Annual Report
This year 2022/23 has been different from previous year in that we are rebuilding to group and activities in a post covid environment. There continues to be two main areas of our work:
● Indoor events – these generally take place in church halls and community centres. Various forms of bicycle-based antics take place such as balance boxes, seesaws, limbos, rocky roads and ramps using mountain bikes, bmx’s and mini bikes. We would then share the Gospel during an epilogue in the mid-part of the programme and finish off the evening with a high-speed, knock-out race on the mini bikes. We have developed this area of the work by incorporating a new format to include the art of indoor cycle speedway racing, which pits rider against rider in a series of team races. This has proved very popular in gaining buy in from all participants. We have also invested in a new fleet of indoor bikes and promotional banners which further enhances the profile of the Charity. After the racing is finished we always take the opportunity to share the Gospel.
● Outdoor events – our typical day out on the mountain bikes involves travelling to one of our local forests such as Tardree. Here we have also utilised many of the new trail centres which have been developed in conjunction with Outdoorni, local councils and forest service. Here we challenge our groups to the technical climbs and fast descents over rugged terrain, whilst giving clear, professional instruction on how to carry out the manoeuvres safely. This is always a good opportunity to get alongside individuals and share the Gospel.
In the period we undertook 10 groups as well as meeting regularly as a team for planning and fellowship. This number is lower than previous year but there was still a reluctance for some groups to still meet indoors, all the team committing to meet the requests. Requests for groups continue, this is positive and we endeavour to do our best. The team of volunteers has remained the same this year We plan to purchase additional safety equipment and outdoor bicycles in the incoming years and have set up a meeting with suppliers. Fundraising continues to be a priority to cover our running/insurance costs as well as additional equipment.