A FREE bike maintenance workshop held in hopes of attracting more cyclists in the area was hailed a great success with more than 40 people turning up to learn how to carry out basic repairs on their own bikes.

The event organised by Susan Keywood, CTC’s local cycling development officer together with Sue Shaw and David Mullen from the Farnham U3A cycle group, was held at the United Reformed Church in the centre of town.

Sue and David’s main aim behind the workshop was to encourage more people to join their cycle group and to encourage others to start leading rides and sharing the responsibility.

Susan commented: “To achieve this, my approach is to break down barriers and tackle what might be stopping people from doing this on their own. So, if fearing having a puncture stops someone from cycling because they don’t know how to fix a flat tyre, learning how to do this at a workshop might just break down this barrier.

“I am so pleased. There was such a genuine sense of learning together, it was brilliant. As well as having six qualified mechanics from the Guildford Bike Project helping people with the basics, some very experienced local cyclists offered a wealth of knowledge to the mix.

“Bob Mercer from the Repair Café turned up with many specialist tools and offered a technically advanced repairs corner. So there was a great vibe in the hall and loads of interaction taking place.

“People worked in groups, they observed, helped each other, were individually coached and importantly got their ‘gloved up’ hands greasy.”

Feedback from visitors included “it was absolutely brilliant, informative and great fun” and “everyone was very friendly and helpful”.

In addition to the maintenance workshops, a ‘Back to Basics’ programme will be launched this month to help people to brush-up on their cycle skills.

The sessions are for men and women whose cycle skills might be rusty or for those who might have fallen into bad habits.

All events funded by a project CTC is working on in partnership with Surrey County Council and their Travel Smart team. And with the basic idea around encouraging more cycling at local level that meets community needs, the project objectives fit perfectly with what the U3A cycle group are striving to achieve too.

The events are not just for U3A members, they are open to all in the Farnham community, both young and old to come along and join in. Booking will be essential.

For information, to brush up on those bike maintenance skills or start new club contact Susan Keywood at CTC to book, call 077 17 696 672 / 01483 238 306 or at [email protected].