Blogger: Adam Murray, Communications Officer
I am a 70s baby, early 80s child (as the song goes) and I am getting very nostalgic at the moment what with reminiscing about the 1977 Silver Jubilee and collecting Ebay He-man and Ghostbusters figures for my 18 month old son. I am also looking into buying him his first tricycle and it took me back to 1983 and the struggles of learning to ride my bike (with stabilisers), my younger brother having to show me how to do it (the E.T in the front basket didn’t do the job).
I do like a good coincidence and with all this reminiscing about pedal power, would you believe it but next week is National Bike Week. Call it serendipity or a good excuse for a kick up the bum but I think it is time for me to buy a new bike. When you start looking at all the bicycle options out there it can be a bit bemusing - just look at some of the ones I found:
With keen triathlete folk in our office with very definite opinions on pretty looking bikes like my fave beach cruisers and single speeds there is a lot of pressure to make the right decision. Or then again I may be putting off digging into my pocket, spending the money or even more likely the thought of doing some more strenuous exercise. So thank you oh great cycling gods who have brought us National Bike Week, you have given me an excuse to buy the bike and get out there into the glorious countryside of the East (at least it is only slightly undulating).
Even more fortuitous is that my dear colleagues Gena and Steve are organising the Suffolk Coast Bike ride on Sunday 5 August 2012. Easily enough time for me to get my legs in gear and then spend a summer's day with friends and family cycling in some of the most stunning scenery eastern England has to offer. The ride will takes us past heathland blooming with purple heather, through country lanes teeming with wildlife, ancient woodland and along a coastline that will simply take our breath away.
Fancy joining us? Whether you regularly wear Lycra or more of a lazy-day-potter-type biker then dust off your bike (whatever style it is) and come along. But before we set off, we have the opportunity to raise sponsorship to help protect the fragile landscape and wildlife that makes the Suffolk coast such a special place. There’s no minimum amount but the more generous your sponsors are, the more good conservation work we can do.
If I can do it (I fainted the last time I went for a bike ride) then anyone can. So for the love of the bicycle, the memory of me and my E.T. in the 1980s, and the East of England, join us.
Entry details
Adult entry is £17, children £8. Team entry (6 or more) is £16 per person. This fee covers only the cost of the ride - so please raise additional sponsorship! It will help us to continue our important conservation work.
To book your place and to receive a sponsorship pack, visit the bike events website or contact Gena using the details below.
The ride (35 or 60 mile routes)
Start times: between 8 am and 10 am at a time to suit you.
The start and finish is at the elegant Glemham Hall with both short and long routes heading north before splitting at Sibton. The short route then swings east to Dunwich, while the longer continues north to Covehithe.
Following the coast south through Southwold and visiting our Minsmere nature reserve, the long route rejoins the short at Dunwich to finish at Glemham Hall.
Throughout the day there will be special RSPB activities to entertain families and friends who are there to support you at the race. There will also be live music and an Adnams beer tent for thirsty riders and spectators!
Further information
Gena Correale-Wardle Community Fundraising Officer Email: bike.suffolk@rspb.org.ukPhone: 01603 697521