Page 10 - Real Rochdale Issue 05 Summer 2019
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Rochdale Cycling Club
Rochdale Cycling Club was originally set up 20 “Riders with their own bikes may use them if they
years ago for the underprivileged and those with prefer.
special needs.
“The rides are free, but cyclists are advised to
True to its original ethos, the club continues to bring a little money for a café stop.
cater for all needs including experienced cyclists,
total beginners, those with disabilities and people “Cycling really is a personal achievement,
who do not have their own bikes. especially as lots of us learn as children.
There is no membership charge and you do not “Like anything, you get out what you put in and
need to have a bike or helmet to join as these cycling makes you feel good, increasing your
are provided free. The club has a wide range of endorphins and dopamine levels. The social side
bicycles which are loaned for the rides, including should not be overlooked either.”
specially adapted cycles.
The club also takes on harder challenges,
There is a cycle for everyone regardless of ability, including completing the coast to coast ride
ranging from tandems for the use of visually from Whitehaven to Robin Hood’s Bay, raising
impaired riders, trailer bikes to accommodate hundreds of pounds for the club’s overheads
Rochdale Cycling Club Irish Sea dip at Whitehaven
children over the age of four years old, electric in the process. This year’s ride is set to be
bikes, hand cranked cycles to hybrid vehicles completed in just one day in September.
for wheelchair users – even one adult and three
children can join in on the club’s four-seater. Stephen added: “The club regularly takes part in
camping trips to ride on forest trails such as in
Chairman Stephen Durham, a solicitor from Wales and Scotland, whilst those with a
Oldham, explained: “Specially adapted cycles are practical side may get involved with fixing bikes
ideal for those who are visually impaired or who to sell to support the club. These activities help
have medical conditions.” people to gain self-confidence and even broaden
their CVs and job prospects.
The club has 35 active members and around 70
‘occasional’ cyclists, with weekly rides averaging “Cycles are donated to the club and we make
between 10 and 20 cyclists. Ride routes vary them ready for the road again and either use them
depending on the ability of those who are cycling or sell them to raise funds. Any unwanted bikes
that week and are decided the same morning to are always gratefully received and put to good
ensure that the route is suitable for all taking part. use. Similarly, we always have cheap second hand
mechanically sound bikes for sale.
Stephen explained: “Sometimes these are
off-road and sometimes on the road. The sights “We are incredibly blessed with the country views
are amazing and bring riders closer to nature on we have here in Rochdale, and we are so lucky to
the off-road rides, whilst getting away from the have the terrain we have right on our doorstep.”
noise and traffic.
New volunteers and riders are always welcome,
“The Saturday rides are at an easy pace and regardless of experience.
are fairly short, riding to a café stop and then
returning. Rochdale Cycling Club meets 9.30am Saturday
morning at 43 Molyneux Street, Rochdale.
rochdalecyclingclub.co.uk
REAL ROCHDALE - Summer 2019 10 11 REAL ROCHDALE - Summmer 2019
