CTC Two Mills AGM: Two Mills Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 14th October 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, Willaston Green. For further details click here.

Eureka Cyclists Café and Shop: Chester and North Wales CTC is very pleased to announce that Keith and Anne Peek, owners of the famous Eureka Cyclists' Café and Shop, have agreed to give a 10% discount to CTC members on production of their CTC membership cards. The discount applies only to full-price goods purchased at Eureka Cycle Sports, not the Café. The discount also applies to parts required for repairs but not labour costs. The address and contact details of the shop can be found at www.eurekacyclesports.co.uk.

John Mosinski's sponsored bike ride: DA member John is cycling Hadrian's Way to raise funds for the Coronary Care Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital after suffering a heart attack last year. The ride is 174 miles and will take three days beginning at Ravenglass on 29th September. John is asking for sponsorship for his ride for this worthy local care unit. Further details of how to sponsor John can be found here.

Cycle stand at M&S Money, Chester Business Park: Take a look at this excellent well-thought out cycle stand located just outside the store's main entrance. Many employers make no provision whatsoever for cycle parking. Those that do, put it 'around the back'. Marks and Spencer are to be applauded for bringing cycling to the fore as are the manufacturers of the cycle stand. Not only does this stand provide secure parking, with loops to pass a cable lock through both wheels and frame but it also keeps off the rain. It's compact and visually appealing too - so much better than those cranky iron contraptions favoured by the council. Look at the photo here. Report by Stan Thomas.

Hill Climb and Freewheel Competitions: This 'fun' competition is being held on Saturday 4th October and features two events, a hill climb of one mile from the lane at the rear of Llysfasi College, and a freewheel to the village of Graigfechan. This promises to be a great social day out. We hope you'll come. More details here. You can download an entry form here.

Certificate of Meritorious Service: Next year, 2009, is the 70th Anniversary of Chester and North Wales CTC. The Awards Committee feels that some recognition by the DA of individual members' contribution towards the work and welfare of the DA should be made. For 2009 only, the Awards Committee have decided to award seven 'Certificates for Meritorious Service to Chester and North Wales CTC'. Any member can nominate recipients for these awards. Details of how to nominate for the Awards can be found here.

Keith Parry: We are very sorry to announce the death of CTC member Keith Parry on September 9th in St John's Hospice. The funeral was held at Neston Parish Church on Tuesday 16th September followed by cremation at Landican.

New Webmaster urgently required: Chester & North Wales CTC urgently requires a new webmaster for our website. If you would like to take over the maintenance and development of our established website, and have a good level of computing knowledge and skills, please contact the for further information.

Café closure: For your information, the Galley Café on Old Port Square on the canal in Chester has closed.

Design-a-Logo Competition: The competition has now been closed. The lucky winner will be announced in the next edition of The LINK and on this website.

Walk Mill Café and Bakery: This new café opened on 22nd August. Wheat grown in local fields, and flour produced by the Mill is used to bake their own bread and cakes. Walk Mill can be found just outside Waverton following signs for the Crocky Trail. Pass the Crocky Trail on the left and the sign for Walk Mill is just before Ford Farm on the right. The café is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am-5pm, serving coffees, teas, sandwiches (with salad) and cakes (closed Mondays but open Bank Holidays). Cyclists may eat sandwiches in the picnic area if they buy drinks. Caroline (proprietor) would like prior notice if groups require sandwiches. Walk Mill homemade bread and local flour can also be purchased. Tel 01829 749373.

Cycle-friendly cafes and pubs: Many thanks are due to Brian Lowe who has spent a lot of time compiling a list of cycle-friendly cafes and pubs as an easy reference for individual riders, small groups or leaders of larger groups in the Chester and North Wales CTC area. They have all been used by CTC members in the past. However, it's always advisable to check availability and opening times with the proposed venue before making any plans. Changes will inevitably occur. If you would like to change or correct items in the list or add a new venue, please contact the co-ordinator Brian Lowe. Cafés and pubs are now included as a menu item on the navigation bar. The list can also be found here.

Family Ride photos: Click here for photos taken by Sue Booth during the Family Ride on 20 July.

The Chester Challenge is an annual cycling event held to increase awareness of Dravet Syndrome - a rare form of epilepsy. The purpose is to raise funds to help the many children around the world who are suffering with this progressive neurological disorder. The Challenge will take place on Sunday 31st August 2008, starting and finishing in Chester. There will be a choice of three routes through rural country lanes - 12.5 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. There will be refreshments and goody bags for all those taking part and all proceeds will go to the International Dravet Syndrome Epilepsy Action League, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization. The event is now open for entries. More information and entry form can be found on the Chester Challenge website.

The Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans' 100 ride, 6th July 2008: This popular event attracted 95 entries ranging in age from a mere stripling of 50 to a stalwart of 88, with 77 riders starting on a wet, gloomy and cool Sunday morning. The weather matched the forecast at the start, but luckily this turned out to be wrong for the rest of the day, as apart from a very heavy shower near lunchtime, the ride was blessed with reasonable weather conditions. Two riders retired at elevenses with mechanical problems, but no one else bothered the sag wagon. The caterers responsible for lunch and tea seem to have met with universal acclaim for their efforts, and good food goes a long way to alleviating fatigue and sore bottoms! It is understandable that those with a long way to go should wish to make tracks quickly, but it was a disappointment that a large number of riders failed to stay for the presentation of the certificates at the end. The certificates were presented by David Robinson, Chairman of the CTC's Council, who confessed in his speech, that he now saw the point of mudguards when riding in wet weather. A big thank-you is due to all the volunteers who freely gave of their time to assist in running the event; without their efforts, the event could not take place. A helmet, cap and a pair of mitts were left behind. Claimants should ring 01829-770224 to get them back. (Report by David Ackerley - organiser)
A selection of photos can be seen here.

The Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides took place on 15th June this year. There were 48 entries on the 50 mile ride and 33 entered the 100 mile ride. Everyone finished their rides and many commented on the excellent planning and organisation. The day was good for cycling with only light rain in the morning and dry in the afternoon. Both rides take advantage of the lovely lanes in Cheshire with the longer ride including a few hills round Macclesfield. The catering was, as always, much appreciated by the riders with stops at the Carriers Inn, Hatchmere; Great Budworth Ice Cream Farm; Bollington; Eaton Primary School and the Ring O' Bells in Christleton. Around one in six of the riders were women. No children took part this year. This very successful event was organized by Dorothy Clift, (the rides are named after her husband), and Hazel McDougall. We hope to see you again next year. You can see a selection of photos of the 50 mile ride here. Photos from the 100 mile ride will be included later.

Development Officer for Bikeability cycle training in Wales: In partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and Sports Council for Wales, CTC is looking to recruit a Development Officer to act as the central coordination point for the full introduction of the Bikeability cycle training scheme in Wales. For the right candidate, this position offers an opportunity to ensure that cycle training suitable for the 21st century is made available across Wales. The position is based in Cardiff and covers the whole of Wales. Full details can be found here.

Early Season Tourist Trial (Spring 50) 16th March 2008: Following such a wonderful event, which was praised from many quarters, it is a pity to reduce it to, what is with Janet's help (Janet Gregory - organiser), only a brief list of facts and figures. 106 rode on the day. The youngest was six years old Cameron Boyd who rode 'tug-a-long' behind his father and there were two other juniors. There were 39 veterans, 16 ladies and 2 tandems as well as some potential new members. Whilst it is not a competitive event, it is well known as a 'get fit' ride for the faster element and this year we saw Frank Kinlan record a time of 3 hours 5 minutes. One couple made a sponsored ride of it in aid of The Cats Protection League. There was the usual large Welsh contingent and 'across Dee water' was well-represented by the Anfield group and the Prescot Eagles. Everyone survived, only a few out of time, a broken chain, a puncture or two, and only one incident when a large dog unseated a rider. The catering won particular praise which was both ample and good. Regrettably, due to EU and Health and Safety rules, we were unable to transfer the uneaten sandwiches back to the scout hut as in previous years. Sorry folks - those are the rules! Janet wishes to say 'a very big thank you' to all the helpers. See a selection of photos here.(Report by Bob Witton)

Melverley Camping Weekend took place on May Bank Holiday, Friday 3rd to Monday 5th May 2008. Eight members of the Two Mills Group enjoyed three rides out from Melverly in Shropshire. Camping on the banks of the river Vyrnwy, a tributary of the river Severn, the site provided us with excellent facilities including toilets, free hot showers, a washing up kitchen and use of a fridge. Photos of the weekend can be found here.

All the rides were lead by Keith Tavener so it was a foregone conclusion that the lunch stops and the end of each day would take in a pub! Saturday's ride left camp at 10.30 am and took us a steep route over Long Mountain with a picnic lunch in a forest clearing, some smaller hills and a bit of sheep herding then finally with 50k on the clock we returned to camp for an evening BBQ. Sunday's ride was via West Felton and Haughton, and the village bus shelter in Brownhill made an excellent CTC canteen, a local was overheard to say 'its nice to see the shelter being used' and again with 50k under our saddles finished at the Royal Hill Hotel overlooking the river Severn for a pint or two before returning the short distance back to camp for showers and a BBQ. Monday was a later start and a lunchtime finish, but we still managed a café stop at the new canal side tea room just west of Maesbury Marsh - wonderful tea and cakes highly recommended - before packing up and returning to the Wirral. The weekend was very social, we broke no speed records nor clocked huge mileages but everybody had a great time. Who knows where we will go next year, but please do join us ....

National cycle training standard across Wales: Plans for a national cycle training standard across Wales were announced at a Walking and Cycling Conference in Cardiff on Wednesday 25th June. The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson said the Welsh Assembly Government would be investing £250,000 to train over 100 instructors to teach the new standards. The funding will enable CTC to employ a Cycle Training Development Officer dedicated to supporting all the providers of cycling activities in Wales. More information about the plans can be found here. You can see photos of the event here (courtesy of CTC National Office).

Chester is a Cycling Demonstration Town: Yes - It's official! Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly last week announced a further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns (CDTs) across England of which Chester is one. Bristol will be the UK's first cycling city. The 11 towns have succeeded in winning a share of the record £100m investment package to pioneer innovative ways to increase cycling in their areas. Applicants were chosen from a shortlist of 19 local authorities, out of an original 74 bids. Cheshire County Council and Chester City Council made a joint bid for money from the CDTs Project supported by City MP Christine Russell. The bid was backed by businesses, community groups and sports clubs. Proposals include improving cycling infrastructure such as dedicated cycle lanes, increasing bike parking provision and cycle training and promoting the benefits of cycling. The further 11 CDTs will build on the work of the existing six CDTs appointed in 2005, which have seen significant increases in cycling levels. Click here for a photo of Chester's celebration (photo courtesy of the Chester Chronicle). More information can be found in Ruth Kelly's Press Release and in the article published in the Chester Chronicle (June 20, p10). Read more about CDTs on the Cycling England website.

New Rides: As a result of the '5 Miles to Fabulous' initiative, Sue Booth intends to run regular Saturday morning rides, probably monthly. The next one will be on 12th July, meeting again at Kingsway cafe. If any ladies are interested in joining her, or knows someone who would like to ride but is unsure of their own ability or is nervous of riding in a group, please contact Sue Booth (07702-933834). More information about '5 Miles to Fabulous' can be found here.

5 Miles to Fabulous took place on 7th June. It's a CTC initiative, aimed at encouraging ladies to come for short rides on their bikes. Many ladies I have spoken to about cycling in recent weeks have expressed concerns about cycling, and share common worries about riding in a group. This event encourages ladies to ride a short distance within a ladies-only group. Despite advertising the event as widely as possible, only two turned up. But, two turned up! That is more than if the event had not been run. I had two fabulous helpers, Jean Miller and Monica Robinson. We had super weather, and enjoyed a little run up Mannings Lane, through the Zoo, along the canal and back up the Millennium Cycleway. We ended where we began at the Kingsway cafe, and enjoyed a cuppa and a chat. Quite a number of people were interested, but were away that weekend. Both riders were very keen to come out again, and one did make it to the Wednesday evening ride. You can see some photos here.

Aquaduct Audax Ride -Saturday 31 May 2008: Thirty riders set out on the Aqueduct Audax on Saturday 31 May. All reported an enjoyable day on the bike, helped by the great weather. Twenty seven completed the route, all comfortably within the time limit.The fastest time for the 174km was 7h28m and the slowest 10h30m, although some riders confessed to stopping for a pint in Rhewl. There were some minor difficulties with directions on the descent from the Ceiriog ridge to the Chainbridge Hotel with some people ending up on the A5 closer to Llangollen. Fortunately everyone had the good sense to head for the Horseshoe Pass. Froncysyllte Community Centre did an excellent job of providing us with hospitality at the finish. The Community Centre is open for afternoon teas from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday through the summer and makes an ideal stop if you are visiting the Aqueduct or Llangollen. Stan Thomas - Organiser.

New Cycling Group, Chester Easy Riders: CTC member and former DA Secretary Bryan Wade has formed a new riding group. The Chester Easy Riders cycling group provides a variety of mid-week on-road rides from starting points in and around the City of Chester. Rides take place every Thursday throughout the year starting from one of seven pre-selected café/tea places. Rides are easy paced (12mph/20kph) and social with plenty of time to chat and make friends. The emphasis is on the enjoyment of cycling with friends and colleagues. New members are welcome to join us; all we ask is that regular members have third party ride insurance, either through the CTC, or some other body. This is not an official CTC riding group. The Rides List for 2008 can be found here. Further information can be found here.

The CTC Cymru Treasure Hunt and Map Reading Competitions, organised by Lowri Evans, were held on 3 May 2008. This year's events were based at Caffi Florence in Loggerheads Country Park. Competitors thoroughly enjoyed this very successful event. You can read Lowri's report and see the results here.

CTC Winged Wheel Re-dedication, Corwen 19 April 2008: Thanks to funding by Chester and North Wales DA, a very rare cast-iron CTC repairer-type winged wheel was restored to its original location in Corwen, Denbighshire on 19 April 2008. DA members from many areas attended the ceremony and took part in a ride to Bala afterwards. The event was attended by our President, Mike Cross, Roy Spilsbury (who organised the restoration and the ceremony), and Gerallt Tudor, Chair of Corwen Community Council. You can see photographs of the event here and on the Cycling North Wales website.

CTC National Dinner and Awards, 26 April: The CTC National Dinner and Awards Presentation took place in Belfast on the weekend of 26th April 2008. You can read the speeches of CTC Chair David Robinson (also one of our North West Councillors) here, and of Paul Priestly, Permanent Secretary of Regional Development here.

You can also see who won the most prestigious awards and find out more information on the CTC National Website.