John's Bikes Christmas Cracker 2012

Posted on 14 November 2011 in WHAT'S ON

Following last years success, we are once again throwing open the doors until late on Thursday 1st December 2012. Not only will there be our goodselves on hand to ask any questions but also we will have representatives from -

• Trek
• Madison (Shimano, Giro, Saracen...)
• Osprey
• Genesis
• Eddy Merckx, De Rosa
• Polaris Clothing
• Kask &Zero RH+  

Recycle your Sundays

Posted on 23 February 2011 in WHAT'S ON

If you've not got back on your bike since the arctic weather began at the end of November, no excuses now: get oiling that chain and pumping up those tyres. With the days lengthening, violets and primroses already appearing, the birds considering whether it's time for a spot of DIY nest renovation or even new build, how could you possibly resist?
Check out the upcoming rides on the website now....

• 6^th March: Holt or thereabouts, 25-30 miles, Andy 07770 962331.
• 20^th March: mystery ride south, about 30 miles, Hazel 01225 469199
• 3^rd April: Priston, Midford, 20 miles, Stephen 01225 335177
• 17^th April: Chew Valley 30-35 miles, pub lunch, Vicky 07801 419148

Somerset Levels Bike Ride

Posted on 22 February 2011 in WHAT'S ON

John’s Bikes Sponsors the Bath Literature Festival

Posted on 15 February 2011 in WHAT'S ON

John's Bikes break new ground by being the first bike shop in Bath to sponsor an event at the Bath LitFest.  They are sponsoring William Fotheringham for his talk "It's all about the Bike" on Sunday, 27^th February at the Bath Masonic Hall in Orchard Street starting at 11.15am. 

William Fotheringham is passionate about cycling. When he's not cycling himself, he writes about it for The Guardian: the gear, the races, the faces, the places, the scandals, the sex and the drugs. William has collected all the facts and interesting snippets in his essential reference guide Cyclopedia: It's All About the Bike.  

We’ve known William for the past 30 years and are delighted to be sponsoring him as part of the LitFest”, says owner, John Potter.  "Some of you will have seen William in November at our Christmas Cracker Event in the shop or more recently as part of the BBC's documentary about Tommy Simpson.  So do postpone your bike ride on 27^th February until after William's talk and come and join us". 

For further details visit.  Tickets £7 (£6 concessions) for the event are available from the Bath Box Office in Church Street, Abbey Green tel. 463 362 or online at http://www.bathboxoffice.org.uk/6807

Christmas Cracker

Posted on 02 November 2010 in WHAT'S ON

The second Frome Cobble Wobble - Sunday 19th September

Posted on 07 September 2010 in WHAT'S ON

The Frome Cobble Wobble is an individually timed bicycle hillclimb sprint up Catherine Hill in Frome, Somerset.

With the narrowness of the street, the backdrop of the 17th century buildings, the tight course markings and the cheering crowd the Frome Cobble Wobble is like nothing else.

With categories for all ages and abilities there’ll be plenty of winners and some ace prizes worth pedalling for. The top 20 riders will qualify for the ‘Charge Bikes King of the Cobbles’ a show down between the Cobble Wobble’s fastest and some top athletes to crown the overall winner – the King of the Cobbles 2010.

But it’s not all about being fast, it’s about getting involved and having a bit of fun – why not ride a silly bike or take part in fancy dress ?!?!

For more information go to www.cobblewobble.co.uk

Somerset Spin 18th Sept, 50 miles

Posted on 01 September 2010 in WHAT'S ON

This ride is predominantly set on quiet country lanes with a number of climbs, although nothing too severe. This year's route also passes by many places of interest including Nunney Castle, Stourhead House and Gardens (National Trust) and the East Somerset Railway.  The ride is a charity fundraiser for local Frome based charity, Positive Action on Cancer. There is a £25 registration fee and a suggested fundraising target of just £100 (optional but anything is much appreciated). As with all of our rides all of your food and support will be provided on the day. If you'd like to register for the ride, click on the get involved link on the cyclechallenges.co.uk website and complete the application form.

The Wessex 100 comes to Bath again

Posted on 18 August 2010 in WHAT'S ON

The annual 100 mile challenge, the "Wessex 100" is coming to Bath again.

The event on Sunday September 12^th is a 100 mile circuit starting at Ralph Allen School. The route takes you through Horningsham, down the Wylye valley to Salisbury, turning north over the plain to Devizes, through Bradford-on-Avon, up the taxing Brassknocker hill and finishing back at the school. The 50 mile route goes to Frome, passes below the Westbury white horse and joins the main route for the return loop. There is even a 20 mile route that goes to Telisford and Bradford-on-Avon before returning to Bath.

Full details from Bike Events Online.

John's Bikes at the Sky Ride

Posted on 21 July 2010 in WHAT'S ON

John's Bikes Workshop team will be at the Sky ride, 25th July 2010, with a competition to find the fastest flat repair! Groups of people will be timed to find the fastest person to fix a puncture. Every participant will receive a cycle computer; the winner of each heat will receive a £25 John's Bikes voucher and the overall winner will get a £50 voucher.

Bath &North East Somerset Council is keen to get more local people to take part in this free family cycling focused event.

Sky Ride Bath will take in some of the city's most iconic landmarks and sites with entertainment taking place along the route. The Sky Ride route will open at 10am, with participants free to join in at any of the four main entertainment points along the route. The route takes in the spectacular Royal Crescent, then down past Royal Victoria Park onto the Upper Bristol Road, Locksbrook Road and Brassmill Lane. The route then turns onto Newbridge Road back up towards the Royal Crescent with a final loop around The Circus.

On the day, Gatorade will be handing out free refreshment at two points along the route and bike mechanics will be available to assist with any cycle checks. Entertainment and refreshments will be available at the event village situated in the Royal Crescent until the route re opens to traffic at 3pm. A Sky Ride hub will be available from Newbridge Park &Ride from which a route will be sign posted into the city centre to lead groups of cyclists to join the route.

Councillor Terry Gazzard, Bath &North East Somerset Council's  Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure &Culture (Conservative, Abbey) said:
"Bath &North East Somerset Council is already encouraging local people to get active through Council cycling initiatives such as Somer Valley Wheels and Avon Valley Wheels. It's also great to see local schools getting involved in cycling through the Sustrans Bike IT programme supported by the Council.
Sky Ride Bath promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family and we hope it will spur more people to get back on their bikes. It's a great chance take in the magnificent sites of the World Heritage City of Bath. If you haven't done so already, sign up!"

With over 5000 participants expected, the Council hopes that Sky Ride Bath will substantially increase visitor numbers to the City, with a positive knock on effect for city centre businesses and shops along the route.

Bath &North East Somerset Council's Cycling Champion, Councillor Roger Symonds said:
"The Sky Ride Bath will be a spectacular ride. The first Sky Rides last year in big cities like London, Manchester and Glasgow, were successful in getting many people back on their bikes, not only for a one off ride, but to continue cycling afterwards. That is also one of the aims for Sky Ride Bath. It will be up to the Council and partners in the area to make sure that the infrastructure to encourage an increase in cycling is put in place over the coming months and years. This is a great opportunity for mass participation, to increase cycling awareness and to promote cycling's positive image."

The Council is keen to make sure that there is good access to the City Centre with all council car parks remaining open on the day. The temporary traffic regulation order including details of planned road closures, temporary traffic regulation and parking suspensions are available on the Council's website at the Get Active page www.bathnes.gov.uk/getactive.
Letters have been sent to residents groups informing them of the proposed route.  Call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 or email transportation@bathnes.gov.uk if you require further information.
People interested in Sky Ride or cycling can visit www.goskyride.com for news, information and online registration for each of the Sky Ride events. More information about the Council's Somer Valley Wheels and Avon Valley Wheels which operate a programme of led rides for all abilities can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/getactive.

Combe Down Tunnel Open Day

Posted on 10 July 2010 in WHAT'S ON

Saturday 17 July 2010

As its contribution to the Sustrans Connect2 celebrations for 2010, Wessex Water (the current owner of Combe Down Tunnel) has kindly allowed the Two Tunnels Group to hold an open day on Saturday 17 July 2010. Members of the public are invited to walk through the mile long tunnel which will form part of the new Two Tunnels Greenway, on which construction has now started. Our guided tours start from Tucking Mill Viaduct every half hour between 10am and 4pm. An hour should be allowed for the visit to which everyone is invited.

Full Route Walk

There will also be a full route walk. This will start at the junction of Bellotts Road and the Lower Bristol Road near the Royal Oak pub in Bath at 10am and will finish at the Hope and Anchor pub at Midford. The route follows the full Two Tunnels shared path. It is approximately 4 miles long and will pass over Devonshire Tunnel and through Combe Down Tunnel. About 3 hours should be allowed.

Booking

So that timeslots can be matched with visitors, it is requested that places are booked on our website at www.twotunnels.org.uk, where further details are available.

Health and Safety

Current health and safety requires hard hats (or something similar) to be worn, so if you have one please bring it: if not one will be provided for you. The tunnel surface is uneven so sensible shoes are recommended. And it’s dark inside, so please bring a torch.

Travel 

Limited car-parking is available. If you are able to use public transport or bike or walk, please do.

Charge 

The event is free, but a small voluntary contribution, suggested at £2 per person, to Wateraid or the Two Tunnels Project, would be appreciated.