Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- John Kay - Man of Rochdale
- Photography by Karl
- Rochdale Cycling Club »
- Rochdale Borough Police Force
- Northern Baroque Orchestra
- Junction 21 Executive Travel
- ‘Keeping Rochdale Dancing’ for 70 years
- Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Skylight Circus Arts
- Interview with Keith Hicks - Rochdale AFC
- Rare Innocenti Mini Cooper
- Birds at Hollingworth Lake
- Noddy's Puncture
- Addams Family - Theatre Review
- Take a walk in Healey Dell
- Hairdressing Trend - Precision Haircut
- Carole Kelly - Woman of Rochdale
- Scones & Strawberry Jam recipe
- Burn those calories but don't singe your skin
- Plastic-free glitter created in Rochdale
Summer 2019Rochdale Cycling Club
Rochdale Cycling Club was originally set up 20 years ago for the underprivileged and those with special needs.
True to its original ethos, the club continues to cater for all needs including experienced cyclists, total beginners, those with disabilities and people who do not have their own bikes.
There is no membership charge and you do not need to have a bike or helmet to join as these are provided free. The club has a wide range of bicycles which are loaned for the rides, including specially adapted cycles.
There is a cycle for everyone regardless of ability, ranging from tandems for the use of visually impaired riders, trailer bikes to accommodate children over the age of four years old, electric bikes, hand cranked cycles to hybrid vehicles for wheelchair users – even one adult and three children can join in on the club’s four-seater.
Chairman Stephen Durham, a solicitor from Oldham, explained: “Specially adapted cycles are ideal for those who are visually impaired or who have medical conditions.”
The club has 35 active members and around 70 ‘occasional’ cyclists, with weekly rides averaging between 10 and 20 cyclists. Ride routes vary depending on the ability of those who are cycling that week and are decided the same morning to ensure that the route is suitable for all taking part.
Stephen explained: “Sometimes these are off-road and sometimes on the road. The sights are amazing and bring riders closer to nature on the off-road rides, whilst getting away from the noise and traffic.
“The Saturday rides are at an easy pace and are fairly short, riding to a café stop and then returning.
“Riders with their own bikes may use them if they prefer.
“The rides are free, but cyclists are advised to bring a little money for a café stop.
“Cycling really is a personal achievement, especially as lots of us learn as children.
“Like anything, you get out what you put in and cycling makes you feel good, increasing your endorphins and dopamine levels. The social side should not be overlooked either.”
The club also takes on harder challenges, including completing the coast to coast ride from Whitehaven to Robin Hood’s Bay, raising hundreds of pounds for the club’s overheads in the process. This year’s ride is set to be completed in just one day in September.
Stephen added: “The club regularly takes part in camping trips to ride on forest trails such as in Wales and Scotland, whilst those with a practical side may get involved with fixing bikes to sell to support the club. These activities help people to gain self-confidence and even broaden their CVs and job prospects.
“Cycles are donated to the club and we make them ready for the road again and either use them or sell them to raise funds. Any unwanted bikes are always gratefully received and put to good use. Similarly, we always have cheap second hand mechanically sound bikes for sale.
“We are incredibly blessed with the country views we have here in Rochdale, and we are so lucky to have the terrain we have right on our doorstep.”
New volunteers and riders are always welcome, regardless of experience.
Rochdale Cycling Club meets 9.30am Saturday morning at 43 Molyneux Street, Rochdale.