March 2001 NEWSLETTER Online

The Cycle Campaign Network is the national coordinating group of bodies like ours that campaign on cycle related issues. The CycleWight committee has decided to step into the breach to help organise their spring conference as the original group has dropped out. This, apart from being a good opportunity to show the Island off to possibly as many as 150 delegates, is a chance for us to spread the message to a whole range of people on the Island. The meetings take place over a weekend, with the Saturday being for meetings, presentations etc then followed by a social. On the Sunday there is traditionally a ride. We have chosen the weekend of 5th May as this coincides with the Randonnee and hopefully will make coming to the Island a more attractive option.

At the moment the programme is as follows; Fri 4th May – evening at The Vine at St Helens Sat 5th May - CCN Conference at Ryde High School 10.00 till 4.00. Guest speakers include the chair of the Safe speeds Initiative as well as other prominent speakers from the CTC. Sat 5th May - evening at the Wishing Well at Pondwell. The campsite attached to the Pub is to be the official campsite and already some of the members from the Island are going to stay there to immerse themselves in the atmosphere. You can keep up to date with what is happening by looking on the website. There will be far more details in the next newsletter. Could you help with the following; providing accommodation, being there on the day as a gofor, or helping with administration or something?

The Mince Pie Ride

35 people turned up to our annual ride, even though It was snowing! A new route set out by Peter Gould was excellent as was a fine display of mince pies by Mike and Angela Marlow. Thanks to all who turned up and those who helped.

In the gloom of an impending snow shower, the faithfull Mince Pie riders prepare for the start................

.......A few words of encouragement from the Chair, Tim Thorne......

.........and the riders pedal off.

We could do with more members. Could you enroll a new member as your first good act of the year. I still meet cyclists who are not members and some who have not even heard of the group.

The AGM was a great success. Well over 50 members and guests heard an inspiring talk from Jimmy Walker from the Salisbury Cycling campaign group (COGS). He outlined hw they had worked to raise the awarness of cycling in their area as well as work closely with a whole range of bodies. It was amazing to see how the official bodies worked closely with the group as a partnership. This gave our group several good ideas. . We introduced a question and answer session. This went well and we shall expand on it again next year. Many thanks to all those who turned up and those who gave prizes.

Date: Sunday 15th April 2001 1430 Start: Shanklin Railway Station, Shanklin.Description: Easter family cycle ride, up to 10 miles on bridleways and minor roads, led by Cyclewight. Easter Egg prizes for younger riders completing the course.

Date: Sunday 24th June 2001 at 1100 Starts: EITHER Sandown Pier, Sandown, OR Cowes to Newport cycle path entrance at Arctic Road, Cowes. Description: National Bike Week Convergence Cycle Ride and picnic in countryside. Led by CycleWight on paths and bridleways where possible. Bring family, bikes, sunglasses, and a picnic.

Date: Sunday 16th September 2001 at 1100 Start: Yarmouth Car Park, Yarmouth. Description: Bring a picnic lunch for a cycle ride over the downs on a favourite CycleWight circuit.

Sunday 20th May Salisbury Randonnee. This to be the Salisbury¹s Cycle groups first attempt at a Randonnee. As this is the case they are inviting a few selected groups including CycleWight members. Make a date in your diary.