This week's edition of CTC's e-newsletter brings you: CTC Scotland Gathering and AGM; BBC - friend or foe? John Radford RIP; Lest we forget; Amazing Adolfo; Planet of the Shapes; Detour de France; The British Bike Off; Hot shots in Hampshire; CTC-CycleNation Conference.
The Gathering and AGM of CTC Scotland takes place in Edinburgh on Saturday 22 November. The AGM from 10.30am to 11.00am is for CTC members only but everyone is very welcome to attend the following presentations, round table discussions, networking opportunities and lunch.
Julie Rand, CTC Information Team
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Cycling message lost in translation
BBC Breakfast featured cycling every day this week in ‘Cycling – the road ahead’. On Wednesday, CTC’s Roger Geffen was interviewed riding a tandem with the BBC's Transport Correspondent Richard Westcott. CTC Chief Executive Paul Tuohy spoke on BBC 5Live Drive to make the case for better infrastructure. However, CTC’s Sam Jones explains that overall the week was a lost opportunity to show that cycling in the UK is not as dangerous as it is perceived to be. Meanwhile, a video has been released explaining to driving instructors why taking the lane is a good way for cyclists to increase their visibility.
John Radford RIP
It was with great sadness that CTC learnt this week of the death of CTC Councillor John Radford, over a year after he was hit by a driver while out cycling near his home in Yorkshire. Prior to the crash, John campaigned for Road Justice, and was also an active member of Huddersfield and District CTC. The driver involved will be sentenced on 25 November, John’s birthday.
Lest we forget
Remberance Day this Sunday commemorates the centenary of the start of World War 1. After the war, CTC supported wounded service personnel by supplying them with adapted cycles. Last Sunday's Antiques Roadshow (at 49) featured the story of Charles Davis, recruited while cycling to work in London to join a cycling battalion then sent to the North West frontier of India.
Amazing Adolfo
In 2014, CTC still supports people of all abilities to cycle through our network of inclusive cycling centres. Chilean rider Adolfo Almarza shows there are really no limits to what can be achieved. Even though he has no legs from the knees down, he competes using prosthetic limbs as a professional in the tough discipline of downhill racing. He says: "If I can do it, you can too."
Throw down some shapes
If you really think you can emulate Adolfo, why not take part in Tidworth Freeride’s 2nd Annual Hooper Hooner on Saturday 22 November? There are races in all categories but entries close on 15 November - there will be no entries available on the day. Recently-released video ‘Planet of the Shapes’ will show you what you’re letting yourself in for.
Jolly good fellows
Comedian Micky Flanagan has come up with a twist on the celebrity-on-a-road-trip genre. ‘Detour de France’, a new series on Sky 1, charts his exploration of the country by bike, alongside his friend Noel. It’s not a travelogue – they are unashamedly on a ‘jolly up’. However, in the first episode they take on the cobbles of the notorious Paris-Roubaix bike race, as well as visiting war graves.
The British Bike Off
We at CTC enjoy a slice of cake as much as the next cyclist. And what better way to serve up a Paris-Brest gâteau than on a bicycle wheel-shaped board by Ella Doran? We have one board worth £19.50 to give away in our competition. To be in with a chance of winning, just send us your details. One winner will be chosen at random after the closing date of 21 November.
Hot shots in Hampshire
A new CTC partnership project is enabling young people to achieve their dreams. The Aldershot Community Cycle Club provides cycle loan and hire to support job seekers, as well as cycle maintenance courses; bike servicing and repairs; and cycle promotion events and activities. If you would like to get involved in helping the project, contact CTC’s Colin Carré.
CTC-CycleNation Conference in London - now booking
The CTC–Cyclenation Conference will be held in London on Saturday 22 November. This year’s speakers promise to make it an interesting event, and include London’s Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan and academic Dr Rachel Aldred. It’s not all workshops though, with refreshments and social rides too.
Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.
