Cycling for the Community

Nothing to report.....!

2010-01-13T16:52:00.007Z

Over the last couple of days there has been little in the way of content for this Blog.
Any cycling activities have been curtailed and I've not taken a run in over a week - and yes, the snow continues to fall in

Great Missenden.....
The bike and the turbo is very much a part of the fixtures and fittings in the kitchen - much to my partner's annoyance. Well, the garage is completely out of bounds and it's going to remain so, until the BIG melt!

Anyone know a rain dance......?

The BIG dig out.....!

2010-01-08T12:22:00.005Z

I got up reasonably early in order to dig out my car and clear the drive - some 2 hours later, after what was an exceptional workout, the car looked like a car again and the drive was clear (ish).

Though despite my efforts we have a smattering of the white stuff falling again and the forecast for the weekend predicts more snow.
So working from home, I caught up with my officers - most of whom, hadn't made it into work either.
Though they were busy scoping out projects for this year, updating their web pages and generally doing stuff that is usually kept for a quiet moment.....
However, I did tell them to take an extended lunch break and go ride their mountain-bikes.
Well, why not....? We do work for a cycling organisation and it will certainly make them feel a whole heap better!
Have a great weekend - albeit white and cold.

Team away days

2010-01-07T19:38:00.005Z

Marooned because of the snow still ......
I have spent the day sorting out a "morale boosting" team building event for the Champions Team.
I am very excited about the venue and the activities I have arranged. Unfortunately I'm not able to share the information, as we want it to be a surprise for the guys!
But we are going away for 4 days and they will be spent in the beautiful Peaks!
I'm really looking forward to getting some night rides in and challenging myself with things that will be out of my comfort zone.
So March the 8th can't come quick enough.....!

In the words of Vaughn Monroe...

2010-01-06T08:50:00.006Z

.......Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Hmm? To be brutally honest I'm getting heartily sick of the stuff, but maybe this winter, is the start of things to come - proper defined seasons from now on?
If that is the case then maybe we need to get our act together and kit our bikes, oh and our cars with the appropriate attire.
Surfing the internet yesterday I came across these studded bike tyres. It may mean importing them in and probably by the time they come, our blanket of snow will have been long gone - but you may never know when you'll need them them again.
I'm seriously tempted -what about you?

BMX Track in dire need of attention.....

2010-01-05T17:45:00.003Z

Since the re-launch of the BMX track at Waterloo Meadows in Reading, the track has been used daily. Unfortunately this means we now have some serious maintenance issues.
Mark and I met with one of our volunteers today - he also designed the course. He was shocked at the state of the track and with the council 's budget being cut, wasn't sure how we could fund the repair and the regular maintenance programme.
The launch of the Club had already been delayed due to the CRB checks on our volunteers and now we thwarted with health and safety implications.
I have left it in Mark's hands and he will now liaise with the volunteers - we are now waiting on an estimate from the contractor who did the work previously.
Watch this space.........!

Bruised and battered....

2010-01-04T16:03:00.009Z

..... from my fall on New Years Day - elbow and right hip very swollen, I decided to err on the side of caution and not cycle into Reading. In fact, even if I wanted too, I couldn't, as the lock on garage door was completely frozen....! The temperature was -7deg and I really don't want to jeopardise my early Spring tour.....!
So, for a change I decided to go for a run - 25 mins off-road and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to see the countryside from a different perspective. The Arboretum in Little Kingshill looked magical in the frost and I met lots of dog walkers - who greeted me with a friendly nod.
After 2 miles or so, my legs were beginning to complain - though aerobically I could have gone on....? I felt great - the endorphins were definitely flowing.
Donning my compression tights like some super hero on my return, with the hope I wouldn't get the dreaded DOMS, I have decided to make this a regular activity and part of my winter training.

Happy New Year....

2010-01-01T15:40:00.011Z

..... and what a beautiful morning to go for a ride - albeit very cold and frosty! I love starting the New Year with a ride - the roads are relatively empty and this morning I only had patches of ice to contend with.....! I decided to stick to the main roads and ride one of my out and back routes - around 25 miles.
Having survived the last couple of weeks on a diet of turbo sessions, this cyclist was hungry for a proper ride out.....!
The sky was a deep blue and the haw frost on the trees looked spectacular - I spotted 2 Red Kites basking in the early sunshine at the top of an old oak tree.
The ride was pretty uneventful and as I tapped on the pedals the miles ticked away. This was until I saw some ice ahead - quickly indicating to the driver behind to slow down, I picked out my route, but before I could blink, I was on the floor - landing very heavily on my right hip and elbow....ouch! The driver and his passenger both jumped out - well, gingerly stepped out to see if I was OK. It's always a shock to hit the tarmac and I was fine and so was the bike.

The driver happened to be a cyclist and totally sympathised with me - I was so embarrassed!

The rest of the ride went without any further incidents and I was welcomed back home with a very large bowl of warming porridge - Thanks Wend, it was just what I needed......!

Each to their own....

2009-12-31T17:34:00.007Z

In the past I have joined a couple of Cycle Clubs - primarily so I could compete. But to be honest, they're not me and I would consider myself, a "solitary cyclist."
I hate the way the Clubs seem to be male dominated with large doses of testosterone running through them. It certainly can be very intimidating walking into the Club House for the first time. I can remember the sarky comments from the Chair of the Club, when I showed my face for the first time.
Needless to say, I didn't venture back and only remained a member for time trialling purposes for 5 or so years.
Of course and it goes without saying - I am a CTC member, but again I very rarely go out with my local group. How anti social of me......?
Yesterday, however, I received an email from a friend who has just joined a new club - VC10 (Velo City 10?)
Looking at the website - it appears to be what the cycling community needs. Supportive of beginners, women and they have a youth programme etc, etc. I am tempted to join and hook up with the women's MTB group - though I have promised my other half I won't get drawn into the world competition again......!
But on the other hand, I love my solo rides and I may just not get around to it.....!

Didn't make it passed first base.......!

2009-12-30T11:44:00.006Z

I was all set to go into Reading today to catch up with Mark, the new officer. Alas, the bike was sidelined for the warmth of the car - heavy sleet/rain was falling. Though I quickly realised that I was going no-where fast...! I had a flat on the front tyre. So rolled up my sleeves in readiness to change to the spare - but my efforts were thwarted as I couldn't undo the darn wheelnuts.
I called the RAC and was told to expect a 3 hour wait...! Well, I was at home in the warm and not on some awful hard shoulder.
The whole episode got me thinking of how easy it is to run a bike - no big bolts to grapple with. A quick 10 minutes at the side of the road and then you are off.
For those who aren't proficient at changing an inner tube - the CTC has a fantastic product and you may just be interested. See here for the details of the cyclists' version of the RAC.
Be prepared to be impressed......!

I have survived on a diet of.....

2009-12-29T15:01:00.004Z

.... turbo sessions. With the 8 or so inches of snow, that went to 4 inches of icy slush - my bike(s) have stayed snuggled up in the garage and I have had to resort to a diet of turbo sessions.
Boy does it take me back to my time trialling days and the strict training regime I once followed.
Still, it's a means to an end and keeps the old legs turning in readiness for the spring. Also burning vital calories in the hope of keeping the odd mince pie and chocolate firmly off my hips....!

Although no brand new bike for Christmas - I did however, have some lovely lightweight camping gear under the tree and a very generous voucher from CTC to put towards my tent.
I have also decided on one of my tours for 2010 - Home to Lymington, hopping on the ferry to the Isle of Wight and then circumnavigating the island. I'm hoping to do this as an extended weekend - anyone care to join me.....?

Christmas festivities...

2009-12-18T11:21:00.006Z

.....have already commenced at CTC.
Over the last couple of days I have been in Guildford - staying at the Purple Hotel (Premier Inn!) It was a good opportunity for the Cycle Champions to get together to share best practise and bash out a few project ideas for 2010.
However, Thursday was 'party time' and the day started with a quiz - cycle and non cycling questions. This got very competitive, though raised a fair bit of money for charity. With the booze flowing from 11am it was a wonder how some of us got to the restaurant
With tables booked for around 60 people in Guildford town centre a straggly peloton hit the local roads - I joined the walking bus and ambled down and despite getting caught in the expected blizzard snow blizzard we enjoyed the fresh air!
The food and company were just perfect and it was great to hear from our Chief Excutive - Kevin Mayne, that cycling is going from strength to strength.
With some funding challenges ahead - 2010 is going to be another good year!

Have fun in the snow on your MTB nobblies this weekend.......!

Can you forget how to ride a bike....

2009-12-15T11:40:00.004Z

......I certainly can, especially when it comes to riding off-road....!
I have just got back from a lunchtime ride where I decided to go for a blast around the Hampden Estate. This route is very familiar, but due to one tricky(ish) descent and lots of mud, I was reduced to riding like a beginner.....! Dabbing my foot down way too many times - which resulted in mud up to my ankles, I was beginning to realise how rusty I was and probably needed to get some further instruction?
I haven't been out on my Spesh hardtail since the C2C and Reivers route in August and I was paying for it - BIG time!

Still, I had a great fun despite the conditions and my lack of ability. I'm back home tucking into a bowl of piping hot porridge and a mug of tea - sheer bliss....!

Thief gets away with new officer's bike.....!

2009-12-14T18:15:00.005Z

A word of warning to all the cyclists in Reading - another bike has been stolen from Palmer Park.
That's 3 of my colleagues that have lost their bikes this year.
All of 2 weeks old, Mark's new bike was parked about 5 feet from our office window and was taken in broad daylight - the lock was cut with bolt croppers. Thanks to the thief for leaving us the remains of the lock and for Mark's rather long face when he discovered it had gone!

So, if you are in the pub and offered a rather nice Giant hardtail mountain bike - it could well be Mark's and we'd love to hear from you......

Another SMIDSY.....

2009-12-10T09:29:00.005Z

.....and that makes a total of 4 so far. To be honest, I'm getting a little paranoid and I'm beginning to think that it's me.....? All my SMIDSY's have been on roundabouts - where the car has not given way and has driven into my path. OK, so I don't wear hi-viz - I know I said in an earlier posting on this blog, I would purchase a yellow jacket. But I have 2 front lights giving out over 400 lumens between them and still they don't see me. What has a girl got to do - wear a lion suit?
Ho- hum, nothing will stop me from cycling into work - so I just have to be extra vigilant.
Keep safe out on those roads and carry on reporting all SMIDSY's here....

Road side memorials

2009-12-09T12:56:00.009Z

Its around this time of year, and again in February, when the old badgers move on to find more food and a new mate. Unfortunately for them, this means crossing roads and for some, the journey is curtailed and they never make it to pastures green. I hate seeing them at the side of the road as I cycle pass and always bless them as pedal on - yes, I'm a big softy.
This got me thinking about the rather strange phenomenon that has emerged over the past few years - road side memorials! WHAT is that all about?
I can think of 8 or so of these shrines in my local area and I just don't get it.....?
If any of my loved ones were so unfortunate as to lose their lives on our roads - the last thing I would want is, a road side memorial. Marking the very place where they took their last breath. A place that clearly wouldn't be restful or peaceful as the cars and trucks rattle by and that would be covered in road-side grime.

Maybe it's just a sign of the times - but I've been perplexed about it for a while. So do let me have your thoughts on the subject, but I don't think I could be persuaded to think otherwise.

THIS is why I cycle.....

2009-12-08T12:39:00.010Z

It would've been very easy to have stayed in my warm car and drive into Reading this morning - my favourite DJ was on the radio playing some cracking tunes. But instead, I parked in my usual spot in Maidenhead and began the cycle commute.
The air was cold and therefore more dense, so my mph was down a bit, but hey, who cares? I was turning the pedals and loving every minute of it.
I haven't cycled down the A4 for a couple of weeks and the view from the saddle had definitely changed. Fairy lights were twinkling from various trees, some guy was selling "holly reeves" (I kid you not!) in one of the laybys and even the traffic seemed to be more courteous....!
As light broke there was a lovely red and blue hue to the sky and the red kites were up early flying in the thermals.
Of course, if I had driven in, I would've missed all of that - a true piece of urban beauty.

Bike snobbery.....?

2009-12-07T16:59:00.010Z

I took a call from a family member asking for advice on bikes for their 2 children for Christmas - they had apparently had seen a really good deal at Halfords.....!
It is at this point, my partner calls me.....

"A bike snob!"
I told my brother to save his money and buy a couple decent bikes rather than a toy that will break in 6 months (if you're lucky!) and will weigh around 30lbs. He'll then wonder why they hate riding the darn things up any incline....!
Lots of children will get bike shaped objects on Christmas morning - my plea to those parents is, to spend a little extra and get a bike that is fit for purpose.

That way they will, I'm sure, fall in love with the bike and it will be the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

My choice every time would be something from Islabikes Go on parents, check out the website- you know it makes sense....?

A long, but fruitful day.....!

2009-12-04T18:53:00.004Z

I am totally spent and I'm even considering hitting the sack after I've had some supper - yes, at 7pm!!
I've been in Swindon today running an assessment centre - a long, but great day.
All I will say is, that we've have manged to recruit a very dynamic young person, who will, I think, set Swindon alight!
Have a great weekend whatever you are doing - I'm planning on dodging the showers that are forecast and hope to get a few miles in riding the lanes and hills of the Chilterns.....!

But for now it's .........Zzzzzzzz!

Very early morning workouts....

2009-12-03T12:46:00.005Z

.... are definitely the way to go. I decided to get up at my usual time of 6am and do my turbo workout before heading into Reading for a database training session with Mark.
Unfortunately a ride in wasn't an option - I've been hitting the Wiggle website recently and have made numerous purchases, the parcels were just way too big for me to carry!
Hmm? I must say, I didn't feel like working out to start with - but felt great afterwards and tucked into, what was, a large, but leisurely breakfast. Both of which I can recommend...!
I will certainly do that again that's for sure.
Busy day ahead tomorrow - recruitment process for Swindon. With some top candidates lined up, we're in for a good day.....

My second home......

2009-12-02T15:51:00.006Z

.....Another trip to Birmingham to see Beccy - how that month has flown by....!
Good to see that she has been very busy in that period and has made progress with 2 of her projects, updated her web pages and is now regularly on Twitter and Facebook. In fact the social network sites play a big part in keeping CTC's remote staff in touch with each other - Facebook I salute you.

A wonderful invention.....

2009-12-01T06:45:00.005Z

And on this occasion, I'm not talking about the bike...!
Over the last few months I have accrued some time off in lieu and today I decided to swing by the Christmas market in Bath.
Now, usually a trip to Bath means popping into a couple of the bike shops - especially AV Cycles to check out the enormous range of folding bikes. But, alas today I was with my Mum and bikes were definitely not on the itinerary.
As ever, Bath was full of visitors and it was a complete nightmare entering and exiting the city by car - going by rail was prohibitively expensive and we were on the wrong side of the city for the park and ride.
Nonetheless a great day was had by all and despite the chaos on the roads - we'll be back, where hopefully I'll have more time for the bike shops and a coffee with Westfield Wanderer

A quiet day......thank goodness

2009-11-30T07:45:00.003Z

Despite having to go into London for a meeting - my monthly review with Richard Monk, Cycle Officer for Colchester, the day has been pretty quiet and thank goodness, not so frantic as days of late!
Again my cycling has been thwarted by the rain and the turbo trainer will see more action later today. Note to self: Dig out Pete Read's Black Book for turbo workouts, I think it's going to be a wet winter and I may just have to refer to it more and more......?
Apparently you can download it for free - see here. You never know you may just need it too.....?

It's been a long day....

2009-11-27T14:45:00.005Z

.....and it's not quite over. I started work this morning at 7am. I've been going through and assessing the applications for the Swindon role.

Boy, would I not want to do this on a regular basis - I'm totally spent and I'm really looking forward to making the last few phone calls to advise the successful candidates, that they are invited to spend a day in Swindon with me next Friday!

I had hoped to get out on the bike this afternoon - but that just ain't gonna happen! Maybe it will be another turbo session - to be honest, a large glass of white whilst reading the new edition of Cycle appeals more...!

Oh well, the weekend stretches before us all and fingers crossed it will be a dry one.

Have a good one whatever you are doing?

Beginner cyclists' and how NOT to treat them....!

2009-11-26T11:30:00.009Z

Out riding my bike today. I was in wind down mode after a busy morning in front of the PC, when 2 cyclists' came wanging passed me. Not one to miss out on an opportunity of a tow - I jumped on the back.
It became apparent that the guy at the front was a regular cyclist and his buddy was in fact a beginner - brand new bike, saddle way too low and a grimace on his face suggesting he wasn't enjoying the experience! I followed for a while until they turned right - uphill for about 2 miles.
This poor chap, still hanging on for grim life shouted to his mate........
" Oh no, not Nagshill, I'll never make it up there, my legs are killing me already." This statement was totally dismissed and up they went.

This is, how NOT to treat a new cyclist - apart from anything else, winter riding is all about base miles and keeping the heart-rate low in readyness for the summer rides.
So Mr. Regular Cyclist, do your friend a favour - instead of trying to show how great and fast you are up those Chiltern hills, spend 5 minutes helping him sort out his position on his bike. No wonder his legs hurt and you never know he may just find that cycling is a pleasurable experience.

It IS winter... isn't it......?

2009-11-25T10:35:00.007Z

Declaring the winter season is upon us is, a little hit and miss - the met office states that it starts in December and ends in February. But for me, it's when the trees at the end of my road are stripped bear of their leaves - well, apart from the odd tenacious leaf hanging on in there. These trees are like huge broccoli florets in the spring and summer and it's shame to see them stripped of all their leaves.
Winter also sees the roads covered in mud and flints that have been washed down from the verges - I'm so pleased with the tyres on my fixie, hundreds of miles covered and not 1 p******e! (so far?).
Riding out today, wrapped up in all my warm clothing - I passed another cyclist who was still in shorts, no gloves, but he did have a long sleeve jersey on....? I don't know whether he had been caught out - saw the sun was shining and thought he'd be OK, or that he was hanging onto the hope of summer and autumn. Brrr, he must have been cold - hopefully the next time I see him, he'll be appropriately attired, either that or his winter riding will be miserable......?

Off to Bimingham (again!)

2009-11-24T16:46:00.005Z

I seem to be spending a lot of my time in Birmingham of late and it's playing havoc with my cycling.....! Though I had a very productive day with Karen Carter - my opposite number from 'oop' north. We have thrashed out a plan of action of how we market the Cycle Champion packages after the funding runs out in 2012. With work commencing almost immediately on that, the 'to do' list is immense - but exciting work nonetheless.
By the time I had got home it was dark and there was only one option - to dust off the turbo trainer again! So, whilst watching some trashy TV, I cycled for an hour or so - it's amazing how time flies when you're watching the Australian soaps.....!

The hard option...!

2009-11-23T13:34:00.005Z

... And so the rain continues to fall. With back to back meetings in Reading this morning and not wanting to turn up looking like a damp flannel - I decided to leave the bike at the office and take the hard option and walk, with a rather large umbrella, into the centre of Reading. Jumping the bus was not an option as the traffic was at a standstill.

After 6 miles of walking, I realised that wearing cycling shoes was not a good idea , I certainly felt I'd had a workout....!

The meetings went well - Mark was introduced to the Transport Department in the Civic offices and we then had a site meeting at the BMX track at Waterloo Meadows.

Since the launch, the track has seen lots of action and we were discussing the maintenance requirements for the next 12 months or so. All positive news and hope to get Mark riding the track very soon....?

Like a bullet....!

2009-11-20T08:43:00.008Z

Today has been one of those days - woke up early to find the rain hammering down, so decided to cycle into Reading when it had eased off (around 10:30) Only to get into the office and to find the 3pm meeting had been cancelled and that there were serious IT issues. So without the ability to email, I reverted to the old fashion method of calling people - well it makes a change.....!
The sun appeared mid- afternoon and this was my sign to exit stage left and cycle home.
The journey home was very pleasant and was without incidents until I got to Marlow.....
Riding through the busy high street, my front tyre ran over a small stone - I had put 120 psi of pressure in them the night before. The stone pinged off like a bullet and hit the door of a brand new Mercedes......!

The noise was awful and startled a few pedestrians. I then had this dilemma - do I stop and wait around for the owner or do I cycle on? This mental debate went on for a while and I took the decision to ride on - it's happened to me when I've been driving and there's little you can do. Though admittedly the offending car is usually going faster and in the opposite direction. Did I do the right thing?

Hmmm? What would you have done......?

Working from home....

2009-11-19T13:11:00.007Z

..... and very welcomed it was too. With the ever bulging email inbox and a 'to do' list the length of my arm, the cancelled meeting in Birmingham was a god send....!
I have spent the day beavering away on both and even had time to pop into Amersham on the bike to get some keys cut - for the container in Reading and RBC's cycle cage at the Civic Centre.
I really productive day all in all, which culminated in the fixie having a total wash down, followed by a polish with some of the finest autoglym products - she looks as sparkly as a new pin now.....!

My sanity was questioned....!

2009-11-18T16:47:00.005Z

The first dry(ish) day for a while and nothing was going to stop me from riding into Reading today - the BBC weather forecast said 27 mph winds, with the possibility of the odd shower.
Hmm, my usual 10 mile commute from Maidenhead usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes, but with a mega headwind and dodging the odd fallen tree, I was standing in the changing rooms at Palmer Park Stadium some 50 minutes later......! (But with the anticipation of a wind assisted ride back to the car later that afternoon.)
I introduced the new officer to the Everybody Active session and it was good to see, that like me, the participants weren't put off by the weather.
We also took the opportunity to pop into Cyclezone to check out a work bike and some commuter gear - a welcome break from the very much desk based induction.....!
Mark takes delivery of his bike tomorrow and will be out and about in Reading very soon!

A day in Leicester.....

2009-11-17T16:08:00.010Z

Despite Chiltern Railways attempts to delay me getting to Leicester for a meeting, I did manage to spend the day with Elizabeth Barner - Cycle Officer. The total journey took 4 and half hours - yes, I could've got to Paris in that time.....!
Elizabeth had arranged a steering group meeting - a very full agenda, with some very exciting projects being scoped out for next year. Around the table were some very pro-active partners - Cycle Magic, Bikes 4 All and of course Leicester City Council, who are currently working on their LTP3 - which will have some very impressive set targets for making cycling accessible, in particular, commuting and bikeability. Thus working towards their goal of having a vibrant and healthy city, of which the bike plays a huge role.

Exciting times for Leicester and great to be a part of it.

A wet weekend......

2009-11-16T13:08:00.005Z

Oh dear! Winter shouldn't be like this - very wet and very windy. For me, the ideal winter weather is bright and cold. So imagine my dismay when the alarm went off at 6am this morning and on looking out, to see the rain falling - again. My riding all weekend was hampered by the rain and it certainly looked like it was going to be today and yes, I took the soft option and drove into Reading.
I spent the day with the new officer - Mark Tancock. A gentle introduction to CTC, Reading Borough Council and to my projects. He'll be up to speed in no time at all, that I'm sure.
Tomorrow I'll be leaving him to his own devices as I have a meeting in Leicester -his task, if he chooses to accept it, is getting to know CTC's and Sport Reading's websites. But I leave him in the capable hands of the Sport Reading team - thanks guys!

Chiltern Cycleway

2009-11-13T14:19:00.005Z

Good news! You may all remember sometime ago, we were waiting on a funding bid from Leader. Well, we were successful and the Chiltern Cycleway gets the thumbs up. A 170 miles of fantastic countryside all waymarked, that covers, Bucks, Beds, Berks and Oxfordshire.
The steering group met today - Chiltern AONB, CTC, Chiltern Society and Bucks CC and we've decided that the launch will be next June and we are now in the process of planning how that will look.
I can't wait to ride the route in it's entirety - anyone care to join me....?
May I say a big thank you to the early volunteers that helped with the initial route planning and hope to see you all out there soon?

Have a good weekend and happy cycling!

Clearing my desk

2009-11-12T11:59:00.004Z

My desk isn't quite as bad as that in the photo - but you get the general idea.
With Mark's imminent arrival, I was in the office really early to clear my desk and sort out any outstanding bits of paperwork. I'm very excited about the project being handed over and can't wait to hear Mark's ideas for Reading.
It has been a busy few months doing the 2 jobs and it's great to see the light at the end of the tunnel. To be able to concentrate totally on my new job, will be just fantastic.
I'll still be based in Reading for a least 2 days - so no doubt, will catch up with you all at some point, but it has been a total pleasure getting to know you all......

Want to work for CTC.....?

2009-11-11T20:37:00.008Z

I spent the day sorting out the recruitment process for the vacant post in Swindon.
This meant arranging for adverts in both a local paper - Swindon Advertiser and with the Third Sector magazine. I was totally amazed with the total cost - £6,000 for both! Hasn't anyone told these guys a recession is on? Though using my best negotiating skills - some would call it blagging, I got 1 week for free in the local paper....!
So, if any of you out there would like to apply for this exciting post - please see here for all the details, I'd love to hear from you....?

Positive vibes....

2009-11-10T18:14:00.006Z

I have had a great day in Birmingham.....
The CLES meeting went very well - we scoped out the programme for the next 2 years on how we were all going to work towards the evaluation of the Cycle Champions projects. This report will help us hopefully secure further funding, thus keeping 15 or so people employed beyond 2012.
We also had time to discuss other issues - team building event for next year, working parties for health, disability and social inclusion. Also the good news is, that we've just hired a communication officer for the whole project and we get to meet her in a few weeks time - apparently she is local to Reading. Anna will have a worked cut out, but is welcomed with open arms.......!

The Chiltern line behaved impeccably- the journey was seamless and the countyside through the Chilterns and beyond still looked stunning even on a flat grey day.....

Pea souper......!

2009-11-09T13:23:00.005Z

CTC have just appointed an organisation to evaluate the success of the Cycle Champions project - CLES. With a full day planned tomorrow in Birmingham to discuss various issues, I thought it would be prudent to read their proposal beforehand!
The document was 168 pages long and I felt the immediate need to get out on my bike.....! Well, it was almost lunch time and I needed a screen break!
A blast down to Chequers was the order of the day - 15 miles, which meant I would be back within the hour. A lovely ride - albeit very cold and very misty. Boy was I glad I'd rigged up my new Hope light - with 240 lumen's, there was no excuse not to see me...?
Most of the leaves from the trees were on the ground and there was a fine drizzle - you know the sort that attaches itself to the fine hair on your face. With that and the obligatory dew drop on the end of my nose, I was a very attractive sight! (Reminder to self: purchase winter gloves WITH a nose wipe!)
Nevertheless the ride cleared my head and now to tackle that gargantuan document.......!

Ortlieb v Carradice

2009-11-06T09:55:00.010Z

As Christmas looms I've been thinking about what I would like to go on my list - juvenile I know, but one can live in hope......! I can't decide on what panniers and rear bag to have for the much awaited Moulton Tourer - the traditionalists amongst you will probably say " It's got to be the Carradice on a classic bike such as the TSR."
OK, point taken, but are they totally waterproof like the Ortlieb bags? I suppose the downside to being totally waterproof is that they may not be breathable and you'll find your clothes wet on a hot day....? However, I could pack the contents within a waterproof sac.
Oh dear as ever, a compromise and I would love to hear from those with years of touring experience and have gone through this dilemma before - thus saving me the angst....!

Meeting in London

2009-11-05T16:20:00.005Z

I seem to be spending a large amount of time on public transport this week, thus neglecting my riding. So with a meeting scheduled in London, I decided to grab the opportunity and take the bike - a few miles to the station and at the other end. For me, cycling in London is a real buzz - you've got to have your wits about you. I love keeping up with or indeed overtaking the cars and jumping away from the lights is like interval training!
It was great to see so many cyclists' out and about, the traffic seemed more aware of them and on the whole behaved very well.
On the return trip, I decided to dive out the train at Rickmansworth and get some miles in - around 15 to be precise. A fearful headwind made progress slow but it made for good thinking time and got back about hour after the train.....!

Wolverhampton is awarded funds for cycling....

2009-11-04T07:01:00.011Z

I met up with Beccy today- Cycle Champion for Wolverhampton. Basically we spent the morning scoping out projects for 2010. The good news is,

that the Children Services have given a lump of cash to the Council and they are going to build a BMX track and start a recycle/maintenance project. The works starts soon and come the Spring the projects will be up and running.
Beccy has only been in post for a couple of months and has been gradually finding her feet - also in that time, she has become a National Standards Instructor.
In the coming months she will be working with a Women's Centre - where 2 of the staff want to lead rides and instruct. The Cycle Champions programme will part fund their instructors course. The Centre is in an area of deprivation and is a drop in for teenage mums, BME groups and young girls that have dropped out of school. So great stuff planned and so nice to have such an enthusiastic development officer on board.
See you next month Beccy......!

New Officer and starting date

2009-11-03T10:49:00.007Z

I've just heard that Mark Tancock will start in Reading on the 16th November and today I'm working on his induction to the Reading Cycle Champions project. He will be getting out and about over the next month or so to meet you all - I've told him you're a friendly lot and as he's moving from Sutton to Reading maybe we can organise a ride to show him the sights of Reading?
We've got shocking weather here in Great Missenden, which has put pay to my lunch-time ride today, but I'm considering dusting off the turbo in the garage - always a good fall back option and as I'm spending the next 2 days on public transport, I may well just do that.....?

Keep safe on those roads today and remember to light up!

What should've been a quiet ride....!

2009-11-02T08:48:00.015Z

Imagine my consternation when out cycling on Saturday and about 2 miles from home......

I hadn't quite imagined the grim reaper knocking on my door in the shape of a lorry with some porta loos on the back, but that is exactly what happened. The driver of 'said' vehicle just couldn't wait for 20 seconds whilst a car was coming in the opposite direction - so he squeezed passed me and the side of the lorry actually touched my arm. With that and the whoosh of hot air, it was a miracle I stayed on? I don't think I've ever been so furious - I glanced down at my heart rate monitor to see my heart had jumped from 120bpm to 150bpm. (OK, I know, old habits die hard and it's a throw back from my time trialling days!) I immediately jumped on the pedals in the hope of catching him up and I was delighted to see him pull into the petrol station - my chance to tell him the errors of his ways!
When I got to the petrol station he was just coming out of the shop - he was built like the proverbial out house and there wasn't an inch of skin that wasn't either tattooed or pierced and I questioned my sanity about approaching him. But I was pleasantly surprised and he listened intently as I explained what had happened, apologised profusely and promised to pay more attention to cyclists riding on the roads in the future. He followed me out and kept his distance until I turned left for home - with that, he hooted his horn, waved and went on his way. I really hope he will take heed of what we discussed.

I was pretty shaken up, but the ride in this morning was perfect - albeit a little cold and as always, incidents like that need to be put to the back of the mind. But as ever...... there but the grace of god go I......!

Dangling a carrot!

2009-10-30T10:10:00.009Z

As part of some partnership working within the E.U. I asked 15 cycling for health participants to fill out a Life Cycle Survey -a basic questionnaire to find out how many minutes they spent riding a bike in a given week. They had to fill it in on their 1st visit to the session and 6 weeks later to see if their behaviour had altered - basically, had they become a "cycling convert?"
So in order for them to fill out and return them to me - I offered them a £10 cycle shop voucher and yes, I was killed in the rush.
15 forms hit my doormat on the deadline date, which was great and are now winging their way to some far flung place in Europe! I let you know the outcome from the findings, as and when I do.
I hope they enjoy spending the voucher - won't quite get them a bike, but may be an essential cycle accessory.....?

Anyway, have a good weekend whatever your cycling habit is!

A blast around the Chilterns

2009-10-29T12:14:00.004Z

I'm trying to keep my hours down - so working from home today allowed me to have an extended lunch break. I made use of the mild and sunny day and went for a blast around the Chilterns.
My chosen steed was the fixie - yes, it is official, I'm totally barking, but it was a fairly flattish route, with one steep descent! I reckon I must've hit 35mph, with a cadence of 160rpm, before I touched the brakes! But boy, what a workout. 30 miles of continuous pedalling and I loved every single minute of it. It was good to get back home - legs tingling from the effort and a huge appetite for a late lunch.....!
Going to make this part of my winter riding that's for sure!

Thanks Helen!

2009-10-28T06:41:00.007Z

I had a volunteer with me all day in Reading who was very keen to help on some of my cycling sessions. This gave me a great excuse to drop everything and touch base with the Everybody Active participants - I guess I hadn't seen some of them for 3 months or so. Boy, did I get a welcome.....!
Mark - a participant who has been coming since the launch in April '08, flung his arms around me and yelled "I'm so glad you're here!" Evidently, he had drawn me a picture and it had been in his pocket for weeks. A little crumpled, I unfolded the piece of paper - he was still hanging onto my neck at this point and it was a fantastic sketch of a tiger. To be honest I was blown away. He said it was to thank me for setting up the cycling session.
What more could I ever want and very briefly wondered whether I had made the right move going for promotion?
It really was great to see the guys on the ground again as they hold a very special place in my heart - yes, I can do "cheese" very well!
The sketch now has pride of place on my fridge at home and I will be taking it to the next staff meeting in Guildford - we ARE changing the lives of some people.

Portable northshore

2009-10-27T17:17:00.009Z

I had to leave the bike snuggled in the garage today and take my least preferred mode of transport- car, to East Hampshire to see Sarah Walker. The train was not an option as it meant an arduous trip into London and then back out again.
In the short period of time Sarah has done some stirling work across East Hampshire and she is currently working on a project to engage younger people into mountain biking. Her idea is to get some portable northshore made up - not quite as advanced as the picture you understand! She spends a lot of her time at Alice Holt with the Forestry Commission - who have heaps of material to spare! The idea is to give the children a taster in a school playground or field and then sign-post them to many of the areas that are ideal for off road riding in the local area. You would be amazed on the amount of people that aren't aware of what facilities are around them.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the project come to life - might even have a go myself!

Mini adventure or mid-life crisis....?

2009-10-26T15:26:00.010Z

The regular readers of this Blog will know that over the last year or so, I have got into cycle touring. Since putting in the Moulton order after the Cycle Show, I have spent a lot of my spare internet time checking out routes and other equipment. My initial thoughts were that I would use B&B's - but I'm beginning to warm to the idea of lightweight camping. After the initial outlay of such purchases, the tour wouldn't be very expensive. B&B's, as you know, can cost anything up to £60 a night and I would still have to find an evening meal. Youth Hostels are out - I hate sharing my bedroom space with people I don't know and who snore......!
So, I have narrowed my options to the Hilleberg Atko or the Terra Nova Laser Competition. Both pricey, but I want to get it right first time and enjoy the experience.
At the moment the Hilleberg nudges ahead due the blinding reviews and also having the space to be able to sit up! (I understand a bonus for a 1 person tent!)
I really love the idea of just heading off and having a mini adventure! Call it my annual sabbatical - I never had a gap year and the wilderness beckons, though I think my partner would call it a mid-life crisis! However, it could be much worse I understand?
Anyone out there feel the same? All advice on equipment gratefully received.....

Cycling makes a lot of SENSE.....

2009-10-22T10:05:00.006+01:00

Being in Reading on a Thursday for the first time in a few weeks, meant that the guys from Sense could come over and take out the 2 duet bikes that we have here at Palmer Park. We have a rather relaxed agreement - if I'm around and they have enough staff to drive the participants over, then they get to cycle.
It was great to see them cycle off around the park - enjoying the wind in their faces and feeling the sensation of speed as they rolled down the first incline!
The carers get the work out though and after an hour they are pretty spent as the duets aren't the easiest of bikes to ride! As they bundled back into the car - I waved them off wishing I could go too, apparently it was homemade cottage pie for lunch.....!

Accessible Cycling

2009-10-21T10:09:00.005+01:00

Today brings the re-launch of the Accessible Cycling session in Reading - it had to be pulled from my cycling schedule due to maintenance on the athletics track. So for 2 months or so a dozen participants have missed out on their weekly cycling session. It will be great to see them all again and no doubt I will catch up on how they have been filling their time - I'm sure I'll also be amazed to see how much they've grown!
The participants for this session are mainly children living with a disability. Usually their carer brings them along - offering some respite for the parents. Unfortunately the gap in the session also means that I have lost a valuable volunteer as they are now busy doing other stuff....! Though as one door closes, another opens - I had a call yesterday from a keen cyclist, who is currently unemployed and is looking to fill their time. We meet later to see if she would like to take on this session.
So in the meantime, I will be back delivering this session - well, that is until the new officer starts......!

Wearing hi- viz.....?

2009-10-20T11:48:00.002+01:00

I've never worn any hi-viz clothing - but after a very nasty near miss this morning on a roundabout, I'm wondering whether it would be a good idea.

I guess my view has always been - " It's not a dangerous activity and I have decent lights!" Well, that and I'm a bit of a style queen - all clothing must match my bike! Shallow or what?

CTC are running a great campaign at the moment - STOP SMIDSY (sorry mate I didn't see you!) Basically the website allows you to log any dangerous driving, accidents or near misses. My incident this morning will be added to the growing pile.

Do check it out and I would love to hear your views on wearing yellow jackets......!

Cycling is THE tonic....!

2009-10-19T12:31:00.007+01:00

One head cold in a month is kind of acceptable, but coming down with a second is totally disagreeable! Well, that's what happens when you get 60 so called "healthy" cyclists' in a room for 3 days - and judging from the postings on Facebook, I'm not the only one!
So, opting to work from home today - sparing the team in Reading my germs, (well, it's only right and proper to do so!) I managed to work through my email list, negotiate a great deal with Airnimal for a work bike for the officer in East Hampshire and help on a presentation with MEND for the end of the week.
Halfway through the morning I was itching to get on the bike - needed to clear the old head. From my training days, I had always been told to continue cycling if the virus is just in the head and to stop, if it's on the chest. So with a couple of letters that really needed posting and the nearest post office being about 3 miles away - a perfect opportunity to get some air, without taxing the body. I felt better immediately - sinuses cleared and I was ready to take on the invoices and anything else that was thrown my way.

All in all, a very productive day - however, someone please remind me to take my handwash at the next CTC get together......!

Reading and Swindon

2009-10-16T17:04:00.007+01:00

Back on the fixie today and boy did I enjoy it.With the tailwind it was like cycle surfing....! Meetings in both Reading and Swindon meant a very busy day - though it whizzed past and the end of the working day saw the best of the weather.

The trees in the parks are losing their leaves and the autumnal light was just perfect for my commute home - which was at a steady plod.....!

The weather looks good for this weekend and I may very well swing my leg over the mountain bike and see the golden beeches - before they are all bare and have their leaves on the ground! Have a good one - whatever!

Southern softy!

2009-10-15T18:40:00.007+01:00

Boy when it rains up North, it certainly rains.....!

This morning was the planned bike ride around Sheffield to see what my colleague Steve Marsden had been getting up to these past 20 months or so - followed by a ride to a pub at the edge of the Peak District. I was SO looking forward to it, but not if it meant me sitting a train for 4 hours in very wet clothes and smelling like a wet dog! So I ducked out and journeyed home to the dry south to see my family and realising how lucky I am to have my job.

CTC Staff Conference Daaay 2!

2009-10-14T06:56:00.008+01:00

The theme of the conference was " Who are we?" - getting to know the CTC family and as we had lots of new staff, it was a perfect way to do it.
Today was pretty full on - workshops, presentations and a team exercise, that had me totally out of my comfort zone and almost running/cycling for the 7 hills of Sheffield! We had to create a 5 minute advert based on the history of CTC.......? It was one of those moments when, I guess, I could stepped away and refused (politely) not to take part - but my competitive nature took hold and I chilled and went with the flow. Well, I only had a sentence to say and how hard could that be......? It went well - everyone put so much effort into it and I was surprised to see how many creative types we have on board!

The day ended with a fantastic meal and a celebratory drink or 2!

It was so good to meet the new officers for Bike Club - it really is a great time to be in cycling and working for the CTC.

CTC Staff Conference 2009

2009-10-13T06:59:00.008+01:00

The staff conference this year is being held in Sheffield for 3 days, so today sees me travelling to meet up with fellow colleagues. It will be a great opportunity to finally meet the Bike Club guys and to catch up with the Cycle Champions north of my patch!
We've lots of stuff planned - and a ride! Though disappointingly, I am not able to take my bike on a peak time Chiltern train - shame on you Chiltern Line....! So, having to borrow one from Steve Marsden - thanks Steve!
It will be an interesting few days I'm sure,.......?

I've only gone and done it.......

2009-10-12T15:03:00.004+01:00

I can't believe after all the years I've been around bikes - too many to mention! That the Moulton brand has simply passed me by......?
Well, after a second visit to the Moulton/Pashley stand at the show this weekend and some serious negotiating on the price- I have on order, a dark blue TSR 30. It will be 3 months in the waiting, but hey, who cares?
I'm totally excited about the purchase and can't get the darn thing out of my mind. More importantly though, will be our first tour - equally exciting and can't wait to get the maps out and start planning. If you would like to see the spec on my new acquisition see here.

Introducing the new family member - in more ways than one!

2009-10-09T10:43:00.006+01:00

After a busy day at the show yesterday, a full on week and the recent arrival of the latest addition to the family - Lottie, a blue tabby Siamese, I've decided to work from home today. (Older cat and new kitten have yet to make friends and I want to be around if the fur starts to fly!)
I have a million and one things to do, calls to make, all before the 3 day CTC Staff Conference in Sheffield next week.
The good news is that Mark Tancock has accepted the Reading role and hopes to be in post as soon as he can. Mark currently works for Sutton PCT as a Physical Activity/Walking Officer and is an exceptionally personable guy. I hope you will join me in welcoming him to Reading and I look forward to hearing the ideas he has for the project.
Mark - welcome to the CTC family.........

Cycle Show 2009

2009-10-09T10:18:00.010+01:00

The highlight of the show for me was to spend 30 minutes with James Bowthorpe - the guy who has just smashed the world record for cycling around the world. James was cycling to raise money for vital research on Parkinson's. He popped over to the CTC stand to say "Hi" and to confirm he would be writing something for the magazine. After the obligatory photo, I bombarded him with questions regarding kit, injuries and his chosen route - fascinating and what a really nice chap and we made it onto his blog too. You can read more about his exploits here.

Well, I'm not sure whether I've been around bikes for too long - I very much doubt it, but as I walked around the show, I wasn't as excited at all the new gear on show! Maybe I'm actually happy with all the bikes I have and my head wasn't turned in the slightest at all the top end road bikes! As you know, I'm looking to do a bit more touring and was keen to see what was available. Disappointingly very little, well that was until we stumbled across the Moulton/Pashley stand and my colleague - Gwenda, suggested I had a look and a try of one of the Moultons. To be honest I was a little sceptical, but as ever, I was easily persuaded to swing my leg over the base model on the "try out" track and boy was I surprised. It rides just like a 700c wheeled bike and they do a touring version as well. I'm going to swing by their stand on Sunday with my best negotiating head on, as I can feel a potential purchase coming on.......!

2009-10-08T07:05:00.001+01:00

A bloomin' good read.....

2009-10-07T13:21:00.011+01:00

Oh dear! Not much to report in Reading as I'm still beavering away at my emails............

But thought I would share with you one of the books I read whilst on holiday- Mark Beaumont's, The man who cycled the world. I couldn't put it down and it made me want to do more cycle touring- though not in such an ambitious way! But hey, wouldn't it be great to have the opportunity?

On 15 February 2008, Mark Beaumont pedalled through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 194 days and 17 hours previously, he had set off from Paris in an attempt to circumnavigate the world in record time. Mark smashed the Guinness World Record by an astonishing 81 days. He had travelled more than 18,000 miles on his own through some of the harshest conditions one man and his bicycle can endure, camping wild at night and suffering from constant ailments. His mother was back in Scotland- base camp, working out the logistics etc.
I was interested in his choice of kit and noticed he has gone for the same brand of bike in his recent adventure - Cycling the Americas. To follow his progress, please see here.

Recruitment day

2009-10-06T18:39:00.005+01:00

I spent the day in Guildford running an assessment day for Development Officer's role in Reading. At the start of the week we had a short list of 10 highly capable candidates and by the morning we were down to 5! We kind of expect a drop out of 1 or 2, but 5 was a shock, which meant the team tasks had to slightly re-jigged, though wasn't too arduous.
The day went well - albeit very tiring and at the end of the final interview stage we had chosen someone to fill my shoes - can't divulge any information yet, but will as soon as the candidate knows, but I'm very happy and content that the Champions programme will be in safe hands - exciting stuff!

Lighting up time

2009-10-05T17:08:00.007+01:00

Woke up at my usual time to find it was pitch black outside, which meant I was scrabbling around for my lights - I love riding in the dark, especially off-road! Autumn has definitely arrived and I need to sort out my cycling wardrobe when I get a moment.
Well, the highlight of my day was certainly the ride in and home- though didn't see any of the usual cycle commuters that usually pass with a wave or a nod. I passed several "serious" cyclists all adorned in their club strip - hey guys the time trialling season is over, take it easy and look up once in a while, you may well enjoy the scenery!
Back in the office after a 3 week absence meant 300 or so emails - which took all of the day and into the evening to sort, reply and trash. Still it was really good to get back to my routine and catch up with the team.
I have a busy few days - tomorrow is the recruitment day for my old role. I'm looking forward to that immensely and to finally handing over the reins in the next 2 months will be good for me and good for Reading!

I'll let you know how things go........

Home at last......

2009-10-03T08:26:00.010+01:00

Wow, what a great holiday - fantastic countryside and very welcoming people.

The planned itinerary was to walk, cycle and kayak, but alas on day 3, I came down with the most fearful head cold, which resulted in me having the lung capacity of a thimble, so cycling was out! Determined it wasn't going to spoil our holiday, we walked - or should I say "hiked" everywhere. It was a great way to see the countryside - albeit very slowly.

People like riding bikes in Boston - lots of cyclists riding single speed that hadn't discovered the joy of riding fixed (just flip that back wheel over!) The traffic was light, even at rush hour, but boy are the drivers impatient and were on the horn at the slightest provocation!

Visiting Province Town and Bar Harbour was a bit of an eye opener - everyone took to bikes to get around. The large cars would be parked in a nearby parking lot and then their first stop would be the local cycle hire shop. Bar Harbour had an amazing free bus service to take you and your bike into the National Park area for some off-road riding. Sure, you could drive there, but there was a $20 charge to do so! The bus driver was only too pleased to help with the bikes, advice and directions for the trail riding - boy, do we have a lot to learn in this country?

We were very aware of the environmental impact our trip would have - long haul flight and car hire.

So to appease our conscience, we opted for a hybrid car - the Toyota Prius.

OK, it may not be the best looking car on the road and it was like driving a large marshmallow around. But the fuel consumption was phenomenal. Over the 2 weeks we covered 1400 miles and I only put in $37 of fuel - not including the free tank, which would've been another $21. So a total spend of $58 (approx £36). I realised that would last me 4 months of driving at home.....! Certainly something to consider when we are in the market for a new car.

Anyway, it great to be back and I'm looking forward to the working week ahead.......

Going State side......

2009-09-11T10:32:00.005+01:00

It probably seems that I'm always on holiday - but today brings the start of a 3 week holiday. We are celebrating my partner's significant birthday by visiting New England for 2 weeks. I have also promised to stay clear of FaceBook, Twitter and my laptop - umbilical cord. This means, I'm afraid - no Blog updates......! We are going to do a bit of cycling, paddling and walking. With a bit of luck the weather will be kind and we may be in time to see the spectacular autumnal colours.
So, in my absence - keep those wheels a turning and keep safe.......?
Catch up with you all soon - maybe at the Cycle Show?

Lovely ride in

2009-09-10T14:02:00.008+01:00

Don't you just love this time of year? - the mornings are a little nippy, but with the correct gear, the ride into work is pure pleasure! The trees are turning and this morning the fields had a low lying mist over them. It's days like this, that I consider myself very lucky to have found THE wonderful past-time of cycling. Today I rode my Rourkie and after not riding it for over a month, I had forgotten how special it is to ride.
My day was pretty hectic - maintenance on some of the bikes, risk assessment issues on a couple of the sessions. My local line manager in Reading is leaving tomorrow - lots of loose ends to tie up before we all share a drink or 2! Good news though, as she starts work with the CTC as the Bike Club National Manager. Good luck Sarah and looking forward to seeing you in the CTC uniform......!

Graffiti or art......?

2009-09-09T16:05:00.004+01:00

I have spent the day at the BBC in Whitecity - stakeholders meeting for a potential campaign on the back of an adventure/challenge programme. More of that later though, when things have been firmed up a bit.
My train journey home was exceptionally interesting as it was 'kicking out of school' time and hoards of teenagers got on.
I had 2 lads sitting opposite me chatting about tagging - it was almost like a foreign language! But I was captivated and intrigued to hear about what fonts, paints they use and how they managed to 'graff up' a white van in London and Kensal Rise tube station......!
It was like being transported into a different world! My world being miles away from theirs. Well, that was until they clocked the CTC logo on my shirt and I was asked " Hey, what do you do for a job?" I answered by telling them I get people on bikes. Within a nano second we had connected - they admitted to watching and loving the Giro and Le Tour. Riding regularly at Aston Hill - though finding the 4x course a challenge and I think were pretty impressed that I had ridden it or more than one occasion!
That's what I love about cycling - it connects people of all ages and backgrounds. Though didn't chance my arm in trying to recruit them as members.
Next time maybe?

Have you seen these bikes?

2009-09-08T18:15:00.008+01:00

Imagine my surprise, when trawling the interweb for that next cycling purchase - well a girl has to do something to cheer herself up! I came across a this brand - and very fine they are too. The importer is based in the neighbouring town of Berkhampstead - though purchases can be made through various shops and direct from the website.
The disappointing thing is, that they only have 3 sizes - they state the 3 most common sizes. Well, unfortunately for me, they are way too big....! But do check them out, the lovely silver headtube badge is to die for! Hey, Stephen the Peregrine will take take disc brakes and may well be the bike you are looking for.....? But I may just turn a tad green if you do?
Anyway let me know what you all think?

Little black cloud over Great Missenden

2009-09-07T19:42:00.005+01:00

Oh dear, and the weekend started so well too - the Inclusive Cycling Forum and starting 18 months worth of data entry on the new database on Saturday went swimmingly. But on a personal level, things took a turn for the worse on Sunday. Now, for those who really know me will tell you, I have 2 passions - riding a bike and my Siamese cats! Unfortunately, one of my young cats had to be put to sleep on Sunday - Lily was one of THE sweetest cats ever. The toughest thing about owning an animal is making that all important decision and boy does it knock your socks off! Anyway, I really mustn't dwell, as I'll be weeping into the laptop. We were blessed with 2 wonderful years and have lots of lovely memories. Though she will be sadly missed. RIP Lily.

Inclusive Cycling Forum

2009-09-04T14:03:00.007+01:00

Today I have spent some time tying up a few loose ends for the Inclusive Disability Forum - which is being held in Reading tomorrow. This is the 2nd time the group has met this year and as they come from all parts of the UK - Reading was considered fairly central, with it's great rail links. So, it will be interesting to see how they will progress with getting the bike recognised as a mobility aid. It will be good to see them all again though.
Wow! it's the end of the week already - not sure where it went, but the weekend is upon us and I'll be working both days.....! No peace for the wicked, though I hope to get some miles in on my Spech Roubaix before the weather changes and I have to tuck it up for the winter.....!
Have a good one, whatever you are doing.........?

It can't be THAT time already.....?

2009-09-03T13:16:00.008+01:00

......it bloomin' well is - Big Lottery reporting has to be in at the end of September. OK, I know it's only the 3rd but I've a mountain of database
entering to do before I take a trip of a lifetime planned in just under a fortnights time. We're off to New England to celebrate my partner's significant birthday.....! Where we'll be walking - or should I say hiking, cycling and paddling - can't wait and with a bit of luck we'll see the autumnal colours?
So, you can see the urgency to get things done before I go and having the most hideous headache on earth is not helping - sorry, I'm stamping on that exaggerator pedal again!
It's also not helpful that I'm distracted by the prospect of purchasing a new bike - keep trawling the websites for the 2010 models.
Back to the work in hand -the all important lottery report is almost complete and I can then turn my thoughts to the mind numbing process of data entering.
Hmm, but before I do, maybe I should check BikeRadar's site for new gear, update my facebook and twitter profiles and make that, all important cup of tea - as you can see, I'm just not feeling 'it' today.......!

Like a kid in a sweet shop......!

2009-09-02T17:32:00.008+01:00

No, I haven't had a sneak preview of all the exhibitor stands at this years Cycle Show! I've just been told that I have around £10k to spend on some all ability bikes for younger people. To date, I have been mostly working with adults, but as Sport Reading launch their new initiative called Aiming High - activities for kids with disabilities and their families. I now have an excuse to go shopping! So, this morning I spent a few hours checking out some trikes, tag alongs and some mainstream bikes. With some good contacts I have managed to source some ex demo bikes for an excellent price and believe it or not, I may have trouble spending the full amount - an enviable position to be in! The bikes will be here in a few weeks - just in time for the stadium to re-open.

On another note - I managed to dodge the rain either end of the working day, which is just as well. Both my gortex jacket and trousers have lost their waterproofing - I'm not surprised given the rain in Cumbria last week! Can anyone advise me on reproofing 'said' items or do I have to continue with the spending spree.......?

Back in the South

2009-09-01T16:22:00.008+01:00

Hmm? It was a long but very enjoyable week. Despite having all the appropriate Sustrans maps - I failed to appreciate the route profile on day 2 and got horrendously lost riding the Reivers. Sustrans really need to spend some money on signage for the Reivers route - most of them around the towns had been peeled off by some thoughtless person and the signs out in the countryside were so faded by the weather conditions you couldn't read them......!

Nonetheless, a great way to see some fantastic scenery and I've definitely got the touring bug and have my sights set on another next year - though haven't quite decided where. I guess that's all part of it- sitting down with the maps and planning it all out.

My day in Reading was very quiet and I spent most of the day ploughing through emails and catching up with the Southern Officers. I'm pleased to announce that the advert has gone out to replace me - see here if you are interested in becoming a Cycle Champion! I will be SO relieved when the person has been appointed as doing the 2 jobs is proving to be tricky - feel like I'm not giving either one the time it needs!

Good to get back on the road bike though and to do battle with the commuter traffic - total adrenaline rush after the very quiet roads of Cumbria!

C2C and Reivers.

2009-08-20T13:42:00.005+01:00

Oh, how I love this time of year - it's great to see the farmers harvesting their crops and the large round straw bales dotted around the fields in the Chilterns. I'm not sure whether that is indicative of the area.....?

Anyway I have spent some time today getting my admin in order before I head up north for my cycle tour - C2C and Reivers. I haven't packed yet and although I know I must travel light, I find myself stressing about what I should and shouldn't take! We're aiming to cover around 60 miles a day and have booked youth hostel accommodation - keeping my fingers crossed that they have improved somewhat from my previous experience....!

It will be great to get away from it all and just have the cycling to think about.......! (My closest friends and colleagues will know what I mean!)

So until I'm in Reading again - have a great Bank Holiday and keep turning those pedals!

MEND participants graduate in style.....!

2009-08-19T06:55:00.005+01:00

Sport Reading have been running several MEND programmes over the last few months and part of the participants graduation, I wanted to put on a BMX session at Waterloo Meadows. These children have been following a nutritional programme for 10 weeks and what better way to celebrate their success, than to ride a bike!
During the process their confidence has grown and seeing them have some fun on the bikes was a real buzz and I'm hoping we'll see them at the regular club session?

The whirlwind tour continues.......

2009-08-18T06:02:00.003+01:00

Thank goodness Swindon Borough Council offices are just before the hideous magic roundabout as I didn't fancy tackling that on my bike! - I thought the one in Hemel Hempstead was bad enough!
Today was about getting up to speed on what Tamina Oliver has been up to these past 18 months in her role as a Cycle Champion.
It was good to hear that some excellent work is being done at special needs school, where they have cycling on the curriculum - something I have in mind for Reading.
Tamina sits within the Sports Development team at the County Ground football stadium and has some excellent resources to call upon.
I'm looking forward to seeing the disability project launching in the Autumn.

Colchester- The Cycling Town

2009-08-17T07:47:00.007+01:00

I broke the cardinal sin today and drove to Colchester to see Richard Monk-it was a toss up between a 6 hr round trip by train or 2 hrs 40 in the car. A no brainer really as I still have to clear my Reading emails and other work associated with the project. Next meeting we'll be in London somewhere and we're going to take the bikes for a ride afterwards - I've been meaning to check out LCC 's cycling routes! Call it a perk of the job.....!
It was a good meeting and an opportunity to meet the host partner - Colchester Borough Council. Richard, like me, sits within the Sport Development Team, who were busy working on a visit by some Indian athletes in readiness for 2012! With lots of interesting projects up and running and more planned for the future, I'm very excited about being part of it.
Though can't believe I missed out on seeing the criterium races a month ago - which saw the entire town centre closed and some exciting racing to boot! Oh well,next year maybe.....?
Tomorrow finds me in Swindon - should be interesting............?

A first for me in Leicester.....

2009-08-14T18:29:00.004+01:00

I don't know why, but for some reason I thought Leicester was as big as London - so you can imagine my surprise when alighting the train and finding it the size of a market town - albeit on steroids!
My reason to visit was to see Elizabeth Barner - Leicester's Cycle Champion, I needed to get up to speed on what's been going on and potentially help scope out future projects.
The meeting went well, which is more than can be said for the train journey home - well, I suppose it is Friday. I did feel sorry for the family of cyclists' at Bicester who were told by the passengers and a rail official " Don't even think about coming aboard with those bikes- you'll have to wait an hour for the next train.....!" Hope they eventually got to their destination.....?
The weekend is now upon us and getting some miles in will be my main objective, that and nursing my little cat.
Have a great weekend all......?

A quiet day

2009-08-13T16:39:00.006+01:00

This morning provided a super ride in from Maidenhead - the weather was just perfect! 10 miles is, I think, the perfect cycle commute. Far enough to know you've done some exercise and not far enough to warrant a complete shower on arrival - though obviously I do freshen up!!

It was good to catch up with my Sport Reading colleagues, tie up a few loose ends on some marketing material and to affiliate 2 new clubs to the CTC - Waterloo BMX Club and the Let's Get Biking Club (a lesbian and gay organisation.)

It seems that the BMX track at Waterloo Meadows has seen lots of new participants since the re-launch and also we have lots of interest for other riding - looks like it could be the 2nd Cycling Hub in Reading. I'm SO pleased and a good facility for my replacement to make use of too.

A day at CTC National Office

2009-08-12T16:25:00.005+01:00

Today was a day to catch up with my opposite number in the North - Karen Carter. Karen was the Cycle Champion in Rochdale before being promoted and has done some great work and leaves a D of E legacy behind.
We had numerous people to see at National Office and we also had to spend some time on getting some of the processes sorted for the new role - I was pretty spent by the end of it.
My day wasn't over at 5pm though, as I had to dash to Reading for an evening meeting regarding the BMX Club and finally got home around 10pm....! Phew, a very productive day....but am really looking forward to the quiet day planned in Reading tomorrow.....!

East Hampshire for the day

2009-08-11T08:32:00.006+01:00

Today I visited Sarah Walker - Cycle Champion based in East Hants.
This was the first of many business reviews in my new role as Senior Development Officer.
It was great to get up to speed on what was happening in East Hampshire - All Ability Cycling, Forest Rides and some women specific events.
Sarah has a huge challenge - the county is huge and is very rural, so she will be targeting those hard to reach areas in a very different way to those officers based in towns. For one, she will be taking the bikes to them for taster sessions. It's a difficult call as I would never advocate driving lots of miles - but if she can engage them for 6 weeks or so and prick their interest, hopefully they will go and buy a bike and then continue to cycle long afterwards. It's a very difficult project, but I'm looking forward to getting involved a little more and it will be interesting to see how it develops over the coming year or so.

When the road turns upwards..........

2009-08-10T10:17:00.007+01:00

Thought I would share a couple of my climbing tips with you all - it works for me every time!
Living in the Chilterns means having to cope with short, sharpish climbs on all of my bike rides - OK, I know it's not Wales or indeed the Lakes, but hey, it's not like riding the dead flat plains of the Fens!
Anyway, anyway, anyway - here's how I do it.
At the bottom of the climb, I fix my eyes on something in the hedgerow around 50 ft away- a prominent nettle,bramble or if I'm desperate, a discarded piece of litter!
Keeping my eyes glued on 'said' item until I pass it, but which time I'm looking for the next thing to concentrate on - this continues until I reach the top of the hill. The climb passes without me really noticing and it's certainly better than looking upwards to the top of the climb or just ahead of your front wheel.
The other technique I adopt is, climb seated for 100 pedal revolutions and then out of the saddle for 100 - it's amazing how quickly you can get to the top! I tried it last night on a climb at the end of my ride where the old legs were a little tired and it worked a treat.
So, why not give it a go and let me know how you get on.....? I suppose the other way to make climbing easier, is to drop half a stone - but I don't fancy trying that, do you....?

Heavy heart...!

2009-08-07T12:12:00.006+01:00

Today was a rather unexpected 'working from home' day - one of my kittens had to have an emergency operation this morning and to be honest I felt I needed to be around, just in case.
I spent the morning sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for that all important phone call - news on whether things would be OK for sweet Lily?
I had heaps to do - handover paperwork for my replacement, a 'what CTC can do for companies' leaflet and sort out an advert for my post and other vacancies that have occurred within the Cycle Champions programme.
So, plenty to do to keep me occupied!
I'm in Reading tomorrow for a Dad's Club cycle ride at Green Park - let's hope the sun shines and I have some good news from the vet......?

The BIG bang!

2009-08-06T15:25:00.004+01:00

Hmm? Not quite THE big bang that you are all thinking of, but the bang was me hitting the 21st Century! Yep, at long last I have mastered the old mail merge technique and boy did it feel good - sad, but true!
After the BMX launch I really needed to send out a letter to ask for volunteers to help out with the new Club. With a little help from my colleague - albeit younger colleague! We managed to send out a batch of letters - I'm hoping for at least 3 people to come forward.
So, if you know of anyone that has an interest in BMX - please send them my way.
It was great to ride today without getting the obligatory drenching - long may it last?

Database training

2009-08-05T10:47:00.004+01:00

With the CTC Champions project well into its 2nd year, the professional services team at CTC have been beavering away to find a suitable database - that is user friendly and will allow us to pull off vital stats to use in future funding bids.
I had been dreading the training, as my previous encounters with databases had me running for the nearest hill - in the Chilterns of course!
Though, I needn't of worried as it is very straight forward - but now looms, what probably is around 2 days work of inputting....! So, if any of you out there fancy volunteering your time, I'd be delighted to hear from you- it is at this point I'm hoping to be killed in the rush!
How about I dangle a carrot or 2 - CTC membership for a year and a couple of free tickets to the Cycle Show......? Seriously though, I am open to negotiations?

Weather depression hits the South East!

2009-08-04T09:36:00.010+01:00

Oh dear, how depressing! I woke up to a blanket of dark grey clouds covering the skies, which were producing the "I will soak you very thoroughly in a nano second" type of rain.
So took the easy option and put the bike in the back of the car and decided to ride my short commute - though rain falling pretty heavily when I got to my usual parking area in Maidenhead. I don't mind cycling in the rain, but the showering facilites at Palmer Park are pretty poor - cold water at best and no water at worse! How I wish for piping hot showers, warmed towels and proper lockers that is on offer for cyclists that work at GlaxoSmithKline! Maybe I should make that one of objectives before I move on....?
So with back to back meetings pending, I drove all the way in and the bike remained snuggled up in the car, with a view of it get an airing when I get home........? But in the meantime I'll continue to look to the skies for the big warm ball, we all got to know so well in June!

Cha cha cha changes!

2009-08-03T07:03:00.007+01:00

Life must be good if I'm bursting into song, though I can't think for the life of me who sang that song- answers on a postcard please!
Due to my role changing here in Reading, I realise these pages will somewhat change and although I haven't quite decided how - I think they will evolve in time to perhaps, just my ramblings around all things 'cycling'.

I hope you will continue to visit and share some of your thoughts with me?

I have come to the conclusion that I really must stop being so obsessive about my bikes - can't believe how upset I was when my nearest and dearest accidentally knocked over one of my prized possessions, which resulted in a chip in the paint work! Man, I was gutted and although I'm sure I'll be able to touch it up to a point where it won't be noticeable, I was pretty surprised of my reaction - it wouldn't have been the same if it were the car, of that I'm sure!

Anyone else feel like this or am I cycling this lonely path on my own?

Cycle show '09

2009-07-31T09:07:00.012+01:00

Not much to report in Reading today- dropped into see my volunteers for a general catch up and to see if they need anything. Had to resolve a staffing issue for next Wednesday, but very pleased that things seem to be ticking along quite nicely. All bikes working and not requiring any serious maintenance - which is nice to hear.
So with some time on my hands, I've been checking out this year's
Cycle Show and it promises to be a good one. Though pretty worried that Mosquito bikes are very close to the CTC stand again - they were opposite us last year and I ended up buying one of their bikes! I do have half an eye on this baby and it would definitely look good snuggled up to my Fixie Inc Peacemaker and I'm sure I could make room for it! Though it would blow my cycling budget for the entire year....! Ho- hum, we'll see!

Have a good weekend and happy cycling!

Is it Autumn already.....?

2009-07-30T11:14:00.006+01:00

Is it just me, or has the weather got an Autumnal feel to it today, so much so, I dug out my arm warmers? A mega headwind for the entire journey of my cycle commute made it a bit of struggle, but a good workout nevertheless! But I'm really looking forward to cycling home though! Looks like the met- office have revised the forecast and we can expect a very wet August - not quite the BBQ summer they had previously predicted!
A very quiet day in the office was in order and with the inclement weather, the Sense cycle session was pulled - which was a shame as the guys thoroughly enjoy their riding. Never mind there is always next week and there is certainly potential for the forecasters to get it wrong again- you never know the sun may shine? Oh happy days!

Phew......!

2009-07-29T11:22:00.005+01:00

OK, the order of my day - update blog, work emails, then I'm going to take some well earned flexi time and ride off into the Chilterns to blow away the cobwebs and the dust from the BMX track!
The rest of my day will be spent with my feet up and reading "Dear Fatty" - written by Dawn French (It's SO funny, you must read it?)
See some of you in Reading tomorrow?

More of the same!

2009-07-28T10:10:00.004+01:00

Thanks goodness I had part of the morning to relax - I was still "spent" from yesterday's event. OK, I know I'm prone to stamp hard on the exaggerate pedal, it was a tough, but very enjoyable day!
The day started around midday with the arrival of Hawks BMX Club- van full of equipment and 2 very talented coaches and mechanic, who engaged with the participants immediately!
With back to back sessions right through until 7pm - both kids and adults just kept turning up. Most had booked, but lots were hoping to enter on the day. Nobody was turned away and even the parents were inspired to have a go!
Fortunately we had no serious casualties - the odd graze or 2 and the odd mechanical problem!
All in all, a fantastic event and as I locked up - I had these words ringing in my ears " When is the Club starting?"
Rest assured I'm onto it and will be in touch soon!

The launch of Waterloo Meadows BMX Club

2009-07-27T06:40:00.007+01:00

To say that the day started stressfully - would be an understatement!
I thought I had everything in order - coaches, bikes, paperwork and the all important keys for the various barriers around Waterloo Meadows, but alas this wasn't the case and the guys from Bolsover where a little delayed in setting up whilst I ran around like a whirling dervish to locate the right key! But once in, they set up their very impressive rig and got the sessions underway almost immediately. Over the day we had around 80 participants and at one time there must of been at least 100 people - including spectators. It had a great atmosphere. People had decided to make a day of it and had bought picnics with rugs to sit on.
The day was a total success and all participants were left wanting more and were looking forward to the Club starting.
The press arrived very promptly and took lots of photos - watch out for both Reading papers this week for some action shots!

Chiltern Cycleway.

2009-07-24T13:40:00.008+01:00

I have spent the morning attending a meeting with the Chiltern AONB and the Chiltern Society. The CTC are working in partnership with both organisations and are taking the lead on a very exciting project - The Chiltern Cycleway. Over the last year or so, myself and numerous volunteers have been riding out in the Chilterns to firm up the 170 mile cycle route - nice work if you can get it! We now have a definitive route and are in the process of applying for funding.
The route covers Bucks, Bedfordshire, Herts and Berkshire, where there will be several gateway towns to join the route. There will also be circular routes from each each town, that will accommodate families and the occasional cyclist.
Approval for the funding will be in known in the next couple of months, with the view of launching the route May 2010 - if we are successful?
A fantastic opportunity to get people to visit the beautiful Chilterns and no better way, than on a bike!

Back in Reading!

2009-07-23T12:54:00.007+01:00

It was good to get back to work today - though left the bike in the garage and broke THE cardinal sin of driving in! Well, I don't want to tax my body do I?
Got into the office and found my desk,computer and keyboard had all been cleaned - my colleagues weren't taking any chances!
Anyway, it was a good day. All the new BMX and adult bikes were delivered to the new container at Waterloo Meadows - in preparation for next Monday and Tuesday. Though I was really shocked to see the BMX track looking very overgrown and got onto Parks to ask if we could get someone over with a strimmer? Got the usual, "Well it's not in the schedule and we'll do what we can......!" Fortunately, I managed to use some influence in the shape of Lisa Pearce - Sport Reading Development Manager, and it was sorted in no time! Thanks Lisa!
I also caught up with some CTC colleagues who were doing some cycle training - running an article for the upcoming Cycle magazine. It was good to see them. I directed them to some Level 2 roads to train on, with a photographer in tow!
If you know of anyone who would like some cycle training - do get them to get in touch.

Twiddling my thumbs....!

2009-07-22T07:48:00.007+01:00

Oh dear! My inbox is empty, everything is set for the BMX workshops next week. I have even finalised my cycle tour at the end of August - C2C and Reivers. The good news however, is that I have been symptom free for 2 days and Sport Reading have given me the thumbs up to go back to work tomorrow - whoohoo!
It has been an eye opener as I really have missed the interaction with my work colleagues and certainly could not work from home on a permanent basis.
On the positive side the Tour is live from 12:00 today and I for one shall be glued to it. Armstrong did well yesterday to ride up to the yellow jersey group- I haven't written him off yet? An impressive Tour for Bradley Wiggins too and it would be good to see if he has the legs to attack today?
How about that - a Brit on the podium in Paris.......?

My constant companions......

2009-07-21T09:01:00.003+01:00

Since being confined to barracks I have had the constant companionship of my cats - must be something to do with the temperature dropping, they've been glued to my side and as I write this, I have one perched on my lap...!
The weather pretty much befits my mood. I'm eager to get back to work properly and even more so, swing my leg over a bike and get some miles in.
Still, on a postive note - I'm enjoying le Tour and can't wait to watch today's stage. I'm secretly hoping that Armstrong is bluffing and that he will pull away in the mountains today, scattering everyone in his wake - Contador et al eat his dust......!

In quarantine.....!

2009-07-20T09:41:00.010+01:00

Yep, you've guessed it - instead of spending 2 days with my colleague Gwenda Owen in Cardiff, I'm house bound in Great Missenden. The plan was to check out the successful recycle projects, with a view of replicating them in Reading.
However, flu like symptoms started over the weekend - albeit very light! And after calling NHS Direct and having a chat with my friendly GP, I'm to stay put for a few days....!
I'm now on a regime of echinacea and vitamin C to boost the old immune system and will take the time to research some recycle projects on the web - not quite the same as I won't get the opportunity to ride the Taff Trail!
Never mind, it will still be there in a few weeks time and you never know, the rain may well have passed by then.....?

Back to earth with a bump!

2009-07-17T13:32:00.002+01:00

Back in Reading today to catch up on emails and to make a few phone calls regarding the BMX launch.
I had every intention to cycle in today - but the weather was against me and as I was leaving we had such a terrific thunderstorm followed by a downpour to end all downpours, that I reached for the car keys and left the helmet, gloves on the side and most certainly the bike in the garage .....!
I haven't cycled for 2 days and I'm getting a little cranky - so may well dust off the turbo this evening if the heavy rain persists. Well that is, if I don't come down with Swineflu - I've just received an email from a colleague saying that someone we have been working with in Southport , has come down with it. I'm very twitchy about stuff like this and almost immediately start checking myself for symptoms! I know I'm a drama queen, but anything that potentially could stop me from riding.......!
Have a good weekend, keep well and fingers crossed for fine weather?

Daay 2 in Southport.....!

2009-07-16T17:51:00.003+01:00

Slightly bleary eyed from the previous evening - the film premiere and meal afterwards, where we had to network with the people from the Cycling Towns, we met for a team meeting. It was good opportunity to catch up with my colleagues based north of Watford! They are all doing very similar projects to me and it was great to share best practise and get some info on my pending BMX launch - thanks guys and see you all in October.

An invitation to a Premiere....!

2009-07-15T05:46:00.010+01:00

I have just spent the last 2 days in Southport - I had been invited up by my colleague Juliet Jardine to a premiere viewing of a DVD she has produced with a group of teenage girls from Green Bank School.
The local theatre hosted the event and the girls got to walk on the red carpet and it was a great opportunity to don their glad rags!
The DVD was about breaking down the barriers to encourage girls to take up cycling. They became the very first Bike Club and received a certificate from Kevin Mayne - Director of CTC. Cycling England's board members and representatives from the Cycling Towns had been invited and the auditorium was packed!
It was a great evening and one, I'm sure the girls will remember for a long time.
The short film will be posted on youtube and I'll be sure to post up the link as and when we have permisssion from the school.

The shipping container finally arrives....

2009-07-14T06:10:00.004+01:00

The container finally arrived today for the BMX project - though the 18 tonne truck nearly had to turn back as the access into the meadows is pretty tight and it was a squeeze to get it down the rather narrow lane.
Though it has to be the smallest container in Christendom - it will just about fit 12 bikes and possible the odd tool......?
The residents association were on hand to make sure it was put in the correct place and I think they were pleasantly surprised as when positioned, they couldn't see it! I left them making coffee and betting with each other on how long before the container is covered in graffiti - 1 week was the general consensus!
The bikes are due to be delivered next week and the coaching sessions are filling up nicely.
Please do let me know if you would like to attend the 2 day event as you are all very welcome?