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Michelle Recognised by Cycling UK in 100 Women in Cycling Hons

Each year, Cycling UK recognises 100 outstanding women who advocate for cycling and inspire others to get involved.

Cycling UK honours these motivational women who set a shining example in this fantastic and enriching activity. Women from all backgrounds and every sector of the cycling community are nominated, including mountain bikers, endurance riders, community group leaders, school-run mums, and industry entrepreneurs.

Our very own Michelle Tonge has been recognised as a Cycling UK Community Champion.

Congratulations Michelle! An honour very well deserved for all that you do for the cycling community through Horwich Ride Social.

Have a read about Michelle’s journey on the Cycling UK website by click on the link below:

https://www.cyclinguk.org/biography/michelle-tonge

What a lovely turnout for the quarterly HRS Ride Leaders/Committee catch up today with a special guest, Will York from Cycling UK, who came along for the ride. Obviously being in the festive season, our Christmas attire was worn and Christmas tunes aplenty.

Both Helen and Taz took the helm on today’s route so the ride was well thought out and timing on point to ensure we arrived on time for our Christmas luncheon at Rivington Tea Rooms. An enormous thank you to all the team of volunteers who make this group what it is.

It truly feels like a big family who work together to get more people on bikes in a safe and friendly setting.  Roll on 2025, we are ready for you!

Merry Christmas everyone. 

Eight of us set off from Tockholes we headed straight off road, minimal tarmac on this ride, over Longworth moor through the puddles and mud everyone enjoying being out in the great outdoors, plus it wasn’t cold and wet.

A cheeky detour to grab a hot drink at Turton tower then back enroute to Entwistle reservoir. A couple of climbs away from the resi and a ford to cross.Our Sunday steady could be described as more of a micro adventure. 

The last leg took us heading towards Darwen moor with a steady climb over Wives Hill we got to the peak and were rewarded with what most of the group described at the time, as an interesting descent. Rollable and rideable with a clear line what more could you want. No mechanicals, no injuries just mud,sweat and grins. Thanks for joining us today it was a pleasure riding with you all seeing everyone muck in opening gates, lifting bikes, loved it. Until the next one, keep those legs spinning. 

Antony and Alison.

Another fabulous and informative night for our local community to ensure we are all confident and safe cycling through the winter months. Sponsored by Cycling UKs Big Bike Revival, local bike mechanic Neil from Rebound in Horwich covered the basic skills needed to maintain our bikes.

A number of participants who have taken part in our Restart sessions came along with local residents and joined this interactive, hands on session. They gained information, confidence and above all a positive attitude to ‘have a go’.

A big thankyou to the HRS ride leaders who attended to offer support to the attendees. Also a huge thanks to @wearecyclinguk who without their support these events could not take place. 

For those who haven’t had the privilege to meet our humble ride leader Fatima yet, let me introduce her. Fatima first joined HRS on a BBR bike skills session, then went on to join one of our Sofa to Saddle series. It was at this point it was obvious she was destined for bigger things and that she would be an asset to the HRS team. Fast forward to 2024. Fatima is a warrior Not only is she a fab ride leader, she is a mountain goat.

In a couple of weeks, she is off to hike to Everest base camp! Yes you read it correctly. Everest!!! How amazing is that.

The HRS team wishes you a safe journey Fatima and have absolutely no doubt you will smash it . Stay safe and we all look forward to hearing about your epic journey on your return.

It’s always a pleasure to drive over to North Yorkshire with lovely roads and idyllic scenery it just wets the appetite for what’s to come. A little chillier that anticipated but nevertheless dry and clear all weekend meant some fantastic views and riding was to be had. The Streethead weekend offered a variety of accommodation choices – stay in the Inn, tent or motorhome and a choice of either road or mountain biking. Friday night was enjoyed eating a meal together in the Inn, then after a good night’s sleep a 10am start for the bike rides.

Two for mountain biking and Five (not Famous) on a road ride. Both options had plenty of challenging ascents rewarded by exhilarating downhills, stunning views every way you looked. The road riders also enjoyed picturesque villages and a great section over the moors before a rapid descent to enjoy lunch at the Dales Bike Centre. The undulating terrain continued through the afternoon with a final café stop for those who wanted it, or an enormous ice cream, at Yore Mill just by the Asgarth waterfalls.

The MTB ride took us up into the gods on both days with total isolation on one day. The climbing was challenging at times, mainly due to the terrain and gradients but the reward of sublime descents makes it all worth it. Fantastic routes mapped by Michelle didn’t disappoint with such varying landscape, fords a plenty and even a river crossing via stepping stones on one of the many bridle paths we encountered. It’s called Gods County for good reason.

Saturday evening brought out the more competitive side of some of the participants with a Boules competition followed by team quiz games, accompanied by lots of laughter and the most enormous bottle of red wine.

Sunday morning was another bright and dry day with two more bike rides, this time a bit shorter and it was great that we managed to all meet up at Castle Bolton for morning coffee and cake before the road riders headed back to Streethead and home and the mountain bikers headed off as they were only halfway through their ride so more hills and mud and muck for them.

Overall, a great weekend with great cycling and great company.

Cycling gear in HRS colours can be ordered online here.

Road positioning for cycling

Many cyclists are unclear about where they should position themselves when cycling along roads. There’s a useful guide on the Cycling UK website on road positioning which may make things a bit clearer.

Read it at https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/beginners-guide-road-positioning-cycling

Well we almost missed that today, 3rd June, is designated by the United Nations as World Cycling Day. To show what a global activity cycling is, our recommended read comes from The Times of India and can be found HERE.|

Have a look at this article on the Cycling UK website to see how cycling can benefit our wellbeing and help relieve stress