more news will be updates soon
Queens Park BMX Track 21.11.09
Despite heavy flooding locally this week and an appalling weather forecast, the day started well with a good turn out of cyclists for an Autumn ride. The wind and rain both held off for the pleasant mixed on and off road ride down to the park. A light lunch in the welcoming cafe was followed by a hair raising ride around the newly re-opened and fully rebuilt BMX track with a cycle day organised by the local CTC. This was well attended by local talent, but they let our novices join in and seemed unperturbed at the snail's pace at which most of us rode by comparison.
This really was a matter of the taking part counting and the benefit should have been measured in smiles per mile rather than miles per hour. Everyone had a great time scaring themselves on the challenging new jumps and ramps as they flew (crawled??) over them. Young and old alike signed their lives away and took to the track with gusto,
Some, who are old enough to know better, decided to relive their mis-spent youth. "Come on. I'll race you", they cried and some stayed on their bikes. Others, however, can be seen in the ride photo section keeping their shiny paintwork off the unforgiving gravel surface with the sacrifice of their skin!
There were at least three generations having a go and it was a joy to see. Thanks to Queens park and their new track. They have obviously worked very hard and the youngsters will certainly return again to have another go.
The ride back went smoothly with a renewed threat of rain, but it held off until we hit Molyneax Street. On our arrival the new wheelchair bikes and parallel tandem had arrived. They were tested just before the rain got too heavy. They will help to assist those with disabilities for the future.
As usual a warm meal was enjoyed back at the club. Thanks to all for coming.
Littleborough 12/09/09
a short ride to littleborough instead of hebden bridge due to the rickshaw chain that kept coming off and a few new riders that joined in the morning.
the new riders that joined did really well and didnt need to stop once on the way to the lake, after a short stay at the visitors centre we headed back via clegg hall (haunted house) which was very eventful going down the hill from the canal next to clegg hall.
when we got back to the clubhouse and put all the bikes away we had some of Joy's lovely food and the new cheif mechinic (Danny) started to fix the chain on the rickshaw, after fixing the chain louis asked if some of us could move some bikes from the storage garage into the massive NEW shed just down the road from the clubhouse with the help of tony, danielle and andy (what no photos [is he feeling well]).
Chadderton Park 5/9/09
a low turn out for chadderton park with only 15 riders turning up, although for such a small amount of riders we still set off with the weather looking dull with the odd shower during the ride.
as we sorted bikes in the morning we actually set off a 9.30am for a change with andrew (what no news reporters/pictures) riding a normal bike instead of the regular riding of the rickshaw which surprised everyone in the club. whilst we set off heading towards rochdale town centre we had the late arrival of Steve - joining us 10mins later. when we got the to cafe at chadderton park everyone was glad of the stop to enjoy a nice warm meal instead the cafe.
on the way back to the clubhouse we had a slight problem with the rickshaw's front brake as the cable for the brake had split (luckily we was only round the corner from the clubhouse)
in the clubhouse after the ride we all enjoyed val's lovely soup
Milnrow Memorial Park or bust? 6th June 2009
Setting out at 0930 hours sharp the turnout of 30+ riders braved the light rain until we hit milnrow and the drops grew larger and wetter! This was a bit of a turning point to the ride as it was realised that the cafe was closed and the rain was getting heavier. Not to be outdone, someone suggested a trip to...... wait for it........don't get too excited........Hollingworth Lake country park.
Wet, cold and hungry the excited assembly arrived at the carpark and the welcome sight of the visitors centre came in to view. The staff were overwhelmed by the arrival of the merry gang and felt unable to feed them all for some 30-40 minutes. However, they did provide a welcome rest and recovery intake of fuel. The staff assisted kindly with the children who were feeling the cold and all were very grateful to them.
On the very positive side our newest recruited family brought their boys and sampled the 3 seater and a two seater tandem. They need a little work before they will present any competition to the Goodies but it was a great effort and we look forward to seeing them all next week.
Thanks should go to the instigater of this epic adventure- Next time make sure the cafe is open and book some SUNSHINE please!! Apologies to big John who was weighed down and retired with flooded trainers!
This endeavour made the hot soup and toast only taste better back at the club. Thanks to Baxters, Crosse and Blackwell and Joy (not necessarily in that order) Thanks to everyone for coming.
Chadderton Park, 14/3/09
A long and windy ride to chadderton park. It was cloudy at the start of the ride but the cloud cleared up during the ride andafter a few problems with the 3 seater bike (snapped chain). During fixing the bike a few toilet stops were made (aka andy [WHATNO NEWS REPORTERS] along with some others). Had to make a few stops on the hills to give a breather for those who were having difficulty. To the relief of the riders there was a fast down hill which all enjoyed. Finally, the club arrived at Chadderton Park and had some refreshments whilst the children went into the park on the swings to let of some energy.
It was a slow and steady ride back through Castleton without any mishaps. Arriving back at the club for Pizza provided by Yasmin which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Edenfield Train Station -via Owd Betts - 7th March 2009
A great throng of people turned out for this epic hill climb, including a new chap and his son, who were pleasantly surprised at their high level of fitness.
No-one was disappointed. It was a beautiful bright, dare I say Spring, day. The sun shone and for the most part the rain held off. There were many ruddy faces at the top of the hill at Owd Betts, but perhaps not reddened by the sun but by the exertion of the ride. All made it to the top with the odd substitution on the back of the tandems and a water stop or two. The downhill on the other side made it worthwhile.
The scenery was breathtaking and even the new wind farm looks impressive on the sky line. The sails were spinning rapidly as we passed, generating the energy to heat and light the Rossendale area.
The station at Edenfield is part of the East Lancashire Steam Railway andis restored in the style of the steam era, evocative of a more romantic age with the sounds andsmells of steam all around us. We were lucky enough to see a few trains draw in and out of the station much to the delight of some of the younger ( and young at heart) members of the club. The cafe there is excellent and the food more than satisfactory.
We arrived back at the club house for a warm hot pasta to round off the ride. Thanks to all for taking part.
Todmorden or Bust 28th February 2009
A little belatedly we agreed to strike out for Todmorden on the Yorkshire border. A lively and relatively young crew of riders arrived under a drizzly looking sky. Louis was home for the weekend but not yet fit to ride. He was able to wave us off for a timely start.
Twenty people attended in all including a new family with three young ladies, poetically now christened Faith, Hope and Charity. Two at least are answering to their new titles already! They all had a go on a tandem and their mum says she really enjoyed being chauffeured around all day.
A gentile and appetising meal was enjoyed at the aptly named "72" cafe opposite Todmorden park, where the children let off some steam in the well equipped playground. The choice of food and the ethically aware menu included something for all including the vegetarians. Impressive efforts all round and we will go back.
The overall ride is around twenty miles and some of the youngsters found it hard going especially on the hills so there was an element of musical saddle changing, but they all seemed happy on their return and soon forgot their saddle soreness once the pizza was cooked in the newly fitted gas oven (after we learned how to use it!). This was followed by chocolate cake or summer fruit gateau and went down very well. No leftovers this time!
Well done to all who attended and the weather even stayed relatively dry. We wish Louis a speedy recovery.
Hollingworth Lake 21st February 2009
A much milder morning heralded a warmer ride. It was a bit dull, but we had thankfully lost the icy cold sting of recent weeks.There were twenty riders out, but unfortunately, without Louis Blank, who was sadly hospitalised in the early hours of Friday morning.We wish him a speedy and full recovery. Sylvia is thankfully holding the fort and the ride must go on as they say.
Following an executive decision to change the destination to the Lake as there were a number of new riders and Todmorden seemed a bit far to drag them, the ride went well, with just one puncture stop. This was soon mended by the maintenance class star graduate with one of the latest self adhesive patches. The days of bending mum's spoons and leaving the inner tube under dad's car wheel for three days are thankfully over. Three minute pit-stops are the order of the day nowadays.
The ride was just too short for most so was supplemented by a quick whizz around the lakeside track. This gave an opportunity for a newer member to have a go on a solo machine, having not ridden since she was eleven. The result? A mixed bag of unsteady starting off but an increasing level of confidence as the lake passed by in a blur of anxiety, which was her word not mine! I am pleased to say this extended in to a short ride on the road followed by an attempt at the ride past the recently renovated Clegg Hall. As it got rougher it was a bridge too far, but nevertheless a very valiant attempt. Well done.
Young Jack and his granddaughter rode well and kept up well. A great start guys. Keep it up.
Supergran, Valerie, did us proud with a hearty soup and warmed fresh bread, which went down very well.This rounded off a very pleasant ride. Hopefully Louis will be back in the saddle soon. Thanks to all for coming.
Hollingworth Lake 14th February 2009
Hail, frost,ice, snow and even rain failed to dampen the spirits of the assembled throng. Hollingworth Lake is a beauty spot in its own right, but it is currently framed by the backdrop of the snow encrusted pennines which climb impressively up over Blackstone Edge behind it. It is breathtaking and even the lake track is covered in ice so there is no doubt that this is the depth of winter.
There were around thirty people who attended the cycling extravaganza which included lots of stalls put on by the CTC and Connect 2 initiative at the lake, where they were giving away many promotional gifts of bags, pens, keyrings and helpful cycling literature.
The were three newcomers and it is to be hoped that they will stay with the club as the weather improves.They certainly have some stamina, but varying degrees of competence, which will be remedied in no time with some regular riding experience!
The ride included a bit of off piste around the lake track and over the rougher lane that fronts the recently restored Clegg Hall. The screams of delight could be heard far and wide, punctuating the serenity of the countryside.
Lunch by the lake was a swift affair, but everyone seemed to enjoy the ride. In the style of Arnie, the newly initiated members stated "I'll be back", after sampling the hot soup provided back at the club house.To queries about the recipe, the coy chef suggested speaking to Knorr who provided the packet soup base!
Finally, after some tearing of hair the mind-bending Birdies were folded away and stored safely.
Thanks for everyones efforts.
Queens Park, Heywood
A short ride to queens park due to the cold weather.It was a very pleasant ride looking at the white fields around and avoiding the ice patches.
While at the park, we all enjoyed the outside gym equipment. There were a few punctures during the ride, but these were fixed very quickly by the trainee mechanics under supervision. So the mechanical training is paying off and we are developing a wider number of competent mechanics.
Well done to all that braved the cold.
A Happy New Year to one and All
Apologies for my absence in this site since Christmas. I have been absent from many of the rides due to work commitments and recovering from a sinus and chest infection.I hope this is now behind me.
Jolly Japes and High Jinks at Christmas- Party 21st December 2008
It was a swish do with 75 of the club's members and their families attending dressed in their finery.
A four course meal was enjoyed by all.
Entertainment was provided by the ever youthful Jazz Band, circus trainer, magician and the illusionist act of Louis Blank. Christina briefly losing her head during the last act, shortly after the club being dazzled by Louis' psychic powers.
A free soft drinks bar was organised for the children which went down well.
The Garner sisters ( Family of the late Steve Garner) kindly arranged a raffle with a difference. Everyone won a dazzling goody bag, but with contents of varying attraction to the unwitting winners. It was definitely fun. Thanks ladies. It was a really nice touch.
The Steven Garner Memorial Shield was presented by the Garner Family to this year's winner, Andrew Whittaker,20, who has overcome his own disability to take a very active role in the club over the last few years, which has included assisting with the rides regularly to ensure the safety and involvement of newcomers and children alike and assisting with maintenance of the ever increasing fleet of club cycles. He took the award with more than a shade of quiet modesty, refusing to give any acceptance speech but clearly overcome with emotion at the recognition of his unending efforts. Heartfelt congratulations must go to Andrew for his tenacity and enthusiasm. Well done and keep it up Andrew.
The juggling still needs a bit of work, but a great evening was had by all. Roll on the 2009 soiree!!
Autumn Winds and Showers: Hollingworth Lake 4th October 2008
A dull and overcast day with light drizzle was not a good omen for a summery ride. No one was disappointed and it rained on and off most of the way, but the bitter winds over the lake were by far the greatest shock for the unwitting victim of a tarmac three wheeled conspiracy or cyclus maximus horribilis. The great thing about a motorised rickshaw is that you do not break sweat, but you are in the breeze and the wind chill factor still operates, with your circulation slowing down at a directly proportionate rate. Ergo your blood feels like it is frozen.
Quotes from excited participants included: "the soup was the best bit" Thanks to Andy (where's the publicity) Whittaker's mum. or "I liked getting back and thawing out" It was in general a pleasant ride, which in the main was well attended and there were no accidents. The breakaway off road group will need to either speak to me or write their own piece, but I understand they enjoyed getting wet and muddy on their way.
The back to front tandem is still a pig to ride, but probably turns heads more than a Rolls Royce these days as it is more rare. With young Sam not knowing where he is going and only looking where he has been it was a bit of a shock to him when a man in a van using a mobile decided to veer across small bridge roundabout without really knowing what he was doing. Luckily, it was spotted in advance and an accident avoided.
The boys on the electric bikes did very well. Top marks for effort gents. It will not be long before you are fit enough not to need the motor's assistance. Well done.
Another good ride for RCC, but can we have the heat on next week please??
Thanks to all who made it an enjoyable ride despite the weather.
A ride on the wild side? Queens Park - 20th September 2008
Queens Park, Rochdale? At least 3 miles from the club house and pretty boring roads, I hear you cry. Look again, was the resounding reply.
After lulling us into a false sense of security by heading over Owd Betts and missing the turning a few times, we found the track that leads over a beautiful off road jaunt. We traversed a wonderful picturesque spot by bridge over a small rushing stream and down some fast single track with an outstanding view and a steep drop towards a river. We joined the back lanes and roads to bring us out at Queens park.
By pure coincidence a young man who wanted to join the club met us there and we enjoyed some lunch and banter amongst the adults whilst the youngsters let off some energy by playing at the playground and riding the BMX track, along with one or two who are old enough to know better.All bones were intact, but one or two did take a tumble over the big jumps!
One young man was heard to say " I am so proud of my ride today. It is the start of my new fitness regime and I am pleased to get out in to the country, which is an added pleasure. I will definitely be back!"
A somewhat more mature gentleman was quoted as finding the going a bit tough (along with others!), but felt that the ride was worth it and came back very pleased if a little tired and vowed to ride harder next week.
A fine wholesome soup was prepared hot ready for our return and a good ride was had by all. Thank you to all who rode out with us.
Wot no rain? Tandle Hill- Sat 16th August 2008
"Rain and High winds" intoned the weather forecast on the radio, but venturing out of bed led to no sign of even drizzle. Nevertheless, waterproofs were worn or packed by most. However, they need not have worried as our illustrious Chairman had paid off the weathermen and the rain never materialised.
Young Corsa and her older sister, Hannah, ( well she must be as she has the wisdom of age about her) joined us for a pleasant ride to Tandle Hill park towards Shaw. The ride went very well and Corsa discovered that a tandem is a very agile and swift machine if you pedal hard!
Welcome back to Michelle, who has finished her convalescence and is able to return to the saddle now. Take it easy though, it's still early days.
Shohib kindly took a tandem out with Hannah and she says she will return so he must have done something right, whilst the off road crew had a bit of a blast round the rougher terrain at the park. Andrew (the face of cycling) Whittaker strapped his off road steed to the back of a rickshaw just to ensure he was ready to face the challenge of the off road thrash.
Lunch was a quiet affair with a brain storming session for the next car assisted ride and next year's long awaited trip to the Pennine Hut (if we can get enough interest). It is owned by Leeds university and situated in the North Yorkshire moors near Settle in easy reach of some real off road routes close to the Ribble Head Viaduct.It would be useful if everyone interested could let Steve, Val or Michelle know to decide whether it is viable.
Back to the ride. It was quite an exciting trip with the group witnessing an Audi in flames at the side of Oldham road. We were about to coordinate a rescue operation with multiple water bottles instead of fire extinguishers, when the blaze was doused in water by bucket from a house nearby.
Well, one young man got so excited he tried to imitate superman, but with somewhat less grace and a bumpier landing. Luckily, only his ego was dented and it was a minor spill.
Rounded off with some pizza, courtesy of Louis, it was a pleasant ride out.Thanks to all for coming.
Wet and Wild 9th August 2008
The day started wet and miserable with plenty of drizzle.Around twenty riders turned out in their waterproofs expecting rain. They were not disappointed.
A warm Welcome to Andrew and his dad, who had not cycled for more years than he cared to remember. They joined up and rode the 6 miles or so to the coffee shop, know as Charlottes, overlooking the reservoir at Littleborough's premier inshore tourist attraction, complete with its own Beach! They were unruffled by the rain, which was forecast very accurately to set in for the day, and partook of some excellent lunch at the above eatery.
Once satiated with lunch, the bedraggled throng were raring to go and all begged to ride around the Lake at Hollingworth.They all whooped with joy as they rode through puddle after puddle, while taking in the uninterrupted views of the activities and wildlife of the water.
We arrived and left in record time with only one silly billy managing to unseat himself. This was because this particular "billy" had his tandem seating arrangement all confused. Unlike the other boys and girls, who have their stoker sat facing with them and able to pedal in sync, this clever Charlie has a 180 degree horizontally opposed crank arrangement and consequently is forced to have the stoker facing backwards.
Now every one knows, don't we boys and girls, that this is likely to adversely affect the balance of such a two headed creature. Well, the "push me- pull you" contraption simply could not take any more and both riders came a cropper. Before any photos of the unfortunate couple could be taken they remounted quick as a flash and raced away as if to show this machine really could defy the laws of physics, but we know the truth don't we children!
Back to the ride, this little incident seemed to spur everyone on to greater things and I can only remember two proper stops as everything was so quick it was just a blur. This meant we were in Charlottes before 11 am and leaving before twelve.
Thanks to Diane, Andy ( did I hear a photo call)Whittaker's mum for preparing warm food for all to try and dry out and warm up with. It was a soggy day but a successful and pleasurable ride for all who took part. Thanks for coming.
Hollingworth Lake 2nd August 2008
After a wet and miserable looking start the day brightened as did the spirits of the twenty or so who took the risk of getting a good old British soaking. Louis and a few other optimists wore shorts and were not disappointed. The sun sneaked out from behind its shadowy nesting place behind the grey overcast sky and made a long awaited appearance by about the third "is every one here" stop.
The youngest member, 2 year old Shannon, found it too much and promptly brought up her breakfast over granny Val's lovely cycling tights. A quick run back to clean up and the rest carried on. 42 or 43 stops later ( I lost count) we all arrived at the visitor centre closely followed by supergran with Shannon minus her tandem stoker.
The cafe staff declared "we have no bread" so we ate cake and had a drink or two outside until the heavens opened in earnest. After a short chat inside, we set off for Molyneaux street in reasonably good spirits. A quick check over the bikes for safety and we were away. Louis and Sam on the push me- pull you tandem closely followed by young Harris, who managed to spontaneously alight from his steed and connect quite heavily with the tarmac near to Smithy Bridge lights. After soothing his bruised ego, we were soon off again.
Various contraptions followed and were brought up at the rear by the heavy artillery in the form of the two rickshaws, piloted by Daniel and the award winning ( wot no newspaper reporters?) Andrew.
Young Chris made an appearance on the way back and promises he will get up in time next week and join us on our Saturday rides. We will not be holding our breath, but as ever, it would be nice to see him.
Valerie had done us proud, by providing strawberries and ice cream along with a slice of strawberry gateau, on the return to the club house.These went down very well and were demolished in minutes by the hungry children and riders.
We were joined by an old friend on two heavy wheels, which was a nice surprise ( I think she smelt the strawberries) when Melanie, the manager of the Field of Dreams Animal Sanctuary, arrived on her new motorcycle. It looked faster than the rickshaws or even Louis' lightweight racer.We sometimes visit the Sanctuary on Blackstone Edge, but have not been for a while.
After all the bikes were put away and a quick tidy round we said our farewells and left in the bright warm sunshine. A great ride. Thanks everyone.
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