Campaign Ride 2012
On Saturday 16th June, one of the few sunny days we have had in June, more than 50 cyclist from across Shepway got together to cycle from Folkestone to Hythe – finishing at The Bell Inn, Hythe and celebrating with a refreshing pint and a delicious BBQ’d burger or three. The cyclist were a mixed bunch – some of the more serious cyclists riding state-of-the-art bikes with all the good cycling togs and some less serious cyclists who had joined the ride on their trusty old bike – all wearing helmets and appropriate safety wear of course. The route was from Sandgate to Aldergate Bridge on the Military Canal and return to Hythe for a barbecue at The Bell Inn.
The ride was started by Cllr Hugh Barker, Shepway District Council’s cabinet member for sport and a loyal supporter of Cycle Shepway. Shane Record, the deputy chairman, led the ride. Committee member Mark Biddis who sells excellent locally-sourced ice cream from his bicycle, provided en route refreshment. Both Cllr Richard Grundy and myself (Cllr Jan Holben) wanted to support the cyclists so we considered joining the rally on bikes recently bought for keep fit purposes. However, we both agreed that our cycling skills were not good enough yet to join the more experienced cyclists as we are both still very wobbly, especially going downhill. So instead we hopped into our car and drove to The Bell Inn in good time to meet the cyclists as they arrived.
The ride helped highlight the Cycle Shepway campaign to improve the parlous cycling provision of Shepway and our petition for a high-grade 20-mile shoreline cycleway from Folkestone to Dungeness. You can read more about Cycle Shepway at: http://cycleshepway.org.uk/
Related articles
- Go Folkestone, Go Cycling (thealldaybreakfast.com)
- Cycle Shepway-Mass Cycle Ride (vivelavelo.wordpress.com)
- Coastline Cycleway Petition (tweedwheelers.wordpress.com)
