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World Naked Bike Ride-Sheffield and York 2010

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Sustrans ride and BBQ-Breadsall

Sunday 6th June 2010

The ride set off from Derby Market Place at around 11am with about 25-30 riders. Heavy thunder storms in the early morning had perhaps, unfortunately, put off some people.
The route took us towards Darley Park where we rode over the old railway bridge and on to Chester Green. Crossing over Mansfield Road at the Green we then went down Caesar Street that becomes Cut Lane, now a foot/cycle path.

This goes under the railway and to Stores Road, a place for careful crossing. Then it's under Sir Frank Whittle Way and on to The Racecourse.

This leads to Hampshire Road, a busy road with no proper crossing, and so a place for care, especially with children.

Following the path eventually leads back to Mansfield Road at The Paddock public house. To the right is Breadsall Hilltop, but we used the new crossings and went to the left of the pub to the entry to the old railway line that is now part of the national cycle network.

This used to be a rugged trail that was often extremely muddy, but was a good hack through on a mountain bike. I miss the fun of those night rides i used to take along there with, but as it's now got a good surface and part of a growing network, then i can see how good it could be for getting people out cycling more.

The ride ended at the old Breadsall station. Volunteers had already got the BBQ and drinks ready for us, and so for a small charge it was possible to fill yourself up ready for the ride home.

All in all it was very pleasant ride with decent friendly people. A big thank you has to go to the those from Sustrans who gave their time organise this ride http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/midlands/derbyshire
Also a big thank you to those who set up the BBQ and prepared the food and drink.

Most people headed off on their respective routes home, but a small group of us headed to Markeaton Park where they were holding a Bio-Blitz event http://www.derby.ac.uk/news/bioblitz-has-moss-appeal

Cycle ride to work-Timelapse video

A timelapse video of the ride from Allestree to Derby College at The Roundhouse.
The traffic seems to have lighter recently, possibly due to the road alterations that have been ongoing. During the winter would have been great, but without a protective housing, or a way to fix the camera to the bike, it wasn't possible.
I wanted to do this before the bus lanes were put in along Kedleston road (they're now marked and ready for use) as this will obviously have an effect on the traffic.
I want to now do another similar video with the camera attached to the back of the bike as that's a view we cyclists never really get to see, and it could help to show just how close some motorists actually get to us.

Critical Mass

Saturday 17th April saw the third Critical Mass bike ride of the year in Derby. It was a peaceful event with about 20 riders taking part. The ride is taking place to promote and celebrate cycling in Derby, and to show it as a practical and sustainable method of transport around the area.
It also aims to make other road users aware of cyclists, and so help to make it safer for all road users.
The riders met outside the Council House. Several of the riders had flags attached to their bikes saying "We Are Traffic".
After two circuits of the city centre the ride came to a peaceful end back at the Council House.

For further photos follow http://www.flickr.com/groups/1437030@N22/