The Bradley Stoke Journal

[Advertising Feature] A new cycle repair business has just started in The Stokes, offering local cyclists efficient, affordable bike repairs when it suits them.

Bike Fix Bradley Stoke is unique as it is not only mobile, but uses a Dutch cargo tricycle to visit the customers and fix their bikes when it’s convenient for them.

The tricycle was specially imported as it can carry all the essential tools and materials, and can even tow other bikes if they need to go to the workshop. It will become a familiar sight on the roads around the Stokes as it goes to customers for repairs and maintenance.

The proprietor of the new business, lifelong cyclist Richard Burton, said:

“Lots of people in The Stokes area have taken up cycling to save money and get fit, but they struggle to do bike maintenance, which is where Bike Fix Bradley Stoke comes in. Most problems can be fixed on the spot, at a time and place to suit the customer. The aim is to be affordable, reliable, and convenient.”

The new business will specialise in helping cyclists get back on the road, fixing the things that are stopping people using their bikes more regularly, so that they can get the huge benefits of cycling, and will offer advice on cycling and what kind of bike to ride. Repairs and maintenance include everything on a bike, with puncture repairs, gears and brakes all covered.

The new service will cover Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Stoke Lodge, but if you live close to these, it might still be possible to accommodate you.

Find out more about the new bike repair service »

Everyone had great fun on the Stokes Cycling Club’s first mountain bike ride last month, and after requests for more, they are running another on Saturday 22nd October, starting at 2pm from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

It will be about 12 miles long, goes to Tockington and Old Down, and is mainly on tracks and bridleways, so a mountain bike is required, but it won’t be too technical for beginners.

The ride leader, mountain bike coach Andy Parker, said:

“The first ride was great fun, everyone had a good time, and I was able to help some people with their technique.  Everyone came back with a smile on their face!”

“If you want to get into mountain biking, but you’re not sure where to ride, come out with us and find out about the local tracks that you can ride on.  There are lots of them, but finding them can be tricky.”

Rider Richard Burton said:

“Andy knew about tracks that I didn’t even know existed, and helped me improve my riding.  It was a great ride and a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

“If you fancy some fun riding with a friendly local bike club, come along.  And if you aren’t into mountain biking, check out our web site for our other rides, with everything from family rides to fifty milers and everything in between.”

Photo: A rider negotiates a hazard on the club’s first mountain bike ride.

The Stokes Cycling Club stages its first-ever mountain bike ride, ten miles long, this Saturday (17th September), leaving at 12 noon from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

Anyone reasonably fit, with a mountain bike, is welcome to join in. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The event leader, highly experienced rough stuff rider and qualified coach Andy Parker, will be giving tips on technique on the ride.

Andy said:

“As a first ride, it’s going to be fairly straightforward, with nothing too technical, so any kind of mountain bike will do as long as it’s in good condition.  There are lots of rideable tracks in the area, and I plan to explore them all over the coming months and show people just how many there are.”

Club rides coordinator Richard Burton added:

“We’ve been running very successful road based bike rides for well over a year since we started, and we’ve decided that it’s time we expanded to include mountain biking – I might even give it go myself!”

The club has been running lots of on-road rides, from short family rides on local tracks to fifty mile rides for the hardened cyclists, and after requests from the public, has decided to branch out into mountain biking.

Read on for details of this weekend’s regular Sunday ride »

Police are warning cyclists to be on the alert after a spate of bicycle thefts from streets across South Gloucestershire last month.

Thieves have targeted bikes left outside leisure centres, youth clubs and shops in areas as diverse as Bradley Stoke, Staple Hill, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury and Yate.

Police have stepped up patrols and are liaising with local bike shops and cycle clubs to encourage them to pass on security advice.

Community Safety Inspector Gerry Treacy said:

“Officers have found many of the stolen bikes were left unlocked, while in a few cases thieves have cut through inferior security chains.”

“Thieves also break into sheds and garages to take bicycles, so make sure outbuildings are sturdy with ‘Sold Secure’-quality anchor-points, bolts and locks.”

“A key problem is that fewer than 15 per cent of cyclists can give us enough details to identify their bike.”

Asked where in Bradley Stoke bike thefts had occurred, a police spokesperson told The Journal:

“We have had one report of a bike stolen on Thursday 18th August at about 2:15pm after being left unlocked outside an supermarket in Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford.”

“It’s a silver Mongoose mountain bike with disc brakes.”

Read on for police advice on how to keep your bike safe »

A father and son team from Stoke Gifford have embarked on a 1,100 mile sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for the local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Matthew Moran, 49, and son Fraser, 17, are undertaking the epic ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in appreciation of the support given by the Legion to Matthew’s father-in-law (Fraser’s grandfather) David Griffiths, who suffers from lung fibrosis and requires constant oxygen.

Mr. Griffiths, 74,  is well known in the village having served as a fireman at the British Aerospace airfield and, for the last ten years of his career, as the groundsman for Stoke Gifford Parish Council.

To enable Mr. Griffiths, an ex Cpl. Veteran, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps, to maintain his mobility round his home village, the Royal British Legion carried out an assessment and provided him with an electric powered vehicle. This electric scooter has, according to Dave’s wife, Janet, regenerated her husband’s life over the last year, enabling him to again visit family, his friends and go to the local shops.

Matthew and Fraser say they will be cycling unsupported, camping every night and taking in the highest climbs in England, which means they will cover 1,100 miles on their journey to north Scotland, rather than the normal 830 mile distance.

Sponsorship for this epic ride would be greatly welcomed. Matthew and Fraser may be contacted by email on moranmgmoran@blueyonder.co.uk, by post at 12 Somerset Crescent, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PP  or by phone on 01454 778361.

Read more about the work of our local branch of the Royal British Legion »

A man who has worked for the past five years at Everything Everywhere (formerly Orange) in Aztec West has set off on a 10,000km charity cycle ride from London to New Delhi.

Srinivasa Alluri, 38, is the founder and President of the Manavata charity, which aims to create and promote a healthy, happy and harmonious world.

Mr Alluri, who previously lived in Orchard Gate, Bradley Stoke, started the non-profit, non-religious, charity 20 years ago, with the aim of supporting humanitarian projects, like caring for under privileged children, empowering individuals to live independently and promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.

The challenge will take him through 13 countries (UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India) and he hopes to complete the marathon journey in 100 days.

The ride started from London on 25th June and Mr Alluri hopes to reach New Delhi by 13th October. He will be accompanied by other riders for various sections of the route but no other participant will complete the full journey.

Read on to find out how you can support the charity ride »