The Annual Cycle Event 2016 Brought Sunshine and Enthusiasm to Oxford Road

The 10th Annual Cycle Event (ACE), in partnership with Corridor MCR Travel, outside Manchester Metropolitan University was for the another fantastic hit. Cycling enthusiasts and new riders gathered for a day of peddle pushing networking and discovery. The event was held during Bike Week 2016, the largest nationwide cycling occasion in the UK. The week encourages over half a million people to join in events, rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to travel. There are hundreds of events planned for Bike Week 2016, with associated events running into September.

The day’s festivities started with a free cyclists’ breakfast, followed by a whole host of activities, including free bike hire, electric cargo bikes, a Brompton folding bike challenge, competitions and roller racing, brought to ACE by Rollapaluza, who run roller bike races. Participants competed against one another over a battle of distance and speed, in excess of up to 50mph. Matthew Coupe, Head of Technology Services, National Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, came top of the leader board for the 500m rolla sprint with a fantastic time of 23.27. Kirsten J topped the ladies’ leader board with a time of 26.95.

It was fantastic to see people considering cycling as a result of attending ACE 2016. Transport for Greater Manchester were on hand to advise on infrastructure changes and offer free learn to ride courses for complete beginners. If you’re a staff member at the University, you can save up to 35% off the cost of a new bike through Cyclescheme.