The Cowsey

One of the biggest challenges I have found to date is, to engage with the residents of South Reading. After a failed attempt to roll out some cycling for health sessions - no take up at all! And not one for giving up, I decided to try another form of attack and got myself invited to a Friends of Cowsey meeting. The Cowsey is a great green space in South Reading that is used predominately by the odd dog walker and youths dabbling in some anti-social behaviour! The meeting was very positive and the group was only too delighted to have the opportunity to get young children and their parents to use the Cowsey - albeit in a respectful way. A funding application has gone in and if successful, will allow the footpaths/cycle paths to be upgraded. The long-term aim is to get a waymarked cycle path, that will take in the conservation work that has been carried out - bird and bat boxes, bird feeders etc. I am hoping that it may well bring out budding environmentalists that will want to preserve this under utilised space. However, the short term goal is to work with targeted families and put on "A bring your bike and picnic"event in the summer holidays. Something to look forward to....

While the cat's away.......

I really enjoy Wednesdays - I have a late session in Reading and it frees up some time to spend at home.
Today, I took the advantage of being home alone for 2 days, (my partner is working away) to bring my work stand into the kitchen and carry out some necessary work on one of my bikes! Well, it's not as bad as riding my turbo trainer in the sitting room in front of the TV and sweating profusely on the antique rug! Thankfully those days are behind me, having given up time trialling a couple of years ago!
I replaced a tyre that had perished, a bar tape that was looking worse for wear and flicked through the gears. The "said" items were purchased at the CTC shop at a discounted rate. We have just changed suppliers, see here for more details.

Later on in the afternoon the Accessible Cycle Club was well attended. We're almost at max capacity and I may well have to put on another session in the week. Good news that the club is now affiliated to the CTC and it now enjoys the benefits that is associated with membership.

CEO of The Limbless Association gets his ride

About a week ago I received an email informing me of a Charity ride taking place on the 14th June and of a request for help. One of the participants of the ride is Ray Edwards - the CEO of the Limbless Association and he has found himself without a bike to use. Now, Ray is a quad amputee and requires a side by side tandem - he'll be riding 15 miles with a friend who is also an amputee, which is pretty impressive given the weight of the bike. CTC as you know, is in a very fortunate position as we are becoming one of the biggest disability cycling providers in the UK and as a consequence we have a number of adapted bicycles.
So, during my meeting this afternoon, I made an immediate call to my colleague Clive Andrews, who has very kindly offered to lend Ray the side by side tandem that he has at Alice Holt.
In return, CTC will get mentioned in any press releases/radio interviews surrounding the event and I have been invited to have a stand to promote my work in Reading and of course the benefits of membership.

To find out more about the ride, please see here.

A morning at Reading Town Hall

I have spent the morning attending Sport Reading's service planning day at Reading Town Hall. We went through the strategic objectives for the department and what was required from CTC as a partner organisation.
There was also a team building element to the day and it was a good opportunity to get to know people out of the office environment.
The Sport Reading Team are a very young dynamic workforce and work furiously to roll out physical activity to the Borough of Reading. They all have ambitious targets stretching before them for the year, but all of them are very positive that these will be achieved.

In the afternoon I have been tying up a few loose ends for Bike Week and the associated marketing material around it.

So pleased the rain has stopped and it looks like we're in for a pleasant evening. I'm off to check my new water butts - since installing them, I have become obsessed with the amount of water they collect... Hmm? Sad but true!

Ramblings from Great Missenden

Well, the plan today was to explore the Chiltern hills on foot - as the old saying goes " a change is as good as a rest!"I was thankful that the sun shone continuously and as I made my way from Great Missenden over to Ballinger, I noticed the trees and hedgerows in full bloom. It certainly is a lovely part of the world. The hills dipped and rolled, with flint-built farms nestling in the hollows and woods on the skyline - such beautiful countryside to walk in.

The red kites can be seen on the buffeting winds: since their reintroduction almost 20 years ago, we now have around 300 pairs thriving and successfully breeding.

One thing I've realised when exploring the countryside on foot, it's all so easy to relish the beauties of the landscapes, but it's good to glance down once in a while and to take note of what's flowering around your feet - in this instance it was bluebells, cowslip and the foxgloves were almost ready to burst!

It's nice to see the world from a different prospective - I wouldn't have necessarily seen these things on a bike and after 8 miles or so, my legs were really feeling it! So to drop into St Peter and St Paul church in Great Missenden for a well earnt cream tea, rounded the day off very nicely and I'm now ready for the week ahead.....!

Bikeability comes to Reading

After many years of running the old fashioned Cycling Proficiency test, some of the Reading schools will be offered the new Bikeability cycle training- the 21st Century version! Working together with CTC, the Transport Department at Reading Borough Council successfully applied for some funding and now have money available to train Bikeability to 500 children in years 5,6 and 7.
This is fantastic news and hopefully this pilot scheme will be the start of things to come and may well see the old course phased out. The training will start after the next half term and in September. Please see videos below:

Well, the weather forecast isn't too good for the weekend - though I guess that means donning the waterproofs so not to miss out on any riding and that's exactly what I have in mind. So, have a good one and until the next time.......

CTC - a broad church....!

The face of CTC has changed dramatically over the last couple of years - we have doubled our workforce and we now have 15 or so people working in the field. With further funding imminent, that figure will increase by 10 or so, when Bike Club is launched.

At the heart of the CTC we have our 60,000 members, but we also have the Charity arm that works for the greater good of cycling and a very dynamic Campaigning team, working on some very exciting projects. Please see here for CTC's New Vision for Cycling

SO

Regardless of your age or ability, CTC would like to invite you to join our family of cyclists. Off road or on road, seasoned cyclist, beginner or commuter CTC has something for you. If you simply want to get you or your family back in shape, meet new people or tour the UK countryside, your local CTC group can help.
With a wealth of local knowledge, a strong appreciation of the countryside and a focus on the social side of cycling, you’ll be surprised at what we have to offer. Apart from the social and health benefits, CTC members enjoy:-

FREE £10m third party insurance
a bi-monthly cycling magazine and weekly email newsletter
an invitation to over 1000 cycling events each year
route and touring information
technical and product advice
cycle-related legal advice
discounts on many cycling products
access to CTC holidays and tours

Hey,you know it makes sense and with the increasing petrol costs after the budget and the health benefits that surround cycling, it really is a good time to cycle more. To join this great movement please see here.

What should've been a sedate commute in...

During my commute this morning, I was nearly hit by a farmers vehicle whilst cycling on the A4. I always adopt a fairly prominent position on the road - just over a metre from the curb. This ensures that the car has to signal and move out to pass me. Well, that's the theory and that didn't happen on this occasion. The driver indicated and squeezed passed me and the oncoming traffic. The worse bit was yet to come - he had a piece of farm machinery on a trailer that was much wider than his landrover. The "said" piece of machinery skimmed by my right ear with an inch to spare. So I say to Mr Landrover, "please spare a thought for those who actively travel as I'm not ready to have the Van Gogh effect quite yet and I will continue to choose my bike over the tin box any day!! "

However, in the office I have spent my time, emailing details of a ride I've organised on the 23rd May. I'm pleased to say my database is growing and hopefully we'll see lots of participants turn up on the day. For more information please see here. It promises to be a fun and traffic free ride - so, do come along?

Riding fixed...

I think riding fixed for commuting is ideal - that is, when you have mastered the technique of getting the pedal set in the correct position before pushing off.I have lost count the amount of times I haven't quite got it right and have done a "hop,skip and a jump" to get going - and I must say the Reading drivers have been very patient, well that is when they've stopped laughing! It makes you think ahead more and I guess it saves on maintenance. I love the way the bike reminds you, of who's boss and gives you a nudge in the saddle area, if for a nano second you stop pedalling!!
But the biggest positive is, that it really makes you appreciate your freewheeled/geared bike when you ride it!
Today I rode my fixie to a meeting in Aldermaston - totally 45miles with my short commute. At the end of it I certainly felt tired, but came back pleased at how the meeting went at AWE (the Atomic Weapons Establishment). The site is enormous and employees are encouraged to use the pool bikes to get around. I will be linking them up with a local instructor who will deliver 2 days cycle training and will be advising a group of employees of how to start a BUG and a MTB group.

An unusual use of carbon fibre!

The weather at the weekend was just superb and leant itself to any outdoor activity - I cycled off- road on Saturday and walked on Sunday. I also spent some time helping my friend's son buy his first road bike - any excuse to check out new gear at cycle shops! We went in one shop who was a Trek Stockist and we got the obligatory speech regarding, "If it's good enough for Lance Armstrong, then it's good enough for anyone! (Though can't quite see Lance riding to victory on a £500 bike!) Oh and by the way did you know, that after his accident, Lance has had a carbon fibre collarbone fitted - courtesy of Bontrager?" So needless to say I went home and checked it out on the internet and was almost taken in, when I noticed the date on the press release - 1st April! Nice try and I'm still wondering whether the guy in the shop thinks it's for real....? To read the story, see here.

Today was a day for nailing the marketing material for Bike Week - we have some big events at the start of May and need the flyers and posters available to give out. I'm really excited about working with an external design agency as they have some cycling great images we can use.

I also met with one of the Healthy Workplace Challenge companies to discuss their cycling requirements and activities through the month of June - active travel month. All good and I'm hoping they will engage throughout Bike Week and have gone off to consider some cycle training for their employees.

CTC Head Office for the day

More training in store today and I was also requested to attend the monthly staff and team meeting at CTC's Head Office in Guildford.
Having spent a couple of years working there - it's always great to go back and see old colleagues....! The staff meeting is a general catch up of all departments and usually has an element of training attached to it. Today was " membership" and the various types available. It was a good session and a good heads up for us all, as the face of CTC is changing and it's paramount we all move with it!
The Development Officers working in the South then had a meeting to discuss the cycle festivals we are planning for Bike Week and the marketing material associated with that. Good to bounce ideas and a well worth session.
The journey home on the dreaded M25 was awful and made me realise how lucky I am not to be doing that on a regular basis! Oh, and how I love my cycle commute!

The weather forecast for the weekend promises to be good - I'm going to swing my leg over my mountain bike and hit the trails around the Chilterns - Happy cycling!

An away day...

Today saw me in Birmingham with other CTC colleagues - we were booked in for some appraisal training. It is good to see CTC fully committed to the future development of their staff and it was great to hook up with those who work at Head Office again.
The day was very interesting and as the rain fell in Birmingham, I was wondering how well attended my cycle sessions would be back in Reading - I'd left 2 of my Sport Reading colleagues in charge and I received a text to say that all had gone well!
We were surprised not to see any cyclists on the roads in Birmingham - though the tricky one way system may have something to do with it, well that and the 20 mph speed limit that wasn't be adhered too....!
The journey from High Wycombe was seamless and only took 80 minutes or so - Chiltern Railways have a good provision for cyclists on their trains and recently Thame & Haddenham Station won an award for cycle parking.
Overall, a good day had by all.........

A day in the office

The picture to the left isn't really my office - but you get the general idea! I was in the office early today preparing for my monthly meeting with my CTC line manager and to catch up with the Big Lottery paperwork associated with the Cycle Champions project.
My monthly meeting is 2 hours well spent - going over potential projects, budgets and targets for the coming months. We generally bounce around various suggestions and we've usually got some pretty innovative ideas at the end. Good news - the BMX idea got the thumbs up and I will now forge ahead will the plans.

The Accessible Cycle Club took place as usual and I was pleasantly surprised to see 21 participants turn up - all eager to cycle the full hour. The cost of the session has gone up by 10p to £2.50 but it doesn't seem to have deterred people. The Club will soon be affiliated to the CTC and will receive all the perks associated with that.

Back from the Easter break....

...... and I've hit the ground running! A busy day of meetings. The first being over at the newly refurbished BMX track at Waterloo Meadows - still not quite finished, as the contractor is still on site tying up a few loose ends. Though what a fantastic facility not far from the centre of town and on the doorstep for Whitley residents, with a great Community Centre attached to it. I'm hoping to organise some workshops as part of the launch and will add more information on the blog as and when the details are finalised.
I then popped over to check out the BMX track at Longbarn Lane - beginners track that is screaming out for attention and I understand an application for funding is in process, so it can be extended.
So, 2 great facilities where I hope I will engage the "next generation of cyclists" in Reading to use whilst I'm here for the next 3 years?
On my way to my next meeting I swung by the PSCO's office at Cemetery Junction to see if they would interested in taking part in the Cycle Festival - security marking of bikes. I also took the opportunity to let them know the increase of cycle thefts in and around the area. I was told that the police were handing out free D-locks and they were going to check to see if any were left for me to give away through Bike Week.

I then attended a NHS roadshow at the Pakistani Community Hall near Palmer Park - a great opportunity to let them know what was going on in East Reading in the way of cycling. When I arrived a group of men had gathered for their weekly lunchtime meeting and I was able to hand out leaflets and chat about my sessions over at the stadium. Who knows maybe 1 or 2 of them may just decide to join the cycling for health sessions.....?

Don't leave home without the essentials!

I broke the cardinal rule this morning - though didn't realise until I had climbed the huge hill out of High Wycombe, I had left my change of trousers in the airing cupboard and it was absolutely chucking it down! Hmm? If the rain continued I'd be sitting in damp clothes all day - nice! So I decided to catch the train from Bourne End and realised what a nice change it made. I even met a fellow cyclist that had done the same thing! We exchanged a few words about our respective commutes and he then very politely asked if he could lean his bike on mine - which of course I said "no problem" but inside I was saying, "I'm sorry, you want to do WHAT? I've just had this baby resprayed and I'd rather you didn't in case you chipped the paintwork!" Anyway, all was OK and I needn't of worried as we had to move them to let more passengers in! My close friends and colleagues will know that I'm very precious regarding my bikes....!I got to Reading at the same time as I would've if I'd cycled all the way and the time on the train had dried my clothes out, so it was a good call.
The 4th session of the Cycling for Health course went well and the participants enjoyed themselves despite the inclement weather. I waved them off wishing them a Happy Easter and that I was looking forward to catching up with them next week......

Happy cycling!

Some visitors arrive...

Well, the much promised rain never arrived and I decided to cycle part way in, leaving my car in Maidenhead. It was too nice a morning not to swing my leg over the bike and pedal the 10 miles or so to Palmer Park. On arriving, the park was busier than usual - some travellers had decided to park up for the Easter break (who can blame them, it looks great this time of year!) Unfortunately, though this usually means the police get involved in moving them on and there's much hysteria around locking things up! I must say, I get pretty angry when I hear such things. Oh well, such is life and such is stereotyping! Hmm? Maybe I could offer them a cycling session?

The Accessible Cycle Club met as usual and the kids and their parents had a hoot! One of the parents very kindly bought some cake for us all to share - it really is beginning to have that "Club" feel to it now.

Bike Week meeting.......

Bike Week - 13th June - 21st June

Wow! Bike Week '09 promises to be a huge success - with a bumper list of activities planned,we should hopefully see lots of people taking to their bikes.
Today was the 2nd meeting with numerous partners attending. We worked through the list of events and the marketing plan. So far we have following:

• The week leading up to Bike Week, we are going into 5 schools and delivering a 'try cycling experience'. Approx 1000 children are expected to take part.
• Free Wheel- critical mass cycle ride from Palmer Park to Prospect Park (13 June)
• Family Cycle Festival at Prospect Park (13th June)
• Cyclocross event
• Family led rides
• Cyclists breakfast
  
• On/off road ride for beginners
• Cycling for Health sessions
• Cycle session for adults with learning disabilities
• Free 'My Ride' taster sessions at Palmer Park Gym
• Time Trial - come and try event
• Accessible Cycle Club event

Phew - as you can see, so much planned already. Please check back here next month for the final details....!

The week a head....

Combined with the Bank Holiday at the end of the week and my cardiac health referral instructor being away on holiday and no-one to fill her shoes, it is going to be a quiet week regarding cycling for health. But fortunately the other sessions will take place as a usual.
I'm going to take advantage of the quiet period and book some bikes in for repair at the local bike shop - Cyclezone. The bikes are in use daily and have seen many miles and it's important to keep on top of things regarding maintenance and safety. I'll also do an inventory on parts etc and re-order what's needed too.

NCP employees get Bikeability training

A few weeks ago I had a call from a manager of NCP - he was hoping to take advantage of some free cycle training. The employees were parking enforcement officers and as they have to cover a lot of ground on foot, the decision had been made that everyone would be given a company bike. So cycle training/confidence was part of the company's risk assessment.
The participants all turned up promptly and went through Level 1 before going out onto the roads to do Level 2. By the end of the 4 hour session they were all riding confidently and competently. We all cycled back to Palmer Park for a well deserved drink and snack before parting company. So you have been warned - be careful where you park your car, as we now have some very nifty enforcement officers that are a dab hand at cycling!!

See videos clips below for Bikeability training.....

Can't believe it's Friday.....!

Time has just flown by this week - it's been a full week of meetings and sessions. I've met with various potential partners this week and have hopefully scoped out some exciting projects for the next year. There will be more to follow - so please do continue to check back soon, where hopefully I can announce more.....?

Have a great weekend and happy cycling!

Sense returns after winter!

I was very pleased to see the return of participants that live in a residential home in Reading, that is supported by the charity - Sense. With the winter months behind us and the better weather to look forward to, I was delighted to take a phone call to say they would be back on the 2nd April.
I pulled the 2 duets out of the container and met up with them in the park - after a quick reminder of all the controls, they were off cycling around the park for the hour.

Sense is the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind. They provide expert advice and information as well as specialist services to deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them. Also supporting people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities.

The sun shines for Everybody Active

What a lovely day for cycling - it really doesn't get any better! The Everybody Active session is for adults with learning disabilities and is on every Wednesday at Palmer Park. Lots of participants turned up this morning and enjoyed cycling around the stadium.
Later on in the day saw members of the Accessible Cycle Club take to their bikes in and around the park. This session is on every Wednesday too, at Palmer Park - 17:15 to 18:15 and costs just £2.50. For more information on both, please see here: www.ctc.org.uk/reading