Kendal & District Cycle Scene

Heartstart

2009-06-10T22:13:00.003+01:00

Emergency Life Support Training

Would you know what to do in a life-threatening emergency? The skills of emergency life support (ELS) are simple and can save lives.

ELS is the set of actions needed to keep someone alive until professional help arrives. They include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dealing with choking, serious bleeding and helping someone that may be having a heart attack.

Over 1.4 million people have been trained through the Heartstart UK initiative.

The free course offers practical advice, whilst encouraging discussion on improving resuscitation knowledge and practice. The most important factor determining survival after a cardiac arrest is the time from collapse of the casualty to defibrillation - performing CPR buys time and more than doubles the chances of survival.

KDCS are looking to arrange a course in Windermere or Kendal, and now possibly south of Kendal, as since I put the item in the Newsletter I have heard from a lady in Heversham who is also qualified to run the course and she has offered to run one if needed, which could maybe cover south of Kendal.

If you are interested contact me through the KDCS web site select Newsletter from the contact options.

Neil Hazlehurst

How to Charge Any USB Device by Riding Your Bike

2009-05-27T16:57:00.002+01:00

Can you get any more green than this? Charge your electronic gadgets while riding your bike.
Let us know if you make one of these devices, a follow up for the blog would be interesting.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Charge-Any-USB-Device-by-Riding-Your-Bike

Ideas for the website/blog anyone?

2009-04-10T10:24:00.004+01:00

Our committee get-together in March started with a bit of a discussion about the website - how we could keep the website more uptodate, how we could integrate it better with the blog and so on - but we quickly realised that we don't really know what KDCS members want. Is it the rides information that you come to the website for? Or the latest on campaigns (in which case you'll end up on the blog)? Or links to local gear shops? Or photos and reports of past expeditions? Or recommended routes in the local area? Or something that we haven't thought of yet? If you use other cycle websites, have you seen something that you think we could be doing better, on a more local basis (eg the CTC's pothole-reporting service - 'fill that hole')?

If you have any thoughts at all about how we could best use the website and the blog to encourage, inspire and support local cyclists - please let us know and we'll do our best to take all ideas into consideration as we develop.

Andrew Judson - influence in high places?

2009-04-08T20:11:00.000+01:00

Kendal members will no doubt have noticed that the cycleway has recently been resurfaced. This work was carried out a couple of days after Andrew Judson accepted the position of KDCS Chairperson, so he obviously has influence in high places to get he work done and completed within a month of taking office.

Chair of KDCS

2009-04-08T19:36:00.003+01:00

Following my request to members seeking a volunteer to take over as Chair of KDCS I am pleased to report that Andrew Judson has agreed to take over as Chairman on the understanding that his role will not include the additional duties of membership secretary and entertainments organiser. Andy Mason has volunteered to take on the role of entertainments organiser to include slide shows, the Xmas meal at Wilfs etc. I will retain the role of membership secretary handling enquiries via the website, referrals etc. but would look to reliquish this responsibility if a volunteer comes forward to take it on in due course. I think by splitting the Chairmans duties in this way it lessens the burden on one individual and should ultimately be a more efficient way of managing KDCS. Peter Raffle has the key role of arranging the rides list, Neil Hazlehurst producing the newsletter, Lois Sparling maintaining responsibility for uploading information to the website and of course Liz Ashburn and company taking the lead on campaigning we should have some stability for at least the next year. Andrew will look to hold a committee meeting in the near future to seek views on future direction of KDCS, activities etc. With Andrew being able to take on a distinct leadership role rather than the multi-functional responsibilities I previously held as Chair, I think we now have a positive way forward that will prove beneficial for the club and members.

I would like to express my thanks to both Andrew and Andy for taking on these roles as my continuing work pressures and family commitment pressures have severely limited the amount of additional time I have available.

Steve Warner

Basic Bike maintenance for the Eco-Fair

2008-03-28T20:28:00.005Z

If you went to the the Eco-Fair and want to start using that bike in the back of the shed, to go to shops or out on the country lanes this basic bike maintenance may help you get on your way.

Since the Eco-Fair I have added some links (at the bottom of this article) to some good sites for more information on bike repairs and maintenance, I'll try to add a few more over the few days.
Thanks to all of you who came to the Bike Maintenance workshop today -Neil, Bryan and Dell

Punctures -

To help avoid punctures check the tyres regularly for anything in the tyre, you can often find and remove slivers of glass etc before they puncture the tyre or damage it. To reduce the risk of punctures many tyres are now available with a strip behind the tread to prevent most punctures, It is worth remembering to check these from time to time as slivers of glass, tacks etc can be in the tyre and may work there way in and make a puncture eventually.

Before removing the rear wheel to mend the puncture the chain should be on the smallest cog at the back and middle or large front chainwheel. This makes putting the wheel back on much easier. Then to release the wheel the quick-release (qr) must always be tightened by moving it through 180 degrees, not by simply rotating it until it feels tight. The qr lever should preferably be on the pavement side, and always face to the rear when tightened so can’t be accidentally knocked into the “loose” position. Some brake levers have a button to allow the brakes to open more to get the wheel in and out.

Check quickly for thorns, nails etc they may be visible, remove and note position so as to check inside tyre for any remaining thorn etc. Before removing the tyre, push the bead (edge) of the tyre away from the wheel rim, and push the valve into the rim a bit, to create space in the rim well to allow room to more easily remove the tyre.

Remove the tube, marking the valve position on the tyre. Inflate the tube and locate the puncture, either by hearing it, feeling the escaping air on your fingers The cause of the puncture in the tyre should be the same distance from the mark on the tyre as the puncture in the tube from the tube valve, so locate and remove the cause. There may be second thorns etc., so carefully run fingers round inside of tube, both ways, as thorns could be angled and so not felt in one direction.

Never mend punctures on the roadside, wait until you get home. Therefore always carry at least 1 or, better, 2 spare inner tubes.

Modern tyres often have a “direction of rotation” arrow on them, as tyre treads are often more specific these days (note – if your bike is upside down, the arrow should be rotating anti-clockwise to give “direction of rotation”)

On a mountain bike (mtb) the lightly- inflated inner tube can be inserted inside the tyre, and the whole lot simply put back onto the wheel. Amazingly easy.

The recommended air pressure will be marked on the tyre wall. Always run at this pressure – many people run with too little air in the tubes, this makes for more punctures, and harder work as more rolling resistance. A track pump, from £20, is wonderful to quickly inflate your tyres to high pressures, buy one.

To repair a puncture (at home, I sometimes put the punctured tubes in a box and then have a session doing a few together) find the hole, pump up the tube, sometimes you can hear the air escaping, or feel it on your top lip. Failing that a bowl of water will quickly show the puncture position, if it is a fault at the valve, or valve seat scrap the tube. There are 101 uses for a dead inner tube, but that could be a hole new session/article. Dry the tube and mark the position of the hole, rub down the area around the hole, apply glue thinly around the hole, wait for the glue to feel dry, remove the foil from the patch and press firmly over the area of the hole, make sure the edges are stuck. stretch the patch to tear the paper backing across the middle of the patch, carefully remove the paper backing from the middle tear - so as not to lift the edges of the patch. Now apply powder to the patch and around, stops any excess glue sticking to the inside of the tyre, lightly inflate and set aside to see if the pressure is held, and then roll up as a spare.

Chains -
Try to keep the chain on your bike as clean as possible.

People tend to neglect their chain which is a big mistake - it's a job well worth spending 15 minutes on.

If you don't clean and lubricate it properly, it will make pedalling much harder and mess up the other components on your bike. To avoid the chain doing this or becoming squeaky or too slack make sure you clean and lubricate it at least every month - more often when the weather is wet. To check if the chain has stretched and become slack, try lifting one rivet at the front of the chain ring. If you can pull it away even slightly then the chain is worn. Chains stretch with use, a tool that measures this is available.

If your chain is caked in mud then hose it clean first. If it's only covered in oily dirt then give it a quick wipe with a rag or an old T-shirt. Then use the edge of a cloth to scrape out the muck between the sprockets and to wipe the teeth of the chain rings. Spray the chain rollers with solvent and scrub with an old toothbrush. After you've thoroughly cleaned the chain dry with a rag. Then complete the job with chain lube (lubrication). Run the chain through at high speed, or a link at a time allow to soak in (overnight) and then wipe off the excess lube.

Should always be oiled at the ride end or when the chain has been cleaned and dried after the ride. This gives time for the oil to really get to parts, whereas oiling it just before you set off will mean that most of it is effectively just thrown off. Modern oils really do lubricate places that 3 in 1 type oils won’t reach.

Changing chains regularly, as this should (hopefully) ensure the expensive cassette and chainset will last much longer, I try to use 2 or 3 chains and change them when I do the thorough clean (as if the chain is not replaced for a long time, the whole drive train will have to be replaced.)

One of the causes of the chain slipping is that a link is not freely bending as it goes over the gears. Finding this link may be difficult if simply moving the chain round slowly in the normal direction – moving the chain backward however should always find the faulty link.

Cables -

There are 2 types of inner cable - brake and gear. So you will need to carry both types with you if on a tour. Brake cables have 2 types of fixing, pear and barrel, the gear cable a single smaller one. A quick visual check will show what types you have on your brakes. Brake cables come in a single size, and need to be cut down, depending on the length required, i.e. front or back brake (note, if need be, i.e. on the road with no good cutters, any excess length can simply be coiled up until you get to a bike shop with good cutters. There are also different outer sleeves for brake and gear cables, so make sure you have the right one (there are sound engineering reasons for this difference, but you don’t need to know why.)

An alternative approach to this technical stuff is to renew the cables long before they break or you set off on tour! Spares still advisable though.

Brakes -

Brakes have adjusters, for both distance from the tyre rim and angle towards it (the “toe-in”). On V brakes the adjusters for rim distance are nuts at the brake base. Squeaky brakes are often a sign that the brakes are poorly angled to the rim, and there are 2 washers on the actual brake block to adjust this – the front of the brake block should touch the rim (toe-in) before the rear part. Check the brake block for signs of wear, some block have wear indicator lines to show when they need replacing. Check also when the wheel is out for grit, etc in the pads, a pin can get it out, it just wears the rims down if left.

Gears -

If the chain is not fitting exactly over the gear and hence being noisy etc, there are usually micro- adjusters to alter the gear cable tightness – one where the cable enters the rear dérailleur, and one either on the brake/gear lever or on the downtube. If the chain is quiet at the start of a ride and then becomes noisy, only adjust the micro- adjusters, a slight turn should improve the gear change, if not turn the adjuster the other way, only a slight turn is needed. The H (High) and L (Low) screws on both the dérailleur and chainset. should not need touching

Mountain bikes need a good scrub down after a muddy ride but any bike looks better after a wash and polish. Do it after a mucky cross-country ride or every month or two in dry weather. It should take you an hour to do the job properly including cleaning and lubricating the chain. Ten minutes if you're in a real hurry.

Cleaning kit: Washing-up liquid, Water Dispersing Lube, Spray Degreaser, Brush-on Degreaser. Bottle brush, washing-up brush, old toothbrush, sponge, old sponge for the chain, chamois leather. Squirt plenty of washing-up liquid into half a bucket of hot water. Mop over the whole bike and let it soak in. Wash the whole bike again. This second wash will shift most of the dirt, but there may be areas where the dirt is more stubborn.

Use a toothbrush or a paint brush for all the nooks and crannies. Where the foam seems to form droplets and roll off, use a degreaser (a solvent that dissolves grease) to break down the film of oil. Do the same to the chain. Work it with the brush to ensure the dirt and oil mixes with the degreaser. Get a bucket of clean warm water and rinse the foam away. Use a sponge to cascade water over the frame, the mudguards and the chain. Dry the frame, mudguards, saddle and handlebars with a clean rag or a chamois. Then squirt spray lube over the chain, gears, hubs and headset to drive out any water that has got in. Then lubricate the chain.

Dos: Do not wash your bike in the sun. The water will dry off too quickly leaving you with dull paint and a lot of streaks. Keep the bike upright, whether it's standing on its own wheels or in a bike stand.

Don'ts: Never use a pressure washer. Bike bearings are not designed to keep out water under pressure. For the same reason, keep the pressure down if you use a hose.

Tools on the bike -

The following tools are the minimum you should carry whilst riding and should ideally be left on your cycle at all times, in order to ensure that you have everything necessary to continue your ride or simply get home again:

Pump; Inner tubes x 2; Tyre levers 2 or 3; Allen key set; Chain breaker; a little small change; MOBILE PHONE !

Links to web sites with bike repair information -

Park Tool - lots of good information

Sheldon Brown-load of information - a unique resource

CTC Technical information CTC have a Technical FAQ section that covers lots of topics

"Park tools Big Blue Book of bike repair" is an excellent book around £18.00 available from bike shops, or Google to find online.

This was based on article originally by Mark Bazeley in the Summer 2006 KDCS Newsletter

Kendal Eco-Fair

2008-03-24T21:33:00.003Z

KDCS will be at the Kendal Eco-Fair being held by SLACC on Sat 29th March at the Castle St Centre, Kendal 10.30am - 4pm. Call in to see Steve or Neil who will be on the KDCS stand, we will be showing the Kendal Riverside Leisure route proposal drawings and also the 3D visualisation drawings, and also a Bike Maintenance workshop.

The Eco-Fair will have workshops, talks and stalls on all manner of topics from recycling, composting, organics, home renewable energy, green consumer shopping and lots more!

On the Saturday morning at 10:30am the Eco-Fair will be opened by our local MP Tim Farron, so why not come along and celebrate with us?

3D visualisations of the Kendal Riverside Route

2008-03-24T16:48:00.004Z

We have received a PDF that shows various 3D visualisations of the Kendal Riverside Route scheme, printed versions of these were shown at the third meeting about the Kendal Riverside Route Proposals. We hope to have these available to view on the KDCS web site soon, they will be on show at the Kendal Eco-Fair being held by SLACC on Sat 29th March at the Castle St Centre, Kendal 10.30am - 4pm. See the next item, above for more details

The visualisation drawings are shown on 7 pages, it is quite a large file. If you would like them emailed to you - email KDCS blog and ask for the Kendal Riverside Route - 3D visualisations drawings. It would be better if you have broadband as the PDF is quite a large file.

You will need Adobe Acrobat installed, most people will have this, it is free download available here> Adobe Acrobat

Saturday 15th March - Ride from Windermere Ferry -Cunsey- Rusland-Brantwood

2008-03-19T15:15:00.007Z

WD 40 was definitely needed on last Saturdays ride, who hadn't been cycling and who was just a little bit rusty?

Ten riders met at Ferry Nab for the ferry, to cross Windermere. Possible showers from lunchtime, that could be heavy was the weather forecast that we looked forward too. After the ferry across the lake, Bill's route meant that we missed the climb to Far Sawrey, as his route took us along by the lake and through Cunsey Wood and onto Graythwaite Hall, a right turn took us over the climb and down to Crossland and into the Rusland Valley. We went down the valley via Causeway End to Bouth, we thought about a stop for coffee, but decided with the weather forecast to press on, whilst it was still dry and try to get to the lunch stop in the dry.

On the quite, undulating roads, we continued via Spark Bridge and Lowick Bridge. The instructions Bill had provided, had pointed out a group photo opportunity at Nibthwaite. Overlooking the southern end of Coniston Water is a modern sculpture figure, it looks to be by Antony Gormley, in the same style as his famous figures now permanently erected on Crosby Beach. Normally Mike who works in the local Tourist Information Offices is able to give us up to date information, but this sculpture was news to him, we are sure it has only been put in place within the last year, other than that we don't know any more about it.

Then only a short way alongside the eastern shore of Coniston to Brantwood, for a well earned lunch stop. Fully refreshed, we then made our way down to Coniston, as Mike and Celia needed to get back earlier they left us to take a short cut over Hawkeshead Hill to get the ferry back, we went on the A593, past Yewdale and High Cross towards Skelwith Bridge. Before the bends at the top of the main descent down to Skelwith Bridge, we turned right along a minor road, which gave lovely views over Brathay, Loughrigg and Ambleside, then past Bull Close we turned right to get to the crossroads at the Drunken Duck. A right turn here took us towards Hawkeshead Hill, but we soon turned left - too soon it transpired - as we should have gone down Skinner How Lane, but instead we went down from Knipe Fold and onto the B5286, a bit of confusion was soon resolved with our local knowledge (?). A brief stop in Hawkeshead, and on towards the ferry, it was just pulling away as we arrived!

Despite the poor forecast, and the darker sky we'd seen after lunch, along with the few light spots in Hawkeshead we got back without any rain, or the forecast heavy showers - to nicely round off an anjoyable, if hilly ride. Thanks to Bill Jackson for his route, around 36 miles - Bill could not lead his ride so I tried to follow his instructions and lead it for him - Neil Hazlehurst

P.S. Spot the odd one out?

The next ride is on Sunday 6th April and starts from Kendal Leisure Centre at 10.30, Janet and Paul are leading the ride to Bowland Bridge, of around 30 miles. Ring either - Peter Raffle - 01524 761801 or Bill Jackson - 015394 44179 for further details.

Kendal Riverside Route Proposals

2008-03-07T23:54:00.012Z

Third Consultation Meeting 5th March 08 - County Hall, Kendal

This was a very positive meeting, with support and general agreement for the main proposals.

The revised proposal drawings showed a number of amendments to the previous drawings,which had taken notice of the points raised at the earlier meeting. Four drawing were shown as well as a number of 3D visualisation drawings showing how a number of the junctions would look.

The three route drawings showed the three options for the New Road section of the route -

Option 1 - shows the pedestrian/cycle way along side the road, in front of the parked cars.

Option 2 - shows the pedestrian/cycle way going along by the wall by the river at the back of the New Road , from Melrose Place, just after the footbridge to Gooseholme and coming out past the toilets to the front of the parked cars then along to Miller Bridge.

Option 3 - shows the pedestrian/cycle way going all the way along by the wall by the river at the back of the New Road, from Melrose Place, (just after the footbridge to Gooseholme) and then all the way to Miller Bridge, going behind the toilets and over the slipway by way of a (removable) bridge.

All the three options have the New Road as reduced to one lane, and one lane over Miller Bridge to give wider footpath over the bridge.

It has been confirmed, that Gooseholme is proposed to be shared use cycle/pedestrian as other footpath sections and subject to obtaining permissive rights from the landowner, this would then link with the Canal cycle path.

The forth drawing shows the the design of the signs to be used on the route -we were told they are designed to be less obtrusive.

The overwhelming view of the people at the meeting was in favour of option 3 - the main reasons being - it was felt it would be more pleasant, being by the river rather than alongside a busy road- it also would be safer as there was less potential for conflict with vehicles, no need to cycle across the entrance and exits for the car park.

A number of items in the detail of the design of a few parts of the route were queried, and some minor redesign was to take place. But the overwhelming conclusion was how good the proposal was, how much it would benefit Kendal. For both cyclists and pedestrians, it will transform getting around Kendal - and should encourage more people to cycle in Kendal in future.

PDF copies of the latest Kendal Leisure Route - Drawings (including amendments resulting from the second consultation meeting) can be emailed to you -there are four PDF documents -

Kendal_Jan08 - Whole Scheme - Option 1

Kendal_Jan08 - Whole Scheme - Option 2

Kendal_Jan08 - Whole Scheme - Option 3-1

Kendal_Jan08 - Whole Scheme - Typical Sign Faces - Cross Se

NOTE: These are new drawings dated 4.3.08 and not the drawings on the KDCS web site.

To get the drawings email Latest Kendal Leisure Route - Drawings and ask for the Kendal Riverside Route - proposals drawings, you will be sent all four unless you specify otherwise.

It would be better if you have broadband as the four PDF’s are quite large files.

You will need Adobe Acrobat installed, most people will have this, it is free download

available here> Adobe Acrobat

Sunday 2nd March Sedbergh ride -Orton -Sunbiggin Tarn and Ravenstondale

2008-03-07T23:24:00.010Z

Twelve cyclists met at Sedbergh for Peter Raffles ride, we set off and soon we climbed gently north towards Howgill and the Lune gorge. The weather through the day proved to be quite breezy, with patches of sun and some cloudier spells.

It was only when I checked the map later that I noticed that the unfenced section of the road closest to the M6 was marked as "Roman Road". Shortly after we had joined the A685 we turned left before the bridge over the M6, an undulating road with lovely views took us to Bridge End and the the right turn to go over the M6, soon we were descending into Orton for a café stop.

After Orton, and on to the open moor to Sunbiggin Tarn, and a mile later the sharp right turn to bring us down to Newbiggin-on-Lune and then Ravenstondale, and a brief stop near the King's Head for lunch, most of us eating outside, quite bracing. Through Ravenstonedale to the A683 junction at the Fat Lamb and at this point we split into two equal groups, of six each. One group took the more direct route back to Sedbergh, via the A683. The other group went north towards Kirby Stephen on the A683 for about a mile before tuning right onto the minor road across Wharton Fell to drop down into the Mallerstang Valley.

Pendragon Castle, or rather the ruins, stand at the junction with the B6259 , according to legend, the Castle is the site where Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur, died. The undulating ride down the B6259 took us past the Moorcock Inn and we joined the A684 at Garsdale Head to make our return to Sedbergh, against a slight niggling headwind. We all luckily got back to our vehicles just before a slight hail shower, as the weather started to deteriorate.

The longer route was about 45 miles.

The next ride starts at Ferry Nab, Windermere on Saturday 15th March at 10.00 prompt, the ride is via Cunsey, Spark Bridge, Brantwood, Coniston, Yewdale and Hawkeshead to then return on the ferry, approx 36 miles. Ring Neil 015394-42586 for further details.

KDCS Newsletter 2008 - 1 PDF download

2008-03-07T22:25:00.008Z

The first KDCS Newsletter of 2008 is available to download as a PDF from the Mint Cake MTB web site, look under recent news dated 1.3.08 to select the link.

Many thanks to Paul M. Allen for getting it onto the Mint Cake MTB web site so quickly.

The Kendal Riverside Route - proposals drawings are now on the KDCS web site.

2008-03-01T10:29:00.004Z

Kendal Riverside Route - proposals drawings are now on the KDCS web site and you can download them to view.

There are three proposal drawings

PDF - Option 1 - shows the northern section of the route from Dockray Hall to Stramongate Bridge

PDF - Option 2 - shows the New Road section in detail

PDF - Option 3 - shows the Waterside (Kent Place) to Nether Bridge section

You will need Adobe Acrobat installed, most people will have this, it is free download available here> Adobe Acrobat

KDCS would like your views, what do you think about the proposals?

Remember the meeting -

Third Consultation Meeting -Kendal Riverside Leisure Route

5th March 08 - 7pm - County Hall, Kendal

Please let Liz Ashburn know what you think - by the end of 3rd March - Monday evening, to allow time to put your comments together for Wednesday, and then submit them for KDCS.

Kendal Riverside Leisure Route - proposals drawings

2008-02-26T18:14:00.017Z

To enable KDCS members to see the Kendal Riverside Route - proposal drawings we have been trying to get them added to the KDCS web site, up to now we have not been able to arrange it.

We are still hoping to get them added to the KDCS web site so have look on Thursday or Friday (28th/29th February).

To get round this problem they can be emailed to you -

email Neil Hazlehurst or Liz Ashburn and ask for the Kendal Riverside Route - proposals drawings, you will be sent all three unless you specify otherwise.

It would be better if you have broadband as the three PDF’s are quite large files.

There are three proposal drawings

PDF - Fig 1 - shows the northern section of the route from Dockray Hall to Stramongate Bridge

PDF - Fig 2 - shows the New Road section in detail

PDF - Fig 3 - shows the Waterside (Kent Place) to Nether Bridge section

You will need Adobe Acrobat installed, most people will have this, it is free download

available here> Adobe Acrobat

KDCS would like your views, what do you think about the proposals?

Please let Liz Ashburn - know what you think by the end of 3rd March -

Monday evening, to allow time to put your comments together for Wednesday, and then submit them for KDCS.

You can also post your comments and views here.

Third Consultation Meeting

2008-02-26T18:10:00.001Z

Please note the revised date of the consultation meeting below.

Further to the initial consultation, and consultation meeting held in January 2007, a Kendal Riverside Route is being held regarding the proposed pedestrian/cycle leisure route from Nether Bridge to Busher Walk, Kendal,‘The Kendal Riverside Leisure Route’.

This third consultation meeting is being held on Wednesday, 5th March 2008, at 7pm, at County Hall, Busher Walk, Kendal.
The aim of the meeting is to review the scheme which has been developed following the previous consultation meetings and to progress towards finalising the scheme designs. You are invited to attend the meeting, no response is required.

Please contact Richard Smith (richard.n.smith@capita.co.uk; 01228 673063) or Victoria Foster (victoria.foster@capita.co.uk; 01228 673066) if you require any further information.

Kendal’s Riverside Leisure Route-January meeting

2008-02-26T18:00:00.002Z

The January meeting at The County Hall about the proposals for Kendal’s Riverside Leisure Route was very well attended, it was heartening to see so many cyclists in attendance, especially the large number of KDCS members.

The meeting left both officers and councillors in no doubt as to the strength of feeling expressed by the large number of cyclists - of the importance of not only the Riverside Route, but also the dire state of the surface of the existing Canal Cycle track and the need to improve the surface.

Most of the cyclists present felt strongly that a solution be found to route the Riverside Leisure Route over Gooseholme, which most cyclists seemed to think is far more preferable to both pedestrians and cyclists than the New Road proposal.

KDCS would like your views.

Please let us have your comments - what do you think about the proposals?

CODE OF CONDUCT – FOR RIDERS AND RIDE LEADERS

2006-07-09T23:16:00.000+01:00

This year has seen the relaunch of the Kendal and District Cycling Scene and one of our priorities is to ensure that we are able to arrange a full programme of rides for members and guests to take part in. Whilst Peter Raffle is the rides programme co-ordinator KDCS relies on volunteer ride leaders to actually plan and organise the specific events. Brief details of each ride are provided in the rides list but it is very much down to the ride leader on the day to ensure that arrangements go to plan. These rides have been successfully taking place for a number of years now and whilst it is very rare for things to go wrong it is essential that all leaders and riders conduct themselves in a responsible fashion. This is for the safety of everyone and will ensure that all those taking part have an enjoyable day.

It is not our intention to overburden you with rules and regulations. However attached below are a few basic principles of decency, manners and common sense that have been used by club cyclists for over 100 years and if adhered to will help to ensure that KDCS rides continue to be a success. Please take a few moments to read over them before you set off. If you have any concerns or have difficulty understanding what they mean the ride leader will be happy to assist you. Have a good day out and enjoy yourself.

ADVICE FOR ALL RIDERS

Ensure your bike is roadworthy, is kept in reasonable repair and when appropriate carry lights.
Carry a simple tool kit /spare inner tube that will allow you to fix common problems such as punctures, loose fittings etc.
Dress appropriately and be prepared for inclement weather by carrying waterproof clothing. Although not compulsory wearing an approved helmet of the correct size can reduce head contact injuries.
Although club runs generally have coffee / lunch stops at cafes / pubs you may wish to carry a drink / snack with you.
If you feel unwell or suffer mechanical problems please advise the ride leader as soon as possible. Please don’t suffer in silence.
Don’t ride more than two abreast unless overtaking and be prepared to change to single file when traffic is approaching or if the ride leader advises you to do so.
Try to ride smoothly, keep a reasonable distance from the rider in front and avoid braking without warning.
Shout warnings and signal other riders if you see danger ahead. Be prepared to stop safely.
Should the group be split please be prepared to slow down or find a safe place to stop in order to allow the group to reform.
If you wish to leave the group please inform the ride leader as you may end up being treated as a missing person and inconvenience others.
Take care on lanes, look and listen and be careful when approaching bends / blind corners.
Do not overtake the ride leader unless he directs you to do so.
Be courteous to other road users.

ADVICE FOR RIDE LEADERS

When planning rides where possible chose a route which avoids main roads, ensure you are familiar with the route including the location of coffee and lunch stops, toilets etc. making sure they are open. Identify any points of interest and have in mind the distance you intend travelling and the approximate timings for stops etc.
Ensure that riders / bikes do not cause an obstruction at the meeting point. Appoint a back marker who should be given details of the route, stops etc.
Before the start of the ride, introduce yourself and any back markers, welcome any newcomers and provide brief details of the intended route, refreshment stops etc.
Once underway be prepared to warn riders of any difficulties ahead including dangerous road surfaces, traffic problems, obstructions and hazards, horses, difficult road junctions etc.
Be prepared to deal with any unexpected emergencies, breakdowns etc. and remember to travel at a pace that considers the less experienced or slower rider. This may entail asking a rider to wait at junctions for slower riders to ensure no one is left behind.
Carry spare tubes, repair kit, coins / card for the public phone or a mobile phone if available.

Steve Warner

Membership secretary

CYCLING ETIQUETTE - A GENERAL GUIDE

2006-07-07T22:40:00.000+01:00

Ever wanted to know what the Tour-de-France riders are saying to each other as they pedal gently through the undulating Pyrenees?

Well, read on!

When you hear (or say) This: It Means:

OTHER ROAD USERS APPROACHING

“CAR UP” (yer bum!) Car coming up from behind - shouted to people in front of you.
“CAR DOWN” (yer throat!) Car approaching from ahead - shouted to people behind you.
“OIL UP/DOWN” Lorry version of Car Up and Car Down.
“HORSE UP/DOWN” Horse version of Car Up and Car Down.
“SINGLE OUT” Form a single file to make it easier for another vehicle to pass or to pass another obstacle.

OBSTRUCTIONS

“ON THE LEFT” Shouted by leading riders. The group is approaching an obstruction on the left - could be a walker, animal, or approaching rider.
“ON THE RIGHT” Like ON THE LEFT - but the other side!

THINGS TO AVOID RUNNING OVER

“POTHOLES” Pothole below - wave your hand over it, to alert following riders.
“GLASS” Glass below - wave your hand over it, to alert following riders.
“BELOW” Like pothole or glass, if you can’t think of the right word.

OVERTAKING OTHER RIDERS

“ON THE INSIDE” If you are about to overtake another cyclist, shout this if you are going to pass on the inside (i.e. the nearside, left in this country). If you hear this, let the other rider(s) pass.
“ON THE OUTSIDE” If you are about to overtake another cyclist, shout this if you are going to pass on the outside (i.e. the offside, right in this country). If you hear this, let the other rider(s) pass.

AT ROAD JUNCTIONS

“CAR LEFT” Beware - a vehicle is approaching from the LEFT.
“CAR RIGHT” Beware - a vehicle is approaching from the RIGHT.
“CLEAR” OK to carry-on - but ALWAYS LOOK just-in-case !
“GOING LEFT/RIGHT” Ride leader talking to someone alongside, who may not be able to see a hand signal.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

“PUNCTURE” Shout this in case of any type of breakdown - passed up the line, the ride leader will get the message!
“EASY” Shouted by riders who are being left behind by the ride leader, OR by person in front if he is slowing down.
“STOPPING” Shouted by riders who are stopping - so riders in front AND behind know you are stopping. DON’T FORGET to listen-out for this one.
“OFF THE BACK”Rider in e.g. the middle of the group, shouts ahead to ride leader on realising that someone is being left behind.

HINTS FOR RIDE LEADERS

Keep an eye - and ear - open for what’s going on behind you - if you keep hearing things like “EASY” and “OFF THE BACK” - slow the pace down a little!

Ask someone who looks conspicuous to ride at the back - preferable slightly to the offside so you can see them clearly. If your tail-ender vanishes you know something’s amiss!

Keep a spare map or instructions with you. If you feel the group is too big, split it up and ask for volunteers to lead the smaller groups. A group size of less than 10 is comfortable, 20 starts to get unmanageable.

HINTS FOR RIDERS

The key one is - WATCH THE RIDE LEADER! It’s not unknown for the ride leader to stop and check directions, and even giving the proper warnings collisions have been known to occur.

If stopping at any time PULL OVER TO THE NEARSIDE - think - would you stand in the middle of the road if you hadn’t got your bike? Don’t forget, even if you are on the grass, the back wheel of your bike may be sticking out.

Give the person in front room. Going downhill, they may want to slow down. Going uphill, they may stall.

And don’t forget, when riders get tired, concentration is lost.....