GoCycle Update No 37
Go Cycle is supported by Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council
GOCYCLE Update No.37, March 2011
This is a Packed Email update, because there is so much going on
Here is a summary of Contents of this month's packed Update -
GoCycle Challenge - Cycle and win – It's Fun too!
Ride the GoCycle Challenge Tour of LB Saturday 19th March 10am from the Market Cross
The Big Pedal – a Schools Challenge in March
Need a Bike?
Second Hand Bike Sale at the Cycle Hut on Friday 25th Feb, 4 – 8pm
GoCycle Loan Bike Scheme
Service your own Bike - Bike Maintenance Courses
Bike Maintenance Course in Luton Friday 25th February
Make a Date to Go for a Ride – join a Regular Ride
FREE Bike Checks until the end of March 2011
Mountain Biking Courses, for adults and children
Sat 26 March Mountain Bike Skills at Stockgrove Park for 9-12 year old
Women's Mountain Bike Course – Sat 2nd April
Bikeability & Cycle fun for schools/ groups/ individuals
Weds 9th Mar - After School Club for 9 to 16 year olds
BuzzCycles Meetings
Keep in touch with local Cycling News
Planned Events – from GoCycle, BuzzCycles
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
GoCycle Challenge - Cycle and win – It's Fun too!
Workplaces, community groups, and the general public are invited to sign up for the GoCycle Challenge – a fun and free competition to encourage people living or working in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade or Heath and Reach to take to their bikes and discover the joys and benefits of cycling.
The competition kicks off on Monday 14 March and will see workplaces and community groups competing until Sunday 3 April to see who can get the most people to cycle for at least 10 minutes. Participants will log their cycling online at www.gocyclechallenge.org to win individual and team prizes. There will also be 100 cinema tickets from Leighton Buzzard Theatre on offer for those who ride a bike for the first time in over a year.
The GoCycle Challenge is free. Register to take part NOW at www.gocyclechallenge.org. For more information email sam.ryan@ctc.org.uk or ring/write to GoCycle at the White House, Hockliffe Street, LB LU7 1HD, 01525 635111 for a hardcopy registration form
Ride the GoCycle Challenge Tour of LB Saturday 19th March 10am from the Market Cross
Come along to our GoCycle Challenge stand in the Market Square on Saturday 19th March from 8 til 4pm – sign up for the GoCycle challenge and ride our gentle paced, family friendly circular route from 10am. Try out some unusual bikes. Get your bike checked by Dr Bike, free bike accessories.
The Big Pedal – a Schools Challenge in March
If you'd like to make school life a little more exciting this spring, we'd love your school to enter The Big Pedal, powered by Sustrans and funded by the Bike Hub. This FREE to enter, UK wide cycle-to-school competition has daily, regional and national prizes including Cyclepod cycle storage, two Land Rover bikes and a jaw-dropping stunt display day with the M.A.D team at your school.
Big Pedal dates: 7 – 25 March 2011
Need a Bike?
You can buy or borrow some wheels at the Cycle Hut at Station Approach, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2LY - the building opposite the station entrance. There is parking for 3 cars and 60 bikes and it is well served by buses including the 27, 36A, 69, 70, 73 & D1 with the 150 stop nearby. The Cycle Hut is open 6 – 9am and 4 – 8pm Mondays to Fridays
Second Hand Bike Sale at the Cycle Hut on Friday 25th Feb, 4 – 8pm
• Refurbished bikes are available from a number of local organisations who reclaim bikes that would otherwise go to landfill. Their contact details are: linda_rowlands@yahoo.com 07802 435750, or markjeavons@msn.com 07710525329, or cjwilkinson38@gmail.com 01525 221053 (evenings only).
• There is a sale of good quality refurbished bikes on the last Friday of every month at the Cycle Hut. Why not come down, try out some bikes and perhaps take one away? Dates are Friday 25th February, 25th March, 2011, 4 – 8pm.
GoCycle Loan Bike Scheme
If you are a regular rail commuter and not quite sure what sort of bike is best for you then use GoCycle 's loan bike scheme. Have a try on: electric assisted bikes, folding bikes, shoppers, hybrids, mountain bikes and more. The loan period is one month and free although some bikes require a £50 returnable deposit.
Service your own Bike - Bike Maintenance Courses
For Introductory, Intermediate and Coached Bike Maintenance courses, please contact sam@mbrsuk.com on 07736674410 or 01525 381021, www.mbrsuk.com .
Bike Maintenance Course in Luton Friday 25th February
The course has a practical focus and aims to equip the rider with the means to identify and then deal with maintenance issues before they become major repairs. The cost of the course is £10 - please email jennifer.howes@sustrans.org.uk. Tel: 01582 732919 Web: www.sustrans.org/activetravelluton
Make a Date to Go for a Ride – join a Regular Ride
• Wheelie Wednesday local rides – 45 minutes on the 2nd Wednesday of each month – next dates: 9th Feb, 9th March, 12.30pm at the Market Cross, LB High Street
• Le Tour de Buzzard – Road riders – every Sunday morning 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
• All the Gears but No Ideas – beginners/slower Road Riders 9.30am, Mentmore Road, Recreation Ground
• Regular Riders a leisurely ride – every Sunday afternoon from 1.45pm, Church Square, Town Centre
• Lumen Loonies – every Thursday evening from 7.30pm, Church Square, Town Centre
• Family Rides – once per month from 11am - 1st Sunday of the month, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, next dates: 5th Feb, 5th March.
• Tuesday Ladies – once per week, 10am, incl a coffee stop – contact GoCycle.
• Make your own ride date and let others know on www.gocyclechallenge.org
Full listing in “Planned Events” below. http://www.lbcycleclub.org.uk/ is regularly updated with information on Cycle rides and events in Leighton-Linslade
FREE Bike Checks until the end of March 2011
Bring your bike along to one of our FREE Dr Bike checks - GoCycle Tuesdays run from 8am to 4pm each week. After that you will find Dr Bike at various town events or you can book him to come to your home/workplace/school to service/check/fix bikes. More info from the GoCycle office or website.
1st March – Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre
8th March– Market Cross, Town Centre
15th March – Learning Warehouse, Grovebury Road
22nd March – Cherrycourt Way/Stanbridge Road
Plus an extra date for you: Wednesday 23rd February, 4 – 8pm at the Cycle Hut, opposite the Railway Station.
Mountain Biking Courses, for adults and children
Sat 26 March Mountain Bike Skills at Stockgrove Park for 9-12 year old girls and boys (parents welcome too!), 9.30-1.30. Includes navigation skills and bike maintenance. Qualified local instructors. Full details from Cycle4LIFE: 01525-382343 or cycle4life.training@gmail.com
Women's Mountain Bike Course – Sat 2nd April
Join a group of like minded individuals on a local mountain biking course. Learn some great routes and the skills needed to enjoy them. Sociable and informal, you do not need to be super-fit! just be able to ride a bike for an hour or so. £40 per person, or £70 per pair of friends. To book or for more info, please email sam@mbrsuk.com
Bikeability & Cycle fun for schools/ groups/ individuals
Cycle4LIFE are a group of qualified local trainers, available all year round to deliver Bikeability, Mountain Bike Skills, Road Confidence, School Clubs, help and advice, etc - from complete beginners to experienced riders, aged 4 to 104, there is something for everyone. Please email cycle4life.training@gmail.com or call 01525-382343; www.cycle4life.weebly.com
Weds 9th Mar - After School Club for 9 to 16 year olds.
Oak Bank Community Cycle Club start their new after school club on Wednesdays for children aged 9 to 16. The Club will offer coached sessions in cycle sport techniques, improving rider skills and general cycling confidence. The initial five week course is FREE to local school children and is run in partnership with Leighton-Linslade School Sports Partnership, Bike Club and GoCycle. Starts 9th March 4:15- 5:15pm. Contact Allison.jeavons@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk 07854 692274
BuzzCycles Meetings
Thursday 3rd March: Talk & Ride. Cycle to Red Lion, Gt Brickhill and discuss the Local Transport Plan & Greensand Ridge Ride
More info: http://www.lbcycleclub.org.uk/ or email buzzcycles@aol.com
Keep in touch with local Cycling News
BuzzCycles have just launched a FREE BikeBits e-Newsletter to help you stay in touch with local events, activities campaigns and interesting bits & pieces about cycling in Leighton-Linslade. To subscribe send an email to buzzcycles@aol.com. GoCycle updates will continue to be sent out, with Cycling news from across Central Bedfordshire.
Planned Events – from GoCycle, BuzzCycles ....
Please include these dates in newsletters and mailings to other clubs in the area so everyone can take advantage of all the Cycling Fun!
February 2011
21 Mountain Bike Skills Training, 10 – 3pm at the Cycle Hut
21 Bikeability level 2 and Cycle Sports training, Oakbank CCC.
22 Bikeability level 2 and Cycle Sports training, Oakbank CCC.
22 Dr Bike stand at Cherrycourt Way Industrial Estate, 8am – 4pm
23 Complete Beginners Cycle Training courses, Oakbank CCC.
23 Mountain Bike Skills Training, 10 – 3pm at the Cycle Hut
24 Mountain Bike Skills Training, 10 – 3pm at the Cycle Hut
24 Lumens Loonies Night Ride - meet at Church Square at 7.30pm
25 Second Hand Bike sale, 4 – 8pm at the Cycle Hut
26 Oak Bank Community Cycle Club, Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30am
27 Road Riders meet at 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
27 All the Gears but No Ideas – slower Road Riders 9.30am Mentmore Rd.
27 Regular Riders Group starting at 2pm. Meet in Church Square
Back to School again on Monday 28th February!
March 2011
1 Dr Bike Stand – Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, 8 – 4pm
3 BuzzCycles Talk and Ride to Gt Brickhill (Evening) buzzcycles@aol.com
5 Oak Bank Community Cycle Club, Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30am
6 Family Bike Ride – meet Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, 11.00 – 13.00
6 Road Riders meet at 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
6 All the Gears but No Ideas – slower Road Riders 9.30am Mentmore Rd.
6 Regular Riders Group starting at 2pm. Meet in Church Square
8 Dr Bike stall at the Market Cross –8am – 4pm
9 Wheelie Wednesday local bike ride 12.30 – 1.15pm Market Square
10 Lumens Loonies Night Ride - meet at Church Square at 7.30pm
12 Oak Bank Community Cycle Club, Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30am
13 Road Riders meet at 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
13 All the Gears but No Ideas – slower Road Riders 9.30am Mentmore Rd.
13 Regular Riders Group starting at 2pm. Meet in Church Square
15 Dr Bike stand – Learning Warehouse, Grovebury Road 8am – 4pm
17 Lumens Loonies Night Ride meet at Church Square at 7.30pm
19 Oak Bank Community Cycle Club, Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30am
20 Road Riders meet at 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
20 All the Gears but No Ideas – slower Road Riders 9.30am Mentmore Rd.
20 Regular Riders Group starting at 2pm. Meet in Church Square
22 Dr Bike stand at Cherrycourt Way Industrial Estate, 8am - 4pm
24 Lumens Loonies Night Ride - meet at Church Square at 7.30pm
25 Second Hand Bike sale, 4 – 8pm at the Cycle Hut
26 Oak Bank Community Cycle Club, Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30am
26 Mountain Bike Course for Children aged 9 – 12 years
27 Road Riders meet at 9.30am, Mentmore Road Recreation Ground
27 All the Gears but No Ideas – slower Road Riders 9.30am Mentmore Rd.
27 Regular Riders Group starting at 2pm. Meet in Church Square
31 Lumens Loonies Night Ride meet at Church Square at 7.30pm
April 2011
2 Women's Mountain Bike Course
Fill your diaries with all the GoCycle action! For general cycling information, links, videos and advice click on www.gocycleleightonlinslade.org
Please forward this email to everyone who might be interested – they can email us to request their own future updates directly to their inbox.
Happy Cycling!
