Thanks to Tim Thorne from CycleWight for details of this exciting event for young people taking place on Sunday at the Isle of Wight College. In his own words. Ed
Cycling has been one of the big successes of sport in Britain in the last 10 years especially in the Olympics.
Cycling as a recreation activity has shown a huge increase too. Out of this has grown the Go-Ride programme for young people, run by the governing body of the sport, British Cycling.
Wide range of activities for under 18s
A national network of Go-Ride cycling clubs have trained coaches to run a wide range of cycling activities for under eighteens of all abilities. These include a variety of fun games, which teach cycling skills and which young people can take part in on any bike.
All are intended to take place on traffic-free facilities, such as a school playing fields or playgrounds. Go-Ride also takes cycling into both primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.
British Cycling, with the assistance of some of the Island’s cycling clubs, is to run two local events; a road race criterium and a cyclo cross.
The first of these is:
Isle of Wight Go Ride Racing Event, Sunday, 26th February 2012, 12.00 -15.00
Isle of Wight College car park (next to B&Q) – Sessions at 12.00, 13.00, 14.00
Event for 6-16 year olds
This event will be for participants, aged 6-16, to see how quickly they can ride a course against others in their age group. The type of bike a person owns is not important, it is the taking part. A helmet will be required.
A limited number of bikes and helmets will be available for those who do not have access to one. All participants, will be given advice on how to ride the course.
The major aim for this event is for people to have fun. Go-Ride introduces young people to cycling disciplines such as mountain biking, BMX and track riding.
Fun and exciting activity
Whatever their ability young people will have a great time: Go-Ride is open to all, with activities being set to suit the level of the riders. Go- Ride is fun, exciting and challenging for newcomers and more experienced riders alike.
The events are designed to give an insight into competitive cycling, an alternative way of keeping fit and to meet new people.
Video footage
This video of the Isle of Man team taking part in the Island Games cycling events gives you a flavour of what to expect. It was filmed last year on the Isle of Wight – which looks fantastic in the videos.
