The shipping container finally arrives....

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?

Beside the seaside - beside the sea!

Over the last few weeks I have accumulated a high number of 'flexi' hours and decided to take today off - I was catching up with a friend on the south coast in Goring and we took time to celebrate my new job too. She is having some time off before starting a new role with West Sussex County Council as their new Cycle Officer.
It was great to cycle somewhere different and having the sea as a backdrop was a total delight! Whilst on our travels we took the opportunity to check out some of the cycle facilities......! (Not off duty totally, you will see!)
We had perfect weather - uninterupted sunshine and deep blue skies! A fabulous and perfect day for the airing of both of our Spesh Roubaix's......!

Greetings from Sheffield!

'D' Day!
A seamless 4 hour train journey up north gave me some extra time for more preparation and I was feeling quite confident I would be able to answer their questions and I had few of my own to ask too.
Well, the interview went as well as to be expected and I had rather hoped that I would get a call to put me out of my misery this evening - alas, no!
I am going through all the different emotions and it rather looks like I will have to wait until Monday. A tense weekend ahead it would seem?
Ho- hum, business as usual in Reading until I'm told otherwise though......!

Have a great weekend and I'll be definitely taking out my frustration's on the road!

STOP PRESS: News just in at 21:00hrs - I GOT IT!! Who-hoo!

Changes a foot.....?

Since the departure of my Manager, CTC have promoted the Regional Manager covering the Northern Cycle Development programme, to National Manager- well done Steve!
On the back of that, they have decided to create 2 Senior Officers roles and after some soul searching I have decided to go for it.
It was a big decision, as I love my work in Reading and although it is a challenging role, I have to admit to being very comfortable here and feel it's time to step up! If I am lucky enough to get the postition, I will be overseeing 7 officers - East Hampshire, Reading, Colchester, Swindon, Wolverhampton, Derby and Leicester. A great opportunity to support these officers and hopefully where needed, replicate the successes I have had in Reading.
So, think of me tomorrow around 1pm as I head in for my interview and I'll let you know how I get on -Oh and I think I will give the purple jumper and trainers a miss.....!

An away day....!

I had to attend the monthly staff meeting at Head Office today. It also gave me the opportunity to catch up with a new colleague - Sarah Walker, who has taken over the Champions project in East Hampshire. She seems to have settled in nicely and has her first family event on Saturday - good luck Sarah!
It was good to hear that 2 further funding applications have been submitted for Hull and Manchester to host a Cycle Development Officer.
Ian Warby - Senior Offroad Officer, talked us through his work in Bucks - portable northshore, jump and off road trails. Fantastic work Ian, with a number of the Cycle Champions all eager to order some northshore for their regions!
I then had to scoot back to Reading to the Kategrove residents meeting to inform them that the BMX project is set to start on 27th July - they were delighted and promised that they would have a presence on the day. I'm hoping that they will be inspired to have a ride.....?

Editor of local paper gives the thumbs up.....

As part of the Bike Week media coverage - I lent one of my pool bikes to the sub- editor of the Reading Chronicle. The idea was that she was to commute by bike throughout Bike Week and report on how the experience went.
It was a very positive article and she was totally converted to the idea of being a cycle commuter- so much so, that I had to send a couple of emails requesting the return of the bike....!
All the doubts of arriving late for important meetings and getting wet most days, were put to rest and she was very sad to say goodbye to the bike today. After thanking me, she made a dash for the bus, but was aiming to get to a local bike shop as soon as funds allowed!
Great- another convert!

It's good to be back.......!

It's amazing what a week off can do - I'm feeling full of energy and raring to get back into the swing of things and totally excited about the pending BMX Club launch. I had kept half an eye on my CTC emails and as I cycled in this morning I wondered what my Reading Borough Council account would be like - last time I took time off, my whole desk was covered in 'post it' notes ( almost as bad as the prayer scene in Bruce Almighty!!) and my inbox was full. However, today it wasn't - thank goodness and that gave me the opportunity to ease myself in gradually. I have a rather hectic schedule over the next 3 weeks - with a trip planned to Cardiff and Southport no less. I'm off to visit various projects to get some ideas for Reading - more to follow on those later though.

The highlight of my week off, was managing to get tickets to see Kraftwerk at the Manchester Velodrome. (Yes, I have to admit to some rather tense and nail biting bidding on eBay!) Kraftwerk are really keen cyclists and have an entire album on the Tour de France and their own German cycle coach. Apparently they arrange their studio time around their love of cycling.....!
The concert was totally awesome especially when Team GB turned up to ride the track as they played. A fantastic experience and well worth paying well over the odds for the tickets......!