newsnet 13.01.06

The weekly newsletter for members of CTC

 

 

News

 

Cycling tragedy in Abergele - 8th January 2006

CTC extends its sympathies and support to the friends and families of the four members of Rhyl Cycling Club who were killed on Sunday 8^th January when they were in collision with a car. A further 8 cyclists in the group sustained injuries. CTC Director, Kevin Mayne, said: “On behalf of CTC I would like to express our sympathy and support for all affected by this tragic incident. Cycling is an extraordinarily safe activity and the excellent safety record enjoyed by clubs makes this incident all the more shocking. I am sure I speak for anyone who has ever enjoyed a club run that it is almost impossible to comprehend such a result from an activity that brings so much pleasure to so many.” CTC has written to Rhyl Cycling Club to offer any help it can. Further details

 

Black armband tribute

An idea that has gained momentum over the last few days is for cyclists to wear black armbands when out cycling this Sunday as a mark of respect. Cyclist Chris Burch got the idea moving on the veloriders website. "I would like to suggest that we all wear black armbands on our Sunday training rides this weekend. A simple roll of insulation tape around a sleeve would be enough if that’s all you have. Let’s show the UK that we are thinking of our friends in Rhyl." CTC has expressed its full support for this idea. Many riders who would not normally be out with a group have suggested that they will at least attend the meeting point of local clubs and groups to show their support. Rhyl Cycling Club will be riding as usual from Kings Head, Rhuddlan 9.30am Sunday 15th January. Guests welcome.

 

Other news…

As well as Brian Curtis, Chairman of Cycling Scotland, receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours List, Dot Tilbury, stalwart of cycling in the Isle of Man and Aileen McGlynn, Paralympics gold medallist, were both recognised.

 

If you would like to work for a Cycling Holiday & Hire Business in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Cotswolds or New Forest, then Country Lanes would like to hear from you. Full-time managerial, seasonal and part-time posts are available. Find out more at www.coutrylanes.co.uk or email roger@...

 

What’s on?

 

Online Guides 2006

Two updated guides have been added to the CTC website. A directory of approximately 500 cycling events this year, with something to appeal to every type of cyclist, is now on the website here. And Cyclists’ Welcome 2006, a directory of accommodation, bike shops and cyclist-friendly tea rooms, can be found here

 

Tyred of flats

The BBC’s radio programme, Discovery, this week examined the impact of an indispensable invention – the pneumatic bicycle tyre. The estimated 1 billion bikes in the world would be slower and much less comfortable without the soft cushion of compressed air that makes a tyre pneumatic. Discovery reveals the origins of this clever device, visits a puncture repair mechanic in Kenya, and finds out if there will ever be a puncture-free tyre. It makes enjoyable listening and can be heard on-line for a few days by going to the website and following the ‘listen again’ links. Find out more about tyres in the CTC website Bikes & Bits section here

 

Products

 

Ice…

Snow bikes are not a new idea, and it’s hard to know whether this is an exciting new way to enjoy the ski slopes or a recipe for embarrassment, but the new SMX from North Legion uses a trike-inspired design to go, and stop, quicker than a snowboard. Pictures and more information here  

 

…Cream

We have a range of high quality creams from Nature’s Kiss for everything from bumps and bruises through to helping to keep a cold away. If you’ve never tried any of these creams or have tried other versions then these are well worth a go. View the range

 

The CTC shop can be found at www.ctcshop.com or feel free to give us a call on 0870 873 0069

 

CTC info

 

Map to GPS online

Have you ever wanted to plot and print a route on an on-screen map and calculate an exact mileage? If so, go to http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ for a really neat site that enables the plotting of routes on Google Maps. It’ll not only display the mileage but also an altitude profile of your route, then it’ll help you print and save it (as a URL in your “Favourites”) and also export it as a gpx file for uploading to a GPS. And all for free! The satellite view is particularly useful when planning off-road routes, since cycleways and bridle paths are absent from the road maps (and products like AA Autoroute), but can be seen clearly enough in these images.

 

Thanks to Life Member Alan Sprod for some useful, up-to-date information on the island of Majorca. Find it added to information sheet MJ1.

 

CTC Campaigns

 

The Road Safety Bill finished its passage through the House of Lords this week, with an entertaining debate. Lords Berkeley and Haskel spoke on an amendment calling for drivers to have a ‘duty to drive safely’, drafted by CTC, but it did not go to the vote. The Lords voted against an amendment to increase sentencing for drivers who have a momentary lapse of reason and for a 30mph default speed limit in villages. An amendment about compulsory helmets for children did not go to the vote. The Bill will now go to the House of Commons for MPs to debate in the next few weeks.

 

A protest against the enforcement of a ban by Southern Trains on cycles on its peak time trains is being organised by the Cycle Train Commuters Group. The aim is for each protestor to bring along an inflatable item of some sort or other; ideally representative of all the other bulky things that passengers are allowed to bring on board such as musical instruments, luggage, surf boards, ironing boards....Full details on the Cycle Train Commuters Group website.

 

Member benefit

 

Support CTC with your January sales shopping

With the January sales in full swing, why not check out www.easyfundraising.org.uk ? At no extra cost to you, CTC receives up to 15% of your purchase price when you shop using the website. The website features products from BoysStuff, Firebox, Virgin Experience Days, Early Learning Centre, Woolworths, Amazon, Harrods Online and even the Science Museum. 

 

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