CYCLING can bring so many benefits.

The health and fitness gains are obvious, as is the environmentally friendly aspect of swapping the car for a bike on the morning commute.

But this week’s Pedal Power takes a look at the camaraderie of the sport and how cycling can even improve the workplace.

The Guardian’s Pedal Power campaign is all about encouraging and inspiring readers to become riders and discover the delights of life on two wheels.

In this week’s edition we introduce a Pedal Power Ambassador who was inspired by a charity event at work to launch a cycling club.

 

BAKERY workers found themselves on a roll when the daunting task of cycling to Snowdon and then climbing up it filled them with enthusiasm rather than despair.

Roberts Bakery staff embarked on the challenge in July last year to raise money for Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention and Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Rather than never wanting to see a bicycle again, the group was so empowered by its achievements that Roberts Rollers was born.

Cyclist Rob Newton, dispatch manager at the family bakery, is the man behind the club.

“We came back from the challenge and everyone was buzzing,” he said.

“I had various conversations with people and thought, we could really do something here with a cycling club.”

Roberts Rollers currently has about 30 members and Rob thinks more people will join now that the summer months are on their way.

The group enjoys regular rides of a variety of lengths, including newly introduced 20-mile taster sessions.

Rob, a perfect Pedal Power Ambassador for his work with Roberts Rollers, said: “What I would like to do is to get more people together who go out on a regular basis and get some camaraderie going.

“I’m trying to get a group of people who enjoy cycling to commit some time to spend together out in the open air, cycling.

“I’m a department head here but what I’ve definitely picked up outside of being in work is that there’s a different perception people have got of me.

“I operate the rules quite rigorously in work – but outside of work I’m happy to have a laugh and a joke.

“I’m one of the individuals, I take a back seat and let someone else make the decisions.

“I’ve made some good mates in all honesty.”

He hopes others will find cycling as addictive as he does.

“I like cycling because I like feeling at one with the bike and enjoy the challenge of distance, speed and a little bit of competition you get between various people.

“I’m by no means the youngest in this club and it’s nice when you get to the end of it and say ‘I’m 20 years older than you but I didn’t finish that far behind you.

“I like to get out in the country lanes where if you’re with someone else you can have conversations and relax – it doesn’t matter if you’re going at 10mph.”

The club is open to anyone of any ability, whether working for Roberts Bakery or not. For more information email Rob on rob.newton@frank-roberts.co.uk or ring 01606 818269

  • Rob is also working on the Roberts Charity Challenge 2013, which is open to members of the public as well as employees.

This year’s challenge is either 20, 50 or 100 miles through the Cheshire countryside on June 15.

The event will raise money for St Luke’s Hospice and Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention.

For more information visit the ‘What’s new’ section on the bakery’s website robertsbakery.co.uk.

  • ROBERTS Bakery is also supporting the Get on Your Bike Day at Oulton Park on June 16.

This event will give cyclists of all ages chance to ride at the famous racing circuit and do as many of the 2.26-mile laps as they can.

Get On Your Bike is being organised by Vale Royal Lions, North West Air Ambulance, the Neuromuscular Centre, St Luke’s Hospice and the League of Friends for Tarporley War Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Guardian’s Pedal Power campaign.

Speed demons can take to the track from 8am to 10am with the way clear for individuals, families and teams from 10.30am to 5pm.

Pre-entry for cyclists is £6 plus a minimum of £25 sponsorship. Admission is free for spectators.

Proceeds will be divided equally between the five charities.

Roberts Bakery is keen to support the event and will be providing rolls for the barbecue to keep hungry cyclists fuelled.

For more information about how to enter visit getonyourbike.org.uk.