Supporting Trails for Wales

Top dogs of the human kind met this week to support the call for Trails for Wales. A ride led by CTC Councillor for Wales Gwenda Owen ended at the Senedd in Cardiff, where representatives from various cycling bodies met with Welsh Assembly Members to voice their support for CTC and Open MTB’s response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on "Improving opportunities to access the outdoors for responsible recreation”.

Come to an annual event

Do you want to meet people like you, who enjoy cycling in friendly company and want to get the most out of their favourite pastime? There are hundreds of CTC groups throughout the UK and many of them will be holding an AGM shortly. This is the chance to go along, find out what’s happening in your area and how you can get involved so make a note in your diary now. 

The business of taking care

What is the hardest job in cycling? Not writing CycleClips, according to the BBC’s Bespoke Cycling, but that of the professional soigneur. The programme followed the South African MTN-Qhubeka team as it took part in the Tour of Britain recently, revealing what goes on behind the scenes – and just how difficult it is to keep the riders supplied with paninis, gels, water and sympathy!

Sad news for David

One man who really does have the hardest job not only in cycling but also in life, is Paralympic cyclist David Smith. David was featured in recent documentary Dead Man Walking, which focused on his determination to not only overcome disability but also a spinal tumour to win a Gold Medal. Sadly, David has just found out his tumour has returned – but in an interview on Radio 5 Live he revealed that he has postponed another life-saving operation until after Rio. 

Cycle Campaign News - September edition out now

CTC’s round-up of all the latest developments in the cycling world has items on: Trails for Wales; MPs debating dangerous driving; England’s travel habits; Transport and travel in Scotland: survey results; DEFRA consults on air quality action; New bicycle strategy for Northern Ireland; DfT publishes 2014 casualty stats; publication reviews, diary dates and much more. 

What a slacker!

There have been many crazy stunts featured in CycleClips but this has to be one of the most difficult ever attempted.Ken Belaey was determined to ride an 18m slackline suspended over a 112m drop - 2700m high up at La Plagne in the French Alps. The nine-time world trial bike champion achieved the feat after several failed attempts – luckily he was wearing a safety harness at the time!

Showing off back on at the Cycle Show

A Labour of love for cycling

Apparently, new Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is a regular cyclist. We wonder if he’ll be tempted to join in the ride being organised by local campaigner Becky Reynolds to coincide with the Labour Party Conference in Brighton next week? The aim of the ride, which takes place on Wednesday 30 September, is to promote Space for Cycling to delegates. Do come along and join in!