Spokes Presents – Bicycle, The Film

Posted on 25 January 201525 January 2015 by Secretary

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Spokes has organised a FREE showing of the “Bicycle” film documentary at 8:30pm on Thursday 5 March 2015 at the Corn Exchange in Newbury.

“Bicycle” is a 90 minute documentary that asks the question: “why is cycling and the bicycle back in fashion?” The film, which is directed by BAFTA winning director and keen cyclist Michael B.Clifford tells the story of cycling in the land that invented the modern bicycle, it’s birth, decline and re-birth from Victorian origins to today.

The film weaves bicycle design, sport and transport through the retelling of some iconic stories and features interviews with Sir Dave Brailsford, Gary Fisher, Chris Boardman, Ned Boulting, Sir Chris Hoy, Tracy Moseley, Mike Burrows and many more, plus great archive, animation and music. “Bicycle” is a humorous, lyrical and warm reflection on the bicycle and cycling and its place in the British national psyche.

“At a time when the bicycle is back in fashion, it is great to see a film about this beautiful machine coming out.”
Chris Boardman MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist

Places are strictly limited (39 seats plus one wheelchair) – and MUST be booked in advance. To book your ticket, please use our contact us form to let us know the names of those who will be attending. Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entry will only be for those with their name on the list. Once full, a waiting list will be maintained, so please let us know if you can no longer attend. A confirmation reminder will be sent to those with reserved seats nearer the evening.

The Corn Exchange bar and refreshment facilities will be open – and for those who want to join us we will retire for a quick drink and further discussion after the film.We look forward to seeing you there!

Bike Maintenance Workshop

Posted on 18 September 201418 September 2014 by Secretary

Do you have a problem with squeaky brakes, slipping gears or noisy chains? Would you like to learn how to change a tyre or mend a puncture? Well get yourself down to our FREE bike maintenance workshop at Ace Space in Newbury on Saturday 4th October between 1pm and 4pm. Ace Space is located at the end of St Nicholas Road, off St Michael’s Road in the West Fields area of Newbury (the postcode is RG14 5PR).

Our friendly, trained mechanics will be on hand to advise and assist you and answer your questions. We will provide all the tools you need together with workstands and a stock of the basic parts that wear out regularly (e.g. brake pads, cables, inner tubes, patches, etc). If you need anything else, then Banjo’s is just rounds the corner and Spokes members get 10% discount on bike parts!

Where possible, we ask that you book a 30 minute slot so we don’t keep people waiting. For further information and to make a booking. contact Caroline on 07712 470405 or email training@westberkshirespokes.org.

Strava Heatmap

Posted on 20 May 201420 May 2014 by Secretary

If you take your cycling at all seriously, then there is a good chance that you will have used Strava’s smart phone app at some stage. Strava’s primary purpose is to let cyclists log their rides and compete virtually against their personal best times, or against other people in their local area. However, with the data that has been collected since 2009, other uses for the data are starting to become apparent.

When the data from individual users is aggregated, it starts to show trends and common routes used by cyclists. Strava has released this data in the form of heatmaps, which show the routes cycled by users, with emphasis and weight given to the most common routes. This can be used to help identify where cyclists currently ride and where spending on cycling infrastructure should be prioritised.

Looking at the Newbury and Thatcham area highlights the importance of the A4 as a cycle route. Spokes has long campaigned for this route to be upgraded and this data adds additional weight to the argument. It is also interesting to note how well used the towpath is, including the section between Boundary Road and Thatcham Station. If so many people are using the towpath when it is in such a poor condition, imagine how many would use it when it is upgraded!

Ring of Fire Charity Bike Ride

Posted on 14 May 2014 by Secretary

We were contacted recently by Sam Whiting, a Year 10 student at Kennet School in Thatcham, who is organising a local charity bike ride on 22 June. Known as the “Ring of Fire“, it costs £10 to enter, 100% of which will go directly to two worthwhile causes – The Fire Fighters Charity and Camp Uganda.

The event has been given its name due to its link with the Fire Fighter’s Charity, and also because the various routes (10, 30 and 60 miles) all pass at least one local fire station. Also, the four West Berkshire fire stations (Newbury, Lambourn, Pangbourne and Hungerford) will be used as checkpoints, where snacks and beverages will be sold.

Sam is hoping to raise £4,000, which will enable him to go on an expedition to Uganda, where he will do project work to dramatically improving the lives of people in underprivileged communities. He is donating half of the money raised to the Fire Fighters Charity due to the obvious links and the great work they do helping fire-fighters who have been injured during the course of their work. Sam has a personal connection to the charity, since his father is a fire fighter at Newbury fire station.

We would encourage everyone to support this event. Whether you’re after a healthy way to spend the day with your family or a testing challenge, there’s a route for you. Have fun, get fit and challenge yourself whilst supporting two good causes. For further information, visit: www.rofbikeride.weebly.com.

West Berkshire Spokes

For People. For Bikes.

Tag: Newbury

Spokes Presents – Bicycle, The Film

Bike Maintenance Workshop

Strava Heatmap

Ring of Fire Charity Bike Ride