For 2023’s event see https://traveltalksleicester.co.uk/3146-2/
sponsored by Leicester Wheels for All, Ride Leicester, Community Cycles Leicester and Leicester Spokes.
To see the initial scene-setting blog head over to (opens in new window) (https://traveltalksleicester.co.uk/ride-leicester-camping-weekend-leicester-outdoor-pursuits-centre/
To see a report of this event written by Sarah Mooler, another of our participants, head over to (opens in new window) https://traveltalksleicester.co.uk/2877-2
To see Safiya’s blog report please see this link (opens in new window) https://traveltalksleicester.co.uk/safiyas-experience-of-active-travel-on-holiday-by-bike/
From 26 to 28 August we ran a free Ride Leicester/Cycle City sponsored event at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre. The aim was to demonstrate how cyclists can help to boost their well-being and cut carbon emissions on holiday. The event was run as a “Proof of Concept” with a view to setting up regular cycle-camping events for cyclists who want to investigate how they might travel actively on holiday. The initiative, also supported by Community Cycles Leicester and Leicester Spokes, has shown how we might launch a programme of events to support Leicester City Council’s active travel policy.
We invited cyclists to register for the event and followed up with an information page (see https://traveltalksleicester.co.uk/ride-leicester-camping-weekend-leicester-outdoor-pursuits-centre/)
Such a brilliant group of cyclists. Thanks to all who came along and took part. Lots of questions were fielded by our experts. Lots of laughs about the ups and downs
The group preparing to cycle up to King Lear’s Lake. During the ride we discussed the benefits, pros and cons, good techniques, “best practice” and the highs and lows of cycle-camping that make it such a boost to well-being. We had world-class subject matter experts to guide us! We’d like to do the event every year and establish it as a part of the local cycling scene.
Originally tweeted by Peter Simmonds (@PeterSimmo) on August 28, 2022.
We ran two rides for our participants. One was a 40-miler road ride with Leicester Spokes. The other was a ride entirely on car-free cycleways up to King Lear’s lake led by Peter and Kevin. We would welcome more pictures of this if anyone has any! The afternoon was spent Bell Boating at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre. It is just one example of the kind of things you might want to do on holiday. Cyclists are, as a group, quite keen to try out adventure sports while on vacation! So it proved for our own group of try-out cycle campers. Below is a shot showing excellent and stylish on-board discipline with the paddles.
Preparing for Bell Boating on Saturday afternoon
You can read about Sarah’s camping experience at this link >