Friday 31 May 2013

She Spoke to Kathryn & Rosie About Bikes in Birmingham


Tell me your bikes and where you got them?
(Kathryn) I got my bike from a charity shop.  My Grandma found it for me. It's a Raleigh Cameo.  It's a little bit too big for me. But it's great with the basket I can cycle to Uni.
(Rosie)  I have had my bike for a very long time.   The chain is really rusty and the mudguard is broken, but it does the job and it goes a bit faster than Kathryn's.

Where have your bikes taken you today?
Our bikes have taken us from Selly Oak, through Cannon Hill Park to Birmingham City Centre.  

Why do you cycle?
(Kathryn)  Walking is too slow.
(Rosie) It's nice to get out and get some fresh air, especially when you've been sitting in Uni all day.  It's a lot quicker and it's nice to actually see Birmingham rather than get on a bus or train

What is your main commute in Birmingham?
Our main commute is from Selly Oak to the University of Birmingham

What is your favourite commute around Birmingham and the West Midlands?
We quite like the river Rea Route, but our favourite is to cycle to  +Cadbury World  to buy loads of chocolate.

Tell me something that you do whilst cycling?
(Kathryn)  I do a lot of Backies.  I have got a little seat on the back of my bike so I backy my friends around the campus.
(Rosie) I get a bit bored so I like to go as fast as I can and race the cars.

What do you think Birmingham could do to make the cycling infrastructure more user friendly to all cyclists?
Not enough people cycle.  There are lots of cycle paths but they just suddenly come to an end, so we need more continuity of cycle paths to make them more connected.   We also need more parking for bikes about the city.

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Ladies Only Bike Maintenance Classes




By Popular demand of a group of female cyclists on Facebook, I have been able to secure some dates for Ladies only Bike maintenance classes

THE SET DATES AND THEMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Saturday 8th June (11am-1pm) – Brakes 
Saturday 8th June (1:30pm-3:30pm) – Gears 
Saturday 22nd June (11am-1pm) – Safety Checks 
Saturday 22nd June (1:30pm-3:30pm) – Punctures 
Saturday 20th July (11am-1pm) – Safety Checks 
Saturday 20th July (1:30pm-3:30pm) – Punctures 
Saturday 3rd August (11am-1pm)– Brakes 
Saturday 3rd August (1:30pm-3:30pm) – Gears


ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE 

Minimum 3 people per session 
Maximum 6 people per session 

Tea & Coffee will be provided. But if you are doing a morning and afternoon session on the same day, please bring a packed lunch. There will be a 30 min lunch break in between the 2 sessions.



CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SESSIONS
All sessions will be hosted at: 
Unit 5 
Birmingham One Business Park 
Clement Street 
Birmingham 
B1 2SL 
Tel 0121 200 2266

Monday 27 May 2013

She Spoke About Free Bike Stuff

On Saturday morning, in my capacity of Sustrans Active Travel Champion, I headed over to Erdington to support running an information stall with Bike North Birmingham

Whilst the Bike Fixer team set up outside Erdington Pool, we set up our stall with leaflets, flyers, maps, and program of activities at the local Co-op Supermarket.

Our aim was to engage with residents of Sutton Coldfield and Erdington to share the great news about the new cycle routes and supporting cycling activities, and free training that is available.

During the 3 hours that I spent at the stall and in the wider Erdington area, I met a number of people from all walks of life, who were really geared up to find out more and get involved in the scheme and what it has to offer.

I was really pleased that people were signing up for the free bike hire, free bike fix over at the pool, and collecting maps to try out some of the new routes in the area. In one way or another we were either starting people pedalling or keeping people pedalling. Thanks to the team at St Barnabas Church for agreeing to stock some leaflets on your community information desk.

I believe that the project is in it's 2nd year of a 4 year scheme. It would be great to see a lot more people realising the benefits of the scheme.

So come on Erdington and Sutton!
 USE IT, BEFORE YOU LOSE IT!




Friday 24 May 2013

Chris Spoke about Bikes In Birmingham

Chris on his 1993 Dawes Super Galaxy


Tell me about your bike and where you got it.
I had my bike for 3 years. I purchased my bike from eBay from some on in Shropshire.  I bought it because I wanted to cycle across France for charity. So I wanted to have a touring bike.  This is a Dawes Super Galaxy from around 1993. Renault 531 ST frame, which has a slightly longer wheel base than the standard Renault 531.   I have kept the bike since my charity ride 3 years ago and now this is my only bike.

Where has your bike taken you today?
Just to Stirchely Market

Why do you cycle?
I cycle because I am lucky enough to be reasonably  fit and lucky enough to have the use of my arms and legs.  I can’t see why anyone would want to sit in a car in a traffic jam, or why anyone would want to sit in a car at all, when you can go on a bike.  Plus it does not really rain that much in Birmingham.

What is your favourite place in Birmingham and the West Midlands to Cycle?
I really cycle to get from one place to another.  However I did go on a leisure ride to a place called Belbroughton, which is out West past Frankly. I also quite like cycling to Alvechurch, which is quite a nice place to cycle.  I really like cycle on the road and enjoy dodging in and out of traffic, but I can see why some people would find this scary.

What do you think that Birmingham could do to improve the cycling infrastructure to make it more user-friendly to all cyclists of all abilities? 
The main thing is, if you are going to spend loads on money on cycle paths there is no point in making cycle paths that just come to a sudden stop.  You have leisure cycle paths like the Rea Valley, which is really nice. But I always use the Pershore Road because it's slightly quicker.  But if I'm feeling in  a nice mood and I want to take my time I will go down the Rea Valley route, which is great  because it’s a nice, none stop and continuous route.   But a lot of cycle lanes are broken up so much that it makes it more difficult to follow and cycle along them. You have to stop at every junction.  If you are on the road, you can just go past side roads without having to stop.

Birmingham has to prioritise a bicycle above the car, which is a way of thinking that not a lot of people have.
  






Saturday 18 May 2013

Birmingham Bikes in Bloom Bike Week Event





THE BACKGROUND
Birmingham Bikes in Bloom is a cycling event created in the hope to encourage more people to enjoy cycling and to present cycling as a new and fresh form of transport, exercise and multipurpose activity.
The invite is open to individuals and families to take part in decorating their bikes with flowers and more.
We hope the idea shows cycling in a new light that is fresh, colourful and fun, setting a trend that is sure to bring new faces to the cycling community in Birmingham



EVENT DETAILS
FREE EVENT
16th June 2013 
11.00 am until 1.30pm 
Location Rowheath Pavilion, Heath Road, Bournville, Bham B30 1HH


Decorate and personalise your bike with flowers and decorations, then join us for bicycle parade ride, which will be a short mainly traffic free ride around the Bournville area, finishing with refreshments at Rowheath Cafe
Some floral decorations will be provided along with secure fixings.  However, you are also invited to bring some simple decorations to share with the group. Artificial flowers, garlands, fresh flowers, ribbons, bows etc are all suitable

The ride will be supported by trained ride leaders and volunteers

Children are welcome to attend with an adult
further details and more bike week events are  available here Birmingham Bikes In Bloom

Express your interest via the Facebook event

Hope to see you there!  

Thank you Sustrans Volunteers @ Bath Bikes In Bloom for the  inspiration for creating this event.


Bike week 2013

Thursday 16 May 2013

She Spoke to Margaret about bikes in Birmingham

Margaret on her Sun Runner Electric Tricycle


Tell me about your bike and where you got it.
My bike is a Sunrunner Electric Tricycle. I bought my bike last year. It came from a company in Long Eaton, who were good enough to bring the bike down to Birmingham for me to have a look.  They showed me how to use it and allowed me to have a long test ride of it. this made me remember just how nice it was to ride a bike.

Where has your bike taken you today?
My bike has taken me shopping and I had a lovely ride through my local park to get to the supermarket. Later I went along the River Rea and then back home.

Why do you cycle?
I am not sure that I chose to ride.  I had not ridden a bike since my teens.  I had been driving on and off for a long time.  Then earlier last year I decided  that I didn't want to drive anymore and I began to drive less and less. Then one day, the word "Tricycle" came into my head. I had no thoughts of getting a bike. So I began to do some  research  online and I found a company in Long Eaton and I got in-touch with them.  I sold my car and now I use my Tricycle for so many activities now like going to church, visiting friends, shopping, going to my art  and music classes.

What is your most regular commute in Birmingham & West Midlands?
I go to Rowheath and along the River Rea,Cannon Hill Park and Bournville quiet a lot.   I cycle all year round even in the rain and snow.

What is your favourite place to cycle in Birmingham & West Midlands?
This is +Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre. It's a beautiful place with a lake, woodlands, and a walled garden.  It is a good place to meet up with friends.  It's also not too far from me.   Anyone can visit,  you need to report in at the front desk'.  I really recommend it, it beautiful.

When I am out on my bike I also:
I like to study nature.  Also I  have a good look around to see if anyone has thrown out anything useful.  This is because I am a supporter of Birmingham City Mission.  They are always in need of useful bits and pieces and small household items.  They fit on the back of my Trike.

What do you think Birmingham could do to improve the cycling infrastructure to make it more user friendly for all cyclists?
Most places that I go to are fairly accessible on my Trike. But what the council has done with the Rea Valley  removing all the tree roots is really great and this has mad my ride much smoother.    I do find that along traffic free routes through parks, that some cyclists go too fast and come too close to pedestrians and less confident riders.  I think all users need to be more considerate of less able riders and pedestrians.   Encouraging cyclists to use their bells more or to make others aware that they are approaching.  I prefer to say hello or sing so that people know that I am approaching.



Sunday 12 May 2013

She Spoke to Kerry about bikes in Birimgham

Kerry Lesley with her Raleigh Prelude

Tell me about your bike and where you got it.
My bike is a Raleigh Prelude.  Last year I decided that I was going to start cycling and I wasn't sure that I would stick at it, so I thought I should just buy a cheap bike.  I had a look on Ebay and manged to find this one for just £30, in Lincolnshire, where I used to live .

Where has your bike taken you today?
My bike has taken from my home in Stirchley to Stirchely Market, where I have took my bike to Birmingham Bike Foundry's Dr Bike stall for a free tune up
Nancy Langfeldt from Birmingham Bike Foundry giving Kerry's bike a tune-up
Why do you cycle?
A lot of my friends cycle and it makes sense because train fares at peak times are £3.60 or £3.90  by bus.  So this saves me around £20 a week or £80 a month if I cycled every day.  So for a bike that only cost me £30, I should have made my money back in just over a week and a half.

What is your main commute around Birmingham and the West Midlands?
Well I am a freelance designer, so I work from home a lot or I go to work in Birmingham City Centre , Five Ways or Whythall.  I am a bit of a nervous cyclists, but in the South of  Birmingham I have a choice of routes, along the canal or along the Rea Valley which is so beautiful.  I have not quite plucked up the courage to ride to Whythall on my own yet.

Where is your favorite place in Birmingham and the West Midlands?
I like riding in Birmingham, but on weekends its nice to go to the outskirts, as after riding for just a few miles you can be out in the country side. My friends and I like to cycle to Belbrougton and the Clent Hills, which only about 13 miles outside Birmingham.

What could Birmingham do to improve the cycling infrastructure to make it more user friendly to all cyclists?
I suppose that Birmingham could have more awareness for drivers that there are nervous cyclists out there. Also by educating young people .   If more of our youth did Bikeability training and parents were aware of this, then it may make parent drivers more sympathetic to cyclists.

Thank you Kerry




Thursday 9 May 2013

Wednesday Night Super Hero Ride with Cycle Birmingham



Last night’s ride began at our usual place and time. The Mac at 7.15. Our theme was Super Heroes and our destination was The Black Eagle in Hockley North West Birmingham.

We managed to achieve a 9 riders tonight with another 4 meeting us at our destination. This included 5 Super Heroes including Frog Man, The Dark Angle, Miss Incredible/Elasti Woman, Bike Repair Man, Wonder Woman and Later Clarke Kent, who was not able to join us on the ride due several other commitments in and around Birmingham.

Our 8 mile ride took us along a section of the Rea Valley / NCN5 , through the grounds of Birmingham University and University Hospital, on to Harbourne Walk Way. We then rode on to Edgbaston Reservoir, Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, both of which are said to have inspired J R Tolkien to write The Two Towers. We briefly rode by Stirling Road where Tolkien once lived

Later in the ride we rode behind the frontage of Birmingham Prison to have a look at the old All Saints Hospital, formally All Saints Mental Asylum. What a fantastic building! Today it looks more like an expensive health spa.


On leaving the hospital area we rode along the canal on the Soho Loop up to our destination of The Black Eagle Pub in Hockley .
Conversations included 2 of our riders entering the Brompton World Championships and a new bike on the horizon for 1 of our members  The Vanmoof 5.7 .   I think I am more excited about this than the owner.   More randomly and totally out of context we had a conversation about the benefits of toad licking...... YES! you did read that correctly.................... "TOAD LICKING!"

Our night ended with another Birthday Celebration

Happy 21st Birthday Kyle






Monday 6 May 2013

Peter Spoke about Bikes In Birmingham

Peter with his Colnago Asso

Where has your bike taken you today?
Today my bike has taken me on my usual journey to work, from Harborne to Birmingham City Centre, and then out to the South of the city to collect my daughters car.

Tell me about your bike, where you got it and how long you have owned it?
This is my best bike. Proper cyclists have lots of bikes.  This is my best bike because my usual commuting bike is up in Yorkshire being enamel painted .  

Why do you ride a bike?
I choose to ride for fitness. It's also good for the environment, its quicker than any other way of getting into town, its cheaper and all round it seems like a better way of transportation.

What is your favorite place to cycle around Birmingham and the West Midlands?
Anywhere that gets me out of Birmingham really, because Birmingham is rubbish to cycle in.

What is your most regular commute in Birmingham?
From Harborne, using various roads, but definitely not on the Hagley Road as that is dreadful.

How do you think that Birmingham could improve the cycling infrastructure to be more user friendly to cyclists?
Almost anything Birmingham did  would  make it better than it is now because at the moment it is rubbish.  I have cycled in Denmark & Holland and there they treated cyclists properly and made proper provision for cyclists.
I think that everyone that drives to work should have cycle to work for a month and then people would more keen to improve cycling facilities.
 I would also like to challenge our city councilors to cycle into the City Centre in the rush hour for a week. That will teach them how good the cycling provision is in Birmingham.


Sunday 5 May 2013

Homemade Energy Bites


HOMEMADE ENERGY BITES




This is a recipe  that I adapted for my own purpose,  so that when I am out on a ride and my energy levels are dropping, I always have something to give me a lift and keep me going.  These are  also quite moreish and great to eat just as a snack

This is a recipe  that I adapted for my own purpose,  so that when I am out on a ride and my energy levels are dropping, I always have something to give me a lift and keep me going.  These are  also quite moreish and great to eat just as a snack

INGREDIENTS

1/2 CUP JUMBO OATS
1/3 CUP ROLLED OATS
1/3 CUP GOLDEN LINSEED
7 PITTED PRUNES
7 PITTED DATES
75ML FRUIT JUICE
75 GRAMS HANDFUL OF MIXED SEEDS
75 GRAMS OF ANY TYPE OF UNSALTED NUTS
1 TABLE SPOON PEANUT BUTTER
1 HANDFUL DRIED CRANBERRIES
1 HANDFUL OF SULTANAS OR RAISINS
2 TABLE SPOONS OF HONEY
1/2 CUP OF PUFFED RICE
1/2 CUP OF GRANOLA OR OTHER TYPE OF CEREAL 
40 GRAMS OF WHITE OR DARK CHOCOLATE FINELY CHOPPED 
1 x 200 GRAM BAR OF MILK CHOCOLATE

1-2  mini cupcake trays. You will need about 30 cake moulds.   silicone cases are better as you can press them out quite easily

METHOD

  1. chop your prunes and or dates into a small sauce pan & add 75ml of apple juice.   simmer for a few mins until the fruit is softer.
  2. Remove form the heat  and add peanut butter, honey and linseed. Mash this up with a fork to create a paste.
  3. In a large mixing bowl add your jumbo oats, rolled oats, cranberries, sultanas  chopped chocolate, puffed rice and granola.
  4. Add your prune & date paste to your dry mixture and combine together with a large spoon.
  5. In a separate bowl, break up your milk chocolate into  another large microwave proof bowl.  Melt your chocolate on 50% heat setting for approx 4-5 mins, stirring half way through.
  6. Add the oat and nut  and seed mixture to the melted chocolate and combine together with a large spoon.
  7. Spoon the mixture in to your cup cake tray and press down with a spoon or knife so that each case is tightly packed with the mixture. and refrigerate until set semi firm


Makes approx 30 Energy Bites
It takes approx 30 mins to make these & 1-2 hours for them to set in your fridge.
These will last for up to 2 weeks when kept in an airtight container in your fridge.

Please feel free to use, copy, adapt and share
ENJOY AND ENERGISE!!

Saturday 4 May 2013

Difficult Journeys



On 7th November 2011, local teenager Hope Fennell , aged just 13,was struck by a 17.5 tonne lorry whilst crossing Kings Heath High Street
Hope's mother Nazan continues to campaign to make Kings Heath High Street safer.
If you would like to know more about the campaign and support it, please follow the link:

Live in Hope


During the past week, me and my friend Sue took a difficult journey in relation to Hope This was not a journey by bicycle, but a journey to take care of the roadside memorial Ghost-cycle of Hope.
Through our harsh winter Hope's Ghost-cycle began to look quite unkempt and was in much need of attention   So during this week Sue and I took it away, dismantled it and took it  to get it powder coated at City Powder Coating.
The very kind and considerate assistant Lee, a resident of Kings Heath,  agreed to take care of things for us and generously agreed to do the work for free.
Feeling confident that Lee and his team are going to a great job, we intend to have the new and freshly painted Ghost-cycle  back in its original location within a week or so.
On its return we welcome the  community of Kings Heath to share in taking care of Hope's Ghost-cycle.  Please feel free when you pass the memorial  to refresh the flowers, add new flowers or give things a general tidy up. Hope's favourite colour  was pink.
Hope's Ghost-Cycle is located at the pedestrian crossing at High St, King's Heath, Birmingham, West Midlands B14 7BW, outside Asda Supermarket 

 

A MUCH NEEDED UPDATE 

Saturday 18th May 2013


I am personally moved by the response of the community to the removal of Hope's Ghost Bike.
I therefore thought it was important to let you know that it has not been taken away for ever. I can clearly see now  that the community would never allow that to happen.  To reassure, I can confirm that the bicycle has had a great respray and refitting of parts, with valued support from local businesses such as City Powder Coating, Birmingham Bike Foundry and  Bike Pro and at present it is being kept safe by people within the community.
It will be returned soon. However, due to current pavement refurbishments on Kings Heath High Street, we are advised not to return the bicycle until this work is completed. 

Thank you for your continued interest and support.  In the meantime you can continue to support Nazan in her campaign.





Thursday 2 May 2013

Wednesday Night Ride With Cycle Birmingham

Almost every Wednesday evening I meet up for a social ride with Cycle Birmingham, which is part of Push Bikes.
Wednesday 1st May was no exception.
Our ride pulled in a group of 15 regular riders.   We set of from the Mac as usual at 7.15 and road a a leisurely pace through through the city and along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.  Our 1st stop was at the fabulous Aston Hall, A Grade 1 listed,  Jacobean styled mansion built between 1618 & 1635.    It has been almost 10 years since I lasted visited Aston Hall, and due to the time of the day we visited we were able to access the mansion, However, were were able to take a lovely ride around the beautiful grounds and gardens.  This was a great treat on a warm evening.



Following our visit to Aston we took a short ride down the road, through an inner city housing estate,  to another of Birmingham's great building  "The Barton Arms."   This is where our ride ended and the party started :)  

For those of you who don't know The Barton Arms is a huge Pub situated in Newtown area of Aston.   The Pub was built in 1901 and is a grade II listed building, lavishly decorated with Minton-Hollins tiles, beautiful stained glass,  and Snob Screens/Beer Lens.  
I was lucky enough to get a quick but informative tour of the pub by our Ride Leader Simon.



After our city ride we were all pretty hungry and thirsty, and we we quick to tuck in to the fine Ales form the pub and the fabulous Thai food that is served there. I went for a a hearty basket of Thai Spiced chips with Sweet Chilly Sauce others opted for the full Thai menu meals,  which I have to say looked and smelt gorgeous.


Later in the evening we had a surprise Birthday Celebration for one of our riders 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!



For the remainder of the evening well sat and talked, discussing next weeks, Super Hero themed  ride, to The Black Eagle Hockley.  Anyone is welcome to join us on this ride.  Details can be found here:

At the end of the we left in convoy on a ride along the A34 in to the city centre to catch trains or ride home in pairs or small groups to ensure that everyone got home safe and sound.