In spite of bad weather in the preceding week, the weather remained fine, if a little dull all day. Stefano organised Bike Fest and assembled his volunteers in shifts throughout the day. Setting up started at 9 am with the fair opening at noon and clearing up was not completed until after 7 pm. The stall run by CCC and LCC was busy from the start. As always, we dispensed large quantities of cycle maps with the hope that the recipients would use their bikes more often and explore new routes.
We were able to answer quite a few route enquiries and advise people as to where to find nearby bike shops. For training we sent them to speak to the Camden Cycle trainers on the nearby stall. It was also an opportunity to enrol a few new members and to advertise our bike week activities.
Roller racing was a big attraction. People went in pairs to compete for the better time for half a kilometer. Records were kept of those who had gone before. The competition between the pairs entertained spectators who cheered them on. Rollapaluza sent Stefano a links to the Times and pictures of the competitors.
Cycle Surgery provided a Dr Bike service and judging by the queues this was very popular. Although we grumble about people who abandon their bikes at the first puncture, we do believe that fixing bikes is another very valuable activity for keeping people riding.
Another attraction was the cycle circuit provided by CycleActive. It would be good to expand it next year so as make it even better by providing more of this activity for young children so that they don’t have long to wait to have a go.
Right at the far end of Chester Road, BikeFix were installed with their fine collection which included recumbents, a Christiana with child box in front, and a Likebike – a wooden pedal-less starter bike, the last two provided by Velorution. We are very grateful to BikeFix for supporting this event year after year.
This appeared as usual to be very popular. People were able to have a go as soon as a bike became available and seemed to be having great fun.
Meanwhile, Stefano’s patent bike parking solution, specially constructed from scaffolding poles was packed all day. It was greatly appreciated by the visitors who were delighted to have safe secure cycle parking.
Trek Bikes who were one of the sponsors had a big stand inside the park. They brought with them both Cycle Active and Cyclesurgery.
For the first time, there were plenty of signs to Bike Fest from inside the Park, which must have increased the number of visitors. And we did seem to be busy all day. Well done Stefano and thank you to all our volunteers.
Photos by George Coulouris
