Yearly archive for 2014

Cyclists are being urged to get on their bikes for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance’s annual Double 100 Cycle Challenge this Sunday (September 28th).

The Double 100 is a 100-mile or 100km ride which starts and finishes at the helicopter bases at Marden in Kent and Redhill in Surrey.

Air Ambulance doctors, paramedics and staff members are among more than 200 riders who have signed up so far with more welcome to enter now or on the day.

This year’s ride will include two new circular routes through the counties covered by the air ambulance and marks the first anniversary of the launch of the life-saving charity’s night flying service.

Last year’s event raised more than £12,000 and the air ambulance is aiming to double its success this year with a new starting point at the charity’s Marden headquarters.

Event project manager Julie Clare said:

We are delighted with the response this year. It promises to be a great ride for the cyclists and with the money raised it will be a great day for the Air Ambulance too.

This year’s Double 100 has been backed by main sponsor Fidelity Worldwide Investment who have entered a team of 40 cyclists.

Corporate Citizenship Manager Vicki Haxton said:

Fidelity is delighted to be supporting the Double 100 Cycle Challenge and helping to raise money for this incredibly worthy cause.

The air ambulance is a vital service in this area and we recognise the significant contribution they make towards saving lives in our community. We are looking forward to many of our employees participating in the event.

The 2014 Double 100 has also been sponsored by Howard Cundey Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, and supported by Halfords, the Asda Foundation, Warburtons and Southern Water.

The ride is open to regular and occasional cyclists including individuals and teams with feeding stations along the scenic route.

To register go to:
www.kssairambulance.co.uk/involved/double100
and for more information call Julie Clare on 01622 833833, or email juliec@kssairambulance.org.uk

Pat Daffarn writes. . . .

LIGHTS TO BE SEEN are so that cars don’t take you out – start with reflectors on pedals, rear and front, they are very effective, then add flashing lights front and rear.  Flashing allows car drivers and other cyclists to differentiate cyclists from distant cars.  Legally the reflectors and lights must be fixed to your bike and can be enhanced with reflective clothing.

LIGHTS TO SEE are so you can steer round objects and holes on and off road – more bright (and expensive) than Lights To Be Seen, however good cycle lights can be used for other tasks – sailing, skiing and around the home, so when you decide what you want, consider all the other uses it may have, which makes it more affordable.  A good LIGHTS TO SEE comparison  is on the Wiggle site, 12% discounted in the CTC shop, but do shop around.

You might like to read Chris Juden’s post here, or his more detailed technical post here.

Pat

Neil Eason writes . . .

Another sunny and warm September day greeted a mix of 18 G3 and G4 riders. The route through the N Hants lanes provided some stunning vistas, quite a few hills(!) and some notable landmarks including Jane Austen’s house, Ropley Station on the Watercress Line ( our steam buffs/nerds lingered far too long here but it was magic! ), and the Civil War site of the Battle of Cheriton.

The Bucks Head at Meonstoke on the River Meon proved to be an excellent choice although it was noticeable that the first climb after lunch was taken at a somewhat more sedate pace than normal!

Thanks to all who participated in a very enjoyable trip – let’s do it again next year!

Neil