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A little rain can't stop us cycling

Cycle Shrewsbury's webmistress, Anna Morris, tells us how BikeFest went...

It's a real pleasure to be involved with an event like BikeFest. Watching small children being enthused about cycling, connecting with their parents as they learn to ride without stabilisers or generally enjoying themselves as they try new things, like unicycling, is so rewarding.

Our fifth BikeFest on Saturday was a brilliant day. It started with glorious sunshine and clear blue skies, under which Sustrans Bike It officers, Kim and Jennie, led a ride with 36 people from the Quarry to the sports village. Sadly, it didn't stay sunny all day; there was a heavy downfall at lunchtime, but thankfully it didn't put everyone off cycling! It brightened up in the afternoon and, despite the rain, over 500 people turned up to enjoy the day!

I spent the day wandering around asking people for their feedback about BikeFest and Cycle Shrewsbury. I received some very positive and interesting responses. The general consensus was that BikeFest is a "great" event, that Shrewsbury is more cycle friendly than it was 2 years ago and most people are cycling more than they were a year ago. All good news!

Highlights of the day

As the rain came down we sheltered in the marquee and listened to Kim interview local cycling star Luke Grivell-Mellor. He was very eloquent and after the interview cut our delicious BikeFest cake.

Mr Doo, the one man cycling circus, had an array of whacky bikes and costumes including a penny farthing, a minature bike and a bike in two pieces on which he could do crazy wheelies! He entertained us all day!

I Watched three girls getting cycle training while their parents told me that they had chosen to come to BikeFest rather than going to a rainbow event.

The sun came out for our wildlife and waterways ride which set out in the afternoon with 25 participants to discover some unknown places to spot nature around Shrewsbury. Download the ride leaflet here.

A small boy called Thomas, turned up cycling on a unicycle; turns out he'd been inspired by trying one of Unibob's unicycles at last year's BikeFest and his parents had bought him a unicycle!

It was hilarious watching Kim cycling round the track on a tiny zebra bike, inspiring the kids during her stabilisers off session. I love watching the kids who can't cycle at the beginning of the day cycling on the track without stabilisers after an hour with Kim!

Liz Rose, the officer who organises BikeFest, received a bunch of flowers to thank her for her efforts at the end of the day. She's expecting twins and is going on maternity leave next week. Good luck Liz and thanks for all your hard work on the last three BikeFests!

Want to see more from BikeFest?

There are two pages of BikeFest photos in our cycling events photo gallery, see them here and here.

BikeFest occurs annually in June. Check this website regularly for news of next year's BikeFest!