Sport

Pack a bike to get to work

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

WORKINGfrom home during the pandemic became the norm for many people. However, as we return to the new “normal” and fewer restrictions, more people will again be faced with the daily commute to

work.

Now, while it is great to cycle to and from work that’s not always practical or desirable, depending on how far there is to travel or maybe the weather. Yet there is a halfway solution to avoid those traffic jams.

Years ago, when I no longer had a parking space at work, I tried using the Park & Ride, but the service then was inconsistent and prone to delay from traffic jams. Those last three miles of my commute were accounting for most of my

“travelling” time.

I wanted to cycle in from the Park & Ride, but rather than mess about with a full-size bike I bought a foldaway that could be easily lifted in and out of the boot of my car. In less than 30 seconds the bike could be unfolded, and I’d be on my way.

There is something about cycling that makes you appreciate the beauty of nature. When you pedal to work each morning, you’re acutely aware of the slow turn of the seasons. You are part of the change and summer is the reward for riding to work the rest of the year.

In less than a year the bike had paid for itself, from savings on bus tickets and occasional parking fees in the city centre. But the biggest benefit to me was the outdoor exercise at the start and end of each day.

Foldaway bikes have come a long way in the last 20 years mainly driven by improvements in design and demand from urban commuters. They are perfect for short journeys and mixed-mode commuting where other transport is also used e.g. cars, trains or underground. The key selling points about them are that they are compact when folded, portable and can be easily stored at home or the office. Designs vary by manufacturer but usually consist of a hinge point on the frame allowing the bicycle to fold in half leaving the wheels side by side. A similar swing hinge is used to drop down the steering column and the pedals can be folded inwards.

Quick-release clamps allow the steering and seat columns to be raised or lowered easily to suit the rider’s height and arm reach.

The first ride on a foldaway can be a curious encounter. Initially, the bike can seem a little overresponsive to any movement but it’s something you quickly get used to.

Compared to a standard bike the smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration but won’t reach the top speeds of a standard bike (but then that’s not the aim).

The low top tube is easy to step over so if it normally feels awkward or uncomfortable to swing your leg over the saddle, then this will be a welcome change.

Other than that, it looks a bit quirky, is fun to ride and looks cool.

The folding bike has been around for considerably longer than you might imagine. The military first saw the need for compact and portable transport and early versions were used in the Second Boer War complete with rifle racks.

During WWII, folding bicycles were built that could withstand being dropped by parachute. They were rigged so that, when parachuted, the handlebars and seat were the first parts to hit the ground to avoid damaging the wheels.

It was, however, the early 1980s that can be said to have marked the birth of the modern, compact folding bike with competing models from Brompton and Dahon. Both are still amongst the most popular brands today.

The key things to consider when choosing a folding bike are compactness, weight and price. But whatever your budget you’ll save more by cutting out bus journeys and the cost of parking – and you’ll feel healthier.

FEBRUARYCROSSWORDSOLUTION

ACROSS: 1. Quantock Hills 8. Wander 9. Staccato 10. Reminiscence 11. Use 13. Coney 15. Retrace 17. Eardrum 18. Spray 21. Ski 22. Ménage a Trois 25. Air miles 26. In toto 27. Interest group. DOWN:2. Addle 3. Termite 4. Casein 5. Ilchester 6. J.M.W.Turner 7. Dog 10. Recur 12. Yeovilton 14. Normalise 16. Abyss 19. Parting 20. Cassis 23. Intro 24. Baa

Trials and tribulations

Photos by Mark Adler

THERE was an almost full house when the North Somerset Motor Sports Club held its New Year’s Day motorcycle time trial meeting at Lambs Lair, East Harptree.

A total of 59 riders competed in the Eco Angus Time Trial. Judged on sections around the course by teams of observers, the riders aimed to make as few mistakes as possible, earning penalty points every time they touched the ground with their feet, stalling the engine or even going backwards.

The emphasis is on handling skills and throttle control, not speed, as riders tackled tight bends, deep water and mud. l The club’s next time trial is the Terry Bunn Trophy, on Sunday, February 6th at Scars Wood, Lulsgate. For details, find the club on Facebook.

Mudlark: Ashley Morgan Luke Golding on his way to victory

Alfie Webb makes a splash

Seb Dexter (left) and Andy Stagg

Max Barnett (left) passes Matt Berry who gets stuck in the mud

Trials site wins short-term reprieve

A POPULAR motorbike trials practice circuit near Clutton has been given a one-month extension to fight an enforcement notice which could lead to its closure.

Fry’s Bottom Trials Practice Wood had been told by Bath and North East Somerset Council to shut down for good on January 14th, but a solicitor for the family-run venue has won them more time – until Monday, February 28th – to provide evidence that the site is legal.

Supporters have launched a £6,500 appeal to help fund the costs of fighting the closure notice.

They say the land at Fry’s Bottom has had an ongoing association with off-road motorcycling since the 1970s and currently provides a focus for the healthy recreation of more than 300 members (aged between five years old to late 70s), as well as hosting competitions and events for local clubs, all in a safe, friendly and organised environment.

Steve Willcox and his family have owned the site since 1985 and has hired planning consultants to support his application for a certificate of lawful use.

They are appealing for support from anyone who has used the venue between 2008-2013 to contact them with any evidence.

How the Willcox family announced the reprieve on Facebook

Club bids farewell to Kay

KAYWillcox has hung up her goggles for the last time after 18 years as head coach at Norton Radstock Swimming Club.

The club said she had a positive impact on every swimmer that has been at the club, which caters for swimmers at all levels from swim development to competitive swimming.

As well as countless hours at the poolside, she spent most of her weekends with the swimmers at galas.

Committee members, swimmers and parents gathered to say a fond farewell and thank you and presented Kay with gifts and flowers.

The club said: “Kay’s levels of commitment is clear as she stayed in post until new coaching provision was in place and she can now rest easy knowing that the club is in very capable hands, that will provide some exciting opportunities for the swimmers.”

NRSC welcomes applications from new swimmers.

Details: https://www.nrswimmingclub.org.uk or email membership@nrswimmingclub.org.uk

New sports track for Cheddar

Proposed layout

CHEDDAR Parish Council has announced the start of work on a new pump track at Sharpham Road playing fields. The project is the vision of Ride Mendips who first pitched the idea to the parish council in 2019.

Located close to the skate park, the pump track will provide more opportunities for skate boarders, scooters and BMX bikes which have become increasingly popular following British successes at the last Olympics.

Ride Mendips have helped secure funding for the project through several grants including British Cycling Places to Ride Fund, Thatchers Foundation, National Grid and Rotary Club of Mendip.

They have also raised money through their own fundraising events and Hanson UK will be donating the aggregate and asphalt.

Derek Bradley-Balmer, chairman of the parish council said: “Following delays, mainly due to suitability of location, it is fantastic to finally get this project started. It will be a great facility for the community, free for all to use, and we would like to congratulate Ride Mendips for all their work in planning and fundraising.”

Once completed the pump track will be maintained by Cheddar Parish Council.

New president

PRATTENSBowls Club chairman, Barrie Dando, has now also been installed as the men’s president of Somerset Bowls Association for the 2022 season. The photo shows him in his official regalia.

Tiddlywinks triumph for Tim –again

Raising a glass to competitive fun. Rear (l:r) Stewart Sage, Sarah Knight, Andrew Gerrard, Tim Hunt and Nick Inglis.

SOFTWARE developer Tim Hunt is once again the winner of the Somerset Invitational Tiddlywinks Tournament.

Tim held onto his title after two days of competition at the Old Down Inn at Emborough. Unable to take place last year due to the pandemic, it was a welcome return for Tim and fellow members of the Cambridge University Tiddlywinks Club.

The tournament is organised by Dr Stewart Sage, whose parents used to run what is now the Somerset Wagon at Chilcompton.

Sarah prepares to play a complicated shot Tim on his way to retaining his title

Ed, wearing an unusual Scottish Tiddlywinks Association shirt