Trail rides for children with learning difficulties

[pdsquire]

For anyone who can get to South Wales on the 20th or 21st of June 2009 (not including those of us flying past on TLD!), this is from the latest edition of Trail, the organ of the Trail Riders' Federation:

The children need YOU. DON'T LET N.E.R.C. KILL IT.

Trail rides for children with learning difficulties

For over a quarter of a century, Welsh trail rider Mike Rees has been organising a trail riding day out for the local children and adults with learning difficulties. They ride as pillion or sidecar. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday the 20th of June and Mike is again expecting 30+ kids to turn up. As the number of local riders continues to fall because of NERC, Mike is desperate for more riders with suitable machinery to help. The route is suitable for big trailies, little trailies, sidecars, quads ets and it is not unknown for the odd mobile sofa or vintage fire-engine to turn out. The only essential is that solos must have some form of rear footrest and riders must possess the ability to smile and eat lots of FREE burgers. If you can bring along a spare helmet, that would be helpful also. As usual the local TRF, Caerphilly MCC and Trials Cymru MCC and Mike's friends from abroad (i.e. far away England) will be helping out but more bikes are desperately needed.

In an effort to encourage more riders from afar to make the trip Mike will also be running a 'Fun Trial' at the same venue on the following day Sunday 21 st June for the more sporty riders to have a go. The sections will be classic in style and set out with the trailbike in mind. 'Special' arrangements are in place for those who do not have an ACU license AND the £15 entry fee will be waived for those who provide a bike on the saturday. Since all profits from the trial will be donated to the Handicapped kids club the event will also be opened up to Pre 65 and novice modern bikes. There will be no awards but class winners will be invited to celebrate their success with a further donation to the charity fund. ( p.s. the club operates a name and shame policy!).

Saturday 20th June 13:00 hrs
Gwyddon Forest, Abercarn --- Trail Rides for Children with Learning Difficulties
Sunday 21st June 10:30 hrs
Gwyddon Forest, Abercarn --- Trailbike/sidecar Charity Trial

Both Sign posted from A 467 at Abercarn. (5 miles junction 27 M4)

WITHOUT MORE SUPPORT THIS EVENT COULD BE THE LAST ONE
DON'T LET THE NERCS WIN

The Welsh Beggar

I hope non-TLD forum members will jump at the chance to help this excellent endeavour.

There's camping nearby and Mike can be reached on 01495 222728 or mikerees65@hotmail.com

[StumpyFingers]

The same time as the TLD ride.

[pdsquire]

Well I know that, Stumpy. That's why I can't go, but it is a cracking idea and needs support.

Thanks for the offer of sorting out my horn, btw. It was much appreciated. Unfortunately I am a bit pushed for time at the moment so it'll have to wait. Hope to see you at Hastings?

Philip

[chalky4]

Hey PD what is N.E.R.C an acronym for?
Couldn't commit to TLD but if I can talk Mrs C into a nice weekend camping in sunny Wales then this would be a really worthwhile cause so i'll contact mike for more details.

[pdsquire]

Hey PD what is N.E.R.C an acronym for?

I'll contact mike for more details.

Nice work Chalky!

N.E.R.C is the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, which contains provisions to allow local authorities permanently or temporarily to prohibit traffic on byways.

Different authorities are using it in different ways but some - Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in particular - are closing trails left, right and centre.

Mike's point is that if we can be seen as good eggs by the public and councils, the latter are less likely to be belligerent towards our leisure pursuit.

[chalky4]

Ok I understand thanks. Just spoken to the better half and she's really up for it, and wants to help out in some way too, plus a nice trip to wales and a spot of camping