Page 11 - Real Rochdale Issue 05 Summer 2019

Rochdale Cycling Club
Rochdale Cycling Club was originally set up 20
years ago for the underprivileged and those with
special needs.
True to its original ethos, the club continues to
cater for all needs including experienced cyclists,
total beginners, those with disabilities and people
who do not have their own bikes.
There is no membership charge and you do not
need to have a bike or helmet to join as these
are provided free. The club has a wide range of
bicycles which are loaned for the rides, including
specially adapted cycles.
There is a cycle for everyone regardless of ability,
ranging from tandems for the use of visually
impaired riders, trailer bikes to accommodate
Rochdale Cycling Club Irish Sea dip at Whitehaven
children over the age of four years old, electric
bikes, hand cranked cycles to hybrid vehicles
for wheelchair users – even one adult and three
children can join in on the club’s four-seater.
Chairman Stephen Durham, a solicitor from
Oldham, explained: “Specially adapted cycles are
ideal for those who are visually impaired or who
have medical conditions.”
The club has 35 active members and around 70
‘occasional’ cyclists, with weekly rides averaging
between 10 and 20 cyclists. Ride routes vary
depending on the ability of those who are cycling
that week and are decided the same morning to
ensure that the route is suitable for all taking part. use. Similarly, we always have cheap second hand
Stephen explained: “Sometimes these are
off-road and sometimes on the road. The sights
are amazing and bring riders closer to nature on
the off-road rides, whilst getting away from the
noise and traffic.
“The Saturday rides are at an easy pace and
are fairly short, riding to a café stop and then
returning.
rochdalecyclingclub.co.uk
REAL ROCHDALE - Summer 2019 10 11
“Riders with their own bikes may use them if they
prefer.
“The rides are free, but cyclists are advised to
bring a little money for a café stop.
“Cycling really is a personal achievement,
especially as lots of us learn as children.
“Like anything, you get out what you put in and
cycling makes you feel good, increasing your
endorphins and dopamine levels. The social side
should not be overlooked either.”
The club also takes on harder challenges,
including completing the coast to coast ride
from Whitehaven to Robin Hood’s Bay, raising
hundreds of pounds for the club’s overheads
in the process. This year’s ride is set to be
completed in just one day in September.
Stephen added: “The club regularly takes part in
camping trips to ride on forest trails such as in
Wales and Scotland, whilst those with a
practical side may get involved with fixing bikes
to sell to support the club. These activities help
people to gain self-confidence and even broaden
their CVs and job prospects.
“Cycles are donated to the club and we make
them ready for the road again and either use them
or sell them to raise funds. Any unwanted bikes
are always gratefully received and put to good
mechanically sound bikes for sale.
“We are incredibly blessed with the country views
we have here in Rochdale, and we are so lucky to
have the terrain we have right on our doorstep.”
New volunteers and riders are always welcome,
regardless of experience.
Rochdale Cycling Club meets 9.30am Saturday
morning at 43 Molyneux Street, Rochdale.
REAL ROCHDALE - Summmer 2019