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IntroductionThe history of the RSF goes way back to its foundation in 1955, long before anyone had ever heard of Marin County. It was formed by cyclists who wanted to get away from roads and cycle on tracks, and byways. Bikes then were a world away from their modern-day counterparts. Steel frames, no suspension, no disk or V-brakes and gearing to make your hair curl. That was only part of the story though. Clothing, too, has seen major advances in materials and design in the intervening years. Of course, some prefer the more traditional approach... |
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The RSF has a number of established local groups around the UK who organise local rides and events. Details of these can be found here on the website. Details are also published in the bi-monthly RSF Journal. Also in the Journal is a wealth of news and trip reports from around the UK and further afield.
A number of route descriptions and trip reports from near and far have been archived - feel free to browse them.
You don't have to be a member to use the noticeboard section. If you want to place your own small ads - either a For Sale or Wanted, then this is the place to do it. Local group organisers might also want to put up messages concerning meets, or whatever...
The RSF promotes responsible access to the countryside. We have a Code of Practice, which members are asked to adhere to. For legal reasons, the RSF has formed itself into a Company. More details of this, and of insurance issues, can be found on the Legal & Admin page.
The RSF has members scattered across the globe. Most, of course, are UK-based. Membership includes free copies of the Journal and access to many other RSF publications. If you're interested in joining, then details can be found here.
Steve Griffiths has written an article describing the origins of off-road cycling in the UK.
Bike Bytes
Autumn Meet
2009 Autumn Meet will be held at Bridges YH, Shropshire on Fri Oct 2 and Sat Oct 3
Bookings should be made through the General Secretary. Early bookings are advised as this has become a populsr event in the calendar.
Walna Scar and Garburn Pass
Nick Thorne at Lake District National Parks is asking for assistance in attaining some information as to the usage of Walna & Garburn Passes by cyclists prior to 1930.
If anyone is able to help with this or collect some information or suggest if any other member (perhaps not on email) who may have information, please contact our Public Relations Officer Barrie Usherwood who will pass it on to Nick.
Devon Countryside Access Forum
Set up as a statutory forum under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Devon Countryside Access Forum is currently recruiting members. Its role is to provide independent advice on issues associated with improving access to land for recreation and enjoyment and it is has a specific responsibility to advise Devon County Council, district and parish councils, the Secretaries of State for any Government Department, Natural England, the Forestry Commission, English Heritage, Sport England and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards.
If you feel that this is something you might want to join then more details can be found on their website at the concisely-named URL:www.devon.gov.uk/www.devon.gov.uk/press_countryside_access_forum_-_members
GPS and mapping issues
We'd like to offer facilities contributors to the Routes Archive to supply GPS data and/or Google Maps for users to download and/or view - further information and discussion can be found here and there's more information about using Google Maps here
Lancashire Group Update
An update on the year's events and plans for the future can be found here
Singletrack magazine
It's been pointed out to us that in the January 2008 edition of Singletrack the following comment appears in the review of the year section: Editors' Choice
"Event Of The Year: Riding with The Rough Stuff Fellowship (Singletrack issue 32) - reminded me to look up from my front wheel and consider the bigger picture..."
...and, of course, we're only too happy to offer a reciprocal plug for the magazine...;-)
Blocked Passages?
Obstructions on trails? Fallen trees? Locked gates? The CTC has launched a new service that allows cyclists to report such problems online. Councils have a duty to maintain access and if you come across problems then you can navigate to www.clearthattrail.org.uk and ensure that your complaint is noted and hopefully acted upon.
In a similar vein, potholes - and other road hazards - can be reported at www.fillthathole.org.uk so the tools are there and you're encouraged to use them...
Wiggle...
The RSF is happy to endorse Wiggle.co.uk as an online supplier of cycling equipment. A number of members have commented on the quality of service that they have received. As part of Wiggle's affiliate scheme, using the link here to connect to Wiggle's site and subsequently placing an order with them will generate some income for RSF funds at no cost to the customer. Please feel free to avail yourself of that service...
Note: in order for the affilate scheme to work for us, you must either use the link above or edit your browser's bookmark to Wiggle to include our user ID as follows: www.wiggle.co.uk/default.asp?ReferID=rsf
Alternatively, you could use the link above and then bookmark Wiggle so that it will include the user ID automagically. Having the user ID as part of your bookmark has no effect at all on the way you browse their website, it simply means that if you do choose to buy online, then they will know that you were referred through the RSF and so we will benefit as a result.
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