Halfords Tour Series in Kirkcaldy 16/05/2012
Posted by Amy Hickman in Asda, Fife, Scotland.add a comment
Last night (Tuesday 15th May) Team UK Youth travelled north of the border to Kirckaldy to race in Round 1 of the Halfords Tour Series. This was the first time the tour has ever came to Scotland and everyone made sure the series kicked off to a great start.
An afternoon of activity was planned to accompany the evening event for the public to participate in. Before the professionals took centre stage for the evening event, primary and secondary school youngsters were given the opportunity to take to the town centre race circuit and try it out for themselves. Scottish Cycling also organised a race for youth racers with a girls race and boys race taking place. Throughout the afternoon members of the public were invited to sign up to the community parade through Active Fife at 4.30pm.
Local Bike Club group Link Living came down on the day with a group of young people to meet team UK Youth. They watched them warm up for the evening race and chatted to them about their cycling experiences. As the team officially ‘signed’ on for the race Link Living were invited up onto the podium with them. ASDA colleague Heather from the local store in Kirkcaldy joined them on the podium and presented the group with a cheque for £2000 on behalf on Bike Club and the ASDA foundation. Bike Club funding will allow the group to buy bikes and safety equipment for their cycling project to encourage more young people to cycle.
As for the main event, there was a great atmosphere in Kirkclady with spectators fully getting caught up in the event cheering on all the riders. Team UK Youth put in a strong performance and saw them place four riders in the top ten. Unfortunately this was not enough and they narrowly lost out to Endura – but a very respectable second place, well done. A big good luck to the team from everyone at Bike Club in Scotland, you have a whole new group of fans who will be cheering you on for the rest of the series!!
See more pictures from the race here.
Team UK Youth meet Middleden Mountain Bike Club 16/05/2012
Posted by Amy Hickman in Asda, Fife.add a comment
On Tuesday 15th May the Halfords Tour Series came to Scotland for the first time, with a professional cycle race around Kirkcaldy town centre. Team UK Youth are one of 12 teams competing in the series. Team UK Youth cycling team was founded by ex Formula 1 racing car driver Nigel Mansel and represent the work and values of UK Youth – national Youth Charity and consortium partner of Bike Club.
As part of their visit Bike Club Officer, Amy Hickman, arranged for the team to visit a local Bike Club group in Kirkcaldy the night before the race – Middleden Mountain Bike Club. Team UK Youth met the leaders and young people and had some photos taken with them. They chatted to the young people about everything from cycling, mountain biking to what they do in their spare time and how much their bikes cost! Some of the young people showed them a thing or two about mountain biking – and then chatted some more about bikes. Middleden were running time trials in Middleden Woods for their session and the team went down to watch cheering the youngsters on, giving them encouragement and tips.
Larbert High School become Cycle Friendly 14/05/2012
Posted by Amy Hickman in Asda, Scotland.add a comment
Larbert High School recently became the first Bike Club group in Falkirk. The school have invested a huge amount of time and effort in promoting cycling through their Bicycle User Group and running a very successful extra curricular mountain bike club. They have sourced funding to install cycle parking for staff and pupils, a fleet of bikes and trailer for excursions and had a storage container donated from the council to store equipment. With Bike Club funding they plan to buy additional bikes and encourage more young pupils to get involved in cycling, particularly focussing on girls.
Cycling has now been integrated into the school curriculum during PE and outdoor activities and the school are exploring Youth Achievement Awards as a way of accrediting pupils achievements . They recently ran their annual S1 cycle road show where over 300 pupils were given the opportunity to take part in cycling events, maintenance demonstrations and speak to staff and local partners about cycling.
Their achievements in encouraging more children cycling to school have been fully recognised. Larbert High School became the first ever Cycle Friendly Secondary School in Scotland – having passed the award with distinction. The award, run by Cycling Scoltand, is given to schools that put in place appropriate infrastructure, incentives and promotion to encourage pupils to cycle. Larbert have certainly set a high standard for other secondary schools to follow. The school received this prestigious award on the 27th April from the Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown MSP on his visit to the school.
Jon Reid, Rector of Larbert High School said: ‘It is terrific that the excellent work going on in Larbert High school and the effort, commitment and dedication of our staff and pupils has been recognised. There are many exciting initiatives underway and I look forward to years of continued success’.
For more photographs from the day follow the link.
Belles on Bikes Cycle Training Weekend 11/05/2012
Posted by Amy Hickman in Asda, Edinburgh, Girls.add a comment
Bike Club is currently looking for women in Edinburgh to take part in a ‘Belles on Bikes’ leadership programme. The project is designed to give women the skills, knowledge and confidence to get more girls and women on their bikes. With support from Bike Club, we will help leaders to run and set up their own cycling activities for women in a local community (or help an existing project).
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 2012
9am – 4.30pm
@ Inch Park Community Sports Hub, 227 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5UD
Over the 2 days you will be trained up to deliver Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Ride Leader and Cycle Training Assistant course
To be eligible you must enjoy cycling, be a fairly confident cyclist, have your own bike or access to one, have a desire to learn something new and pass on your passion for cycling
Following on from this training weekend you will receive training in:
• Bike Maintenance
• Certificated Leadership Course
Please email amy.hickman@bikeclub.org.uk to register your interest or for more information. Alternatively call 07766 405 369
BikeFest at the ARC, Glasgow 08/05/2012
Posted by Victoria Leiper in Asda, Glasgow.add a comment
Thirty seven riders took part in the first BikeFest Go-Ride Racing event held at Ashgill Recreation Centre in Milton on Saturday 28th April. Part of a city wide league, the first event was a huge success, introducing cycling racing to young people from all over Glasgow. 
Local young people as well as Bike Club members from Royston Youth Action, SiMY Saddle Soar, the ARC, Swinton Primary School, Centurions BMX Club, and Garrowhill Primary School nervously signed up for the first event – the one lap individual time-trail at 11am. Nerves soon turned to excitement and determination as the horn blasted marking the official launch of the BikeFest series with local councillor Billie McAllister doing the honours. The course, a 700 metre trail, includes a pump track, bermed section, twists and turns, climbs and descents. 23 riders completed the time trial, with the top 4 riders completing the lap in well under 3 minutes.
1st: Coutney Whyte – 2.18 minutes
1st: Joseph McLeod – 2.18 minutes
2nd: Joshua McPhail – 2.24 minutes
3rd: Kieran Man – 2.28 minutes
4th: Kieran Henderson – 2.34 minutes
4th: Jonathon Macauley – 2.34 minutes
In between races, riders along with their friends and family enjoyed live music by local youth bands, face painting, art workshops, bouncy castles, a bike skills area and BMX coaching with Radworx. They could also get their bike health checked by the Bike Station’s Dr Bike. The sunny weather drew a big crowd, all ready to cheer on the riders for the next event – the 8-12 years race.
Completing two laps of the track, 22 riders set off in bunch along the start line. Fortunately there were no incidents, with all rides displaying excellent and controlled bike handling skills on the tight corner leading to the pump track section. Representing the girls, Millie Marriot-Laurie beat her pre-race nerves and finished first. Not far behind were Kayleigh Boyd in second and Ami Man in third. The boys battled for first with Kai Martin narrowly beating James Anthony Wiggins for first place with Peter Prior close behind in third. They all received a small prize to mark their achievement. All prizes were kindly donated by shops Gear of Glasgow and RIG and were greatly received by all involved in the event – thank you both very much for supporting BikeFest! All riders received a certificate and spoke reflector to celebrate their participation and personal achievement.
The final race of the day was the 12 + and 16+ age category. Setting off together the three lap race was an endurance test, with every rider putting in extra effort to complete the demanding race. A battle for first place ensured, however just beating the time-trail winner to first place in the 12+ category was Ryhs Lyall followed closely by Courtney Whyte and in third place Craig Burns.
In the 16+ category Paul Kelly of the Cumbernauld Centurions BMX Club (NB: is well over 16 and by far the oldest rider of the day…sorry Paul!) finished first, with Marc Hughes just behind him and Jordan Paton putting in a valiant effort to finish third.
The event at the ARC provided an energetic start to the BikeFest series. An excellent mix of enthusiastic riders, sunny weather, entertainment and hard work has set a president for future events in the series. Thanks to all the volunteers from Swinton and Garrowhill Primary, Royston Youth Action and SiMY who helped out on the day. A BIG thanks also to Bob MacFarlane from Scottish Cycling who kept us right throughout the day!
The next event in the BikeFest series is on 23rd June at Cathkin Braes.
Reidvale Youth ‘n’ Action….CTC Youth Club of the Year! 08/05/2012
Posted by Victoria Leiper in Uncategorized.add a comment
The post below was written by Paul McIlvenny, Youth Developement Worker for Reidvale Youth ‘n’ Action Bike Club (Glasgow) and sent to all the clubs contacts and partners to celebrate becoming the CTC Youth Club of the Year!
“Good News, East End Youth Project Reidvale Youth ‘n’ Action Project has been named UK Youth Club of the Year 2012 by Bike Club & CTC.
Staff, Volunteers, Young Volunteers and Young People have received this accolade from Bike Club UK and CTC, it is a fantastic award for all involved with the Project and especially its very popular bike club.
The Bike Club has been in operation for over 18months and has engaged with over 200 new cyclists, delivered the Bikeability Cycle Training Scheme, developed a Bike it to School and Bike it to Work Programme, has trained over 10 local young volunteers to deliver sessions, delivers a Dr.Bike Session and trains young people to maintain their own bikes !
Victoria Leiper, Bike Club Development Officer had this to say and published an article on Youth Scotland’s Website :-Youth Development Worker Paul McIlvenny, along with staff and young volunteers at the Reidvale Centre have worked super hard over the last 18 months to establish the club and now deliver high quality cycle training and support to young people in the area who are keen to get into cycling. This award recognises their hard work and commitment and is very well deserved! Congratulations to Paul and the rest of the team! A group of young representatives from the club will be travelling down to Sheffield to receive their award at the CTC Annual Dinner on Saturday 12th May.
We would like to thank Victoria for all her support in helping us establish and develop our Bike Club project, and a Special Thank You to all our funders who helped in establishing and sustaining the funding to deliver sessions with the Bikes, which include Bike Club, Active East, Cashback for Communities, East End Housing Regeneration Forum, Glasgow City Council and to all the people involved well done, to all the young people involved and yet to be involved Get On Yer Bike !
We are looking forward to attending the Gala Annual Awards Dinner and AGM in Sheffield in May to receive our Award, a group including Staff, Volunteers, Young Volunteers and Young People will attend, whilst visiting two other youth projects and a fun reward day to Alton Towers on the way home will follow ! Pictures will appear on our website ! Make sure you have a look !”
Miliband gives boost to Bike Club 26/04/2012
Posted by Patrick Carr in Uncategorized.add a comment
MP David Miliband lent his support to the young people of SSB Bike Club in their quest to see improvements to the popular skatepark on the seafront at South Shields. Visiting the club at their base in town centre bike shop Conways Cycles, Mr Miliband met young people and chatted about their passion for BMX, which led to the formation of the club under the auspices of George Simpson, who runs Conways as a social enterprise for the benefit of local young people. Conways hosts regular events such as competition screenings, workshop nights and maintenance training with local schools, with Bike Club funding and support. SSB are also incredibly skilled riders, impressing Mr Miliband with an impromptu display of flatland skills outside the shop. (Oh, and check out their video at the bottom of this post.)
After a quick look round the shop, Mr Miliband promised to return with his kids to be fitted with their next bikes. He also asked about good local routes for families.
Outside he rode the shop’s restored Haro BMX, and though he looked confident, confessed to being worried about damaging the bike. (to be fair, I would be too, the paintwork and parts are stunning) SSB members shared their experiences of using the busy park, and the politics between the various groups of bikers, skaters and scooters who use it. An extension to the park would be welcome, and Mr. Miliband shared his thoughts of how to attract funding for its improvement.
Mr Miliband was curious about the origins of the group’s enigmatic name SSB, which stands simply for South Shields Based. “South Shields Based what?” asked the MP understandably. “South Shields Based anything.” came the reply. “Bikes, blades, boards, scooters, anything. We don’t discriminate.” Good answer. Wonder if that young person wants a job in politics?
BikeFest 2012….cycle league for young people in Glasgow! 25/04/2012
Posted by Victoria Leiper in Uncategorized.add a comment
Glasgow’s first city wide race series for young people! Races to suit all ages and abilities….no experience required!
Event 1: Saturday 28th April 2012 at Ashgill Recreation Centre, Milton, Glasgow, 340-342 Ashgill Road, Milton. Glasgow.
On Saturday 28th April BikeFest 2012 will officially launch at the Ashgill Recreation Centre (ARC) in Milton. Bike Fest is a youth cycle race league designed by young people for young people. Introducing cycle racing in a fun and welcoming environment, the series includes five events across Glasgow starting in April and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in October. Organised by young people from Bike Club (the national cycle development project for young people), Glasgow Life and Glasgow Community Safety Services, each event in the series will include additional activities for all the family to enjoy. On Saturday you can….
- Take part in a series of races to suit all ages and abilities on the ARC’s trail circuit.
- Get your bike checked out by the Glasgow Bike Station’s Dr Bike
- Take part in BMX coaching with the Radworx team
- Get your face painted, listen to music and try out the ARC’s bouncy castle!
- Plus more!
The ARC is a community focused facility managed by Glasgow Community Safety Services. The centre aims to prevent crime, tackle antisocial behaviour and promote community safety within the Canal Ward by providing young people and the community as a whole with a variety of sports and activities. The Arc is an ideal place to launch BikeFest, ensuring young people who are both new and experienced cyclists have the chance to meet others from across the city while taking part in a fun, active and health promoting event.
Bike Club Development Officer Victoria Leiper said: “this series is not about who wins or looses, it is about providing opportunities and experiences that many young people who live in an urban environment often miss out on. Glasgow has a wealth of urban mountain biking facilities catering for all abilities. With the 2014 Commonwealth Games fast approaching, it is important to sign post young people to these opportunities as part of the games legacy. The track at the ARC is the best place to launch this and we are all really excited about the BikeFest series in the coming months.”
Events will take place on the following days and locations:
The Ashgill Recreation Centre – 28th April
Cathkin Braes – 23rd June
Alexandra Park – 28th July
PollokPark– 25th August
Closed Road Circuit, Sir Chris Hoy Vellodrome – date TBC
Jake Lovatt, Cycling Development Officer for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow Life and its partners are committed to delivering opportunities for young people to enjoy cycling. The BikeFest series is key to delivering the outcomes of the City’s cycling strategy by giving young people the chance to access grassroots competition.”
People from all over the city are welcome to attend each event and take part in the many activities on offer this weekend. Check out the Bike Club Glasgow Facebook page for race times, categoies and updates here. For more information about BikeFest and the national Bike Club project please contact Victoria Leiper, Bike Club Development Officer – Victoria.leiper@bikeclub.org.uk.
For more information on the Ashgill Recreation Centre please contact Mark Leaning, Senior Youth Engagement Worker – markatthearc@btconnect.com
For information on the Glasgow Cycling Strategy please contact Jake Lovatt, Cycling Development Officer, Glasgow Life – jake.lovatt@glasgow.gov.uk
Highbrow cycling? Let me introduce Bicycle Ballet 19/04/2012
Posted by Gavin Wood in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
This year’s SO Festival in Skegness will feature an exciting and innovative Bicycle Ballet. The show will take place on June 29 and is described as ‘a spectacular dance performance on bicycles which explores the highs and lows of city cycling: the sheer joy of swerving downhill on a bike, the wind behind you and the sun on your face, tempered by the gritty reality of urban cycling – manoeuvring amongst traffic, pollution, theft and vandalism’.
I know what you’re thinking, that sounds great!
So how can you help? Well, the organisers are looking for 100 volunteers to take part in the event. You’ll need to have a bike, and of course you’ll need to be able to ride it. Bikeability training up to level 2 would be desirable but if you don’t have this we could organise this for you. Wearing a tutu is optional.
There are two possible roles for cyclists; The Chorus and The Mass. To be part of The Chorus you’d need to be available for six rehearsals of a few hours each. If you want to be part of The Mass, you’d simply need to be available the day before the show for a rehearsal and the day of the show of course.
For more information or to register your interest, speak to James Turner on 01507 613444 or email culture@e-lindsey.gov.uk. More information is available at www.bicycleballet.co.uk
Lee Valley and Adapted Cycling for Camden Society Bike Club 16/04/2012
Posted by Frances Chaloner in Asda, London, Uncategorized.Tags: Adapted Cycles, adapted cycling, all abilities cycling, Camden Society, Lee Valley Country Park, Stonebridge Lock Centre
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Lee Valley Park bench with logo
The Camden Society Bike Club went for two sessions over Easter to Lee Valley’s Stonebridge Lock, to try out some adapted bikes for all abilities riders.
The Camden Society Bike Club rider takes a three wheeler recumbent cycle for a spin
It was a beautiful bright morning and the group arrived very keen to try out the bikes and go for a ride along the valley, but some instruction was needed at first.
Tony Harvey gives instruction on how to ride the hand bike
The sessions were run by Tony Harvey the Cycling Officer for Lee Valley and a very good selection of adapted bikes were available for use.
Young person riding a trike from the Camden Society Bike Club
Tony said:
These are top quality adapted bikes. We are looking to build up the centre and get more people to sign up to use the bikes which at present are available for hire for free. The Camden Society Bike Club are the ideal type of user group that we wish to attract.
Pedalling along nicely!
After a really good work out the group went off for a picnic by the river, bathed in beautiful Easter sunshine.
Off for the picnic!
Nathalie Brossard the Bike Club Leader said:
It is great that we have been able to use this facility for the first time and we will definitely be coming back for more sessions, it has been a wonderful experience for our young people.
Nathalie Brossard Leader of The Camden Society Bike Club helps a young person with her carer to the picnic
Bike Club have helped to fund the Camden Society Bike Club which enables young people with disabilities to access cycling for their health, well-being and enjoyment.
Enjoying a ride in the sunshine
If you wish to get more information about how to set up a Bike Club in London and access funding please contact the London Bike Club Officer:
Frances Chaloner
frances.chaloner@bikeclub.org.uk
075 0006 9261
