Bike Week 2015

A list compiled by the St Albans Cycle Campaign of events we know about!  For a full list of Bike Week rides and events visit www.bikeweek.org.ukSt Albans City and District – Bike Week 2015

Saturday 13 June – STACC information stall at St Albans market.  In spite of rain, plenty of interested visitors.  Thanks to STACC volunteers for their time and expertise and enthusiasm.

Saturday 13 June 0930h – Five Miles to Fabulous
Seven ladies went on a women-only easy pace morning ride with coffee stop using traffic free routes and quieter roads.  It rained, they got as far as Old Hatfield and they mended a puncture.    South Herts CTC.

Sunday 14th June 1000h – SKY Ride Local - Wildlife and wilderness - 7 miler
Starting Point: L'olivo Restaurant, 135 Marford Road Wheatampstead AL4 8HN.  Two hour ride, Ayots and Ayot Greenway at Steady pace.  SKY ride

Tuesday 16 June 1000h - Lunch ride with the Forty Plus
Meet for coffee at the Inn on The Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans.  The ‘A’ ride leaves at 10.30 and rides to The Red Lion, Great Offley.  The ‘B’ ride departs at 10.45 and rides to the Green Dragon, Flaunden. Forty Plus.

Wednesday 17 June 1930h – CTC ride to the pub
A fast ride starting from St Albans War Memorial, 20 miles or so to the Waggon and Horses in Elstree, eta 2100h.  It is essential that you have front and rear lights (preferably 2 sets), puncture outfit, tyre levers, pump and spare tube.  South Herts CTC.

Thursday 18 June 0930h – Breeze to Welwyn Garden City for coffee

Women only steady pace longer morning ride taking in the Ayot Greenway, the Great North Way and the Alban Way.  Starts from Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre – gather by the cycle stands.  Breeze.

Thursday 18 June 1100h – Coffee and lunch with the Forty Plus

Meet from 11.00am at The Green Man in Sandridge and after coffee cycle no more than 10 miles to a local hostelry for lunch. FortyPlus.

Saturday 20 June 1000h - Saturday Saunter to Cyclists’ Cafe in Redbourn
Meet from 09:30 in Morrisons Cafe for this easy ride leaving from outside Morrisons Supermarket (Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4SU) at 10:00. We lead you along quiet lanes to a break at a cyclists’ cafe in Redbourn then return to St Albans in time for lunch. Total distance will be up to 20 miles at an easy pace to suit everyone.  South Herts CTC.

Sunday 21 June 0900h - CTC Sunday ride
An all day ride starting from the War Memorial, St Albans.  Elevenses at Poppins, Chesham; lunch at Red Lion, Whiteleaf; afternoonses at St Michael's Church, Chenies.  Brisk pace of 12 – 15mph, expect to cover around 60 miles.  South Herts CTC.

Sunday 21 June, 1000h - SKY Ride Local - Eat, drink, ride - 29 miler
Meet in Sports Centre Car Park Rothamsted Park, Amenbury Lane Harpenden,AL2 5HU.  A challenging 4 hour ride on a hilly route – but with two café stops to keep you going.  SKY Ride
 

More information:

South Herts CTC http://www.southhertsctc.org.uk
SKY rides  www.goskyride.com
Forty Plus      http://www.fortypluscc.co.uk/
Breeze rides    www.goskyride.com/breeze/index or, from main skyride page, tick the guided ride and women only boxes.

Bike Knitting

I came across this website via a knitting email.
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2013/05/13/yarn-bomb-your-bicycle-for-bike-week/
Lion Brand is a family owned and operated business and the oldest American hand-knitting yarn brand, established in 1878.  That date should ring a (bicycle) bell for many cyclists - it is the year the CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) was founded.  So I hope to see some knitted artefacts on the next Five Miles to Fabulous ride - you have until 20th July ladies!  See www.southhertsctc.org.uk for details of 5MTF.

Bike Week Thursday evening ride

Wow!  Hidden Hertfordshire!  Our ride leader Doug is known for his extensive knowledge of tracks and byways, but even so this ride surpassed my expectation.  Even places you think you know, something new is revealed.
The hidden gem this evening was the former de Havilland airfield, now being managed back to a natural state.  Picture highlights below.  To round off the evening, delicious hot dogs back at Earthworks.



Information boards to study



peaceful scenery to enjoy, riding an old airfield road

 

 

Oh dear, and difficult gates to negotiate.  Yes, this route is permitted for cycling, but the gate is just fractionally too short / narrow to get a bike through.  The metal kissing gates on the site perimeter do not require acrobatics like this.

Bike Week underway

First ride of the Week - eleven ladies set off on a Fabulous ride, organised by South Herts CTC.  They were waved off by the Saturday Saunter crew, also South Herts CTC.   A lovely ride, out the Alban Way to Ellenbrook, in by the lanes to Smallford and elevenses at Notcutts.  Back in along the Alban Way and through Highfield Park.

Bike Week - nearly here - news snippet

Nice to see the bike week poster so prominently displayed at St Albans City Station.  STACC did a bike count this week and there were approximately 600 cycles parked around the station.  We have to say approximately, as more were arriving during the count!
Good cycling parking is vital if more people are to choose cycling as their preferred transport mode.

Bike Week 2010 - Report on Rides & Other Events

Post Event report on the Rides & Events of Bike Week.

This is a record to help plan Bike Week in future & show potential members what we do.


We need comments from Members & others about STACC's Bike Week 2010.

This Post is still being compiled - but you can add Your Own Comments now or later as you think of them.

Bike Week Bike Week 2010 - Publicity Report

Post Event report on the Publicity drive leading up to Bike Week.

This is a record to help plan Bike Week publicity in future.

We need comments from Members & others about STACC's Bike Week 2010 publicity.

This Post is still being compiled - but you can add Your Own Comments now or later as you think of them.

Bike Week Report: City Station Bike Coding, Tuesday

A concerted effort on Tuesday evening at St Albans City Station resulted in somewhere between 110 & 120 bikes being post coded (to help them to be returned to owners if recovered after theft).
We manned the bike parking areas on each side of the line, working in teams of two.
Many commuters complained of cycles being stolen - one chap had had 8 bikes stolen in the course of 20 years commuting.
We also gave away a number of cycle alarms which had been purchased at a generously discounted price by a group of local councils - one of which was St Albans. We understand that the station staff are required to respond when a cycle alarm sounds.
The operator First Capital Connect has recently also given out these alarms to season ticket holders.
Both FCC and British Transport Police are keen to reduce cycle theft, but according to some commuters we spoke to the operation of CCTV remains very unsatisfactory.
Another point of commuter complaint was the shortage of cycle parking places. FCC do attend the St Albans Cycling Forum and always indicate their keenness to attract passengers to cycle to the station. They have a rolling programme of cycle parking provision which is gradually being actioned with delivery believed to be on schedule. Let's see if they keep to it.
Be sure to tell STACC of any problems you encounter.

Bike Week: Increased turnout on rides organised by other groups

Possibly as a result of the publicity we gave to the three rides organised by the Forty-Plus Cycle Club (Tue & Thur) and the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) (Wed), they both report that the number of riders was augmented beyond the normal turnout. 40+ reported 6 extras on both days and CTC 6 extra.
So thanks to both groups for welcoming the newcomers.
Remember that the three rides are held regularly every week (CTC two-weekly in winter) and you will be made equally welcome at other times - but the CTC always arranges for their Bike Week ride to end in St Albans, for the benefit of newcomers, on other dates it often ends at different pubs requiring you to make your own way home.
For further details refer to the runs programmes on the two clubs' web sites:
CTC [HERE]
40+ Tuesday [HERE] Thursday [HERE] (In case you've not twigged - you need to be over forty years of age.)
Be sure to verify the starting point/time for all rides before you venture out!

(CTC programme of Sunday longer rides can be found [HERE] should you wish to try them).

Both the clubs are the local sections of nation-wide clubs - regular group cycling is happening everywhere.

Verulam Cycle Club's Ride for a Reason today will, no doubt, have been well supported mainly because of the weather and perhaps a little by our supportive publicity. They too have regular rides and other events - see their web site [HERE]

I've recently heard of an off-road group which goes out every Wednesday at 7pm, ask at Rock & Road bike shop, Victoria St. I don't know the standard - might be quite genteel or on the other hand gloriously muddy - but they sound like a welcoming bunch either way.

On Friday evenings through the summer, you can take the short ride to Gosling Stadium Track, Welwyn Garden City and watch the racing - really good free entertainment, all ages taking part. The Welwyn Wheelers club runs the event and also takes on children from age seven offering racing training (on another evening) - so take your children - they (and you) might get hooked. Details [HERE]

STACC aims to support all cycling in the area.

Bike Week - Breakfast enjoyed by all

It was a sunny morning for today's Free Breakfast in St Albans City Centre. The event attracted several dozen cyclists, many were members and there were many non-members besides. Amongst these were a group of work colleagues who commute from Garston and who had made a special early start to meet at brekky. Disappointingly (and untypically) no St Albans District Council officers attended this year, however we were delighted to have a cycling Councillor stop by for his bacon butty; he then went on his way to the day job - an hour's brisk cycling commute to Ruislip - now that is impressive. (He always cycles to Council meetings too.)
Above is the busy scene at 08:30 - two police officers were kept busy coding bikes (after startling passing riders by signalling them to stop - then asking if they would like a free breakfast).
As you see, the lack of bike parking places was clearly demonstrated.
Many thanks once again to snackman Dave with his Tasty Bites van for the supply of the breakfasts, and to St Albans District Council for paying for it all, as part of their promotion of sustainable transport.

The cabaret was provided by a passing duck and her six ducklings which marched down St Peter's Street, Market Place and French Row then across High Street (using the pedestrian crossing) then into Heritage Close, from where the mother attempted to continue down hill via the steps.
The ducklings found the steps impossible but fortunately a lady (an expert in duck herding it seems) steered them into Waxhouse Gate and off they went. (As they did not arrive by bike, we had no alternative but to refuse them breakfast, and Tasty Bites Dave was not prepared to negotiate over the supply of eggs.)

Bike Week Events - Off to a good start

Dave's Mystery Tour - today - got Bike Week events off to an excellent start.
Though the weather was fine it was not as warm as one would hope for, however no less than 11 riders turned out - only Dave & myself being STACC members (where were the other 470 odd?)
The ride was a gentle 12 miles, almost all off-road, along the Alban Way and beyond then through Stanborough Park - with coffee stop, then return via Hatfield Business Park, back on to Alban Way and thence to the Plough at Sleapshyde for a modest glass.
The final leg was the shared footway/cycleway alongside the A414 and up Nightingale Lane.

The 9 non-members gave me the opportunity to go into recruiting mode (having brought a wad of membership application forms for just that purpose). Several folks expressed great interest, at least one of them appears keen to become involved in campaigning as a STACC committee member.

Bike Week Count Down - Farmers' Market Publicity Stall

Our stall at the Farmers' Market last Sunday (8 June) attracted a great deal of interest and it was good to see lots of members stopping by.
This was an enjoyable opportunity to publicise Bike Week, give out cycling information (we ran out of stocks of several cycling maps) and continue our recruitment drive - a large number of membership applications were willingly accepted and one new member joined and paid up on the spot for two years in advance.


Publicity has been growing during during two weeks commencing 4th June, with posters indoors & out, large & small over a wide area (more success this year with outdoor posters capable of surviving severe weather - unlike last year),
Publicity drive was topped off with the quarter page advert in yesterday's Herts Advertiser which should prove very effective - a prediction which proved correct - the Tourist Office had run right out of event lists and had to be re-stocked.

Also during these weeks wide distribution of event lists has been made to strategic Pick-up points
These include:-
4 Bike Shops in St Albans plus Harpenden & Hatfield Cycle Centre,
St Albans & Harpenden Libraries
Tourist Information
Highfield Park Office (in box outside)
me - at 31 Willow Crescent (in pick-up box outside)
Morrison's Petrol Station
Smallford Post Office
(these last two being handy for Alban Way - local posters direct users to them).

Wads of Event Lists have been put in a great number of schools.
Individual parked bikes have been leafletted en masse at the City Station and on at least five different days in the town centre.

The range of events available is a fairly well established tradition - but making them happen is down to hard work by their leaders.

So all in all we can hope for the most successful Bike Week yet - grateful thanks to all those who have taken part in its organisation (which started about 3 months ago).

But success depends entirely on support from you and your families and friends.
So please make it happen & above all Enjoy.

See you there & there & there, and perhaps even there...

Remember that you can download the events list from: HERE

Bike Watford

If for some reason you're not joining the Shenley Park family bike ride, ride4areason or the St Albans-Hampstead ride on Sunday 24th, why not head over to Watford to Bike Watford, a free 'try out' roadshow, run by the Company Of Cyclists. You'll be able to test ride a selection of children's and adults' fun and road bikes, supervised by trained staff.

Spokesgroup will be leading a ride at 2pm, and Dr Bike will be there offering free bike checks.

Bike Week Events List - 16 - 24 June 2007

BIKE WEEK - it's also BIKE TO WORK WEEK

Program of STACC organised or supported events (Free to enter unless otherwise shown)

Sunday 10 June: STACC stall at St Albans Farmers' Market St Peters St 10.30-12.30 Rickshaw, Bike Week publicity, Free Info & Maps.

Saturday 16 June: Steve will be in front of the Old Town Hall in St Peters St with the STACC rickshaw , 2.00-4.00pm drop by and show solidarity with local cyclists! (Come at 4.00pm for a slow cycle ride up St Peters Street).

Sunday 17 June: Call in on Sunday morning at St Albans Cycles, Brelade Place, Jersey Farm Estate, or Addiktion (10 am - 2 pm) Victoria St, for free advice & check-over of your bike. Rock, also Victoria Street, offer same service, but in normal hours, Monday to Saturday.

Sunday 17 June: Easy bike ride starting at 10.30 on the Alban Way (NCN 61) at the Sutton Road crossing near Hatfield Rd, St Albans; nearest car park at Morrison, Hatfield Rd, St Albans. A sixteen mile ride, off road and quiet lanes, coffee break at Stanborough and optional lunch at The Plough. Total distance 16 miles. Further information from Dave Johnson, 01727 831001

Tuesday 19 June: Free Breakfast, Bikers only 7.30 to 9.30, supplied by St Albans District Council. Start the day sharing breakfast with fellow cyclists! In front of the old Town Hall, St Peters St. Further information from Doug Nevell, 01582 762120

Tuesday 19 June: The Forty+ Cycle Club meets for mid-week social rides with pub lunch. A relatively lengthy 35 mile ride, meeting at Brown Box Cafe Southdown, Harpenden for 10.30 start. Some experience beneficial - On country roads. Further info from Doug Nevell (above).

Tuesday 19 June: 17.00-19.00 See us at St Albans City Station for Bike Security Marking by police and STACC handout pack of maps, membership form, discount information. More information from Gwen Tagg, 01727 868685.

Wednesday 20 June: Join CTC evening ride starting at 19.30 from St Albans War Memorial, St Peter's Street, 12-15 Miles. Easy pace to suit all levels. Pub finish in St Albans; lights required.

Thursday 21 June: The Forty+ Cycle Club welcomes you to a gentle excursion starting at the Green Man in Sandridge at 11.00 am. Ride about 15 miles, easy paced, lunch venue to be agreed. Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Thursday 21 June: A free 6 mile gentle family ride mainly off road along the Alban Way. Start at 6.30pm from Earthworks (north end of Hixberry Lane (www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk). Return for games, if fine, and picnic. Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Saturday 23 June: Family afternoon ride to Wheathampstead, easy pace to play stop and / or café, quiet lanes. Meet at Bernards Heath Play Area 2.00pm. Further info from Rona Wightman 01727 836470.

Sunday 24 June: St Albans Cycles, Brelade Place, Jersey Farm Estate, are open again in the morning for a free bike check over & advice.

Sunday 24 June: Shenley Park Family Ride (our traditional end to Bike Week), a 12 mile easy paced, escorted ride, Meet 1.30 at Highfield Park Centre free car park, off Hill End Lane, GR173065, adjacent to SPAR, approximate finish time 5.30 pm. Cycle along traffic free routes and quiet roads to Shenley Park, where there is a cafeteria & playspace. . Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Sunday 24 June: Ride4aReason: Organised by Verulam Cycling Club, designed as personal challenge along waymarked quiet lanes, marshals and refreshments. Choice of 40 or 60 miles, Small Entry Fee Full details at http://ride4areason.verulamcc.org.uk/

Sunday 24 June: 20 mile charity ride from St Albans to Hampstead in aid of the North London Hospice. Full information at
www.northlondonhospice.org.uk/content/view/109/2/ Entry Fee

Other Events
Women On Wheels at Luton Mon 4th to Fri 8th June - Incl. Free Cycling skills training for women by women. GORDON STREET CAR PARK, LUTON - 12:00 to 14:00 each weekday Bike provided if you need it, or free safety check if you take your own.
Details might not yet appear on www.luton.gov.uk/cycling so email: safercycling@luton.gov.uk or Tel: 01582 547153. Limited Places

STACC Welcomes St Albans Mayor in Bike Week

St Albans Mayor, Councillor Kate Morris, is expected to join us for the 6 mile Family Ride along the Alban Way on Thursday 21st June.

The event starts at 6:30 pm.
Finalised Venue for the Start & Finish is Earthworks, Hixberry Lane.
(Venue was originally the Highfield Centre, Hill End Lane, next to SPAR, but in view of the Mayor's visit we have changed it to Earthworks. We will be looking out for people who arrive at Highfield Centre and redirecting them)

We hope that there will be a good turn-out of STACC members to welcome the Mayor in style.

Success of the Cycle Campaign depends so much on good impressions made to the District Council and encouragement to the folks of St Albans who will see reports and photographs of the event in the local press.

Bike Week - Event Planning Meeting - 22nd Feb

There will be a working meeting in the
White Lion in Sopwell Lane St Albans
On Thursday 22nd February
At 7:30 pm.

This is to discuss what we will be doing in this year's Bike Week (16-24 June)
Last year, support was depressingly low, so we need to know now what support the membership feel able to give, or what different events might result in your support

STACC members can attend bringing ideas, or add them as comments on this post as soon as possible.

As a minimum please enter Bike Week in your diaries.