Carlton Lodge: Fun on two, three or four wheels. 19/08/2010

This summer Bike Club teamed up with North Yorkshire Youth to bring bikes for everyone, and a little bit of celebrity glamour, to the Annual Fun Day at Carlton Lodge Outdoor Centre near Thirsk.

The activities on offer were many and varied, designed to give all who came a taste of the excitement of the outdoors. So while some kayaked and built rafts on the lake, others flew down the zip wire, or tried out archery or high ropes. Yorkshire 4×4 were on hand, with their impressive display of off-road vehicles and Segways. There was even a bouncy castle, and a pretty decent bacon sandwich to be had.

But it was Bike Club who, with a little help, took a section of nondescript field and turned it into a playground for people of all ages and abilities, to try out some fantastic pedal-powered creations, including KMX Karts and a Megabike.  There was much excitement around the bicycle powered scalextric race, for a fantastic prize of a cycling goody bag including Cateye lights and a CamelBak hydration system, provided by Zyro.

The arrival of a very plush 38ft motorhome hinted that our celebrity guests weren’t far away, then the Nigel Mansell Positive About Youth Cycle Challenge rolled down the drive to a warm welcome from the crowds. The group cycled 1300 miles in 13 days raising money and awareness for UK Youth, as avid Bike Club Blog readers will know.

Nigel, his two racing driver sons and Magnus Backstedt (on Twitter) of Tour de France fame plunged straight into the action, despite having 80 miles in their legs that day already, with loads of energy and commitment. Magnus took on all comers in the slot car race, and Leo Mansell was keen to show off his racing pedigree in a pedal kart, but didn’t quite take to cornering on three wheels!

Thanks to everyone who made this great day happen, and especially those who made it possible for me to enjoy it too.