Mildenhall Cycling Club's Golden Member Victoria Pendleton took part in a Rollapulaza challenege with a difference.

In her role as ambassador to the Team Green Britain Day she set the standard time on the static rollers, for members of the public to beat. More details and pictures are available on the Rollapaluza website.

30th July 2010

Mildenhall Cycling Club are one of the growing number of Go-Ride Club's in the country approved by British Cycling to run their programme that teaches children the fundamentals of cycling.

The latest session the club put on, in conjunction with Sustrans programme called Bike-It! was recently at Norwich Road Primary School in Thetford. Mandy Cook, one of the Club's qualified Level Two Coach, explained "We don't mind how experienced, or, inexperienced they are, the only thing we ask for from the children is enthusiasm. We can teach them the rest."

She added, "Nothing pleases me more than seeing them learning through the fun, challenges and competition. Often they are enjoying themselves so much they don't realise they are actually learning at the same time!

British Cycling's development programme for young people provides a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to the world of cycle sport and provides a platform to improve bike handling skills. To get involved is easy, through one of our many Holiday Coaching Programmes or at a local Go-Ride club, where young people will be able to sample the various cycle sport disciplines and start enjoying one of the fastest growing sports in the UK today. For those who are already involved and want to move forwards, Go-Ride has it covered with the new Go-Ride Racing competition programme.

The Club's Press Officer, Mark Burchett, says "Although we aren't trying to take the credit for her phenomenal success, Victoria Pendleton MBE began her cycling career with Mildenhall CC and showed her developing talent on the grass-track. She demonstrates that any young person can reach the very top of our sport with the right dedication, coaching as well as a sprinkling of talent, which she must have inherited from her father Max, who himself was a National 8km Grass-Track Champion and is still a member of our club"

At the weekend, Victoria won a Gold and Silver medal at the World Track Cycling Championships held in Copenhagen. The leading lady of not just the UK cycling scene, but the world too, retained her World Sprint title beating Chinese rider Shuang Guo and has now won it five times in the last six years. She also qualified for the final of Women's Kieron, where she narrowly lost out to Simona Krupeckaite from Lithuania. "The Club is obviously very pleased at her continued success" added Mark.

The Mildenhall Club are running a weekly Go-Ride programme throughout the summer, for 8 - 16 year olds based at their headquarters, in Wamil Way, Mildenhall,  from Monday 10th May to Monday 16th August 2010. Each session will cost £2.00 (club members free) and will consist of a mixture of skills and grass track racing at these sessions.

To register for the sessions the Club are holding an open evening on Monday 26th April (7.30pm), where the children and their parents are invited to come along and find out more.

More details are available from the club's website, www.mildenhallcc.org.uk, or on facebook and twitter as mildenhallcc

Victoria Pendleton MBE goes into this years UCI World Track Championships very relaxed about her chances of winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Women's World Sprint title. The reigning World Champion will look to defend her title on Saturday in Ballerup Arena in Copenhagen.

Listen to a relaxed Victoria in interview with the BBC's Gill Douglas.

The World Championships are being held from today (24th March) to Sunday 28th March. Click here for the full line up of BBC's television coverage of the racing from Copenhagen.

Mildenhall Cycling Club were one of nearly twenty sport and leisure organisations from Brandon and Mildenhall on show at the inaugural Mildenhall Sports Fair.

Promoted by Saxon Sports in the Mildenhall Dome Sports Centre, the fair was visited by children from the district's Middle and Upper schools.

As well as their competion rollers and clock, the Mildenhall Club were supported by British Cycling regional coaches Mark Wyer and Alison Lilley who brought a set of Wattbikes with them. These proved very popular with the young people visiting the fair, as unlike the competition rollers the Wattbikes are freestanding allowing anyone to sit and ride them without any practice. The Wattbike, developed in conjunction with British Cycling coaches and scientists, is supposed to replicate the sensation of 'real' cycling, be the world's first factory calibrated indoor bike, as well as help BC coaches identify potential future stars. Stars like the current Olympic and World Sprint Champion Victoria Pendleton, MBE, who began her cycling career with the Mildenhall Club and whose father Max is still an active member today.

As part of their stand the Club had a display of pictures showing Victoria's development from when she was aged eight on the back of her Dad's tandem on a Youth Hostel weekend, to when she really began to make her mark on the grass-track as a teenager.

For some more pictures from the Sports Fair click here

Mildenhall Cycling Club have celebrated members' achievements of 2009 at their recent Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation.

Mandy Cook took the top award, the Super Champion, which is based on points awarded for competing in a Rough Ride, a two-lap Circuit Time Trial, Grass Track, Road Race, Hill Climb, Off-Road Championship, Cyclo-Cross, Club Night attendance (from September to March) and Club Run attendance. She also pushed Club Chairman Barry Archer very hard in the Senior Off-Road Championship, forcing him to share the award that he won out-right in 2008!

There was, once again, no real surprise who the winners of the Hill Climb and Grass-Track Championships were in 2009. A former National 8km Grass-Track Champion, Max Pendleton comfortably saw off younger members Keith Richardson and Sarra Boyd on the track at last year's Mildenhall Cycling Rally, while on Primrose Hill in Moulton the father of Olympic and World Sprint Champion Victoria Pendleton MBE, had a clear ten-second margin ahead of his closest rival Richard Carrington. Carrington though showed his prowess against the clock on the road, to be the fastest club-member over 10 and 25 miles.

There was a very welcome return of Anthony Preece to the competitive arena in 2009 and was rewarded by becoming the Club's Senior Cyclo-Cross Championship.

It is very pleasing that the Mildenhall Club is once again, as a result of it's Go-Ride programme, starting to attract younger members. One of those Adam Gough, was missing from the presentation, as he was in Great Longstone, Derbyshire competing in the British School's Cycling Association (BSCA). However, on the day both felt they might have done better to have attended the dinner instead.

Adam's father Adrian said "it didn't go too well. We battled through the snowy conditions to get there, but had to leave the car about half a mile from the venue and walk the rest of the way as the road was too slippery."

"We took Adam's usual bike, but left the one the Club had lent him on the back of the car, which was a bad call!. Unfortunately by the time his race started the course was very slushy. His bike had no traction. The one we left with the car with proper 'cross- tyres would have been far better. We're not sure yet where he finished as we left to get home before the results were posted, to get home in the best of the weather." he added.

Adam from Cambridge, finished 10th in the Under 12 age category. But a very philosophical Adrian, said later "It was a shame for him ..... but that's racing! We both learnt a lot about having the right tyres and bike for the conditions."

He was the Club's Youth Cyclo-Cross and Grass-Track Champion in 2009 and is pictured right, proudly showing off the trophies in the Mildenhall Club's headquarters.

For a complete list of all the awards and placings by Club members in 2009 click here

The four riders that rode from Lands End to John O'Groats in aid of two local charities met up again for the first time, since their ride in 1984.

In a very strange twist of fate, Adrian Barrance, who has for many years lived in Honduras, was due in the UK over a ten-day period that coincided with a new event for Club members, a Quiz.

Within a few days Adrian Rochford who lives in Derbyshire and Max Pendleton, living in Bedfordshire confirmed that they would join up with the fourth member of the quartet, John Freiyer (who still lives locally at Chedburgh) at the Quiz, pictured top right.

They rode the 880 miles in just five and a half days, finishing at John O'Groats, pictured bottom right, having raised £5,000 for Professor Heyhoe's Leukemia Research Fund and Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis.

"Within three months of their ride in June 1984, Barrance left for the Pacific island of Vanuatu and although his parents still live in Wales, he hadn't been back to East Anglia, so this was too good an opportunity to miss," explained Mark Burchett.

As Dave Bowers who with his wife Viv, drove the back-up vehicle with their son Marc navigating, said at the quiz, "it was almost as if it was meant to be after all these years."

It was only fitting that the End to Enders competed in the quiz as a team and came very close to winning it as well, but they were just pipped by the "Y Not Dave" team, consisting of Tony and Jean Cornell, Pauline Pendleton and Viv Bowers, as the results board below shows!

Mildenhall Club Quiz - Results

Adrian Rochford, Adrian Barrance, Dave Bowers, Max Pendleton, Viv Bowers
Marc Bowers and John Freiyer in 2009

Adrian Rochford, Adrian Barrance, Dave Bowers, Max Pendleton,
Viv Bowers, Marc Bowers and John Freiyer at the end of their ride in 1984.

Mildenhall CC's clubroom in Wamil Way played host to one of the four public consultations being held by Forest Heath District Council into proposals for a BMX and Mountain Bike circuit.

Representing the local authority was Billy Cornish, who together with the BMX and Mountain Bike course designer, were on hand to show and explain the plans drawn up for the hectare development in the Mildenhall Woods. It is an area of woodland east of College Heath Road, Mildenhall that will be utilised to provide play and recreational facilities for children, young people and the wider community. The following aspects are included within the project plan:

• Adventure Play & Picnic Area
• BMX (4X) and Mountain Bike Facility
• Coordinated Way Marked Cycle Trails
• Outdoor Gym Trail
• Improved Access to study the natural and historic environment
  

Commenting on the project Community Development Officer Billy Cornish said “this is an exiting project for the children, young people and wider community of Mildenhall’ there are some superb facilities being implemented and it is hoped that this will provide an area where people can come together and enjoy the natural environment’.

For further information, or, to get involved in this project please contact Billy Cornish (Community Development Officer for Changing Spaces on (01638) 719295 or email community@forest-heath.gov.uk.

Bike Week, the UK's biggest mass participation cycling event, is this year challenging families to get more out of life by swapping their four wheels for two and exploring new places in their local community.

Mildenhall Cycling Club will join towns, villages and cities across the UK to host free cycling events with the theme of 'Get more out of life: live local, get cycling'.

Thousands of events will inspire people to hop on their bikes and discover the benefits and pleasures of cycling locally. Over half of all car journeys are less than five miles long, so by switching them to an easy thirty minute bike ride, you'll save money, find new places in the Forest Heath area you didn't know existed, shrink your carbon footprint and get fit too!

Mildenhall Cycling Club will be holding a Go-Ride skills test at the High Lodge Forest Centre, in the heart of the Thetford Forest between Thetford and Brandon (off the B1107). There will be 2 courses for children of different abilities to test out their skills, based on the Go Ride skills test, with limbo and the additional challenge of a see saw. These will be held between 10.30am - 3.30pm on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2009.

Lucy Waller from the Mildenhall Club said: "Many families are looking for easy ways to get more out of life, particularly during these difficult financial times. Cycling brings families together and is a fantastic, free way to explore new places and rides and have a lot of fun. We hope that people will use Bike Week as the perfect opportunity to get back on their bikes and connect with people in and around the Forest Heath area."

There's something for everyone during Bike Week, with events ranging from cycle training and Dr Bike sessions for novices, to commuter challenges and group rides around local cycling routes - all for free! Many are open to the entire family meaning it's a great way to spend time together and meet others locals whilst rediscovering the fun of riding a bike in a safe and friendly environment.

To find out what is taking place in the forest heath area visit www.bikeweek.org.uk and enter your postcode, or www.mildenhallcc.org.uk for specific details of Mildenhall CC's events. If you'd like to take part but don't have a bike, this shouldn't stop you - you can find your nearest bike rental outlet on the website. All participants get the chance to win a Center Parcs family holiday or one of twenty-four bike carriers in the lead up to Bike Week - another reason to get on your bike!

Bike Week has teamed up with Change4Life, the movement that provides families with helpful hints and tips about how to be more active and less sedentary and promotes cycling as a great way for children to achieve 60 minutes of their recommended daily activity.

Five reasons to get on your bike:
1. Over half of our car journeys are less than 5 miles - swapping them for an easy 30 minute bike ride can save you a small fortune in fuel costs
2. Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists and their fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger - so forget nip and tuck, think pedal and push!
3. Cycling is the ultimate family activity; it's free, healthy, fun and encourages children to be independent
4. Cycling gets you out and about and you're more likely to find that cute little delicatessen or beautiful park you never knew existed than when you're cooped up in a car
5. In a hurry? During rush-hour, a bicycle is twice as fast as a car - good if you hate traffic jams! Even better, you won't spend a penny on parking

Mildenhall Cycling Club are holding fun bike handling sessions for children aged 9-13 interested in cycling.

The Go Ride sessions will include challenges, competitions and races. The sessions are to be held on Mondays 11th & 18th May, 8th & 22nd June, 6th & 20th July and 3rd & 17th August 6.30-8.00pm.

Riders are asked to meet at Mildenhall CC club room, next to the cricket club off Wamil Way by 6.15pm. The actual sessions will take place on Riverside Sports field. Participants should bring a bike, helmet and drink and wear appropriate clothing. A parental consent form will need to be completed at the first session.

There will be a charge of £3 per session for non-club members. To confirm a place, or, for further information please contact Barry Archer, Lucy Waller or Mandy Cook.

Go-Ride is an initiative created by British Cycling that integrates club development and structured coaching activities for young people. It encourages youngsters to take up cycling, improve their bike handling skills and become more competent and safer cyclists who can reach their full potential.

Fun coaching activities, open to all abilities and held in conjunction with local schools will be run in traffic-free environments. All Go-Ride clubs have a commitment to ongoing training for their volunteers, to have a sound structure, to be fair and equitable and to undertake training to support British Cycling’s Policies and Guidelines for child protection and best practice.

During 2008 Mildenhall Cycling Club's youth riders spent time riding in the Holland. Matthew Cook and Will Adams rode in the Tour de Oude Jan (Old John's Tour).

Starting from Velp near Arnhem this is billed as a Mini Tour de France, consisting of an eight day cycle tour, of approximately 800 kilometres staying in Sports Halls around the route. Police motorcyclists provide a rolling road closure at all times, shutting off motorway lanes and all junctions to allow the 100 or so eight to 16 year old riders to have a safe passage. There is also a lead car with music blaring, a mechanics van, ambulance/sag wagon, toilet wagon, food wagon, stores wagons and a baggage wagon, so just about all the trappings of the Tour. In the evenings after a meal there is either racing or games of some sort.

The first day Saturday started with signing on, a quick bike check, sorting out which team they where in, getting their team jerseys, getting to know the other team members and, if like Matthew you had been before, renewing old friendships. After lunch it was time to leave the sports hall for a near by Roses for Children Memorial for a shortish service. Then on to a near by nature area for a team time trial, Matthew and Will's team finished fourth. Then back to the sports hall for dinner. After the meal it was off to a near by open air swimming pool for an evening of games, back to the hall for a snack and bed.

Day two up early, breakfast, pack up, clean the hall and off to Deventer. Arriving at the sports hall in Deventer, it was unload the wagons, make beds and have dinner. After dinner it was off to the local cycle circuit for some racing then back to the hall for a snack and bed.

Day three off to Assen, with Matthew (pictured left) in the polka dot jersey as third overall on general classification. Again the usual routine, up, packed, ride, unpack, dinner, race, etc.

Day four on to Sneek. Routine as usual except there was a boat trip round Sneek after dinner.

Day five onto Den Helder. The same routine as day three.

Day six onto Alkmaar. A slight change of routine, a shorter ride to the velodrome at Alkmaar, after unpacking and making beds there was racing either on the track or on the mountain bike tracks in the grounds. Matthew chose to do the mountain biking, winning the events, Will chose the track achieving a time of 19.2 seconds for a flying start 250 metres. After dinner it was off to the swimming baths for the evening then back to the Velodrome and bed.

Day seven onto Ede. The longest ride 140 kilometres, otherwise the usual routine except a BBQ in the evening instead of racing.

Day eight last day return to Velp. After breakfast and packing it was off to the local cycle circuit for some racing, time trials, before moving on to the main square in Velp for the reunion with parents, an ice cream and the exchange of gifts with team mates. Then back to the sports hall, were it all started, for the presentation of prizes. Matthew and Will's team were second in the team classification and Matthew was third in the racing classification.

During the year Matthew has spent quite a lot of time in Holland starting with the Heerlen International Cyclo-Cross in February, with bright sun and temperatures around 20 degrees, finishing seventh. Next it was Easter, bitterly cold with hail and snow, finishing fifth and about middle of the field in his other event. In early July he had three weeks out there, mostly wet, to race, train and renew old friendships. He had nine races in the three weeks, normally finishing in the middle of the field. Then back home for a couple of days and back for Tour de Oude Jan.

Any member of Mildenhall Cycling Club can claim back some of their entry fees where they've ridden in the name of the Club.

The current claim period is for 1st November 2007 - 31st October 2008 and completed claim forms MUST be returned to Barry Archer by Monday 2nd March 2009. This is the date the committee will next be meeting and will decide on the level of refunds to award. Click here to download a claim form.

Cycling is a hugely popular activity and it is easy to see why when you realise that it is all encompassing. Indeed, cycling combines a form of exercise, sport, leisure activity and a green mode of transport. From the popularity of cycling to its functions in modern society, our cycling information and tips will provide a concise guide to cycling, useful for beginners and pros, touching on subjects such as road safety, safety cycling tips and cycling gear.

In Europe cycling has always been hugely popular. In the Netherlands, for example, there are nearly as many bicycles as there are people! In the UK, the trend for cycling is growing all the time and in the current socioeconomic climate people are turning towards cheaper and greener forms of exercise and transport. This uptake in cycling has been immensely helped by government initiatives such as the 100m cycling city fund, which aims at restoring, updating and creating bike paths, facilities and training suitable for commuters and families. There is even a `re-cycling` scheme, which is aimed at repairing bikes and giving bikes free to deprived communities.

In fact, repairing your bike is a good place to start our top cycling tips. If you are going to embark on a journey, short or long, our top tip whether you are a beginner or a pro, is to ensure your bike is in tip top condition. Check your brakes and tyres and general condition of your cycle. Secondly, get to know your Highway Code! It is not just for car users! Also use lights and reflectors for optimum road safety.

Another great place to start for beginners or children is the three-level National Standard for Cycle Training. This will provide all you need to be road safe, competent and prepared and aware of dangers. For professionals we recommend investing in a cycling computer that combines a heart rate monitor and some GPS equipment. Even packing GPS, always, always, tell someone where you are planning to cycle! It is also good to carry an all in one tool such as a Topeak mini tool so you are prepared for any situation that may arise.

With regards to cycling gear, most important of all is a cycling helmet. Make sure you follow guidelines to ensure it is fitted correctly to ensure maximum protection. Choose breathable lightweight weather durable clothing. Advances in technology mean that cycling clothing is now high tech as well as high fashion. Also always pack a lightweight jacket as the weather, especially in the UK, is changeable!

Take care of your bike and record the journeys you take on it. Make a scrapbook or keep a diary, why not even write a blog to let fellow cyclists know where to go riding? Take pictures of your bike and if you are feeling particularly crafty you could even try your hand at Bike Cross Stitching

Above all be safe, enjoy yourself.

Supplied and Written by Stitchtastic

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