Christmas is almost here in this week's CycleClips, CTC's weekly e-newsletter. There's prizes to be won, a new job to apply for and how you can help to make it a Happy New Year for cycling.
The CTC Office is closed today Friday 12 December for our annual Christmas party, which will include a super cycling quiz this year and a cycling beetle drive! Note that we are also closed on Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December. The last issue of CycleClips of the year will go out next Friday.
Julie Rand, CTC Information Team
In addition to supporting our campaigning work CTC members enjoy a range of benefits including Third Party insurance; 'Cycle' magazine 6 times a year; and discounts with retailers such as Cotswold Outdoor. Why not give Gift CTC membership to a friend or family.
Climb every mountain
Like a certain spread, you either love it or hate it. No, not Christmas but hill climbing! The next issue of ‘Cycle’ magazine will feature an article about great cycling climbs and we want your input - tell us about your two favourites in the UK and abroad and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a set of four fantastic books by Simon Warren about the world’s greatest climbs. We’ll then compile a list which you can then vote for to find CTC’s top ones. Perhaps you’ll even feel inspired to leave the fireside this winter and go and try some out?
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CTC- the light of your life!
See your loved ones faces light up with joy this Christmas with CTC Gift Membership. Not only will they receive a membership card that entitles them to all CTC’s Member Benefits, and a copy of our latest magazine, we’ll throw in a set of Lezyne lights worth £29.99, courtesy of Upgrade Bikes, while stocks last. Of course, your gift will support our valuable campaigning work for cyclists too!
Be the toast of the Christmas ride
It may be getting colder outside but there’s no need to stop looking festive while you’re cycling – or even when you’re not! We have a gorgeous long-sleeved Christmas cycling top by Redbear sports to give away to one lucky winner of our prize draw. Members can also enjoy 10% off all Christmas tops at Redbear until 20 December by logging in to our Member Benefits page on our website.
Baubles with bells on
And don’t forget your passion for cycling when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree. CycleMiles has wonderful cycling-themed ornaments and cards plus a huge range of gift ideas. They even some lovely vintage-style cycling wrapping paper to put them in. CTC’s own Christmas tree is looking really cycle-tastic now and looks fab next our decorated Chopper bike.
Highland fling
There was 18000m of climbing during last summer’s tough 'Highlands, Glens and Western Isles Audax' – although, strangely, no actual isles! CTC member Mark Hagger took part in it and is one of several riders featured in ‘Sore in the Saddle’, a documentary about the ride which aired on BBC Scotland this week. The film is also on iPlayer so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your armchair.
A very good pointe
Christmas is traditionally a time to go out to the theatre and enjoy a show. But to save you the trouble, CycleClips brings you a stunning performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ . 'Ballet BMX' was made by delivery company Whistl and stars a ballerina and two BMX riders ‘dancing’ to the music of ‘The Sugar Plum Fairy’. The result is spectacular. Strictly Come Jumping perhaps?
Tis the season to be.....wary?
Sadly, some people do not feel 'goodwill to all men', even at Christmas. BBC One’s Fake Britain this week featured a shocking item on counterfeit bike parts that included the experience of a mountain biker who suffered serious injury when his fake handlebars gave way. The programme also gave tips on how to check products bought online are legitimate.
Help make it a Happy New Year for cycling
Christmas is a time for contacting friends and family. This year we are asking you to also write to your MP to ask him or her to stand up for cycling and walking in the Infrastructure Bill. We have the chance to make an amendment in the Bill which would create a long-term cycling and walking budget – but we need your support. Sign up now and make it a Merry Christmas for cycling!
A Lancashire hot job
Start next year with a new career. CTC is recruiting a full-time cycling development officer to provide community development services to Lancashire County Council on a fixed-term contract until 30 October 2015, with the possibility of an extension. The closing date is 12 noon on Monday 5 January 2015. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 12 January.
Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.
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