News up to end 2013
Wednesday Riders Christmas Dinner, 11th December 2013: The Wednesday Riders celebrated another year of cycling with their annual Christmas Dinner held at Trafford Hall. The good weather enabled many members to cycle to Trafford Hall. Many thanks to Mike Cross for organising the event and to the staff at Trafford Hall for their excellent lunch and looking after everyone so well. Click here to see a selection of photos.
75th Anniversary Photo Competition: To all you budding photographers (and we know that many of you like taking photos of various aspects of cycling), you can enter your photos into our 75th Anniversary Photo Competition - just another way to celebrate Chester and North Wales CTC's 75 years as a cycling club. The theme is "The Spirit of Cycling, 2014". Click here to see the competition Details and Entry Form.
75th Anniversary Logo Competition
Chester and North Wales CTC President, Mike Cross, thanks those who entered designs for our 75th Anniversary Logo Competition. Congratulations to Glennys Hammond, who won the competition. The numerous designs submitted were judged anonymously by a graduate graphic artist who has worked extensively in the world of commercial art and design. The winning design will be used throughout 2014 on documents, certificates and on the website banner.
Chester and North Wales CTC - 75th Anniversary 2014
Members' Photos and Recipe Booklet
Ch&NW CTC 75 Years of Cycling: A number of events are being planned to celebrate our 75th Anniversary year in 2014. One useful suggestion is a booklet of members' recipes. So all of you who have experimented in the kitchen and have an original recipe of any kind you'd like to share with others - get cracking. We need lots of imaginative ideas. For more details click here.
Peter Williams – another accolade: Peter Williams was surprised at a recent Sustrans Northwest Volunteers' Day held at the Manchester Cycling Centre when he was presented with a certificate of thanks. Peter has been a volunteer for several years which involves signing and maintenance on the National Cycle Network but also organising promotional stalls at public events like the annual Liverpool Chester bike ride. The award is a fitting tribute to the commitment he has shown to promoting cycling, working with local partners and developing and publicising safer routes, always with a cheerful manner. Well done, Peter!
Over 3,500 volunteers currently help Sustrans, a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. There are active groups in the Chester area, Wirral and NE Wales – we'd love you to join us! More information here.
Corwen Audax Rides, 19th October 2013: Click here to see a report, with photos, of this very successful event. Many thanks to Vicky Payne for planning and organising this event.
Gwenda Owen, new CTC Councillor for Wales
Warmest congratulations to Gwenda who was recently elected as the new CTC Councillor for CTC Cymru.
Click here to read Gwenda's personal statement prior to election.
Commiserations to her very worthy opponent Tom Wells.
New Bridge 'Pont y Ddraig' (Dragon's Bridge) 22nd October 2013
Hundreds of people attended the opening of a £4.3m pedestrian and cycle bridge across Rhyl harbour. The bridge was officially opened by Mark Colbourne, MBE (London Paralympic Champion) and Leon Jones from Ysgol Maes (who inspired the name). Pont y Ddraig (Dragon's Bridge) is the final link in 15 miles (24km) of traffic-free cycling across Conwy and Denbighshire and provides a car-free alternative route to the nearby Blue Bridge. Sustrans Wales said the Blue Bridge was very congested and deterred cyclists and walkers from using it. Pont-y-Ddraig now also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 5, a long-distance cycle route across the north Wales coast. Click here to see the BBC's news item on the opening, and here for ITV's news item (information and photo from Roy Spilsbury).
President's Ride, Annual Lunch and Trophy Presentation
This ever popular annual event took place in Wales on 29th September this year, starting and finishing at the Nova Centre, Prestatyn. There were two rides, one slightly longer and hillier than the other - both very enjoyable. At the wonderful buffet lunch served at the award-winning Neuadd Owen Hall, Cefn Meiriadog, Ch&NW President Mike Cross awarded the President's Trophy to Dorothy Clift in recognition of her work for the club, particularly for planning and organising the Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides over many years (assisted by Hazel McDougall). Unfortunately, Dorothy was not able to attend the lunch but received the trophy from Mike later in the week at her home.
In addition, Roy Spilsbury was surprised and delighted to be presented with the CTC Certificate of Merit for his achievements in support of cycling in North Wales - far too many to list here.
Thank you to all helpers - but we particularly thank our President, Mike Cross for organising such a wonderful event and an amazing buffet meal. Everything went according to plan - even the weather! Thank you.
Click here for a selection of photos.
Hill Climb and Freewheel Competitions, 5th October 2013: Mike Cross, President of Chester and North Wales CTC, thanks Lowri Evans and all her helpers for organising an excellent Hill Climb and Freewheeling Competition on Saturday 5th October. The event was based at Llysfasi College, near Ruthin, North Wales, and took place in good weather conditions. The competitions finished with the presentation of prizes at the Three Pigeons Inn, Craigfechan. Click here to see the competition results and photos.
'Momma' Audax /Ch&NW CTC Rides, 15th September 2013: The rides were based at Old Ma's café, Tattenhall on a day of challenging weather. Click here to see a report with photos of the rides.
Helpers Wanted
Windsor-Chester-Windsor 600k, mid-August 2014: The original 600k Audax UK ride, Chester-Windsor-Chester, is being revived as the Windsor-Chester-Windsor 600k in mid-August next year and volunteers are being sought to assist at Chester. We would like to help at the control, but not necessarily with the catering. We would probably work in shifts with the majority of the activity likely to be between 20:00 and 01:00. Between 40 to 100 riders could be involved, arriving in small groups at various times. Any local volunteers willing to help should register their interest with David Matthews – by the end of October (please note that I am moving my email address in late September - but my current email address will still work for a while). This is a necessary time scale in terms of Audax event planning. David Matthews
Birthday Rides, Yarnfield Park August 2013: The Birthday Rides this year were very conveniently located near Stone, Staffordshire providing easy access for Chester and North Wales Members. There were 240 people in residential accommodation, 85 caravanners and 140 campers - 465 altogether from all parts of the country. Rides were varied and interesting and aimed at all levels of abilities. There were some errors in route directions for some rides so an OS map of the area proved essential.
Approximately twenty-two Chester and North Wales riders enjoyed excellent accommodation and meals and varied entertainment in the evenings. The Chester and North Wales team, named the 'Encyclopedallers', were 1st out of 25 teams in the 'best team name' competition (thanks to Roy) and won second prize overall for the quiz activities. The prize of a carton of various beers was shared out at a group meal on the last evening. Evening entertainment included a choir, a jazz band, films, quizzes and a barn dance.
The church thanksgiving service took place at St Mary's Church, Swynnerton and later the CTC Birthday Cake was cut by the youngest and oldest riders and the person who had travelled the furthest by bicycle to attend the event.
Yarnfield Park is also a BT training site. You can see the trainees' telegraph poles - an amusing backdrop for the group photo.
Finding suitable accommodation for 2014 Birthday Rides is proving difficult - the rides may or may not be held at Yarnfield Park again.
The weather was excellent all week, which added a great deal to the Birthday Rides' success. We extend our thanks to the organisers and to the staff at Yarnfield Park for making the event such a success.
Two Mills Picnic Ride to Thurstaston 1st September 2013: Click here to see a brief report of the event plus a photo of Peter Williams (our Right to Ride Representative) with his surprise birthday cake.
Bike & Go - another development in the cycling world: Bike & Go is a new bicycle hire scheme that helps you to complete your train journey by bike. The scheme is being rolled out across many regions in the country and will be available to Merseyrail customers from 13th August. How does it work? Click here for details of how to register, participating stations, charges, and answers to many other frequently asked questions. Bicycles can be hired at several locations on the Merseyrail network including Ellesmere Port, Hooton and West Kirby. The Bike & Go website has a list of locations already available across the country. More will be added in the future. Information from Alexander Ford (Chester Cycling Campaign member).
Triennial Veterans 100 mile ride 7th July 2013 – Presentation to Mrs Olive Evans: Over many years Mrs Olive Evans has provided lunch for the riders in our Veterans' 100 rides at Llandrinio to much acclaim by the riders. At this year's Triennial Veterans' 100-ride lunchtime, Chester and North Wales CTC President, Mike Cross, presented her with a pot plant and a certificate to show the Club's appreciation of the work she and her team have put in, to mark her retirement at the end of last year. David Ackerley, event organiser, received the following letter from Mrs. Olive Evans:
"To all members of CH&NW CTC. I would like to thank you all for the certificate and the plant; they were lovely unexpected gifts. It has been a pleasure to cater for you all. You always had a smile on your faces no matter what the weather, and we have had some very wet Sundays. Thank you once again, and I shall still see you all whilst Kelly caters. My plant is still going strong. Yours sincerely, Olive"
Welsh Festival of Cycling 25th - 30th July 2013: I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks to all Chester and North Wales CTC members who helped with the Welsh Festival of Cycling over the long weekend of 25th to 30th July, 2013. In particular, special thanks are due for the work of our Honorary Secretary, Lowri Evans, who was one of the joint organisers of this successful event (Mike Cross, President of Chester and North Wales CTC).
Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides 23rd June 2013: There were three rides of 100, 50 and 25 miles starting and finishing at Waverton. Click here to see a report of this very successful event.
Neston to Deeside Cycling and Pedestrian Path official opening 28th July 2013: This wonderful new amenity for cyclists and pedestrians across Burton Marshes was officially opened on 18th July 2013. Cyclists can now avoid busy roads to and from Cheshire and North Wales by using this newly completed Sustrans cycle route across Burton Marshes (NCN 568). Click here to see Alan Parker's YouTube video covering the event. A full list of 'officials' who attended the event is included in the video. You may even recognise some of your cycling friends. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the boardwalk was carried out using a giant pair of red scissors. Many thanks are due to Alan for recording this special event.
The cycle route passes Burton Point, alongside the Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.) rifle range and RSPB areas. The 3-metre wide, fenced-off boardwalk - with anti-slip surfaced wooden boards - is a treat to use when walking or cycling. This vast gated area was once the River Dee and is now used for grazing sheep. When you are in the area, have a look at the site of Neston collieries, and the quay-side where coal was loaded onto ships - destined for North Wales, the Isle of Man and Ireland.
Triennial Veterans 100-mile ride, 7th July 2013: This highly successful event (incorporating the Bert Bailey Memorial Tri-Vets 100-mile ride), organised by David Ackerley, started and finished at Duddon War Memorial Hall, near Tarvin. After a long day riders were presented with their certificates by Chester and North Wales President, Mike Cross. Harry Watson once again won the trophy for the oldest rider in the event. Riders were full of praise for the ride, organisation and helpers on their return to the hall. Click here to see photographs of the Groups with Mike, Harry with the trophy, and the ladies who organised refreshments at the beginning and end of the day.
Wild Wales Challenge, Sunday 25th August 2013: The Wild Wales Challenge promises to be enough for any cyclist. This exciting route of around 83 miles, with spectacular scenery around North Wales and nearly 10,000ft of ascent is enough to test any cyclist. If you haven't entered the event yet you'd better hurry up and register. Time is running out and there are less than 50 places left. Click here for the Wild Wales Challenge website to get full details and view a video of the 2012 event (Information from Graham Lewis, organiser).
CYCLE (The Magazine of the CTC) Photo Competition: Cycle magazine is running a photo competition for the best cycling photos by members. Photos can be about any aspect of cycling. The winner will win an Ortlieb Ultimate Handlebar Bag with padded camera insert and a GorillaPod Classic mini-tripod plus other prizes for runners-up and category winners. There are six categories: Family, Performance Road, Commuting, Touring, Group Riding and Trail. To enter upload your images at www.ctc.org.uk/photo-comp. There's lots of advice in the June/July 2013 issue of CYCLE pages 40-44. So come on all you snappers, let's see what you can do!
Merseyside 20s Plenty Event 5th July 2013: This event in support of the 20s Plenty Campaign was organised by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and included various organisations from the emergency services. Our own Peter Williams (Ch&NW CTC Right to Ride Officer), a strong supporter of the '20s Plenty for Us' campaign, offered his services in support of the Liverpool's 20s Plenty Campaign Stall. 180 children attended from local schools. Click here to see Liverpool's campaign website, and click the photo of Peter for a bigger image. (Information from Janet Gregory, CTC North West Councillor.)
A reminder to sign the Chester Cycling Campaign's '20s Plenty For Us' online petition.
The ePetition for borough-wide 20mph limits is live on the CWAC website. Please sign the petition and spread the word on your personal and professional networks. Click here to see the '20s Plenty for Us' national website.
The aim of the petition on the Cheshire West and Chester website (CWaC) is to press for borough-wide 20 mph speed limits on non-through routes and residential streets. We need as many people as possible to sign the petition in order to trigger a debate in council. If the petition receives 1,500 signatures or more, it will be scheduled for a full council debate.
The arguments for 20 mph as the default speed limit for residential streets are compelling. In Britain more than half of road deaths and serious injuries occur on roads with 30 mph limits and we have the highest percentage of pedestrian road fatalities in Europe. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Britain has one of the lowest levels of children walking or cycling to school in Europe.
Click here to sign the Petition.
Free cycling courses for children this summer: Click here for information about free cycling workshops at three areas across the borough that are being offered to children aged between 6 and 11. The areas are Frodsham, Ellesmere Port and Chester and take place in July and August. The 'Learn to Ride' courses offer two hours of riding in a traffic free environment for beginners, whilst level 1 and 2 are six-hour courses over three consecutive days which establish basic skills before venturing out onto the road. Bookings must be made on-line here.
Bert Bailey Memorial Triennial Veterans 100-Mile Ride, Sunday 7th July, 2013: As well as being a 'Triennial Veterans 100-mile ride', this was the 48th Bert Bailey memorial ride. I would like to thank all those who took part, whether as riders, group leaders or helpers in this highly successful event.
In particular, I would like to record my thanks to our organiser, David Ackerley, for the considerable amount of hard work he has undertaken over many months. Once again, David can justifiably be proud of his achievement. (Mike Cross, President, Chester and North Wales CTC)
Eunice Mawson - Funeral Arrangements: Most of you will already have heard of the sad passing of Eunice after a very short illness. For those who would like to attend, her funeral will be held at St Peter's Church, Waverton (Parish Church) on Wednesday 17th July at 11:30am. The service will follow a private cremation and will be a Thanksgiving and Celebration of her life - so will not be too sombre. You are welcome to arrive on bicycles if you wish. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the adjacent hall.
How the Dutch got their Cycling Infrastructure: Alan Parker has sent us a link to a YouTube clip which will be of interest to cyclists concerned about achieving safer cycling in towns and cities. It describes the development of a cycling infrastructure in Holland which was achieved over many years through a combination of people power and political will. Click here to see the video clip with English subtitles.
Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides: Many thanks to all those who helped with the rides on Sunday 23 June 2013. In particular, special praise is due to organisers Dorothy Clift and Hazel McDougall and their team of helpers. It was the last occasion in charge for Dorothy Clift and Hazel McDougall, who have organised these rides for many years. They have truly earned the thanks of all members of Chester and North Wales CTC. I am very impressed with the resilience of all those who took part on what was a truly dreadful day for weather. In spite of the atrocious conditions, a good spirit and good humour prevailed throughout (Mike Cross, President Ch&NW CTC).
Sustrans Connect2 is a finalist in the annual search to find the UK's favourite Lottery-funded projects. There are seven finalists in the 'Best Environment Project' category including Sustrans Connect2. Thanks to its many partners and local communities working together, Sustrans has made a huge difference to millions of people across the UK by enabling them to walk and cycle their everyday journeys. Voting has now started and everyone has one vote (there is no minimum age) until midnight on Wednesday 24th July 2013. Vote online at www.sustrans.org.uk/vote, or by phone at 0844-836-9689. You can read about Lottery Good Causes here. (Information from Malcolm Shepherd Chief Executive of Sustrans)
20s Plenty Campaign founder is awarded an MBE: Rod King, who has been campaigning for the safety of vulnerable road users, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to road safety. Although he is now known for his work as Founder and Campaign Director of the '20s Plenty For Us' Campaign, he has been working on road safety for many years. Click here to read the Press release about Rod King and his award.
The ePetition for borough-wide 20mph limits is live on the CWAC website. Please sign the petition and spread the word on your personal and professional networks. Click here to see the '20s Plenty for Us' national website.
The aim of the petition on the Cheshire West and Chester website (CWaC) is to press for borough-wide 20 mph speed limits on non-through routes and residential streets. We need as many people as possible to sign the petition in order to trigger a debate in council. If the petition receives 1,500 signatures or more, it will be scheduled for a full council debate.
The arguments for 20 mph as the default speed limit for residential streets are compelling. In Britain more than half of road deaths and serious injuries occur on roads with 30 mph limits and we have the highest percentage of pedestrian road fatalities in Europe. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Britain has one of the lowest levels of children walking or cycling to school in Europe.
Click here to sign the Petition.
'Prudential RideLondon', 3rd - 4th August 2013 - Volunteers wanted: Join CTC in supporting 'Prudential RideLondon' and its partners. 'Prudential RideLondon' is a new two-day world-class cycling event taking place in London and Surrey that will form a key strand of the post-2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy. This cycling festival begins on Saturday 3rd August and includes: a massive FreeCycle around eight miles of closed London streets and its most popular landmarks, a world record attempt, and a spectacular sprint finish. On Sunday 4th August 25,000 cyclists will ride almost the same route as the 2012 Olympic road race.
CTC are looking for members who would like to volunteer as Route Safety Marshals, Course Marshals and Crossing Marshals for the 'Prudential London-Surrey 100' and 'Classic' on 4th August. Click here for full details of the event and how to volunteer.
Audax rides from Corwen - 8th June 2013: There were four very successful rides starting from Corwen which were organised by David Matthews: the Barmouth Boulevard and Vyrnwy Variant, The Brenig Bach and the Bala Parade. Click here to see a report of the rides.
Wirral Bikeathon 2013: The 15th Annual Wirral Bikeathon took place on Sunday 9th June 2013 to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Alan Parker was busy with his camera and sent a YouTube link for those who may have taken part or helped at the event. Click here to see the video.
Congratulations to Peter Williams and Lowri Evans
Peter Williams: At the recent CTC Annual General Meeting and National Dinner held at the Grade II listed Gisborough Hall (Harrogate), Peter Williams, our Chester and North Wales CTC Right to Ride representative, was awarded 2012 Volunteer of the Year for the North West Region. Read about Peter's commendable achievements here.
Lowri Evans: Lowri was presented with the Arthur Moss Award and 2012 Volunteer of the Year for Wales. She is also the Honorary Secretary of Chester and North Wales CTC. Read about Lowri's achievements here.
We are all very proud that they received these well-deserved awards.
Railway Bridge over the River Dee - Press Release: It is anticipated that the new footway attached to the Railway Bridge over the River Dee at Curzon Park in Chester will reopen by the end of this summer. Cheshire West and Chester Council will continue to work closely with Network Rail to complete the works. Click here to see the Press Release (information from Monica Robinson).
Saltney Ferry Footbridge: The footbridge is now open for use again. There are still minor works being carried out either side of the bridge so users should be wary of this but access is being kept open during the minor works (Information from Peter Williams).
Burton Marsh Cycle Route - May 2013: The cycle route is open for use. Cyclists can avoid busy roads to and from Cheshire and North Wales by using this newly completed Sustrans cycle route across Burton Marshes. The cycle route passes Burton Point, alongside the Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.) rifle range and RSPB areas. The 3-metre wide, fenced-off boardwalk - with anti-slip surfaced wooden boards - is a treat to use when walking or cycling. This vast gated area is a cycling and walking route which was once the River Dee and now used for grazing sheep. When you are in the area, have a look at the site of Neston collieries, and the quay-side where coal was loaded onto ships - destined for North Wales, the Isle of Man and Ireland. You can see a video of the new route by Alan Parker here (information from Alan Parker).
Cestyll Audax Events, Saturday 29th June 2013: These are not organised by Chester and North Wales although many of our members enjoy taking part in Audax events, especially those that are local. Rhos-on-Sea Cycling Club has organised an event starting at Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club. There are three rides: Glan-y-Mor (51km), The Land of the Gelert (135km) and, most challenging, the Cestyll Cymru (200km), taking in seven castles. All rides go round the Great Orme. Click here for further details and here to enter one of the events.
Reminder
Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides 23rd June 2013: Don't miss out on these very enjoyable cycle rides in the beautiful Cheshire Countryside. There are three rides to choose from (100 miles, 50 miles or 25 miles), so there is something for everyone. Start and finish are at the Waverton Institute, Village Road, Waverton, CH3 7QN. Further details and entry forms are on the Events 2013 Page. It's a very enjoyable sociable day. All riders are welcome so we hope to see you there!
A 540 Parkgate Road - Two Mills 2012 bid to make cycling safer: The application to Chester West and Chester (CWaC) was unsuccessful. Briefly, the scheme was to convert existing footpaths to dual use for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides of the A 540 from the Eureka Café up to Chapel Lane - and also to construct a new path opposite Chapel Lane to Woodbank Lane. The reasons given for the scheme not to go forward are:
a) CWaC considered that the scheme failed to fully address the safety issue of cyclists entering or leaving Chapel Lane, or riding between the lane and the café.
b) There were specific concerns over the width of the path being limited to 2m and being 1.5m in places.
We hope that the Department for Transport will repeat matched funding for the next financial year. With other stakeholders, including Chester West and Chester Highways Department, we will address their safety concerns and put in another application (Peter Williams, Right to Ride Officer Ch&NW CTC).
A message from Jon Snow, President of CTC: A new report has been published by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group entitled Get Britain Cycling. One of the aims in the report is for 10% of trips to be made by bike by 2025 and 25% by 2050. In particular, the report calls for £10 per person, per year, to support a radical transformation of streets and roads, as well as training, promotion and marketing to shift the culture on our roads. Together with The Times, Sustrans, the AA and British Cycling, CTC is urging members to sign up to a joint petition on the Number 10 Website, calling for the Government to implement the recommendations. Signing the petition provides an opportunity to start making the necessary changes.
Click here to sign the petition on the Number 10 Website.
Wednesday Riders 30th Anniversary Lunch, Thornton Hall, Wirral
The Wednesday Riders, a flourishing mid-week group of Chester and North Wales CTC, celebrated 30 years since its formation. Over sixty fellow cyclists, family and long-time members attended the 30th Anniversary Lunch at Thornton Grange, Thornton, Wirral on 6th March 2013. A history of the Wednesday Riders from inception to the present day is published in the Spring 2013 edition of The Link, our excellent club magazine.
Click here to see more photos taken at the lunch (big file - 7MB!)
Team CTC - 'Cheshire Classic' Race Sunday 28th April 2013
The next outing for women's cycling racing team, Team CTC, will be in Cheshire on Sunday the 28th of April.
A five-strong team will be taking part in the 'Cheshire Classic' at Weaverham in Cheshire. The race is part of the women's national individual series and is organised by the Weaver Valley Cycling Club. Riders will complete 10 laps of the 7.7km course and finish at the top of the infamous 'cliff', a very challenging climb, even for the most accomplished riders. There are many vantage points to watch the race if you are interested in this local Cheshire Event. Click here for the route.
Sign the Chester Cycling Campaign's Twenty's Plenty Online Petition
Chester Cycling Campaign has created a petition on the Cheshire West and Chester website (CWaC) to press for borough-wide 20 mph speed limits on non-through routes and residential streets. We now need as many people as possible to sign the petition in order to trigger a debate in council. If the petition receives 1,500 signatures or more, it will be scheduled for a full council debate.
The arguments for 20 mph as the default speed limit for residential streets are compelling. In Britain more than half of road deaths and serious injuries occur on roads with 30 mph limits and we have the highest percentage of pedestrian road fatalities in Europe. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Britain has one of the lowest levels of children walking or cycling to school in Europe.
Chester Cycling Campaign has had notification from CWAC that the ePetition for borough-wide 20mph limits is now live on the CWAC website. Please sign the petition and spread the word on your personal and professional networks. Click here to see the 20's Plenty for Us national website.
Click Here to Sign the Petition.
Eureka / Chester & North Wales rides, 6th April 2013: Click here to see a report and photos of this very successful trio of rides starting from the Eureka Café.
Cyclists First Aid Course, 14th March 2013: On Thursday 14th March an audience of 20 slightly apprehensive cyclists gathered in Alf Jones' Cycles coffee shop for a presentation by Steve Evans SRPara, MCPara. Steve Evans is a cyclist and also a paramedic training manager. After realising the lack of first aid skills amongst cyclists he set to work researching cycling injuries and then produced a cycling specific presentation. Click here to see a report of the evening and to access a copy of the presentation.
Saltney Ferry Footbridge: Saltney Ferry footbridge is now definitely closed for approximately eight weeks. Hopefully work on the bridge will be completed in the time forecast (towards the end of May).
Merseyside CTC, Early Season Tourist Trial - 21st April 2013: If you missed the closing date for entries for the Chester and North Wales CTC Early Spring Reliability Ride (Spring 50 TT) you're not too late to enter the Merseyside Event - Organiser, Denis Holder.
The Early Season Tourist Trial is a round route of approximately 74 miles, starting and finishing at Norley Village Hall. It's mainly on lanes and minor roads, all of which are open to traffic, and takes riders on a circuit into the lanes of North Wales via Moel Arthur. The event is not a race and riders are invited to take their time to complete it at their own pace. Light refreshments and drinks will be provided at the start and finish, and at two checkpoints on the route, Northop and Penyffordd. A certificate will be presented to all finishers. Full course directions will be sent out prior to the event. There is a non-refundable entry fee of £9.00. Click here for details and entry form.
Latest information
If you had a pre-registered (paid-up) entry for the cancelled Chester and North Wales Early Spring Reliability Ride (Spring 50 TT), you can enter the Merseyside TT for only £7 (a £2.00 discount) using this entry form.
Burton Marsh Cycle Route Update: Here is the latest news published on 6th March about the Neston to Deeside cycle route across Burton Marsh. This article by Rob Ward appeared in 'About my Area', the website covering local news in Neston and surrounding areas.
Women's 'cycling know-how' session - Wednesday 3rd April: The Bike Factory is hosting an evening for women cyclists run by Chris Garrison on behalf of Trek UK and TotalWomen'sCycling to encourage women to learn more about cycling and get on their bikes with greater confidence. The evening will be held on Wednesday 3rd April from 6.30-9.00pm at The Bike Factory, Boughton, Chester. Tickets are free along with wine and chocolate. Just pop into the shop or email Steve Jones to book one of 50 places. Click here to see a poster.
Wrexham Council's - '20s Plenty For Us' - Proposals and Consultation: Wrexham Council, with support from Local Members, propose to implement a 20mph speed limit area encompassing the communities of Johnstown, Penycae, Ponciau and Rhosllanerchrugog. The implementation of similar schemes in other parts of the Wales have proved successful in lowering speeds to the benefit of local communities, particularly to more vulnerable members of our society. In many of the communities identified, restricted road widths and the lack of footways make these particularly intimidating places for pedestrians and cyclists. Research has demonstrated that motorists are more likely to respect lower speed limits in developed and residential areas and where there is community activity, ie near schools, shops and other local facilities.
The proposed 20mph area will be clearly signed at the start of the speed limit with termination signs at the exit. Roundel road markings will be placed at regular intervals throughout the scheme to reinforce the 20mph speed limit.
The Council is undertaking consultation with residents, businesses, emergency services and other interested parties, including a survey. The purpose of this consultation is to establish whether there is support for the proposals. The survey will only take a few moments of your time to complete. (Information from Roy Spilsbury, Forum Member and CTC Right to Ride Representative, Denbighshire)
Burton Marsh link route: Click here to see a recent update on progress of the new Burton Marsh link route including five photos. Information and photos from Peter Williams, Ch&NW CTC Right to Ride Representative.
Brian Pendlebury
To all members of the Chester and North Wales Cycling Club who attended Brian's funeral, we would just like to say a big thank you for joining us in the celebration of his life, and to say thank you for the letters and cards we received. Brian would have been amazed at the turnout; he loved his cycling but unfortunately in the last few years he was unable to carry it on. Thanks again, and we hope to see you in the near future.
Best Wishes from Margaret, Sue & Anne Pendlebury
Eureka Audax Rides 6th April 2013: Details and entry forms for these three challenging Audax Rides starting at the famous Eureka Café can be found on our Events 2013 Page. There are two longer rides on offer and an introductory shorter ride - something for everyone. Click here to see a poster about the rides.
Important Note about the Eureka Rides - 6th April 2013
If you have already entered the Eureka Rides please check that you have downloaded V4 0213 version of your route sheet. Revised routes are available from the Audax UK Calendar page.
Burton Marsh link route: Click here to see an update on progress of the new Burton Marsh link route including three photos. Information and photos from Peter Williams, Ch&NW CTC Right to Ride Representative.
Corwen Audax Rides 8th June 2013: Put this date in your diary and enter one of these terrific Audax rides based in wonderful Welsh mountain scenery. There are four challenging rides, comprising two at 200km, one at 100km and an introductory 60km ride. Details and entry forms can be found on our Events 2013 Page. Click here for a poster.
New Year's Day rides to McLean's pub and the Carden Arms,Tilston: Better late than never! Click here to see a report on these rides and a selection of photos taken at the Carden Arms, Tilston on New Year's day.
Pam Cross Funeral: Pam's funeral was held at Neston Parish Church at 11.00am on Friday 25th January, followed by interment at Frankby Cemetery, and afterwards at the Royal British Legion, Neston.
Mike Cross very much appreciated the cyclists' guard of honour, and thanks everyone who attended the funeral and who have supported him in many ways.
Alan Mort Court Case Outcome: Alan, a keen cyclist and a popular member of Chester and North Wales CTC, was killed last year on 5th February 2012 while cycling on the A548 Coast Road. The driver responsible was arrested and charged. This press release in the Daily Post dated 15th January 2013 reports that the driver of the vehicle was sentenced at Mold Crown Court to 14 months in prison, given an 18-month driving ban, and ordered to take an extended driving test. Our sincere sympathies are with Alan's family.
Work on Dee Marshes Route Starts: Flintshire County Council has assumed responsibility for the completion of the new cycle path across the Dee Marshes, linking Deeside Industrial Park and Burton. The work started on 7 January 2013, and is estimated to be ready to open in 10 to 12 weeks. We look forward to the opening of this vital, safe, and traffic free link between England and Wales. More information, including a map, can be found on the Chester Cycling Campaign website.
Footpath/Cycleway closures at Saltney Ferry Footbridge and the vicinity: Temporary closures will commence on 14th January 2013 and will last approximately 10-12 weeks. This is to facilitate the construction of a new flood defence wall on top of the existing embankment on both sides of Saltney Ferry Footbridge. These works will be carried out by a contractor on behalf of the Environment Agency Wales. Approximately 65 metres of the cycletrack/footpath will be closed on the western side of the footbridge and approximately 80 metres will be closed on the eastern side of the footbridge. There will be a temporary diversion in place during the course of the works which will divert around the back of the properties in this area. The alternative proposed route is a hardcore track. Click here to see a map indicating this diversion and here to see the Temporary Traffic Notice.
Closure of Saltney Ferry Footbridge: The footbridge will close from the beginning of March for approximately 6-8 weeks to allow essential existing parapets to be dismantled and new parapets installed. Alternative routes available to cross the River Dee will be the Blue Bridge, Queensferry, or the Grosvenor Bridge, Chester. There is a possibility that the works may not begin until mid-February. Click here to see the Temporary Traffic Notice. (Information from Peter Williams, Ch&NW CTC Ride to Ride Officer - via Stuart Jones, Rights of Way Officer, Flintshire County Council).
Volunteer Ride Leader Required to lead a cycle ride in Llandudno on Friday 1st February at 12:30pm. Rhian Lewis, Principal Transport Planner at JMP Consultants Ltd, is working with the North Wales Housing Association to launch an active travel challenge. Part of the challenge is to arrange a lunch time 'social' bike ride to encourage staff to form small teams to take part in the challenge. There is a small budget available. A formal ride leader qualification is not required, but experience of leading cycling groups is necessary. CTC membership is acceptable for insurance purposes. If anyone is interested please email Rhian Lewis or phone 0151-229-1884 for further details.
Pam Cross: We are very saddened to announce that Pam passed away on 12th January 2013. We send our sincere condolences to her husband Mike, President of Chester and North Wales CTC.
Early Spring Reliability Ride (50-mile Tourist Trial) 24th March 2013: CTC Two Mills (Secretary, Janet Gregory) has once again planned and organised this very popular annual ride taking place in late March. Click here for a poster of the Event, here for details, and here for an Event Entry Form.
CTC TOURIST COMPETITION - 2012
CONGRATULATIONS to CHESTER and NORTH WALES CTC RIDERS
Many congratulations to all our riders who took part in the 2012 CTC Tourist Competition. Yet again they have achieved great overall success.
Congratulations to Peter Dilworth the first Chester and North Wales CTC rider to be the overall winner! Peter gained maximum points and won on a tie breaker. (He also wins the 1st Veteran's prize). Lowri Evans was 4th (First Lady) as well as achieving 1st Lady Veteran, Andy Polakowski was 5th on 110 points; he completed at least two events in each category as did Martin Thomson who was equal 6th on 108 points. Chester and North Wales CTC was the winning team (comprising Peter, Lowri, Andy and Martin). Until the rule changes this year there would have been teams of six. Those who narrowly miss out on team places are Dave Statham, 8th on 103 points, and Darryl Porrino, 9th with 101 points. Thanks are due to everyone who helped and encouraged the riders!
Click here to see the full competition results.
Watson's Wanderers' Christmas Dinner Run 2012, 18th December 2012: Click here to see a brief report and photos.
New Year's Day Lunch 2013, The Carden Arms, Tilston: The pub is under new management so the food and welcome should be good. The organiser of the lunch this year is Harry Watson. A veggie stew for between five to ten people will be available as requested and a three-course Christmas meal. Tourist Competition Trophies will be presented by David Ackerley, Honorary Secretary of the Chester and North Wales CTC Awards Committee.
Wednesday Riders Christmas Dinner, Trafford Hall 12th December 2012: We were very sorry that Mike and Pam couldn't be with us at the Wednesday Riders Christmas lunch, but the group raised their glasses in a toast to Pam for organising this year's event and for many previous years. Thanks to John Ferguson, who took over the planning so that the lunch could go ahead, to Mike Knox (MC), Brian Lowe who stepped into the breach at the last minute after Glennys couldn't attend, and Mike Maxwell for closing the meal. Many thanks to Eureka Cycle Sports, The Bike Factory, Cheshire Oaks Cycles, Always Aim High Events and all our members who donated prizes for the raffle which raised £90 for St John's Hospice. Thanks also to Trafford Hall for an excellent meal. We especially send our very best wishes to Pam and Mike.
Click here to see a selection of photos of the Lunch.
New Years Day lunch, McLeans Pub, Sandycroft: Click here for details.
Watson's Wanderers 600th Pub Visit Celebration: On Tuesday 27 November 2012 some 30 cyclists left Christleton at 10:00am to ride, via coffee at the Ice Cream Farm, to Willington Hall for a special lunch. Willington Hall is the 600th different pub visited by Watson's Wanderers since inception some 22 years ago. Click here to see photos of the event.
Cycling Clothes, free (almost): Marjorie Clough has been sorting through the cycling effects of her late husband, Bob. In return for a small donation to club funds a selection of clothing is looking for a new home. All the clothes are in very good condition. Please note that you should contact Peter Barnes and NOT Marjorie. Peter's number is: 0151-648-2684. Click here to see the list of clothing.
Cycling Books for Sale: CTC Derby has 150 cycling books for sale from the late Keith Martin's extensive book collection. The money raised will be split between a Melanoma charity and CTC Derby. It's quite a collection, over 150 books, many obscure and some probably collectible. They're asking for offers, either for a single book or groups of books - offers to be received by the end of November. Please have a look and make an offer if interested. Click here to see the list of book details (information from CTC Derby).
CTC ClubShorts: No! This is nothing to do with bicycle clothing. Chester and North Wales CTC and Member Groups across the country regularly receive information of interest to members from National Office. Click here to see the latest issue. There is now a link to 'CTC ClubShorts' on the External Links Page.
Merseyside CTC Website: Please note that Steve Gilmartin has stepped down as webmaster of Merseyside CTC. The website will be inactive until a new webmaster is found (information from Alan Parker).
LOST PROPERTY: A pair of spectacles was left at the Chester and North Wales AGM at Higher Kinnerton HQ last Sunday. Please contact Arthur Miller on 01244-831361 if they are yours.
The Eureka Café: Café owner Ann Peek asks me to remind you that you may not simply enter any part of the premises (and that includes the grounds as well as the toilets) unless you purchase food and/or drink. It is not enough to say that you will buy something when you return from the ride. If Anne asks you to leave the premises because you have infringed her requirements, please do so without question. Please understand that the Eureka Café is a commercial enterprise and not a drop-in clubroom. Thank you for your co-operation. (Mike Cross, President of Chester and North Wales CTC).
Chester and North Wales Audax Corwen Rides - 20th October 2012: Click here to see a report with photos of the three very successful Audax rides organised recently by David Matthews, the Barmouth Boulevard, the Brenig Bach and the Bala Mini Bash.
Hill Climb and Freewheeling Competitions, 6th October 2012: Photos of the competitions can be seen here. Thanks to Andy Polakowski for taking the photos. A report of the events will be available shortly.
President's Rides and Annual Lunch - 30th September 2012
An enthusiastic group of riders from several of our groups assembled at Walk Mill Café, Stapleton, for the start of The President's Ride and Annual Lunch at Tilston Memorial Hall. Chester and North Wales CTC President Mike Cross would like to thank all those who helped or supported this very successful event. On behalf of the club, Mike extends congratulations to Janet Gregory, winner of the President's Trophy for 2012, and former Secretary, Glennys Hammond, to whom he presented a well-deserved CTC Certificate of Merit for her services to the Club. He also wishes Janet Gregory well on her forthcoming term of office as CTC Councillor for the North West Region of CTC. Click on above photo for bigger image. More photos here.
Chester and North Wales CTC Audax Rides, 16th September 2012: Click here to see a report of this very successful and enjoyable event starting at Old Ma's Coffee Shop, Tattenhall, organised by David Matthews.
Two Mills Picnic Ride - 19th August 2012: Click here to see a report of this event and here for a selection of photos.
'The Clwydian 209km', 'The Clwyd Gate 136km' and 'The Clwyd Vale 60km': These CTC Audax events took place on 29th July 2012 as part of the 'Welsh Festival of Cycling'. The very successful Welsh Festival was held over four days and based at Ruthin Rugby Club. Click here to see a report of the Audax events.
Welsh Festival of Cycling 27th-30th July 2012: I very much enjoyed visiting the Welsh Festival of Cycling held recently at the Rugby Club in Ruthin, and was pleased to see it was well-supported by Chester and North Wales CTC members. Our Secretary, Lowri Evans, was very much involved in the planning and deserves everyone's thanks for helping to organise such a great event (Mike Cross, President of Chester and North Wales CTC).
Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides, 17th June 2012: Click here to see a report of the event.
Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100, 1st July 2012: Chester and North Wales CTC President, Mike Cross, wishes to record his thanks to the event organiser, David Ackerley, and all those who helped in any way with the 2012 Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100-mile Ride on 1st July. Their help is much appreciated.
Click here for a brief report of this very popular annual event and here for a selection of photos.
WANTED
CTC Right to Ride Representatives for Flintshire and Wrexham
Does cycling give you that special thrill that makes you want to play your part in fighting for its survival in a world that needs it more than ever before? Why not consider becoming a voluntary CTC Right to Ride representative. You would be joining a UK network of similarly committed CTC members around the country with wide ranging experience and skills.
If you feel you have the confidence and ability to deal with both the public and professionals on an equal footing, and would like to know more of what is entailed, you can check the CTC website or telephone head office on 01483-238323. A glance at the CTC Cycle Digest will also provide some flavour of the current campaigning state of play. Peter Williams and Roy Spilsbury, who are representatives for Chester/Cheshire West and Denbighshire/Conwy respectively, will be happy to answer any questions.
Roy Spilsbury: 01492-623293
Alan Mort - a message from his family: The family of Alan Mort sent the following message.
"We would like to convey our gratitude to ALL of the cyclists who attended Alan's funeral last week. It was very moving to see so many people there. In particular the guard of honour on the way to the crematorium marked the event with great dignity and honour; the splash of colour in the crematorium brightened things up. Alan was very proud of his cycling achievements and had set his goals high. Once again, we send a big THANK YOU to you all". Regards from Kath, Chris and Margaret Mort.
The late ANN CHAPMAN
Ann Chapman who, with husband Neil, ran Eureka Café for many years passed away peacefully on Monday evening 13th February. The funeral will be at Blacon Crematorium at 10.30 on Thursday 23rd February and afterwards at the Eureka Café.
The Times 'Cities fit for Cycling Campaign'
At last - Important support for Cycling: In November 2011, Times journalist Mary Bowers was just yards from arriving at work on her bike when she was hit by a lorry. Mary, 27, is still not conscious and is making a slow recovery in hospital. Tragically, such an accident is far from rare. More than 27,000 cyclists have been killed or seriously injured on British streets in the past 10 years. In response to these statistics, The Times newspaper has launched a major public campaign to improve cycling in Britain's cities, and has produced an 8-point manifesto calling for cities to be made fit for cyclists. You can read about the campaign, the manifesto, see a video and pledge your support here.
The Manifesto is fully supported by CTC. Commenting on The Times' campaign, CTC's Campaigns & Policy Director Roger Geffen said:
"Congratulations to the Times for highlighting the urgent need for Government action to tackle the threats cyclists face on Britain's roads, so that more people can enjoy its health and other benefits without fear or injury."
Please go to this link and pledge your support.
The late ALAN MORT
The President of Chester and North Wales CTC, Mike Cross, records with deepest regret Alan's death in a road accident on Sunday 5th February 2012. On behalf of all of us in Chester and North Wales CTC he offers sincere condolences to Alan's family and all his many friends. Alan will be much missed.
Jim Skelding
After the funeral of our past President Jim Skelding on Tuesday 17th January, a bouquet of flowers was sent to Tricia Holyoak on behalf of our club, Chester and North Wales CTC. The bouquet was sent to Tricia, one of Jim's neighbours, in recognition of the care and compassion she has shown him before and during his recent fatal illness. Tricia was greatly touched by the gesture, and asked for her sincere thanks to be included here.
Closure of Hill Lane (Peckforton) to cyclists - Grid Ref: 117/527566
Peter Williams, CTC Right to Ride Representative for the North West.
CTC CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
The Bike Factory, Chester
On Wednesday 9th November at The Bike Factory, Chester, Mike Cross as President of Chester and North Wales CTC presented the recently awarded CTC Certificate of Commendation on the occasion of the Company's Centenary (in 2012). You can read about the history of The Bike Factory on their website.
Two Mills Annual General Meeting - 18th October 2011
This is a reminder that CTC Two Mills Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held from 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th October 2011 at the Memorial Hall on The Green, Willaston CH64 2XR. Click to see the Agenda for the 2011 AGM, the Minutes of the 2010 AGM and the Secretary's Annual Report 2011.
Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100 Mile Ride - 3rd July 2011
Click here to see a brief report on this very successful event and here for a selection of photos.
Spring 50-mile Tourist Trial - 17th April 2011
Click here to see a long-awaited, full selection of photos of this event.
Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100 Mile Ride - 3rd July 2011
On behalf of the members of Chester and North Wales CTC, the President, Mike Cross, thanks those involved (though few in number) for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the annual Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100 Mile Ride on Sunday 3rd July. Special thanks are due, once again, to organiser David Ackerley for the characteristically efficient way he directed this popular and successful event.
CTC Two Mills Midsummer Treasure Hunt, 21st June 2011
Click here to see a report and photos of this very successful summer evening event.
CONGRATULATIONS
CTC AGM and Dinner held at Weymouth on 14th May 2011
Members of Chester and North Wales CTC and its Subsidiary Group, CTC Two Mills, excelled themselves yet again in the 2010 CTC Competition. Congratulations to Janet Gregory, Secretary of CTC Two Mills and Wirral Bicycle Belles - and a Chester and North Wales CTC Committee member - who received the '2010 North West Volunteer of The Year' award at the CTC Dinner held on Saturday evening after the AGM. Janet was also runner-up for the 'National Volunteer of the Year' award. We are delighted at her well-deserved success.
Equally deserving praise is the success achieved by Lowri Evans who was awarded 1st Lady in the CTC Competition.
To cap it all, Chester and North Wales CTC achieved 1st place in the team competition. Congratulations to the team comprising: Lowri Evans, Andy Kolakowski, Dave Statham, Darryl Porrino, Ifor Jones and Alan Mort. Further details and photos will be available soon.
The pathway will be closed again for approximately three weeks for contractors to finish their work on Victoria Road bridge.
CTC Competition 2010 Winners
Chester and North
Wales CTC has done it again!
Many congratulations to Lowri Evans who has achieved 'First Lady' in the CTC Competition, and is placed 4th overall in the individual competition. She wins the E.F. Butterworth Memorial Trophy and Medallion.
Congratulations also to our winning Chester and North Wales CTC team. The team comprised: Lowri Evans, Andy Polakowski, Alan Mort, Dave Statham, Darryl Porrino and Ifor Jones. The team completed 75 rides with a score of 676 points.
In the individual competition, Lowri Evans was placed 4th with 122 points; Andy Polakowski was 5th with 121 points; Alan Mort was 8th with 119 points; Dave Statham was 9th with 115 points; Darryl Porrino was 14th with 104 points; and Ifor Jones was 20th with 95 points. You can see the detailed CTC Competition results here.
The winners will receive their awards at the 2011 CTC AGM Dinner to be held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Dorset on 14th May 2011.
'Cycle Chester' latest information: Click here for a document outlining a brief snapshot of relevant cycling information and activities in Chester for August 2010, as provided by members of the Cycle Chester Steering Group.
Cycling Development Towns: Click here see the headline document outlining the results of the first six Cycling Development Towns projects in England. The full report is available through Cheshire West and Chester Council upon request.
CTC National AGM and Dinner, 15th May 2010: CTC members gathered at Loughborough University on Saturday 15 May for the CTC AGM. The agenda included three key motions to convert the whole of CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation into a charity. Almost 4000 CTC members cast their votes. Motions 1 - 9 were passed, including Motion 8, which stated that the Cyclists' Touring Club should be a registered charity and merge with the CTC Charitable Trust to form a unified membership organisation with charitable status. Motion 10 however, which proposed revising the Memorandum and Articles of the Cyclists' Touring Club to meet the requirements of a charity, achieved 61% of the vote but needed 75% of support from CTC's membership to pass. You can read more on the CTC website. Our winning CTC Competition team (Andy, Dave, Lowri, Ifor, Graham and Vicky), Chester and North Wales CTC President Mike Cross, and Sue Booth (North West England Volunteer of the Year) also attended the event. Click here for a few photos.
Tri-ennial Veterans 100, 4th July 2010: Chester and North Wales CTC President, Mike Cross, wishes to thank most sincerely all those who helped in any way with the 100-mile Triennial Veterans' Ride held on Sunday 4th July and who made it such a success. Most of the helpers had a very long day, especially the organiser, David Ackerley, who must also be congratulated on his patient work over the past few months in masterminding the whole event. Click here for a report on the event and here for a selection of photos.
Halfords Tour Series City Centre Race, Chester 21st June 2010: The Tour Series is a calendar of ten races taking place across the country in May and June 2010. These exciting races are held over a set number of laps on short town and city centre circuits, allowing the public to see spectacular action, high speeds and intense racing at first hand. This is the second year of a thrilling battle of the bikes in Chester. The cycle racing took part in the heart of Chester City Centre starting at the Town Hall Square. Visit the Tour Series Website for the results. Click here for the official Chester photos and here for some excellent photos by Andy Polakowski.
Tilly's Coffee Shop, Bunbury Lane, Bunbury CW6 9QS: This new licensed café (the only one in Bunbury) was opened at the beginning of May with plenty of seating and an outside terrace. The menu offers a wide choice of food suitable for hungry cyclists which is reasonably priced and freshly prepared in the open kitchen. Unfortunately, at the moment, the café is not open on Sundays; times are Monday to Friday, 9-5pm, Saturdays 9-4pm, telephone 01829-261591.
Cyclists' Memorial Service, Meriden - 16th May 2010: The Cyclists' Memorial Service is part of the Heart of England Cycling Rally organised by CTC Heart of England Member Group over the weekend of 15th-16th May. Some of our winning CTC National Competition team competed in the Treasure Hunt and attended the memorial service in Meriden - designated the centre of England. Click here for some photos and the Order of Service. (Information and photos from Andy Polakowski.)
Deva Link Access Ramp: The newly-completed Deva Link Access Ramp linking the Greenway to the Deva Link Road and the Shropshire Union Canal is now open to the public. Funded by Cycling England, Sustrans Connect2 and Cheshire West and Chester Council, the ramps provide access for cyclists and pedestrians to these great off road routes.
Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides - 13th June 2010: The President, Mike Cross, wishes to thank most warmly Dorothy Clift and Hazel McDougall, the organisers of the Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides, and all those who helped in any way to make it a success. Click here for a selection of photos.
Two Mills 'Pedal it Pink Ride' 17th April 2010: CTC Two Mills organised a Pedal it Pink ride to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Wirral Bicycle Belles riders were joined by women from Chester's Fabulous Ladies for a round trip taking in Port Sunlight, Spital, Raby Mere, Ness, Wirral Way, Raby, Thornton, and completing the ride at Port Sunlight. A report and photos can be found here.
B&B, Caravan and Camping Weekend 7th - 10th May 2010: During this annual long weekend, a group of Chester and North Wales CTC members cycled the country lanes around Lacock, Wiltshire. The group enjoyed some excellent planned rides in the surrounding countryside. You can see the report and photos here.
Treasure Hunt and Map Reading Competitions 1st May 2010: This successful event was organised by Lowri Evans and centred on Denbigh. Prizes were presented by President of Chester and North Wales CTC, Mike Cross. Click here for a report, including results and some photos.
Early Spring Tourist Trial - 28th March 2010
The finishers list is now available on the Events 2010 page
and on the Two Mills page.
A540 Safety for Cyclists near the Eureka Café:
If you are concerned about safety for cyclists near the Eureka Café please consider
using the brilliant CWaC 'report a fault' procedure to get the footpath repaired/reinstated
on the A540 from Badgersrake Lane to the A550. If we can achieve this the footpath could be
used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
The procedure is as follows: Go to
CWaC's Interactive Mapping website,
click on 'Highway Faults', select 'Pavement (Footway)' from the 'Select category:'
dropdown, then select 'Other' from the 'Select Fault:' dropdown. Enter the Eureka
Café postcode (CH1 6EZ) in the Location Search Box above the map, then drag the map
to show the stretch of road between Badgersrake Lane and the A550. Zoom in until the
location flag turns red, then drag the red flag onto the map between Badgersrake Lane and
the A550. In the Fault Location box, enter, for example: 'The footpath is on the A540
(Parkgate Road), runs from , and is set back on the grass verge
close to the hedge.' Then, in the Fault Description box, enter, for example: 'This footpath
is badly in need of maintenance. If it is repaired and reinstated, cyclists would be able
to travel in safety along this very busy stretch of road, on which two cyclists have been
killed and others seriously injured in recent years.' (Use your own words.)
You can use
the same interactive mapping procedure to report potholes and other road defects.
The 'Park That Bike' Project is working with Cheshire West and Chester Council to help improve the quantity and quality of cycle parking in Chester. The project offers up to 4 Sheffield stands free of charge to local voluntary sector groups, charities, social enterprises and small businesses. Each stand holds two bikes neatly and securely. The stands are available on a first-come, first-served basis during 2010, but the applicants must install them on their premises in approved locations. Recently, Chester Cycling Campaign compiled a list of premises where cycle stands would be useful. This list was passed to the Project Team which is currently contacting all listed people to encourage them to apply for free stands. If local CTC members know of organisations that would benefit from cycle parking within the Chester City Boundary, please tell the Project Team. The application form for free stands, plus a promotional poster can be downloaded from the Cycle Chester website or phone 01594 564 344 if you prefer hard copies.
Curzon Park Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge: The Cycle Chester team, part of Cheshire West and Chester Council's Planning & Transport Service, has been working over the past two years to make cycling in Chester a realistic option for people who don't ride for one reason or another. The team has looked at problem areas across the city and is trying to make cycling a regular part of day to day life. Cycle Chester aims to link up these areas by providing cyclists and pedestrians with less busy traffic routes. The Curzon Park Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge proposal would replace the existing pedestrian footbridge and create less congested journeys for cyclists and pedestrians to and from Curzon Park to the Roodee and into Chester. Cycle Chester is holding a public event where people can view and comment on this new, exciting Bridge proposal. A drop-in event will be held Wednesday 21st April, 1:30pm - 7pm in Room 3 of the Chester Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham Street, Chester. Any interested person can attend and share their comments and suggestions on the Curzon Park Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge proposal at any point during the day. From midday on 21st April until 3pm on 22nd April information can be found on the CWaC website where comments and feedback on the scheme can be forwarded to the Cycle Chester Team. (Information from Bethan Vaughan, Cycle Chester Programme Manager)
Early Spring Tourist Trial - Sunday 28th March 2010: The Scout Headquarters at Higher Kinnerton was the scene of great activity for the annual Early Spring Tourist Trial - 50 miles in 4 or 5 hours. The event, which was expertly organised and managed by Janet Gregory and her team of helpers, ran like clockwork, with refreshments at start and finish and a superb lunch provided at Overton Village Hall. You can read a report of the event here and see a wide selection of photos here.
Two Mills Dinner, Ship Hotel, Parkgate 13th February 2010: This superb well-attended event was organised by Barbara Smith. Click here for a selection of photographs.
Bicycle Belles: This new women-only cycling group meets at 10.00am in front of the railway station at Greendale Road, Port Sunlight on the third Saturday morning of each month. The rides will be approximately 15 miles with a café stop midway and paced to the slowest. Ten riders met for the first successful ride of 12 miles on Saturday 20th February. Click here for more information and here to see the new Bicycle Belles blog.
On behalf of various cycling groups, Chester Cycling Campaign is requesting a meeting with Cheshire West and Chester Council representatives to discuss the lack of safety on the A540 from the A494 (formerly the A5117) as far as 'Leahurst', Hanns Hall Road, Neston. (News item from Peter Williams, Right 2 Ride Representative)
Our select group of fourteen riders known as the Wrexham Rievers, left the café in Gwersyllt as usual just after 9.30am. Riders included the Dilworths on a tandem! The route to Chester took us through Llay, Kinnerton, and towards the Saltney crossing of the Dee. Here, we turned left just to add on a few more miles! From the direction of Sealand, we travelled on the excellent cycle path to give us better access to the Northgate Arena in Chester. As we hadn't had a 'café stop', we had a real treat of a picnic in a Chester park - sponge, cookies and shortbread all home-made and very tasty, courtesy of Lowri! By the time we reached Northgate Arena we had clocked up 25 miles, nearly twice the normal distance from Wrexham! Leaving the Cycle Sale quite loaded with our purchases, we took an indirect route home via the Ice Cream Farm - where we had a rather late lunch! By the time we got back to Wrexham we had done a respectable 54 miles. An excellent day out in kind weather! (text from Gareth Williams)
The local Chester District Police Community Officer will be on the Countess of Chester Hospital Site, Liverpool Road offering free security marking for your cycle during lunchtime on 16 June between 12 noon and 2pm. Visit www.cyclechester.com for more information.
Click here for some photos.
The 'Clwydian' 200k and 'The Clwyd Gate' 138k
Audax Rides
21 March 2009
We were very lucky with the weather for these 2 events. It was dry and varied between misty and sunny, albeit a little chilly. There were approximately 50 entries for each event (the maximum allowed) and 40 starters/finishers for each ride. Everyone who entered seemed to enjoy themselves. Climbing on the Clwydian has been reassessed at 3500m (originally assessed as 1500m!) so the ride now carries 3.5 AAA points. The Clwyd Gate is to be reassessed in future, but is unlikely to increase much from the current 2.25 AAA points. Overall the rides were a great success (David Matthews).
Congratulations! This year Chester & N. Wales team has won the CTC Tourist Competition by a large margin. The team collected a grand total of 721 during the season, beating the closest team (Derby DA) by over 150 points. The team of six riders is made up of the riders in Chester and North Wales CTC who have the highest scores at the end of the season; these are Andy Polakowski (123), Peter Dilworth (122), Dave Statham (122), John Hamblett (121), Lowri Evans (119) and Ifor Jones (114). We were the only team that was able to complete the maximum number of counting rides available for a team (72 events, 12 per individual).
The competition for individual places was very close and again congratulations are in order as, in addition to the team award, Andy Polakowski has gained 2nd place overall and Peter Dilworth has taken third after a tie breaker. Dave Statham was equal 4th, John Hamblett was 7th and Ifor Jones was 11th. Tony Wilkinson narrowly missed making the team in equal 25th with a score of 94. Lowri Evans was the highest placed lady.
To gain the points the riders completed a wide range of rides from 50km events to those over 300km, off road rides and competitions. The awards will be presented at the CTC National Dinner in Chester in April 2009. Click here for a photo of the winning team.
CONGRATULATIONS
CH&NW CTC would like to extend our congratulations to all those athletes who won trophies at the
BBC PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008
TV programme at Liverpool on 14th December 2008, but especially to our cycling heroes. In particular our congratulations go to:
CHRIS HOY of Cycling Team GB for winning the coveted 2008 BBC PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR award
DAVID BRAILSFORD, Cycling Team GB coach, for winning the 2008 TEAM COACH OF THE YEAR award
CYCLING TEAM GB for winning the 2008 TEAM OF THE YEAR award.
Design-a-Logo Competition: The Chester and North Wales CTC President and Chairman, Mike Cross, is pleased to announce that the winner of the 70th Anniversary Design-a-logo competition is Glennys Hammond. Although there weren't many entries, they were of a high standard. He thanks all who took the trouble to take part and assures all competitors that the competition was judged fairly and anonymously by an independent graphic artist. The logo will appear on all our documents, certificates and memorabilia during 2009.
A selection of photos can be seen here.
Melverley Camping Weekend took place on May Bank Holiday, Friday 3rd to Monday 5th May 2008. Eight members of the Two Mills Group enjoyed three rides out from Melverly in Shropshire. Camping on the banks of the river Vyrnwy, a tributary of the river Severn, the site provided us with excellent facilities including toilets, free hot showers, a washing up kitchen and use of a fridge. Photos of the weekend can be found here.
All the rides were lead by Keith Tavener so it was a foregone conclusion that the lunch stops and the end of each day would take in a pub! Saturday's ride left camp at 10.30 am and took us a steep route over Long Mountain with a picnic lunch in a forest clearing, some smaller hills and a bit of sheep herding then finally with 50k on the clock we returned to camp for an evening BBQ. Sunday's ride was via West Felton and Haughton, and the village bus shelter in Brownhill made an excellent CTC canteen, a local was overheard to say 'its nice to see the shelter being used' and again with 50k under our saddles finished at the Royal Hill Hotel overlooking the river Severn for a pint or two before returning the short distance back to camp for showers and a BBQ. Monday was a later start and a lunchtime finish, but we still managed a café stop at the new canal side tea room just west of Maesbury Marsh - wonderful tea and cakes highly recommended - before packing up and returning to the Wirral. The weekend was very social, we broke no speed records nor clocked huge mileages but everybody had a great time. Who knows where we will go next year, but please do join us ....
Chester is a Cycling Demonstration Town: Yes - It's official! Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly last week announced a further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns (CDTs) across England of which Chester is one. Bristol will be the UK's first cycling city. The 11 towns have succeeded in winning a share of the record £100m investment package to pioneer innovative ways to increase cycling in their areas. Applicants were chosen from a shortlist of 19 local authorities, out of an original 74 bids. Cheshire County Council and Chester City Council made a joint bid for money from the CDTs Project supported by City MP Christine Russell. The bid was backed by businesses, community groups and sports clubs. Proposals include improving cycling infrastructure such as dedicated cycle lanes, increasing bike parking provision and cycle training and promoting the benefits of cycling. The further 11 CDTs will build on the work of the existing six CDTs appointed in 2005, which have seen significant increases in cycling levels. Click here for a photo of Chester's celebration (photo courtesy of the Chester Chronicle). More information can be found in Ruth Kelly's Press Release and in the article published in the Chester Chronicle (June 20, p10). Read more about CDTs on the Cycling England website.
New Rides: As a result of the '5 Miles to Fabulous' initiative, Sue Booth intends to run regular Saturday morning rides, probably monthly. The next one will be on 12th July, meeting again at Kingsway cafe. If any ladies are interested in joining her, or knows someone who would like to ride but is unsure of their own ability or is nervous of riding in a group, please contact Sue Booth (07702-933834). More information about '5 Miles to Fabulous' can be found here.
5 Miles to Fabulous took place on 7th June. It's a CTC initiative, aimed at encouraging ladies to come for short rides on their bikes. Many ladies I have spoken to about cycling in recent weeks have expressed concerns about cycling, and share common worries about riding in a group. This event encourages ladies to ride a short distance within a ladies-only group. Despite advertising the event as widely as possible, only two turned up. But, two turned up! That is more than if the event had not been run. I had two fabulous helpers, Jean Miller and Monica Robinson. We had super weather, and enjoyed a little run up Mannings Lane, through the Zoo, along the canal and back up the Millennium Cycleway. We ended where we began at the Kingsway cafe, and enjoyed a cuppa and a chat. Quite a number of people were interested, but were away that weekend. Both riders were very keen to come out again, and one did make it to the Wednesday evening ride. You can see some photos here.
Aquaduct Audax Ride -Saturday 31 May 2008: Thirty riders set out on the Aqueduct Audax on Saturday 31 May. All reported an enjoyable day on the bike, helped by the great weather. Twenty seven completed the route, all comfortably within the time limit.The fastest time for the 174km was 7h28m and the slowest 10h30m, although some riders confessed to stopping for a pint in Rhewl. There were some minor difficulties with directions on the descent from the Ceiriog ridge to the Chainbridge Hotel with some people ending up on the A5 closer to Llangollen. Fortunately everyone had the good sense to head for the Horseshoe Pass. Froncysyllte Community Centre did an excellent job of providing us with hospitality at the finish. The Community Centre is open for afternoon teas from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday through the summer and makes an ideal stop if you are visiting the Aqueduct or Llangollen. Stan Thomas - Organiser.
The CTC Cymru Treasure Hunt and Map Reading Competitions, organised by Lowri Evans, were held on 3 May 2008. This year's events were based at Caffi Florence in Loggerheads Country Park. Competitors thoroughly enjoyed this very successful event. You can read Lowri's report and see the results here.
CTC Winged Wheel Re-dedication, Corwen 19 April 2008: Thanks to funding by Chester and North Wales DA, a very rare cast-iron CTC repairer-type winged wheel was restored to its original location in Corwen, Denbighshire on 19 April 2008. DA members from many areas attended the ceremony and took part in a ride to Bala afterwards. The event was attended by our President, Mike Cross, Roy Spilsbury (who organised the restoration and the ceremony), and Gerallt Tudor, Chair of Corwen Community Council. You can see photographs of the event here and on the Cycling North Wales website.
CTC National Dinner and Awards, 26 April: The CTC National Dinner and Awards Presentation took place in Belfast on the weekend of 26th April 2008. You can read the speeches of CTC Chair David Robinson (also one of our North West Councillors) here, and of Paul Priestly, Permanent Secretary of Regional Development here.
You can also see who won the most prestigious awards and find out more information on the CTC National Website.