and a bit of breaking from speed! Over 30 bikes and riders turned up on Saturday morning, 12th May, at Cheltenham Racecourse lower car park to practise their slow speed bike handling. The tasks covered were, slalom round tightly spaced cones, 'U' turn and figure of '8', up to a junction stop for 3 seconds without putting your foot down and riding off, slow speed riding against the clock (the more time time taken the better, and I have to report that Rob Cater took the longest!) and finally emergency stopping from 40mph. Yes, there were a few unintentional stoppies and some intentional, eh Mr Cater? Many thanks to Cheltenham Racecourse, Ian Stavert, Rossy, the Observers and to the head of outdoor catering, Graham Bailey. (Bigger kettle next time!)
Click on the image below to take you to a selection of photos from the day.
Sign up for this funtastic trip...
It's that time again to find parts of the Cotswolds you never knew existed! This year, a slight change of plan. The whole list is here for you to download, without paying anything, just go and enjoy riding and exploring on your doorstep. When you have taken a few photos, send them to me and I will out them up on the Challenge Photo Gallery. At the end of the year, say November time, if you have enjoyed participating, please make a donation to the club, a crisp £5 or more and the whole donation will be passed on to our chosen charity. Download Cotswold Challenge here.
Remember to take high resolution photographs, we need to fill the spaces on the 2013 Calendar!!
Last years Challenge, 2011, was enjoyed by many. Here are links to some photographs received.
Kamran Irani Kim Talbot Paul Kimpton Rod Pritchard
Congratulations to Philip Caterer on becoming a fully fledged Observer.
Philip can be seen below receiving his certificate from Andy Woodward.
A few of the Observers bikes, observed at the observers day!
1st April- Never been on a rideout before? Worrid how the drop off system works? This rideout is for you. An introduction to group riding with Andy Woodward.
22nd April Prescott Bike Festival CCAM will be there promoting the club and waving the flag for safer riding.
12th May 9:30-12:30 Slow riding morning at Cheltenham Racecourse. Come along and learn the right techniques to handle your bike at slow speeds.
14th – 15th July, a weekend treat. `A Taste of the West Country` This is primarily a camping weekend away, yet B&B available. Contact Greg Hackney/Karen Richard by the end of April.
Please be conscious of destinations that will often represent both a long day and mileage in excess of 200 miles, these will be mainly PROGRESSIVE, be honest with yourself. If in doubt, ask the leader before the event. New for 2011, we will be experimenting with a secondary `pick up point`, this simply is a chosen location on route to our destination that allows participants to wait and join the group as it passes, rather than have to endure a `double back` upon themselves when making the trip to our usual meeting point of Ashchurch.
Remember, `FULL TANKS` please.
• Finally, please remember to check our Web page near the dates, as often climatic conditions and personal issues can influence last minute changes.