Raleigh Big Cycle Ride, Swindon, Saturday 7th April.

[Blew it]

This morning, I have fine-tuned the proposed route to a 6.4 miles round trip of varying terrain. The start and finish will involve a short ride through a quiet residential area to access the traffic-free cycle network. The first section is very flat through the Seven Fields Nature Reserve, then a gentle climb at first, but increasing to a stiffer 12% up to St Andrews Ridge alongside the old Motorola facility. The route will then back-track to the venue, so it's downhill almost all of the way home.

The purpose of the rides, is to allow anybody who would like to try an electric bike, to do so in the company of other riders. It's not a time trial or a competition, nobody will get left behind. A tail-end-charlie who also knows the route will be bringing up the rear. On the steeper section, you can stall, wobble about or even fall off without fear of motor vehicles coming from behind.

The official qualified ride leader will be Lloyd Clarkson, Raleigh e-bike product manager. Lloyd will be a stranger to Swindon, but I wouldn't be surprised if some local old codger just happens to be heading up to the Ridge at the same time.

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Just hoping for fair weather
Regards
Bob

 

[eddieo]

Well done Bob.....An excellent initiative!

 

[Riche]

Hi Bob,
Do you own the electric bike shop in Cricklade Rd?

Sounds like a great idea anyway.

Rich

 

[JuicyBike]

Sounds good Bob. Will E-Motion be showing off our Merlin Bike there?

 

[Blew it]

Hi Bob,
Do you own the electric bike shop in Cricklade Rd?

Sounds like a great idea anyway.

Rich

Riche, no, I have no business or financial connection with the shop. I first became friends with the staff when meeting them at a country show three years ago. I do help with advice when ask, but mostly my involvement is simply sharing my extensive knowledge of the safe cycling routes around Swindon. These I record on my Garmin Edge 305, and then upload the routes onto the shop computer for customers to see. I also carry out unpaid diagnostic work as required.

Other than that, it's a very friendly place to pop in for a skive and see what new machines are available. The idea of a pop-in bikers cafe has always been on the cards, and I know they want to develop this additional facility as soon as financially possible.

 

[Blew it]

Sounds good Bob. Will E-Motion be showing off our Merlin Bike there?

Bob,

I paid a brief visit to the shop on the way back from the Tesco run this morning. James introduced me to Merlin, but I haven't had a chance to ride it yet.

Saturday's event is of course centered around Raleigh machines, but the shop is open as normal for test riding all of the brands available. Personally, I can't see any reason why it would be Raleigh bikes only on the ride-outs. In fact, I believe one entrant has already arranged to ride Merlin.

The 11:00 am ride is almost full, with just three places left as of this morning. But again, I don't think anybody dropping in on the off-chance would be turned away.

 

[eddieo]

Hi Bob what is happening regards the KTM bikes? As they have not appeared on website yet...

 

[Blew it]

Edd,

Week 19 has been mentioned, so end of May or beginning of June I believe.

I purchased a Haibike Trekking about a month ago, but delivery date is uncertain at the moment. Best bet for a Bosch powered bike for immediate delivery is the BH-Emotion variant.

 

[eddieo]

Hi Bob.....spec of Haibikes in general seem better, and they are at the same price point. So to me they offer better value. You have done the right thing, smashing looking bike and I'm sure you will love it...