As the nation’s waistband expands and the knock-on cost to society rockets, Sustrans is ramping up communications to show how we can help tackle this.

Yesterday we hit the headlines with a news story showing how lack of physical activity causes up to 37,000 premature deaths a year in England.

We also launched a new online video to highlight a positive message around being physically active: Love, Actively.

We have a few more coach seats for the cam to coast available for the new date this Saturday, 6th April, weather looking good!
The coach and bike van will be leaving seaway Car Park at 6.00am promptly (loading from 5.30) for a direct route to Jesus Green Cambridge.
email cyclesouthend@southend.gov.uk, to express your interest and be sent the online link to book.
Each seat is £30.00

These sessions are in partnership with TrailNet cic who have a range of different types of adapted bicycles such as tandems, hand-cycles, trikes and recumbent bikes.
To discuss your requirements please contact Geoff:
Tel. 01277 811012
Mob. 07939 249980
www.trailnet.org.uk

Any general inquiries regarding cycling please contact Rosemary:
Rosemary Wilkins
Cycling Officer
Essex County Council
Phone (01245) 437048
Mobile: 07919624500
Email: Rosemary.Wilkins@essex.gov.uk | www.essex.gov.uk

Following the recent prolonged spell of bad weather, please don’t assume a puddle is just a puddle! Underneath could be lurking a nasty pothole, so please avoid riding through them. You can report potholes to Southend Council either online at www.southend.gov.uk or 01702 215000

This week’s ride will be a four hour ride enabling riders to, once warmed up, ride at their own pace along a fifteen mile route. The route stretches from Leigh station in the west to Shoebury Common Road Car Park (Uncle Toms) in the east. Two groups will set off from Priory Park and head to the Leigh Station area and then head back to the seafront. Once on the seafront riders will able to ride at their own pace along the seafront to Shoebury Common Road Car Park (Uncle Toms). Riders can go round the route as many times as they like in the four hours. Ride leaders will also be riding the route to offer encouragement and any assistance. The part of the route between Chalkwell and Leigh Stations is quite hilly so will give riders a chance to practice using their low gears on the ups and have some recovery time on the downs. There are plenty of cafes and toilets along the seafront.

The part on the route along the seafront is along the cyclepath. Please keep a look out for other riders from both directions, pedestrians who wonder onto the path or cross without looking, skateboarders and parked cars. Faster riders may wish to consider using the road if they feel the footpath alongside the cyclepath is becoming busy with Sunday morning walkers and family groups. Part of the cyclepath is through the shared space along Marine Parade; riders are asked to ride with caution and courtesy through this section. Again faster riders may wish to use the road.

The two groups to start: one group at an easy pace for novice and leisure riders and one group for those looking for a slightly quicker pace. Riders wanting to ride at a fast pace will be welcome to join us at the start and make their own way round a route of their choice. When riding in a group please keep an eye on the person behind you, especially when turning off the main route, they may not know the way.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Priory Park on Sunday morning. If the weather is looking bad we will post a message on Facebook by 0800 on Sunday morning to advise if the ride has been cancelled.

Please remember to check over your bike on Saturday to make sure everything is okay, that the brakes work properly and that the tyres are pumped up. Also remember to bring one, or even two, spare inner tubes and the correct size spanner to remove your wheels in case you get a puncture. It is also advisable to bring some food and drink with you.

We will be travelling on roads and paved/firm cycle paths only.

If you have any questions please contact Cycle Southend

See you on Sunday
Peter, Skippy, Caroline and Niall

We are back at Redbridge for two Easter Holiday road & time trial coaching sessions. We were oversubscribed for the February half-term sessions so make sure you book up early to guarantee your place.

Advance Bookings only – Limited Places

2-Apr
10-Apr
Redbridge Cycle Centre
IG6 3HP
9.45am-3pm – 8-17yrs – £10.00 each day

FURTHER DETAILS & ON-LINE BOOKING: http://www.riderhq.com/calendar?day=02-Apr-2013&a=Change&q=

Focus on key road racing techniques. Road bikes essential. We have a limited number of bikes available for use free of charge & these must be booked in advance. The bikes are suited for those aged 12 plus. In particular you need the following minimum saddle heights (measured from pedal to top of saddle).
Small
Min saddle height 75 cm
Max saddle height 92.5cm
Large
Min saddle height 79.5 cm
Max saddle height 97 cm
Bikes are also available for hire from directly from the Centre.