Long Sutton residents are now getting used to seeing a large group of colourful cyclists sweeping into the Market Place on Saturday mornings.
The group’s website has the strapline that says it all – ‘It may be windy but it’s flat’ and for beginners the group’s title is a good selling point!
The community cycling project known as No Visible Hills Cycling Group has been setting out for a two-hour ride every Saturday morning now for just over two years.
In that time the group has grown from just two, when old cycle racing friends Deryck Gilham and Andy Wheeler decided to meet up for a ride, to over 55 members.
It is usual for a ten to 20 strong peloton to set off each week.
The rides are usually for 20 to 30 miles depending on weather conditions.
“A majority of the cyclists taking part have been new to cycling,” explained Deryck Gilham.
“They have found that, with guidance from experienced members, they are achieving so much more and are now taking part in much longer organised sportive and charity rides.
“ Its such a great way to start getting out on your bike.”
The concept is simple: No Visible Hills Cycling Group is free, informal and sociable, says Deryck.
He says: “Just turn up and ride. The No Visible Hills members ride every Saturday, summer and winter.
“To join, simply be in Long Sutton Market Place at 8.30am on any Saturday.”
To enjoy the rides the group just asks people to check that they can cycle at 13mph for one hour.
No Visible Hills members will be actively supporting Cycle Together, Sandringham, a charity sportive in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Park House at Sandringham on June 23.
The event offers four distances to choose from and while No Visible Hills members may be tackling the more challenging longer routes, beginners and families are encouraged to take part in the shorter, ten-mile course.
For more details on this major new event, go to www.lcdisability.org/cycletogether or contact Phil at pasdavies@btinternet.com
For information on No Visible Hills Cycling Group contact Deryck Gilham, telephone 01406 362538 or email deryck2@talktalk.net
Visit www.novisiblehills.weebly.com