The momentum continues to grow. Cycling has never had such a high profile in the media. We won endless gold medals in the Olympics and Paralympics and we have yet another London Mayor who seems to be very much pro-cycling. It’s all happening in 2008! And… it is actually cool to cycle these days. Fantastic!

This is all very well but experienced cyclists will be aware that at grass roots level the struggle continues. The vast majority of people out there still think cyclists are a pain in the neck. Cars seem to pass even closer than ever for no good reason. Facilities for cyclists which we can use to protect ourselves from the over-aggressive motorist still need to be developed everywhere. In other words the fight for cyclists’ rights and an improved infrastructure must still go on. Your contribution to this work is as vital as ever! DO make plans to ride CTC’s Challenge Rides in 2009! DO make that little extra effort and raise a few more quid for the campaigning pot! It really does make a difference at the end of the day.  

Next year’s challenges will again offer something for all aspiring cyclists with a range of distances from family routes to 100km or 150km romps across some of the most picturesque terrain in the country. You could accept the challenge of completing the full series or pick off places where you’ve never cycled before with events from the South West, via the Peak District (Derbyshire) to the North Yorkshire Moors.

Warm up with inimitable TV cycling commentator David Duffield for his favourite rides around his home in stunning countryside with challenging Wiltshire climbs. Next tackle the ups and downs of the North Yorkshire Moors with breathtaking views in the Ron Kitching Challenge in June. Finish in August with the Phil & Friends - rewards and challenges in equal measure with climbs of Holme Moss and Winnats Pass punctuated by picturesque Peak District villages of Hope and Castleton.

The rides follow a simple formula: rewarding routes, stunning scenery and great camaraderie. This is then coupled to a sense of great satisfaction in both completing the route and in the knowledge that you are raising vital vital funds  for CTC Charitable Trust.  

The rides raise vital funds and there are prizes for the best fundraisers. Don't Click here yet for an entry form because details for next year have not yet been sorted. Watch this space for updates or for further information contact CTC on 0844 736 8450 or  via e-mail: cycling@ctc.org.uk