What's on?

Female Friendly bike rides- July 2009

Cycle-training

Most councils in London boroughs have some kind of free cycle training scheme in place. I cannot recommend this service enough; even the most experienced cyclist will have something to learn from a qualified instructor. You can go back to basics and be taught how to ride a bike, you can be introduced to cycling confidently on the road for the first time, or you can be given advice on how to ride in complex traffic situations. Contact your local council for information. Alternatively contact info@ananichoola.co.uk and we will do our best to find out where you can get a free lesson, or book a private lesson with one of our instructors from £30 per hr.

Herne Hill Velodrome rides for all levels.

With the gorgeous Vicky Pendleton upping the profile of women’s track riding it may be of interest for you to know that EVERY Saturday morning at 9am there is a beginners riders induction. It costs £3 and there are bikes to hire for free.
I suggest that you get there as early as possible because people are turned down when numbers are too high.
After the induction you can ride around for £6 as part of an organised training session that splits into groups depending on your level of cycling. Don’t bother turning up it it is raining.
The vibe at HHV is wonderful, there is a really friendly bunch of girls, many of whom started this year. Come down and say “Hi” because I can guarantee that you will love it and come off buzzing. It’s far better than the gym! For more information visit:
www.vcl.org.uk

Road Rides

1. New members compass beer rides- 13/07/09 – 19/07/09
Every so often some nice people on the London Fixed Gear and Single Speed forum put on a week of informal rides to initiate newbies into the world of riding fixed in London. I’m sure that everyone has noticed the increase in “fixie” riders in London and the forum is a place for these cyclists to chat, organise rides, buy and sell stuff etc. There is a big female scene amongst this clan of cyclists, and they are really great fun to ride with!
www.londonfgss.com

2. Dunwich Dynamo Night Ride – 04-05/07/2009 (this weekend!)
A collection of disorganised cyclists turn up and ride together to the coast on wonderfully traffic-free roads. Make sure you have some lights, food and exta layers. It sounds very exciting and is open to everyone, for more information about it go to:
http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk/dunwichfaqs.htm

3. Breakthough breast cancer- 26/07/2009
There are a lot of charity rides throughout the Summer- but this particular one stood out because it is raising money to help end such a ruthless disease. It is a 59 mile ride. I found out about this event on:
www.bike-events.com

4. Beginners ride in Croydon- 29/07/2009
This event is to be run in conjunction with Ana Nichoola. It will be run by 2 Accredited National Standard instructors, taking women on a car-free route to get their legs turning. It is 2 hours long, and includes cycle-specific warm-up and a tea/cake stop. All for £8. Free bike hire is available at the meeting point at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road. If you are interested or know anybody who is please get in touch:
info@ananichoola.co.uk
This is a perfect ride for those people who say to you “I don’t know how you do it, I’d love to ride but I can’t/ I’m too scared/ I don’t have a bike/ I’m unfit etc.”

5. Crystal Palace Criterium- every Tuesday
Record numbers of women have turned up to race, or to vent their stress on Tuesday evenings. When the numbers are low the women are sent off with the men, so the more numbers the better! I haven’t raced this season, but plan to before the season is over- don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to race against 10-12 women on one of the fastest, hardest and gnarliest closed-circuit races in the country. You need a British Cycling racing licence. Just rock up at the North car-park at Crystal Palace Park before 7 on a Tuesday, sign-on, and die.
Don’t go if it’s raining.

Other races can be found at the calendar on:
www.britishcycling.org.uk

6. Hog Hill- Every Thursday
The Hog Hill summer league has been collecting numbers al season. It is a train ride away from Central London, held in Essex. They’re put on every Thurday evening, and you will need a British Cycling racing license to take part.


Off-Road Rides

LCC Gatwick airport ride
Suitable for families. This ride sets off from John Ball Primary School or Ladywell Fields and finishes up at Gatwick airport, using all car-free routes. Not to mention that it is also free!
For more information visit the rides&events section:
www.lcc.org.uk

Beastway is Back!
Everyone loved the fast and furious Beastway Mountain Bike races, held on dusty summer evenings at the Eastway race circuit. They were stopped because the area is being turned into something for the Olympics. But they are back and info can be found at:
www.cycleweb.co.uk
Women’s prizes are upheld and the atmosphere is one of “who cares?! I just wanna get muddy!”


Fun Bike-friendly things

Bicycle Ballet- 10/07/2009
I took part in this at their Woking show and I recommend it to anyone who can ride a bike. I cannot stress enough that you DON’T need to be an expert cyclist, you just need to be able to take one hand off the handlebars and not fall-off.
A travelling bunch of performing artists put on bike ballet shows at various events, and at each event they ask for local volunteers to join in a do a 2minute piece. The great thing about bicycle ballet is that there is no bike snobbery or competition, it is all about loving your bike and making pretty shapes. The best one in July looks like London Festival at Canary Wharf. The arty-types running it are fun and welcoming, so please, if you think you like the sound of it visit:
www.bicycleballet.co.uk


Move it at the Manor- 12/07/2009
This is a free, action-packed fun day for all the family. Held at Manor Park in Sutton. Attendees are encouraged to get there by walking, cycling or public transport and bike-parking is provided.
www.smartertravelsutton.org