Going the extra mile – literally!! Ellen’s story |
|
|
Pedal Power has always benefitted from dedicated staff and volunteers doing that little bit extra (sometimes a lot) but that doesn’t make it any less impressive and we were very touched when Ellen, who came to us as a volunteer in November 2020, told us of her “mad idea”. Ellen and her friend Elizabeth met at uni in 1979 and the crazy notion of cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats has been bubbling away with the “when we retire” caveat. Well, now they have, and Ellen, who’s personal mission in life is to help get more people cycling more, wants to combine this with fund raising for Pedal Power – how lucky are we?! |
|
|
Ellen says she feels quite nervous about it as, although a confident cyclist, she feels there is quite a leap from the odd fifty-mile charity event to something on this scale. 1,200 miles in 30 days. Phew! Most people who do LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’Groats) by bike take the direct route 870 miles, take 14 days and are supported BUT Elizabeth and Ellen are not fast cyclists so they’re taking the National Cycle Network route 1,200 miles in 30 days – unsupported. All the planning - of the kit, navigation and accommodation - is all their own doing and at their own cost. 100% of monies raised is being donated to Pedal Power and you can learn more about Ellen and Elizabeth’s quest and support them here https://friendsofpedalpowerproject.enthuse.com/pf/ellen-lands-end-to-john-o-groats Pedal Power is a charity and we survive through many revenue strands, donations being a really important one. Every year is a struggle to find grants and funding streams to make our finances stable and allow us to plan and maintain staffing levels, so Ellen’s decision to do something extraordinary for Pedal Power is, in itself, quite extraordinary and we think awesome! If you have been inspired by Ellen you can support her by clicking the link or perhaps you have your own idea for a fundraiser – we’d love to hear about it! Every donation helps us to continue providing inclusive cycling, enabling everyone - all ages and abilities – to enjoy the benefits of cycling. |
|
|
“Music can change the world.” — Ludwig van Beethoven |
|
|
How about a random act of music? Well, not exactly random – we are delighted to be partnering with the students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, guitar department in particular, and hosting a free performance in our café every Friday morning, 11.30 til 12.30. Stunningly talented students will bring glorious music to our site and all you have to do is relax and enjoy! Yet another reason to visit Pedal Power Café. Don’t miss out. |
|
|
Good moment to remind you of Tunefilled Tuesdays, our regular free drop-in singalong session where the emphasis is on fun and friendships Tuesdays 2 til 3 in the café. |
|
|
The Indonesian Connection! |
|
|
We recently had some disruption in the café – but in a good way. Mural artist, Andy Bolton, was working on a large piece designed by a community in Indonesia, aided by families from the Welsh Indonesian community here in Cardiff. The design of the mural is inspired by traditional Indonesian batik but there have been many comments on how both the colourway and the design are very reminiscent of traditional Welsh blankets! When completed the mural is to be displayed down at our Bay site where we anticipate many thousands of people can share and enjoy this collaboration. About the artist in his own words “I have been an artist nearly all my life – quite a long time now! I make painted and mosaic murals for public places, usually involving local communities, including disabled people, in the design and production of the work. I also make my own personal art work, a lot of which is informed by my disability. In both those strands of my work, I try to create things that non – ‘art’ people can relate to without being talked down to.” |
|
|
Word of mouth is the most powerful method of marketing so each one of you reading this now can help us spread the word just by talking about us and sharing this newsletter. Thank you. |
|
|
Our intention is to open the Bay site for hiring again starting the weekend of March 25th and 26th. Opening times there will be 10.30 til 5 (last hire at 4) even though we won’t be extending the hours at Pontcanna until Tuesday 28th March. We will be working with Andy Bolton, artist, to install his mural on the end of the container sometime before this. |
|
|
To celebrate the arrival of spring we plan to have a pollinator-celebrating cycle between Pontcanna and our Bay site. Pencil in April 5th and start thinking about a suitable costume! More details to follow soon. |
|
|
Robyn’s film – the new Spielberg?! |
|
|
Worry and anxiety are often barriers to cycling and we are very appreciative of the time and effort our very own children’s officer, Robyn, put in to make a short film about Pedal Power. We hope that this will encourage more people to come along and find out how cycling can improve their lives (it certainly worked for a certain extra terrestrial!). Also grateful for Robyn presenting the film in Welsh too. Diolch yn fawr iawn!. Sit back and enjoy here (popcorn optional!). Cymraeg English |
|
|
Our inclusive fleet of cycles also includes e assist bikes, trikes and cargo bikes. Why not contact us about taster sessions and short and long term loans. E cycles can help you go further and steeper. One customer said, “It was like having an angel on my back!”. |
|
|
We will be CLOSED FOR FEBRUARY 28th for STAFF TRAINING (all areas including the café) We apologise for the inconvenience but hope you understand that this is essential for us to keep up the very best service that we always want to provide. Our opening hours extend to 5pm from Tuesday 28th March. Save the date for our Ride For All Saturday June 10th |
|
|
Thank you to everyone for your continued use and support of Pedal Power. Let’s keep making sure cycling includes everyone! |
|
|
|
|