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Meeting of Special Needs Cycling Groups - Leicester
In January of this year, representatives from Gateway Wheelers joined representatives from CycleMagic - Leicester, Company of Cyclists - York, Wheels for All - Newcastle/Manchester and BikeAbility - Ipswich. The group had a very lengthy, enjoyable and productive meeting with the opportunity to try out some new equipment. The groups agreed to work together to assist other member organisations in the promotion of and acceptance of mobility, health and exercise through cycling and its associated activities.
British Blind Sport Tandem Time Trial - Lincolnshire
This year we entered several teams in the 10.5 mile time trial and came away with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places so well done to Andrew and Dave, Kevin and David, Paul and Doug.
Summer 2003 - Holland v England - Cycling Paths
In the summer of 2003 a group of club members went to Holland to compare the quality of cycle paths with those in England. Read our thoughts in the diary (below) of the trip.
Our Thoughts
Day 1
Today was the first day of our exploration and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! After our first day we think that Holland has better cycle paths then England, as the paths are generally bigger and wider. Kevin Patterson felt safer in Holland than England. We found that the people are friendly and helpful. We had a little problem when Paul Davies ran over a glass bottle and got a puncture, although the problem was swiftly resolved when the team worked together to overcome it!
The side by side bike found it very difficult to climb the hills, so we decided to get the people riding the solo bikes to help by pushing the side by side up the hills.
We had another problem at lunch when we forgot to pack any matches or knifes and forks so we were unable to cook the lunch time meal, we all decided from then on to write a checklist and ensure all the necessary equipment is packed.
At the end of the day we were all extremely tired and ready for dinner and bed!
Day 2
Kevin Pattison said it was too hot to bike ride. Kevin liked cycling with Andrew on the side by side. Jen liked riding the solo bike and the side by side. We stopped at the beach to have fun for one hour.
Paul liked it when the car stoped for us when we cross the road so we got the side by side and the top end bike. It was fun when the top end burst the tyre.
Andrew liked the weather and the breeze on the beach and riding in the wood.
Laura liked the weather and thought the scenery was beautiful and all the people were friendly. When Paul got a puncture a man sopped and offered to help us despite English not being his first language.
Day 3
For the previous days of our exploration we have written our thoughts once we had returned. However, today we thought that we would write down our feelings before we went. On the whole we are looking forward to today because we have learnt a lot in the past and find that each day we are making it easier on ourselves. We are especially looking forward to cycling through the woods as it will be shaded and this will help to keep us cool. Kevin is looking forward to cycling with Andrew and getting away from his dad (David). We like the sound of being more secluded because we think that there will be fewer cyclists so the paths will not be as busy. We are not looking forward to going up any hills as it is quite tiring and as the meal was not very nice yesterday we are slightly hesitant towards that as well. We also hope that the weather will be slightly cooler as yesterday it was very hot.
Kevin liked cycling with June, Kevin Said the food was horrible.
Andrew and Laura liked going down hills because it was fast, easy and cool. Being in the forest was good because there was no direct sunlight, the food was slightly nicer than yesterday but not as good as a home cooked meal. There were a lot more insects today (flies when cycling and ants when we stopped to eat).
Paul liked cycling today because it was good when we went passed the point where David meant to meet us - we turned around and went back to the point.
Jenny liked to ride with Kevin on the side by side for a short amount of time. However she had a little difficulty when going up and down hills. This is because the side by side is a lot heavier and so is much harder to work.
On the whole we all agreed that today was a success, we all believe that tomorrow will be just as much fun.
Day 4
Today was our final day and so we were all looking forward to completing our mission. However we were all incredibly tired and found this the hardest day so far. In the morning the weather was atrocious; it was pouring with rain and freezing cold. This put us all in a negative frame of mind which I think was apparent in the atmosphere of the group and we did not enjoy today as much. Our route today involved crossing several roads which was hard because we had to keep stopping and starting. This was quite challenging as it was the first time for this, but on the other hand we gained some new skills which we had the opportunity to practice. Today we had a wide selection of foods and we did not like any of them!
Conclusion
In conclusion we all enjoyed our time in Holland and we have discussed plans to return. If we were to come again then we would seriously consider the choice of food. This trip has gone very quickly and we feel we would have liked to stay a bit longer. Fortunately we all got on very well and have made some very good friends. We have all exchanged phone numbers and agreed to stay in touch for a long time. We also think that the cycle roads in Holland are a lot more accessible for 'different' bikes. The people in charge of the cycle paths in England could learn a lot from Holland's facilities.
Gateway Wheelers
Bullion Hall, Bullion Lane, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH2 2ES
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