Newhaven pump track and skate park planning committee
We are looking for volunteers to be involved in the planning and design of the new pump track and skate park in Newhaven. If you would like to get involved, please contact Jon Younghusband through Contact Committee.
The first meeting is likely to be on Thursday 27th September at 5 pm, but this has not yet been confirmed.
This exciting development, for which funding has been obtained, really needs the input of local cyclists.
Horses and Cyclists: A Video
Cycling UK in conjunction with the British Horse Society has issued a short video guide on how cyclists should pass horses. It’s worth watching. Please CLICK HERE to see the video.
A post on this subject, Horses and Cyclists, was issued on 21st August.
Safe and happy cycling,
Clive Aberdour
Cycle the Downs
Cycle Seahaven is now offering regular weekly rides in the South Downs National Park. They are open to all and will be at one of three levels:
Introduction Rides involving 30 – 60 minutes of gentle riding in a safe flat environment;
Health Rides which will consist of 90 – 120 minutes of relaxed riding on local trails aimed at increasing fitness;
Rural Rides which involve 2 – 3 hours exploring the South Downs National Park across a mix of terrain.
These rides are open to non-members, as well as Cycle Seahaven Members, and are part of the ‘Ride the Downs’ initiative together with South Downs National Park. So if you fancy dusting off your bike, donning a helmet and joining us, then here’s your chance.
Heading west from Seaford Golf Course towards bo-peep
The Introduction Rides: These rides are aimed at those that have very little or no cycling experience. So if this is you and you want to come along and improve your cycling ability, then now’s your chance.
Haven’t got a Bike or Helmet: Cycle Seahaven does have a small number of bikes and helmets available for loan on the Introduction Rides. You will need to contact the Ride Leader and book these prior to the ride itself.
The Health Rides will usually be around 10-15 miles in length and will be ridden at a very steady gentle pace. We use local roads, cycle paths and gentle off-road tracks to get you started and help build confidence. Ride Leaders will be on hand to offer support and advice along the way.
The Rural Rides will usually be around 15 – 25 miles in length and will be ridden at a slightly higher pace than the Health Rides. These rides are aimed at those who are established riders looking to expand their knowledge of routes around the Seahaven area. We use local roads, cycle paths and off-road tracks to get us out into the South Downs National Park. Ride Leaders will be on hand to offer support and advice along the way.
Details of rides can be found on the website calendar. The Ride Leaders are named on the Calendar entry. Please contact them to let them know you will be coming or to ask any other questions. The start points are clearly stated on the Calendar entry and will include locations in Seaford, Newhaven or Peacehaven.
These rides are a great introduction to cycling the Downs so why not take the chance to enjoy the outdoors while the weather is so great?
Please note that all riders MUST wear a helmet:
Registration Non-club members will be asked to complete a registration form. To save time please download it using the link below and bring the form with you (Ride Leaders will have spare copies). Participant Survey Cycle the Downs
We look forward to welcoming you on your first ride. Happy cycling
Horses and Cyclists (Updated)
This is an updated version of a post issued a couple of months ago. Since then some research has been carried out on this topic.
Horses are a common sight on many of the country roads and trails in the Cycle Seahaven area. They are usually very well ridden, the riders are friendly and there’s rarely a problem. Here are a few tips which should allow you to pass safely.
- Remember a horse is a “prey” animal, it will view anything moving behind it as a potential threat.
- On bridleways, it is important that cyclists give way to horse riders (the Countryside Act 1968 gave cyclists the right to use bridleways but stated that they must give way to horse riders and walkers).
- Let horses and riders know you’re there. A horse is unlikely to see or hear you, especially if you are approaching quietly from behind. Calling out ‘hello’ to equestrians is welcome and important in alerting horses and riders that you are there.
- Never ring your bell when near a horse. If you do, then it could startle the horse.
- When approaching a horse from the rear ask the horse rider if it’s OK to pass. Speak in a calm voice, never shout.
- Don’t pass until they say so; sometimes they will tell you to wait.
- Pass wide and on the right. Most horses are used to traffic passing them on the right so pass them as you would anyone else; don’t cut inside, and allow plenty of room in case the horse is surprised or startled.
- Large groups of cyclists are very scary for horses. Passing in small groups of no more than four or five will really help. If you are in a large group, make your presence known so that equestrians can try to find somewhere safe.
- Always pass a horse at a moderate, steady pace, i.e. not too fast. You’ll probably need to slow down but there’s no need to stop unless the horse looks agitated in which case the rider may tell you what to do.
- When you pass a horse from the rear tell the rider how many cyclists are following you if you’re the first cyclist to overtake.
- When approaching a horse from the front switch off a flashing front light if you’re using one.
- Talk to the rider as you pass to demonstrate to the horse that you’re friendly.
- Never cross a level crossing if a horse is already on the crossing or about to cross it. Horses can get a shock if they touch a rail which could be nasty if a horse bolted. (That’s why some level crossings have posts for the horse rider to touch for discharging any static).
- If you come across a horse that looks unsettled, always keep a good distance from it and wait. Usually, the horse rider will signal to pass when they have the horse under control or will pull the horse off the road and into a field.
- Above all, never do anything to startle or frighten a horse.
We hope these tips prove useful. If any horse riders are reading this then we’d very much welcome your comments, especially if you have further tips which would enhance the safe passing of horses by cyclists. Please leave a reply below.
Safe and happy cycling,
Clive Aberdour and Dave Sutton
(Touring Ride Leaders)
Bells for All
Cycle Seahaven is passionate about cycling safety and is conscious that many pedestrians are concerned that insufficient or no warning, on occasions, is given by cyclists as they approach pedestrians, in particular on shared cycle/footpath routes.
Cycle Seahaven is offering Members the opportunity to purchase a cycle bell from Mr Cycles in Seaford with a £3 discount on their purchase.
In a number of cases the bell may be free of charge. If you decide on a bell which exceeds £3 then you only pay the cost difference.
Please help us improve rider safety, if you need a bell visit Mr Cycles and make the most of this offer.
Don’t forget to take your current Membership Card and either your bike or the diameter of the handlebars where you will want to put the bell.
Bike Box Hire
Are you planning a trip away and want to take your bike? We now have a Bike Box Available for hire
Features of Bonza Bike Box 2 are:
• HDPE anti impact material.
• Stronger lockable catches.
• Internal Velcro retention straps.
• High quality foam protective padding.
• High gloss anti-abrasion finish.
• Bonza developed anti crush technology with 2 support struts.
• Easy glide high quality wheels.
• Fits all makes and sizes of bikes (excluding tandems).
• Fits most wheel sizes from 26 inch to a 29er and all road wheels.
• Stylish design in a distinctive colour.
• Weight 12.0kg. (+/- 5%)
• Dimensions 124 x 94 x 34 cm.
Cost will be £3 per day. (£30 deposit required from NON club members )
Contact Tracey Martin for bookings on Contact the Committee.
Summer Newsletter
The summer issue of our quarterly newsletter has been emailed to all members. It’s a 14-page issue, more pages than usual, which includes articles ranging from cycling in France to the South Downs Way plus articles on Ladies rides, a campaign relaunch etc, as well as a message from the Chair (Guy Reynolds).
If you haven’t received the newsletter then please contact Denis Bass (Treasurer) who will send you a copy. He can be contacted through the Contact Us page on the website.
Happy reading
Clive
Our Charity 2018 Cycling without Age
Following a vote at Cycle Seahaven’s 2018 AGM it was agreed that we make Cycling Without Age – Seaford our Designated Charity in order to raise awareness and funds to enable them to purchase the first Trishaw for Seaford. A fortunate visit to Cycling Without Age’s roadshow soon after gave us a chance to have a loan Trishaw called Annie for the week.
Annie’s first rid
e out was on a Sunday where we spent 3 hours down at Seaford Seafront offering rides to passers by and also to our club riders to have a go at being the pilot (rider) as well as the passenger. Many were surprised and pleased to find that the bike is power assisted which makes it incredibly easy to ride with passengers up front. Our volunteer passengers commented on how comfortable the ride was and how fun it felt to be up front with the wind in their hair and the fantastic views along the seafront.
It was also very noticeable the interaction between passengers and passers by who all wanted to wave and say hello. This being a key element of the scheme – getting people back outside and feeling part of their local community once more. A quick recharge overnight saw Annie refreshed and ready for another day on the seafront. Once again there was a fantastic response from the general public and from the press.
Behind the
scenes the club has worked very hard to make new contacts for Pete Tattam (founder of Cycling Without Age – Seaford) and Mary Hawes (fundraiser) which has really kickstarted the fundraising and publicity. Sussex Express and Seahaven FM also carried details of the venture.
Both Pete and Mary commented that they are so grateful for the support shown by the Club and feel re-energised about their project. Fundraising is going well and they believe that the purchase of a Trishaw this year may be a real possibility.