Category Listing: News

You can read the latest edition here. If you are not already logged-in to the Portsmouth CTC site, you will need to log in to see it.

Contents list:

• Stormy weather
• Editorial opinions
• Presidents' thoughts (that apostrophe is in the right place)
• Fine weather for a bike ride
• Going tubeless
• Blueybells
• The rain in Spain
• Col ascents
• Transcontinental cycling
• Wildflower rides
• Home automation 3
• Mrs Pink and her sister go cycling again
• Far east adventures
• Dartmoor Ghost
• Hill climb and freewheel competition 2022
• Puzzle page

That's a good variety, I'm sure there's something to interest, if not inspire, you.

As you read the articles, remember to click photos - most will show you a larger version and you won't lose your place.

I'm looking forward to getting your contribution to the Autumn 2022 edition.

Martyn

Dear PCTC member,

Just a gentle reminder that work will start soon on the Spring edition of the Pedal.

Thanks to everyone who's submitted an article to date, but we could do with a few more. Let us know what you've been up to over the Winter and early Spring, or maybe what you're planning for the Summer. Articles on rides (however long or short), reviews of bikes or associated equipment, or maybe more technical articles on cycling issues. Essentially, anything loosely related to cycling. We'll even publish non-cycling articles if it's of interest to other members.

The deadline for copy is Saturday 30th April.

There's still time.

M

editor@portsmouthctc.org.uk

We're going to start work soon on the Spring22 edition of the Pedal. Please can I ask you to consider submitting an article.

The article doesn't necessarily need to be that long. As a guide, somewhere between 250 and 1250 words supported by photos/maps/diagrams/charts etc, is about right.

I thought it might be useful to have a theme for the edition. So with the recent poor weather conditions causing issues for cyclists, I thought "Stormy Weather" might be appropriate. Articles and photos loosely based around the theme would be good.

It doesn't of course exclude articles that have nothing to do with the weather. Articles on tours, rides, technical issues, reviews of bikes and associated kit, cycling issues etc, would be welcome.

So as ever, whether you've cycled from Havant to Havana, Bedhampton to Bedford or simply Westbourne to West Dean, we'd like to hear about it.

Don't forget, the Pedal is written by the members, for the members.

If you've got an idea and would like to discuss further, please do contact me. The deadline for articles is the 30th April.

Set your creative self free!

Martyn
editor@portsmouthctc.org.uk

The updates come into force tomorrow, 29^th January.

Cycling UK has created this simple video explaining the key differences.

You can find out more on its website at cyclinguk.org/highwaycode.

I'm afraid I've already seen a lot of misreporting. Charitably, we could put it down to lazy journalism. Here's some myths that are doing the rounds...

Following announcements by the UK Government and Cycling UK this week, we are resuming a limited form of group ride we call 'Pop-up rides'.

What are Pop-up rides?

Rides of up to a maximum of 6 people, including the leader, any day of the week. Click here to find out more about the background to Pop-up rides and how they will work. If you are a ride leader, click here to find out how you can register and manage Pop-up rides.

They are open to all and as time goes on I hope there will be a good variety of rides available. Leaders may want to start with limiting the ride to 3 or 4 people until we all get used to this idea.

Why start up rides again?

Despite the absence of all of our usual rides for almost 12 weeks now, many of us have been able to enjoy cycling and keep fit by riding alone, with household members and lately with one other. However there are people in the club and those interested in cycling (e.g. who signed up to the Cathedral Challenge) who are not able/willing to ride alone. They are desperate to ride but don’t have a cycling buddy and want people to ride with. It is arguably safer to ride in 2's or 3's than on their own, particularly if they are less confident. It is to give all an opportunity to ride with others we have decided to start these rides.

Is it legal?

Yes – the government changed the rules from 1 June and rides of up to 6 people are allowed. However we must stick to the social distancing and hygiene guidelines at all times.

Is it safe?

The bottom line is that you have to decide for yourself as leader or rider what risk you are prepared to take, particularly if you are in a vulnerable category. The virus is still with us and the risks are real. However, in my view, our role as a local cycling club is to facilitate rides and not to try to second guess the advice we’ve been given. If you’re happy to give it a try, do go ahead and enjoy but don’t feel obliged to lead and/or join rides.

Can only leaders set up a ride?

Like all our rides you have to be a leader registered with Cycling UK to lead a ride (and therefore set up a pop-up ride). However if you’re not a leader and want to find one or more people to ride with, members’ contact details can be found on the website if you’re logged in. Alternatively, Andy will help if you contact him.

Joy Forrow
President, Portsmouth CTC