After the heady successes of our previous ride, where 100 cyclists completed a grand loop around the centre of Reading en masse, we returned to our more typical programme of rides in the local area, to highlight the need for appropriate cycling infrastructure for children and families.
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Kidical Mass Reading managed to continue our tradition of pre-emptively planning our rides to coincide with warnings of dire weather. And on this occasion we had a few days of debate about whether we would be able to go ahead given the impending storm Boelo. Given the timing, we concluded that the wind would be past its peak, and that we could safely proceed with a shortened route so that no children would need to cycle too near open water, or traffic, alongside strongly gusting wind.
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We are grateful to (and in awe of) everyone who turned up despite the weather warnings, for what turned out to be a beautiful and sunny Autumn day. 35 of us had a lovely ride from the Thames Lido to Forbury Gardens. Beyond a few gusts, and some leaves and sticks strewn over the paths, the storm left us blessedly untroubled. I was really glad to see some returners from previous rides, as well as new attendees – and a huge shout out to our two riders on balance bikes who completed the whole course alongside everyone else! (If you are wondering whether to bring your balance bikers: if they can cover 4km on the flat while you cycle or run next to them, then yes!)
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As shocking as it may seem, our eyes now turn towards the festive season. Our next ride is our 🎅 Christmas ride 🎅 at 2pm on 6th December, on a circular route leaving from the Thames Lido. Santa has let us know that riding with Reading’s Kidical Mass children is a highlight of his year, and he hopes to see you there!
