CYCLEABILITY PRESS RELEASES
Keeping you up to speed.

Listed in reverse date order with the latest press release at the top .. 

Training the Trainers
May 7th, 2012 by freewheeler

April 2012 and Cornwall hosted the first International All Ability Cycling Network Conference.

The All Ability and Inclusive Cycling conference held in Newquay was over 2 days, but 3 in total with the last day culminating in a ride along the Camel Trail in all sorts of amazing bikes.  This all comes on the back of support from both Lady Mary Holborow, the now retired Lord Lieutenant and Lord George who, 6 months before he died, dictated this by phone. 

"I remember when the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, visited the Sir James Smith School in Camelford and he specifically referred to the provision of sport outside of schools that must benefit the community as a whole, including those with disabilities. The Wheels for All Centre in Cornwall is a wonderful way of addressing that objective and I wholeheartedly support the project. I hope that the commercial sector in Cornwall will feel able to contribute to the funding of these specialised bikes. " 

Day 1 - The British Cycling Disabled Workshop and centre, Isabelle Clement holding the 'Hosts' trophy as hosts for the 2013 conference

Day 1 was the British Cycling Disabled Cycling course, hosted by Newquay Sports Centre and funded by a Childrens, Young People and Families grant to benefit the local community.  14 delegates attended the workshop and had a fabulous day, including trying out the different bikes that were provided by Quest 88, the UK distributors for Draisin GmbH and Invacare.

Day 2 - The conference which was opened by Vin Cox and later Lady George presented Cornwall with the Draisin

Day 2 was the conference itself which was the first international conference with delegates from both the States and Europe - All ability and inclusive cycling is definitely the next big thing with Europe leading us but the UK leading the US!  There were also appearances supporting the event from Marshall Jansen, the young man who has no hands or legs due to meningitis 4 days after his first birthday, Vin Cox, the Guinness World Record Holder for circumnavigating the world and Chrissy Nelson, a paediatric nurse and friend of the real Patch Adams MD, who flew over from the US for the conference. 

The star of the conference of course, had to be little Marshall Jansen of http://www.handstand.org.uk

Also Lady George came to formally present CycleAbility SW, Cornwall's All Ability and Inclusive Cycling Club with their brand new Draisin Twister, purchased with funds managed by the Cornwall Community Foundation and our first Hand Crank bike.  Both these were used on Day 3, when there was a ride along with all the amazing bikes provided by Quest 88 were used from Wadebridge to Padstow and back, organised by the Camel Trail Rangers from Cornwall Council.

Day 3 - The Try outs and

Day 3 had both a try out period and followed through with a ride from Wadebridge to Padstow and back, with refreshments provided by Treats on Trikes, the licensed commercial business on the trail and Crepes when we got down to Padstow Harbour.  The tryouts with various bikes, were provided by Bob Griffin from TomCat Trikes, Ian Tierney and Hermine Briffa from Cycling Projects, Rob and Nicky Henshaw, Martin Griffiths, James Morant of Quest 88 and Michael Denu of Draisin GmbH.

The actual ride out and sight of some of the rather specialised bikes along the Camel Trail certainly caused a bit of a stir with lots of people turning to look and a from the comments, appreciating the benefits they provide!  The bikes that were used included a Draisin Plus, a Draisin Duo, an Invacare Hand Crank, a Draisin Relaxino and the Draisin Twister donated by Lady George which earlier in the day had allowed a young lady with hydrocephalus to cycle for the first time, sitting along side her mother.

The ride out ..

Like both Lord and Lady George, the Twister will be of HUGE benefit to the Cornish community and CycleAbility would personally like to thank Lady George for this wonderful gift to Cornwall.

Commercial Balloon pilot saves the day (and freight opportunity to the States)

CycleAbility, Cornwall's All Ability and Inclusive Cycling Club, who are hosting this year's conference in April, put out an appeal for urgent assistance on Wednesday of last week and had an exceptionally unusual and unexpected response.

In September 2011, their International guest travelling over for the conference, Mrs Chrissy Nelson (a Paediatric Nurse who also works with the real Patch Adams MD from time to time,) lost her second foster child.  Chrissy specialises in working with children who have severe difficulties whether physical, mental or learning difficulties because their bodies do not function properly.

It takes a very special person to do that.  Watching her son Stephen take his leave of her in 2001 was something she knew was inevitable but still she gave him as much as she was able and certainly never allowed him to feel alone or abandoned.  When Nathan's mum died in 2008, he went into foster care until his father approached Chrissy asking her to foster him on a permanent basis, again knowing full well it was only a matter of time, which she did with the aid of other nurses at their home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

So touched by her story, Quest 88 and Draisin GmbH decided to give her a Draisin Plus to use in the States with the children she still works with, to expand the opportunities open to them with the Chairman of CycleAbility responsible for the actual shipping of the bike.  This was after all, a young dying man's wish which needed to be complied with.

Chrissy says "A couple of weeks before Nathan died he asked me to "pedal the kids." Nathan needed total care. He was very ill at this point. That day he had suffered 14 hours of steady seizures. When they stopped, the ICU doctor thought Nathan was trying to tell him something so he retrieved a communication device. Nathan plunked out one letter at a time - "pattal kds".

Then in January, the same ICU doctor called to see how I was doing. He reminded me of this message. I honestly had forgotten about it and most of that night. We had been in a terrible war for 9 months. He asked if I had any idea what the message meant. I told him about the bike (the Draisin Plus), the big box it needs to get here in, it's trip to Iowa, my coming to England in April. He said "oh, pattal kids - pedal the kids - you are going to pedal the kids on a bike." He paused, cleared his throat and whispered, "Nathan wants you to laugh again. He wants you to play with others. He wants you to be happy."

Offers of help were received and financial support was offered by a donor who prefers to remain anonymous but said "We're just happy to bless your friend by helping out a bit."  The actual transfer of the bike across the pond was kindly set up by another local entrepreneur who had a shipping background. However there was the transfer of the bike from Shropshire to Heathrow which was the biggest nightmare with the 'dead wood' certificate for the crate it was packed in, running out fast.

As a result of an appeal on Facebook, all of a sudden everything changed .. The Co-operative balloon pilot and friend of the Chairman whom she'd not seen in over four years, Martyn Jeynes, contacted CycleAbility with a potential solution.

The original plan of using one of the Co-operative's lorries coming down toward London was not going to work with sufficient time to spare.  Not to be outdone, Mr Jeynes and his Crew Chief, Pete Wilson came up with a Plan B.  Having requested the dimensions of the crate, he and Mr Wilson then meticulously measured the trailer to ensure it would accommodate the crate, it was not exactly small at over 2m x 1.65m x 790cms and a weight of 156kg including the pallet.

Despite this when faced with the crate at the pick up point, for a moment it looked as though it was not going to work.  However it paid off and sure enough, it fitted beautifully and was then taken to Heathrow and handed over the freight agents, ISJ Global.  Job done .. It is now safely in the hands of the freight agents, ISJ Global ready to be flown out over the weekend, on April 1st with the all important certificate due to expire on Wednesday, 4th April!

We would just like to say A HUGE 'THANK YOU' TO THE CO-OPerative FUNERAL CARE HOT AIR BALLOON TEAM & IJS Global for all their support and assistance as we wouldn't have been able to achieve our objective without you!

It's Proven: All Inclusive Cycling ROCKS!!

All across the UK, there are many people who deal with debilitating problems of various sorts ranging from mental health issues and learning difficulties to physical disabilities.  But they should never be excluded, rather encouraged to participate and that is what we are aiming for here .. Cycling not only improves one’s health but also gives participants that all important sense of inclusion.
 

Friday 27^th April 2012

Newquay Sports Centre

Yeoman Way, Tretherras Road, Newquay, TR7 2SL

Hosted by:                  Supported by:

 CycleAbility        Cornwall Sports Partnership

 To download an Delegate's application form please click here   or email disabledcycling@cycleability.org.uk

 Who is it open to:  Anyone working within the cycling industry who wishes to expand cycling so that everyone can participate with no exceptions at all or
those involved with health care who feel it could be beneficial to their clients.  What have you got to lose?

It is quite surprising how many seasoned cyclists have no idea at all of the kind of bikes that are available for people who need a little extra help and support. 
Whether it is a physical disability, mental health issues or learning difficulties, everyone can benefit.  With the right bike, even someone with Brittle Bone Disease
can participate! 

Who knows, perhaps you know or are living next door to the next British Paralympian Gold Medallist but as yet they have simply not had the opportunity to have
access to the right equipment.  It could be you that changes all that!

The programme has been devised so there is something for everyone as people will have a different take on life BUT .. the bottom line is about empowering people
who do not think that cycling is something they are capable of and opening it up to them!

One article and a couple of other links, just confirming the resurgence in cycling is not only good for the environment and your health .. It is good for pain relief and education as well ..

Cornwall Sports Partnership Awards 2011

A celebration of achievement and recognition of sport's unsung heros
Saturday 12th November 2011

Cycleability would like to congratulate Mark Stevens, their Student Rep. who won
the Young Leader of the Year award category outright. 

Mark was not only nominated and short-listed for the Young Leader of the Year award but went on to win the category outright and rightly so, even if we are slightly biased! 

The Award Ceremony was held at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay last night.  Acting as MC on behalf of the Cornwall Sports Partnership was Neil Caddy, Pirate FM's Drivetime presenter.  Guest speakers included Phil de Glanville who works with Sport England and is a former England Rugby Union International capped 38 times and Mark Lewarne, a triathlete and former International Surf Lifesaver.

A double amputee Mark still lives life to the full and is involved with surfing, wheelchair basketball and Cycleability.  Having studied at Truro College for the past two years, he is now in his first year at Worcester University studying for his Sport Development and Coaching degree and enjoying every moment.  One never hears him complaining, only getting involved and leading by example. This is a truly inspirational young man who will go far and Cycleability is proud to have him on the committee as their student representative.

Mark was also asked to close the proceedings, which he did by thanking everyone who had worked so hard and made the night both thoroughly enjoyable and very special, particuarly the Cornwall Sports Partnership staff.

What can be achieved by cycling ..
 

CycleAbility is taking place at Siblyback Lake
Thursday 21st July 2011 - COURTESY OF THE cornish guardian

AFTER A successful launch, the third event organised by CycleAbility takes place at Siblyback Lake Country Park, near Liskeard, on Saturday. CycleAbility's aim is to be Cornwall's mobile disabled cycling club. Volunteers, parents, families, and carers will be encouraged to take part in the sessions so it will be a cycling club for everybody.

Based in Truro, CycleAbility provides an inclusive cycling framework for all abilities.

​There will be regular cycle sessions, and rides across the county to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved.

The average cost of a specialist cycle is about £3,000, a target which can be achieved by a business, villages, clubs, or even the local pub.

The aim of CycleAbility is simple – to give disabled people the opportunity to experience an activity that most take for granted.

See www.cycleability.org.uk for more details.
 

Cycling project given major boost by late Bank governor
Wednesday 25th May 2011 - COURTESY OF THE cornish guardian

A CYCLING group with hopes of getting disabled people across the county out and about on two wheels is asking business for sponsorship – and has won some major initial support.

Before his death Lord George – the former governor of the Bank of England who lived at St Tudy, near Bodmin – made a statement urging business owners to help finance the "wonderful" project, then called Wheels for Life, and his family have now allowed its posthumous publication.

Lord George said in October 2008: "I remember when the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, visited the Sir James Smith School in Camelford.

"He specifically referred to the provision of sport outside of schools that must benefit the community as a whole, including those with disabilities.

"The Wheels for All centre is a wonderful way of addressing that objective and so I wholeheartedly support the project.

"I hope that the commercial sector in Cornwall will feel able to contribute to the funding of these specialised bikes."

Cycleability will need the equipment to develop its fledgling work with disabled people, and some bicycles may be available at discount prices.

Specialist manufacturers Quest 88 can sometimes offer ex-demonstration bikes at reduced cost. Martin Griffiths, from the company, was keen to emphasise how long the bicycles last.

He said: "The bikes represent mobility for life.

"We have always made bikes for children with cerebral palsy and we import a range of bikes from Germany."

Anyone interested in sponsoring a bike for Cycleability can speak to Mr Griffiths or his colleague Rob Henshaw by calling 0844 8008886 – the number is charged at the local rate.

Businesses can expect to have a sticker made up with their name for display on the bicycle and they will be given photographs of group members using their sponsored bike.

Wendy Creed, of Cycleability, said: "You get the feelgood factor and you get good PR."

Mrs Creed and Mr Griffiths agreed that a tandem or companion tricycle might be the most useful and versatile vehicle to sponsor, as carers or members of the family can use them together with the disabled person while he or she builds up confidence.

Firms are encouraged to sponsor bikes which get disabled moving
Thursday 19th May 2011 - COURTESY OF THE WEST BRITON

A CYCLING group with hopes of getting disabled people across the county on to two wheels is asking businesses for sponsorship – and has won some initial support.

Some months before his death in April 2009 St Tudy resident Lord George, former Governor of the Bank of England, made a statement urging business-owners to help fund Cycleability's "wonderful" Wheels For Life project, as it was then known, and his appeal has now been published.

In October 2008 he said: "I remember when the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, visited the Sir James Smith's School in Camelford and specifically referred to the provision of sport outside of schools that must benefit the community as a whole, including those with disabilities. Wheels For All is a wonderful way of addressing that objective and I wholeheartedly support the project.

"I hope the commercial sector in Cornwall will feel able to contribute to the funding of these specialised bikes."

Cycleability will need the equipment to develop its work with disabled people, and some bicycles may be available at discount prices; specialist manufacturer Quest 88 sometimes offers ex-demonstration bikes at reduced cost.

The firm's Martin Griffiths emphasised how long the well-made bicycles lasted. "The bikes represent mobility for life," he said. "We've always made bikes for children with cerebral palsy and we import a range of bikes from Germany."

Businesses can expect to have a sticker made up with their name for display on the bicycle and they will be given photographs of group members using their sponsored bike, to be displayed in their offices. Wendy Creed from Cycleability said: "You get the feel-good factor and you get good PR."

She suggested that a tandem or companion tricycle might be the most useful and versatile vehicle to sponsor, as carers or different members of the family could use such a machine together with the disabled person while he or she built up their confidence.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a bike for the Cycleability cause can speak to Mr Griffiths or Rob Henshaw by calling 0844 8008886; the number is charged at local rate.

RSCT is launching Kernow's Adult Cycle Challenge for Bike Week:  

Tailor made novice programmes available
Gathering momentum and increasing fitness levels ...

21st May 2011

Would you like to go from being a pedestrian to a cyclist in less than an hour?
Have you ever wanted to learn to ride or have not done so for a few years but would like to return to it?

How do you do this., check out http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/Kernow_Adult_Cycling_Challenge and get in touch.  We will come to you so that you can develop your skills locally if there is somewhere nearby that we can use which is relatively traffic free.

If it is what you really want, then you will achieve it!! Well now is your chance with Bike Week approaching.  Get in touch with RSCT via email to arrange a tailor made session for yourself.  If you are suitably determined and would like to learn, you will be surprised to what extent the world becomes your oyster!

The catch?  There is none although a donation instead of a fee, to support Cycleability, Cornwall's mobile All Ability Cycling Club would be appreciated.  Are you a carer for someone who has some form of disability and would benefit from Cycleability and would like to join in perhaps as we will be encouraging family styled events and outings?

Be inspired by others who have gone before you .. we do it your way and at your speed and if you don't have a bike, one can always be provided. Click here to take a look at the novices who have gone before you and all found themselves cycling in less than an hour., something which none of them thought possible before they gave it a go and pleasantly surprised themselves.

It's Proven: All Inclusive Cycling ROCKS!!

All Inclusive Cycling receives 4 awards at the CTC annual AGM and Awards Dinner

Saturday 14th May 2011

       
L-R Kevin with the regional award, Kevin with Magnus Bäckstedt receiving the Arthur Moss Award and Kevin with Caroline and their joint awards

Last night at the CTC annual dinner following their AGM, Magnus Bäckstedt, the former Swedish cycling athlete presented the awards at the Portland and Weymouth Sailing Academy on Osprey Quay - the same location that will host the 2012 sailing Olympic event and perhaps appropriately, was designed by the same company who designed the new London Velodrome.

Together with an award to the Stowheath Cycle Club which supports residents with mental health issues, Caroline Waugh from Sheffield got a 'Highly Commended' for her fantastic work in the wake of her own recovery due to an accident in 1998 which left her comatosed for 4 months but now uses a recumbent bike as her main source of transport, working with various voluntary groups in the Sheffield area and as a Health Champion.  Amputee Kevin Hickman from Oxfordshire, took both Volunteer of the Year 2010 SE and overall CTC Volunteer of the Year 2010 which also meant that he won the Arthur Moss Medallion which appropriately was made from Portland stone and presented to Kevin on the Portland Peninsula.

All this is on the back of another successful taster day at Truro College on 5th May when the Paralympic Cycling Coach, Dr Gary Brickley came down and as well as joining in himself, also gave a brief talk about his work encouraging the young sports students and demonstrating what can be achieved.  And although we cannot say too much just yet, Cycleability has also been nominated for another award which goes to show that All Ability Cycling really does rock!

Cycleability's next planned foray will be a fundraiser when Quest 88 are able to come down again using a local all weather athletics track, the idea being that the special needs schools all within 25 miles of Truro, get a 2 hour slot and bring cyclists to participate. They get themselves sponsored for whatever distances they cover and the monies got into the pot so we can apply for Sports Match as the kind of bikes we are aiming to purchase are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. We would also give them certificates for the funds/distances they cover and perhaps add a fun element to it working out how far they collectively, have cycled from Lands’ End towards John O’Groats.

All Ability Cycling is without doubt, the next big thing!

Cycleability's very first award
28th March 2011

A message from the Cycleability Team ..
17th March 09.01hrs

What more could we have asked for on March 5th? Thank you everyone .. to our colleagues from across the SW who came down from afar afield as Devon and everyone in Cornwall who decided to come and give us a go .. there really was something for everyone with no exceptions!  Hopefully if there is one thing you have taken away, it is memories of people totally unable to help themselves with the most enormous smiles on their faces as the realisation dawned that hold on a second, oh yes they can cycle!  Who said they couldn't?

As one person put it "It was a huge eye opener for me into the vast range of equipment that is available to enable all to enjoy the sport which we love so much."  But to move it forward we need your help to set up a committee so that we conform to Clubmark Guidelines so can be affilicated as a British Cycling's Go Ride Club and can apply for funding in our own right, as an individual legally cannot do so on their own, in case funds are misappropriated because there is no-one to check what they are doing.  Click here for the .pdf version of the presentation that will be used ..

What a cracker of a day it was though .. with Lady Mary and Lady George playing on a tricycle tandem, Vin Cox** who bless him, helped save the day also playing to the bikes with us and give or take about 250 others who came to play as well, all of whom knew several others that would like to come and join us next time around ..

Gary Brickley sadly couldn't make it due to circumstances beyond his control but has suggested coming down in the next couple of months or so with Darren Kenny OBE, 6x Paralympian Gold medalist instead - hopefully to give a talk as well as play on the bikes if we can co-ordinate it with them coming down again for another Cornwall Sports Partnership event early May .. (tentatively Thursday May 5^th subject to Gary and Darren being free that day (Quest 88 and Invacare have already got it in their diaries though but pencil it in anyway!!)

A special thanks to Jo and Em taking all those pix and then Chrissie, Terry and Emily taking more for the Newquay Voice, West Brition/Cornish Guardian and the Western Morning News as well .. WAY TO GO!!  Shame the Beeb and ITV didn’t get to us but with a skeleton crew at the weekend - perhaps next time given the reports that should end up in the various papers!!

It just goes to prove that this is not a flash in the pan, there really is a need for an all ability club so from here we have the constitutional meeting on Thursday 17th March at 7pm in the Gannel Building at Truro College to set up a committee to take it forward .. bring it on is all I can say!

The Cycleability Team

** For those who know the name but can’t quite place Vin, he is the person who took the Guinness World Record holder for circumnavigating the world on a bike from Mark Beaumont last August (by about 31 days or thereabouts) and what most people do not realise, is that he is also a fully qualified National Standard (Cycling) Instructor!!

New bike club's opportunities for disabled
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 09:59

Everyone in the saddle with the new cycle scheme
Chrissie Laming: Wednesday March 9th 2011

Cycle success, lots of people tried out the bikes including someone with visual impairment, another with arthritis and a double amputee.

A new scheme that aims to open up cycling to everyone was launched in Newquay on Saturday.  Cycleability, cycling for everyone with absolutely no exceptions, was attended by 250 people at Newquay Sports Centre and Newquay Tretherras School.

Lady Mary Holborow and Lady Vanessa George led the way by trying out the Draisin Duo tricycle tandem.  Vin Cox, the new Guinness World Record holder for circumnavigating the world on a bicycle, rode a Twister side by side tandem.

David Piper, who is attempting to cycle around the world albeit at a considerably more leisurely pace than his old friend Vin, gave rides to people who were not able to pedal for themselves on the Duet wheelchair bike.

Lord Lieutenant Lady Mary said: "It is very impressive and lovely to see so many happy people of all ages. Cornwall is a wonderful county and I’m so pleased that it will lead the region in providing a cycling facility that directly addresses issues of equality and diversity. Our motto is for 'One and All' and this is a perfect example of that noble aspiration being put into action.”

The Cycleability team has asked anyone who is interested in being involved and on the committee, to attend the inaugural meeting on Thursday March 17tj at 7pm in Room 108 of the Gannel Building at Truro College.

Launch of Cycleability: Cornwall’s
Mobile Disabled Cycling Club
 

Cycleability aims to give disabled people the opportunity to experience an activity that most take for granted.

by Andrew Ashbridge .. to be published in the next edition of Discover

After much hard work CYCLEABILITY  was launched at Newquay Sports centre on March 5^th. This was a huge success, but it identified a great need for these facilities in Cornwall.

The day started with an introduction by Lady Mary Holborow and a short presentation. Then Lady Mary Holborow and Lady Vanessa George led the way to the tennis courts at Newquay Tretherras School, where they started the try outs on a Draisin Duo tricycle tandem.

Approximately 30 cycles waited in the tennis court. Including handcycles, tandems, recumbents , go-carts, and even power assisted cycles. If because of a disability you had never cycled, thought your cycling days were over, or lost confidence, the smiles all round proved there was something for everybody.

The cycles used on the day were kindly loaned by specialist cycle manufactures. Hopefully in the near future Cycleability will have raised sufficient funds to purchase machines for Cornwall.

Eventually Cycleability aim to run a disabled cycling session around the area every 2 weeks, with qualified volunteer instructors and a range of specialist cycles. Disabled groups will be able to try out different machines and build up confidence, in a fun, safe, and educational environment.

Everybody knows the benefits of cycling. These are often greater for the disabled as they can increase independence, help improve confidence, co-ordination, flexability, health, and importantly improve their quality of life.   Even some medical professionals accept regular cycling can be beneficial.

Who knows perhaps hidden paralympic talent in Cornwall is just waiting to be discovered.

The launch was only the start. If you want more information visit the Cycleability website at www.cycleability.org.uk

St Piran’s Day launch of Cycleability,
Cycling for Everyone with absolutely NO exceptions.

From R-L: Vin Cox, GWR Circumnavigating the world 2010, Lady Mary Holborow, Lady Vanessa George, Wendy Creed

After the briefing, Lady Mary Holborow and Lady Vanessa George led the way to the tennis courts at Newquay Tretherras School, where they started the try outs on a Draisin Duo tricycle tandem. Lady Mary rode in front with Lady George cycling behind. Thankfully the weather was kind to us so we had a lot of interest.

Vin Cox, the new Guinness World Record Holder for circumnavigating the world on a bicycle in 2010, could also be seen riding a Twister side by side tandem with some of the attendees whilst his close friend and companion across France and in the US David Piper, also joined in cycling on the Duet wheelchair bike, giving rides to those who were not able to pedal for themselves. These were all supplied by Quest 88’s All Ability Cycling Team together with many, many more including hand cranks, recumbent and upright trikes and go-karts.

Jude Ekins who has been approached to stand as Head Coach for Cycleability said 'Wow, they (the bikes) are AWESOME, I never imagined there could be anything like this'.  Other comments that were made included one by Lady Mary who sent an email saying 'Well done – it was very impressive and lovely to see so many happy people of all ages!' 

It is estimated that approximately 200-250 people attended the event, including counsellors, carers, adults and children alike and all with some form of problem which would usually preclude them form participating in a cycling event.  As realisation dawned that yes they could join in, their smiles just got bigger and bigger!  Amazingly one of the attendees who happened to be someone with a prosthetic leg was also a former colleague of Dr Brickley's when they were both serving officers in Her Majesty's Royal Navy.

During the briefing, the team asked anyone who is interested in being involved and on the committee, to attend the meeting on Thursday 17^th March in Room 108 of the Gannel Building at Truro College.  This is to be a Constitutional Meeting to elect a committee and is backed by both SportEd and British Cycling.  The officers that it is hoped to elect, under the Clubmark rules must include:

      Anyone who would like any further information, please email disabledcycling@cycleability.org.uk for a more detailed job description or click on the link above, although it must be emphasised these are all voluntary positions.

The next event being planned will be in approximately two months' time, when Dr Gary Brickley, Senior Lecturer at Brighton University and Paralympic Cycling Coach is hoping to come down with Darren Kenny OBE, 6 x Paralympic Gold Medallist to give a talk and work with the cyclists again.  However the probability is that Truro College will host the next event due to it's facilities including a lecture theatre for the discussion with Dr Brickley and Darren Kenny.

The Cycleability Team including Steve Hillman, Cornwall Sports Partnership Disable Development Officer, would like to thank everyone who participated and to all their friends and colleagues who came from as far away as Exeter, to help ensure the smooth running of the event.  And an even bigger vote of thanks goes to Quest 88 who came down from Shrewsbury and Invacare from South Wales to provide the bikes used.

Cycle club for the Disabled
Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 09:00

GREAT BRITAIN'S Paralympic cycling coach is making the trip to Newquay this weekend to launch a new bike club for disabled people in Cornwall.  Dr Gary Brickley, who is also a senior sports lecturer at the University of Brighton, hopes to join Lady Mary Holborow to officially open the Cycleability group at Newquay Sports Centre on Saturday, March 5.

GoRide instructor Wendy Creed told the Cornish Guardian: "Every one is welcome and there will quite literally be something for everyone." She said that there would be a range of all-ability cycles, sports wheelchairs, recumbent bikes and go-karts for people to try out. The event runs from 11am until 3pm. 

For more information, please visit www.cycleability.org.uk or call 07762 493662.

Also the first constitutional meeting to set up a committee will take place on Thursday, March 17, at 7pm, in Room 108 of the Gannel Building at Truro College. All are welcome to attend.

Meanwhile below please see a quote received from Dr Brickley on the subject of disabled cycling benefits and facilities:

"In coaching I have always adopted an athlete centred humanist approach. I feel that my role as a coach is not just about the technical and physiological but it is also about ensuring each individual gets the best out of themselves. I therefore see numerous advantages psychologically for cycling for those with disabilities;

Confidence
Improved self esteem
Mobility
Equality
Independence
Teamwork – tandem
Anxiety – good and bad

I am concerned that some disabled individuals are being denied the health benefits of cycling due to lack of access, etc. Schemes such as the Cycleability one that Cornwall is leading create numerous psychological benefits and these benefits can also enhance the quality of life for everyone that interacts with the cyclist, the benefits are therefore huge."

new Cornish disabled cycling club
4 February 2011

Next month Lady Mary Holborow and Dr Gary Brickley will be launching an exciting new disabled cycling club for Cornwall.  On Saturday 5 March, Cycleability will be riding into action with a launch event at Newquay Sports Centre from 11am until 3pm.

Amongst the guests supporting the event will be Lady Mary Holborow - Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Vanessa George, Dr Gary Brickley – Senior Sports lecturer at the University of Brighton and Paralympic cycling coach and Vin Cox, a local Nat. Standards Instructor and the current Guinness World Record holder for circumnavigating the world in 163 days, having taken the title from Mark Beaumont.  Unfortunately Major Phil Packer who is founder of the British Inspiration Trust, which itself was recently launched now has a diary on the back of it, that prevents him from being able to attend but he has sent his good wishes for a successful event.

At the event there will be a range of all ability cycles, sports wheelchairs and go-karts for attendees to try out, which have been supplied by Quest 88 (All Ability Cycling), Invacare (UK Distributors for TopEnd competitive recumbents) and ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering) from Falmouth.

Cycleability has been established by Disability Sports Officer at the Cornwall Sports Partnership, Steve Hillman, and Bikeability Instructor/GoRide Coach, Wendy Creed, to enable anyone and everyone, without exception, to have access to cycling; it will be Cornwall’s very own mobile disabled cycling club.

Steve Hillman, from the Cornwall Sports Partnership, comments: “Although it’s still very early days, our aim for Cycleability is to provide an inclusive cycling framework for all abilities. There will be regular cycle rides taking place all across the county to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved, plus we will also be setting up a fixed base for the club.

“The launch event in Newquay is open to anyone and we would love for people to join us to find out just what Cycleability is all about! Our VIPs will be with us throughout the event to chat to attendees and share their own inspirational stories.”

Wendy Creed, the original driving force behind the project said "At last we are getting it off the ground.  It is long overdue and will facilitate both residents and visitors to the county.  We have also just signed a contract with SportEd. for us to have the necessary support to ensure it's sustainability."

There is no need to book on to the event, but for further details please contact Steve Hillman at the Cornwall Sports Partnership on 01872 323344.

- ENDS -

 For further information:

Contact Jenna Palmer, Communications Officer at the Cornwall Sports Partnership, on 01872 323346 or jkpalmer@cornwall.gov.uk

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CTC Sheffield champion wins 'Feel Good Factor' award
Wednesday November 3rd 2010

Caroline Waugh, a Community Health Champion in Sheffield, has become the regional winner of the ITV Feel Good Factor Award.

The award is to celebrate an outstanding individual who supports and enables others to change their lives for the better and is part of the ITV contribution to the national Change4Life campaign.

Caroline will now go through to the national final and the winner will be announced at the Pride of Britain Awards in London on the 10th November.

In 1988 Caroline suffered a brain injury in a car accident resulting in paralysis down her left hand side and now suffers from problems with her balance and eyesight. She was reliant on a motorised scooter to get around in for a long time, however through her own determination and enthusiasm she learnt to ride a recumbent bike.

A year ago, Caroline joined the Community Health Champions Programme, which is funded by the BIG Lottery and Sheffield Let’s Change 4 Life. Caroline's story also featured in 2009's Travel Actively annual review.

She was already cycling with the city’s Cycle for Health Group, however the Community Health Champion Programme has allowed her to support and encourage others to cycle their way to a healthier lifestyle. A combination of Caroline’s lively personality and her determination to overcome any barriers provides inspiration to both the group members and others she meets to get involved. These combined factors seem to impact on others and while Caroline's volunteering is benefiting others this increases her own self esteem.

Caroline has received a great deal of support throughout all of this amazing work, in particular from Steve Marsden at CTC (The UK’s National Cyclists’ Association) and Miriam Densham, her support worker at Zest. Nigel West, Project Co-ordinator for the Community Health Champions Programme at the Sheffield Well-Being Consortium, has also worked with Caroline over the last year and says:

“I’ve seen real changes in Caroline since she became a Health Champion, and I love the way she inspires others with her enthusiasm and honesty.”

Caroline supports ‘Inclusive Cycling Training’ at Hillsborough Park working alongside Fred, Nick, and Ed who are all ‘Wheels For All’ Qualified Cycle Trainers and is now involved in the national Inclusive Cycling Forum as a Welfare Officer. She attended The National Cycle Show at Earls Court in October where she won a story board with her own printed 'Personal Story’ on it.  Her no-holds-barred blog, http://iaintnotomato.blogspot.com  has a growing number of regular readers.

She has become a trusted ‘confidant’ of many cycling organisations who refer people on for a friendly bit of informal support and help in choosing their first tricycle.

Caroline says: “I really just do what makes me happy, no one forces me or pays me, so I feel very lucky that folk enable me to carry on.  I think it's the folk who help me continue that I'm representing next week. But I suppose the reward is getting Inclusive Cycling noticed by everyone.”

Campaign launched for disabled cycling facility in Cornwall

Thursday 19th August 2011 16.35hrs

Today at BBC Radio Cornwall's invitation to appear on the show hosted by Tiffany Truscott, who was sitting in for Martin Baillie, the campaign for a disabled cycling facility in Cornwall was launched. 

Wendy Creed said "With 4 special needs schools and foundation students at Truro College, there is definitely a need and that is before one even considers other residents of the county who are for example, deaf and blind.  Having recently gained my 'Wheels for All Ride Leader's Certificate' in Bristol a couple of weeks ago, I am now more determined than ever to get this up and running as it is long overdue."

 Issues which were discussed were the cost of the bikes which are expensive but can be purchased by companies or organisations and donated, with a sticker on it saying it was donated by 'A.N.Other Supporter' and how potential cyclists and bikes are matched up, subject to their limitations.

Already there is interest and support from the Cornwall Sports Partnership Disability Development Officer  Steve Hillman, who when contacted asked to "Please add me to the list of trainee ride leaders and keep me in the loop."

Training as a Ride Leader will be given by Cycling Projects, a charity based in Warrington who specialise in such ventures and will also be the main point of contact for the bikes being supplied for it down here.  Their trainers travel around the country to areas that embrace such a project and share their expertise with the volunteers and it really is an eye opener, truly making one think 'outside of the box!'

Both Wendy Creed and Steve Hillman have first hand experience of the 'feel good factor' that cycling produces, Wendy having worked with Doubletrees and trained in Bristol at the beginning of the month and participating as a ride leader in the launch of the Bristol project and Steve having set up a taster day with the help of Quest 88 at Tretherras and he saw for himself, the smiles on the participant's faces just getting bigger and bigger as they realised that indeed, they could do this!