down is, "Look up and around you, you maybe pleasantly surprised!"
I have spent the whole day at Reading University at a Health and Wellbeing event for the employees. Needless to say I cycled with all my CTC promo material in my trailer, only to find very little cycle parking!
I met with quite a few cyclists that were interested in forming a BUG and spoke to Head of HR regarding the cycle to work scheme - all good. Concern was expressed over cycle security as most people were anxious about having their bike stolen from the campus - from what I can understand, this happens with alarming regularity. I must pop in and see the PSCO's at Cemetery Junction to see what, if anything, can be done.
I managed to sign up 10 participants for some free cycle training and as the event is over the next 2 days - who knows, maybe more will take up the opportunity?

Spring is here.....!

It's amazing what a day or two can bring - the park is a totally different environment today. As I cycled through this morning, I realised the cherry blossom had come out and the leaves are almost emerging from their buds. Also, is it just me - or are there more cyclists on the roads in Reading? Great to see though, as they make their way to work or school.
Today we have another Cycling for Health session in the park and stadium - a great morning for it too. We had a mixture of returning participants and a lady who was hoping to take up cycling again after many years. She had a great time and promises to be back after the Easter break.

A first for Reading - All ability cycle workshop

Reading hosted CTC's first All Ability Cycle Workshop today. I was in Reading early to set up the venue and to meet and greet the 15 or so delegates - though I have to put my hands up and say that I was very lucky to have a lift in this morning, with the bike in the back of the car for the journey home!
The hall at the Park United Reformed Church was our chosen venue, which is on the edge of the Palmer Park - so really convenient for those wanting to try my disability bikes later on in the day.
People arrived on time, full of enthusiasm. There was a mix of CTC members, trade and professionals. The group discussed a variety of topics:

• Disability section of the CTC website,
  
• A survey to members to see how many are living with a disability/impairment.
  
• Campaigning for the bicycle to become a recognisable mobility aid, which would help greatly on public transport.
  
• The group plan to meet twice a year
  
• Disability Conference in 2010.

A very productive day had by all - though ended on a sad note as one of my colleagues had their bike stolen from just outside the church! (Sorry Nigel!)

No Cycling today!

Today's Cycling for Health maintenance session has been cancelled - the instructor who usually takes the class is away in Birmingham on a cardiac related educational course.
So today I've been sorting out the container and doing a few running repairs on one of the duets - wheelchair bike. Whilst doing this, I noticed that we have a pair of Sparrowhawks nesting on one of the mobile phone aerials. Slightly distracted by the coming and goings of the parent birds and the noise of the youngsters - I watched for a while as they took it in turns to feed them.
Such skillful birds on the wing and a poor unsuspecting pigeon became brunch for the family!
What a sight - certainly made my day, well that and my usual cycle ride in!

Cycling for Health - session 2

The weather was a stark contrast from last week and I knew myself after cycling in, today's session would be hard work for the participants. The rain and wind didn't deter the new cyclists, many of which turned up 15 minutes early and all had dressed appropriately. After a gentle warm up, a couple of the ladies ventured out into the park - whilst the others chose to have their laps timed. We're hoping to see the time reduce over the coming weeks. Needless to say, I didn't capture any photos, but will when the Spring sunshine re-appears.......?

CTC wins £2.5 million

It was announced today in 'Cycle' - CTC's bi-monthly magazine, that we have won £2.5 million Department for Transport grant to roll out a package of activities at getting more children cycling, in partnership with ContinYou and UK Youth. The initiative will be called Bike Club and the scheme will provide opportunities outside of the main school day for children to cycle. Fantastic news and great to be a part of a growing organisation - 8 new development officers across England. What it means for Reading, isn't known as yet, but please check back here to see what regions they will be working in.

U3A members battle with the weather!

Members of Reading's U3A battled with the blustery weather conditions today and around half a dozen enthusiastic participants enjoyed cycling around Palmer Park. This time of year the park is coming to life with Spring flowers, the trees are beginning to bud and the birds are busy picking up nesting material.
The session runs for an hour and the new cyclists have full use of a wide range of bikes - from mainstream bikes to trikes and we even had one of the older participants having a turn on the hand crank cycle (not an easy task in perfect weather conditions!)
All in all, a successful session. U3A Cycle Club meet on every 4th Wednesday of the month at Palmer Park - 14:00 to 15:00.

Cycling for Health - 10 week course

Last Thursday (19th March) saw the start of Reading's first Cycling for Health Course.
This course will last for 10 weeks and we have participants that have been referred by their GP via "Pathway" - Sport Reading's health referral initiative.
The 8 participants are taking part for various reasons and thoroughly enjoyed themselves cycling around Palmer Park Stadium - all promising to come back this Thursday and to sign up for the led rides later on in the course! I'll also post some photos of them all in action. Fingers crossed that the fine Spring weather continues..........