Friday 26 June 2009

I'll send you a postcard.......

In what is my first proper break since Christmas - I am taking next week off to recharge the old batteries!
However, I'm not bound for the Alps or indeed Monaco to see Lance Armstrong make his comeback! Yep, you've guessed it - I'm at home in sunny Great Missenden! I'm really looking forward to actually spending some time with my partner in our lovely cottage. It certainly feels an age ago since we last did that- apart from the odd day here or there!
We've got some nice things planned, the odd bike ride and walk, but very importantly catching up with some old friends!
I may swing by the blog and post some of my ramblings from the beautiful Chilterns- but until I'm next in Reading......

Happy cycling and get those miles in.......!

Thursday 25 June 2009

Victory salute.....!

I rode my commute a little later today and as a consequence I saw lots of school children cycling the path that runs along the A4 - it was nice to see!
One little chap, who was cycling on his own, decided to sprint for the next lamp post, which culminated in the most elaborate victory salute I'd ever seen- very Robbie McEwen-esque! I had a chuckle to myself and it certainly made my morning.
Hopefully he'll remember to tune in to Le Tour on the 4th July or better still, he could be the next Mark Cavendish?

Wednesday 24 June 2009

A day in the office

What a lovely day and I spent most of it in the office - I'm not complaining as I've been out and about so much lately, it really made a nice change! Great to catch up with my colleagues and to get up to speed on what's going on within their projects. A few of us grabbed a sarnie in the park at lunchtime for a general gossip though!
My 'to do' list was as long as my arm - write press release for BMX Club launch and design flyer for 'said' event, write Big Lottery report and interview a potential volunteer....!
Remind me - how many hours are in the working day.....?

The good news is - I caught up with 2 of Reading Cycle Campaign committee members to discuss the campaigning issue that occurred at the end of Bike Week. It was a very satisfactory meeting- we managed to draw a line under the situation and I our working relationship is now back on track. Great!

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Cycling makes you feel good......!

Today I took a dozen bikes over to Prospect Park with the view of taking a group of patients from Prospect Park Hospital on a led ride.
I had been warned due to the very nature of any mental health issues, that people may not turn up on the morning.
Well, this was the case and we only had 2 women turn up, but nevertheless we went as planned and made our way to the Kennett & Avon tow-path.
Although a little nervous about getting on a bike and riding the 4 miles, plus the anxiety issues they usually deal with on a day to day basis, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and asked if they could do a regular session - fantastic news!
I will make the necessary arrangements for this to take place.
I'm so pleased that cycling made them feel good and that they want to do more and I was blown away when one of the women told me, as of last year she hadn't been out of the house for 30 years and she couldn't believe what she had just achieved. Neither could I - well done!

Monday 22 June 2009

BMX project gets the thumbs up - finally!

My persistence and constant nagging has finally paid off........
Some good news- I finally got clearance from all concerned regarding the BMX project at Waterloo Meadows. So, with the thumbs up on the project I have just ordered the container, 6 new racing specific BMX's and have booked some coaches for the big launch on the 27th/28th July. There will be an open invite for children and adults alike to participate in some "free" BMX coaching sessions and if that's not quite your thing, then there will be also an opportunity to take a bike along the tow-path and discover the delights of the Kennett & Avon canal!
I am in the process of marketing the event and will let you know how to book on in the next couple of days.

Friday 19 June 2009

When to campaign and when NOT to.....

Imagine my disappointment when picking up the latest issue of Get Reading and not seeing any of the Bike Week events? Strange, as we had lots of photographers turn up to various rides and I had been interviewed on numerous occasions. Unfortunately they decided to run a full page article on a press release sent in by Reading Cycle Campaign regarding some changes the Council are doing to one of the cycle routes.
Now, working for the CTC and being a keen cyclist I know how important it is to campaign and I would never advocate otherwise.
But to run such a negative campaign through Bike Week has totally undermined my project and its objectives.
Never mind that we managed to get around 700 cyclists' on bikes during the week and that all the events were well attended - well up on last year and not a word about it in the paper.....!
How disappointing is that?
I'm hoping to sit down with the Chair of Reading Cycle Campaign next week to discuss the way forward on their future campaigning strategy and the impact that it will have on my work in Reading.
I'll be in Broad Street tomorrow manning one of the cycle promotion stands - do swing by and see me?
In the meantime though, enjoy what's left of Bike Week.....?

Thursday 18 June 2009

Free breakfast......!

Around 20 hungry cyclists' turned up at the Hexagon today for a free breakfast - pastries and very strong filter coffee. It was a nice way to start the working day where we all chatted about cycling and acquiring the most important cycling accessory - CTC membership. All participants were given a membership leaflet - come on, you know it makes perfect sense!
I then had to scoot back to Palmer Park to deliver back to back sessions.
Alafia, a group of Asian women who are booked in for 6 weeks and the engineering company - Jacobs, who are a Healthy Workplace Challenge Company and wanted to participate for Bike Week.
A healthy turnout for both sessions was terrific to see and I'm very positive that Jacobs will be back for a regular session.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

National Office takes to their bikes!

Every year CTC National Office arranges a bike ride during Bike Week - being the National Cyclists' Organisation I suppose that's a given really!
This year we rode the Downs Link from Guildford to Slinfold - grabbing a pub lunch and a drink or 2 before heading back. Some of us retraced our steps - though Gwenda and I headed towards the coast by mistake! Some caught the train and the hard core roadies hit the tarmac back to Guildford.
It was great to catch up with all the news and have a general natter.
All in all, a fab day - Thanks for your company!

Tuesday 16 June 2009

A perfect day....!

Well, I can honestly say my job can not get any better!
Today I had organised a led ride from Green Park followed by a free BBQ lunch by the lake.
In the past we've always had trouble engaging both the employees of Green Park and the residents living in the surrounding area - so I wasn't too optimistic.
I arrived at 11:45 to see a gathering of around 9 riders and within 10 minutes this had grown to 20! It was a group of mixed abilities and we soon split them into 2 groups - faster and the not so fast! We promptly got underway at 12 noon, but was soon to be joined by a group of lads who had just finished their exams and wanted a blast on their bikes - and a free lunch! They were a great bunch and one even rode the 7 miles on his BMX and 2 brothers had borrowed the family tandem. It was just great to see all ages and all abilities getting on so well. So our raggedy peloton had reached a grand total of 30 and at the end of the ride we all tucked into a fantastic lunch by the lake - Thanks to Mike Brazell for the loan of bikes and the yummy food.
We'll be back.....!


Monday 15 June 2009

Radio star....!

No peace for the wicked - I had to be in Reading early this morning for a live interview on BBC Berkshire. (Get me...! TV on Saturday and today the radio!)
My brief was to talk about Bike Week and the activities planned, we also touched on the OY Bike hire scheme that is in place in Reading. It went very well - I was pretty nervous and had to make the obligatory emergency loo visit beforehand! But I needn't have worried and it's good to get some air time for CTC and my project.

With half an eye on the weather - the forecast promised heavy rain and a thunderstorm around 5pm. I prepared for the Healthy Workplace Challenge Cycle Relay event. We had 4 businesses signed up and they all had fun using the all ability bikes at Palmer Park. The winning team went home with a £10 cycle accessory voucher each and everyone was given a water bottle for participating.

Saw lots of people on bikes in Reading and have had lots of enquiries for the week ahead - so a positive response and long may it continue.....?

Saturday 13 June 2009

Bike Week '09 is here.....!

....... to all take to your bikes this week and join in the fantastic range of events, that myself and various working partners have put on.
Please see here for more details.

Today Bike Week was launched in style - around 50 cyclists' gathered at Palmer Park for the 'Freewheel' over to Prospect Park and it was great to see so many new faces. Though I'm looking forward to next year having a greater number of cyclists and later in the morning, to maximise the effect on the road....!

The sun shone for Reading Family Cycle Festival and around 300 participants took part in the 'try cycling' session. It had a great atmosphere and it was wonderful to have such positive feedback from everyone passing by my stand. My next task is to get these new cyclists signposted to my various sessions - I'm sure after today, their love for the bike has grown?

I really hope that like me, you all enjoyed yourselves?

So, have a fab weekend - I'm about to open a very nice bottle of wine and put my feet up for a while....!

Friday 12 June 2009

Luz Ardiden versus NCN4 Reading...!

I can now say that I have something in common with Lance Armstrong - no, I haven't climbed Alpe d'Huez in 37 mins 36secs! (I wish!)
I'm sure most of you will remember the fateful day - Stage 15 to Luz Ardiden, when a fan's musette hooked onto his handlebars and he came crashing down like a bag of spuds...!
Well, cycling along the NCN 4 in New Town, I encountered the same problem. It is a shared path and I had slowed up for the pedestrians, but unfortunately my handlebars snagged the bag of a passer by. It all happened SO quickly and there was nothing I could do to avoid it and the next thing I knew I was rolling around the floor at her feet....! (not a good look!)
Uninjured, but a tad embarrassed - I got up to inspect the bike for damage and I am pleased to report it's clean bill of health! The woman in question was very apologetic and admitted she had been swinging her bag around.
Ho-hum, I continued my journey without any other hic-cups, but it has re-confirmed my dislike of shared pathways......!
And to the cyclist who hung around to make sure I was OK - Thanks, you were very kind!

Thursday 11 June 2009

Last minute preparations

I have spent the morning at Prospect Park - taking over the CTC stand and material, in preparation for the Cycle Festival on Saturday.
The long range forecast is looking good - though I would pretty much accept any weather other than rain....! So, fingers crossed the sun will shine and lots of people will attend?

A gentle reminder of what's going on......

  • Freewheel from Palmer Park Stadium to Prospect Park - 09:00
  • Cycle Festival at Prospect Park - 10:00 to 16:00

At the festival there will be some great bikes to try out, cycle promotion stands, bike mechanic, face painter,family led rides and some sport 'try out' sessions.

It would be great to see you on the day - so look out for the 4 page supplement in tomorrow's Reading Evening Post, detailing all the activities for the day and through Bike Week '09.

Bring it on......!

Wednesday 10 June 2009

ECF come to Reading

I had the privilege to host some members of the European Cycling Federation today. Having spent yesterday at CTC Head Office - getting the higher strategic overview of our Organisation and the Cycle Champions project. A visit to Reading was planned to see my projects on the ground and to share best practice. A thoroughly enjoyable morning and some great relationships forged - hopefully with a reciprocal visit planned at some point.....?
I escorted them back to Reading station to catch a train to Bristol - they are spending the next few days with Sustrans.

Auf Wiedersehen und gute Riese.......! (OK, I know - it's not Swiss German, but you get the general idea....!)

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Active ageing - it's definitely the way to go!

My feet didn't touch the ground today- back to back meetings, taster sessions
and manning a cycle promotion stand at the SportsPark at Reading University was the order of the day! It was certainly going to be a very active day for me......
I was pretty anxious about the weather and the potential non attendance of a group from Age Concern - but I needn't have worried, they arrived in plenty of time and were eager to try out the bikes at Palmer Park - for some, it was the first time and for others it was 30+ years since they last rode a bike.
The hour passed very quickly and the participants loved it and all were surprised that they had managed to do around 8 laps of the track - 2 miles, without much effort at all.
I'm hoping to get a regular slot with them, but in the meantime I will be signposting them to the weekly Cycling for Health sessions.
It was good to finally get an "in" at the University and a great opportunity to showcase my cycling projects and volunteering opportunities to the students, employees and residents living around the campus.
Burn Fat Not Oil is the University's theme for the next 2 weeks, with a great incentive scheme in place to encourage people to take to their bikes. A very positive session and I have a further meeting planned to potentially discuss a recycle project.
Can't wait.............!

Monday 8 June 2009

Try cycling experience.........

In the build up to Bike Week, I have organised and funded 5 schools across Reading to have a ' Try cycling' experience and today was the first day!
Over the week around 1000 children will take part in both a fun playground cycling activity and a classroom based road safety activity - following the National Curriculum. They will try out an array of bikes - recumbents, tandems and for those who can't yet ride 2 wheels, there will be a selection of trikes and scoot along bikes, so everyone can join in with the fun.
I think you will agree- a fantastic opportunity to engage the next generation of cyclists'?
I'm hoping that they will be inspired to drag their parents along to the Family Cycle Festival at Prospect Park on Saturday?
In fact it would be great to see you all there - so make a note in your diary, as it promises to be a great day!

Friday 5 June 2009

Grey skies.......

Oh dear, it's amazing what effect the weather can have on you - I have got use to the sun shining and pleasant temperatures. It was a shock to see the blanket of grey cloud over Reading and the rain falling this morning.
Though it didn't deter the die-hard Cycling for Health participants - all with smiles on their faces when I popped over to demo the electrically assisted bike.
It was good to catch up with Stephen - my volunteer who maintains the bikes and Binders Roszczyk - the coach, when we all took the new bike for a spin around the track.

This afternoon was taken up with preparing for the Forbury Fever event tomorrow, where myself and a Sport Reading colleague will be manning a stand to show case our walking and cycling programmes.
So, if you are at a loose end tomorrow - why not swing by and say "hello"

Happy cycling!

Thursday 4 June 2009

A generous donation....

I couldn't believe my luck when I received a call from Peter Brander - the owner of a local bike shop, Cyclezone. He had been given a Giant Twist Freedom bike and thought it would be a great addition to my fleet at Palmer Park. It is an electrically assisted bike - I know, not something I would usually look at, but if it gets people on a bike, then why not? It will be perfect for my cycling for health session, where we have numerous participants recovering from cardiac problems who need to take things very slowly initially.
On checking the bike retails at £1,950 - Wow!
I'll be running a demo session tomorrow and look forward to seeing it being used in earnest over the coming weeks.
Now, that's what I call great partnership working - don't you?

Wednesday 3 June 2009

It's that time of year again - and I can't wait!

July's issue of Cycling Plus hit my door mat yesterday and had all the info on this years Tour - well, that and top ten secrets to riding faster (always useful!), 94 products ridden and rated and 6 superfast bikes reviewed. Essential for a self-confessed gear freak!
As I write, the 2009 Tour is shaping up to be an amazing race. Though I have mixed feelings of - despite being a huge fan, Lance Armstrong's comeback. Judging by the various Cycling Forums and if they are to be believed, some really don't want him on the start ramp in Monaco.
Whatever your opinion, it will make for some interesting viewing and I for one, will be tuned in everyday to watch what is, the most beautiful bike race in the world - "Bring it on!"

Tuesday 2 June 2009

First Great Western - Reading station

I received an email yesterday requesting a meeting with the Integration and Retail manager at First Great Western - Andy Saunders. He was keen to meet up with me as soon as possible, so I managed to squeeze him in today and was eager to find out what was SO important. To be fair he had outlined what he was hoping to discuss - but I'm just adding to the suspense!
First Great Western are putting in for a 1 million pound grant from Cycling England and DFT - apparently there are huge money pots to be given out for rail/cycle integration to 3 lucky rail operators and the runners up stand to gain a considerable amount too. Andy was keen to see if CTC would be keen to work in partnership and ran passed some potential ideas that he had for Reading:
  • Upgrading the Sheffield stands to compound cycle parking with swipe cards and CCTV's
  • A retail unit offering cycle maintenance, accessories
  • Folding bike hire/purchase scheme
Potentially a fantastic opportunity and one that would benefit Reading commuters immensely.
The application is due in 2 weeks and the result will be known at the beginning of July. I am going to help with the application as much as I can and one of my colleagues has already advised on the infrastructure. I'll let you know the outcome, as soon as I do.

Have a great evening......

Monday 1 June 2009

Having the legs!

What a morning for cycling - why would anyone get into a car today, when they could cycle?
I had the legs today to challenge my fellow cycle commuters - but alas, didn't have the opportunity....! It's great what proper rest and sleep can do, I must have slept 20 hours over the last 2 nights....!
I arrived in Reading looking forward to the week ahead, with bags of energy and it was just as well as I had a very frustrating day.
For those of you who regularly follow my blog, will be aware of the pending BMX project at Waterloo Meadows and my struggle to get clearance for a container. The parks department have stipulated that it must look like a garden shed, be around 6ft tall and blend into the area, oh and I have to have an anti-graffiti schedule.....?
Oh boy! - it will be a miracle if this project gets off the ground. So, I kid you not, I have spent the day trawling websites for companies that clad containers in wood and that do not require me to sell a kidney in order to purchase it! The quotes were unbelievable - £4k! So, buying in some ship lap timber and the services of a carpenter for the day is the way to go - budget is back on track!
I have now passed on the 'political baton' to Sport Reading to fight my corner and I wait with baited breath.
The saga continues, so watch this space........!