2006 'Tour de Presteigne'

Published by webmaster for Broad Sheep in Communities

1hour Electric Bike Endurance Rally & Conference

Saturday May 6th & Sunday May 7th

Part of Eco-Event 2006

On the weekend of May 6th and 7th the small Welsh border town of Presteigne will play host to one of the first National events for power assisted electric bikes. In conjunction with Presteigne’s Eco - Event now in its third year there will be a display of electric bikes by manufacturers and importers, with a chance for the public to have a ride on one. On Saturday afternoon there will be a discussion about the future of power assisted bikes and on Sunday afternoon at 2pm a Grand, one hour, twenty lap rally around the picturesque streets of Presteigne.

The rally is aimed at amateur electric bike enthusiasts. Organiser Pete Mustill is urging anyone of any age or fitness who owns an electric bike or who would like to build one, to sign up straightaway for a chance to join the fun. The event will give the public a chance to see the bikes in action and should get pretty exciting in its later stages as competitors batteries begin to run out of juice. The tortoises might well triumph over the hares. Pete describes the event as being ‘A cross between The Tour De France (only slower and without the performance enhancing drugs) and The Monaco Grand Prix (only without the noise and yachts)’. The town’s excellent selection of pubs cafes and restaurants are all on the route and should provide the perfect vantage points to watch the action.

This years Eco Event has the theme of ‘Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources’

So this is the ideal place to draw attention to the fact that the average car journey in Britain is less than 9 miles. The electric power assisted bike might well be the best form of transport to tempt car owners out of their vehicles for short journeys while addressing some of the concerns about global warming and dwindling fossil fuel reserves.

There are already the beginnings of an expansion in the sales of electric bikes in Britain with new models appearing for sale every month. Power-assisted electric bicycles are ordinary bicycles with a battery and small motor attached. Provided the machines do not weigh more than 40kg, provide more than 250 watts of power, or go faster than 15mph, they are legally treated as ordinary bicycles. The rider is not obliged to wear a helmet or pay for insurance, road tax or MOT testing. Power-assisted bicycles (also known as Pedelecs) are now almost as popular as small motorcycles in the UK.

If you would like to know more find out about accomodation or if you would like to take part get in touch now with Pete Mustill 01544 267163 or email: broadsheep@aol.com

Schedule of electric bike events at the Presteigne Eco Weekend

Saturday

The main venue for the weekend is The Rodd a 16th century manor house and farm just outside Presteigne on the Kington road. Stallholders and Exhibitors will be able to set up from 8am to be ready by 10.30am. It will open to the public at 11 and exhibitors will be asked not to pack up till 5pm. Equipment can be left on site but everyone should leave by 7pm.

At 4.30pm there will be an electric bike meeting in the library on the topic ‘The average car journey is less than 9 miles. How can we wean the public off short car journeys and on to electric bikes?’ This discussion will involve manufacturers, importers, and retailers of electric bikes, alongside David Henshaw from A to B magazine; Dave Thomlinson from Wasteless Society; riders and the general public.

On Saturday night there will be a cabaret style music event at the Legion in Presteigne starting at 8.30pm and featuring blues and country trio Luke, Mills and Jackson and female folk funsters Ember. Entry £5 tickets on sale during the day or on the door.

Sunday

The event at the Rodd will be open again from 11am – 5pm

12 o clock Competitors and trade exhibitors can begin to set up in Broad Street in the centre of Presteigne. Tables and chairs and power points can be provided.

The rally starts in Broad St at 2pm. It finishes at 3pm in the High St.

3.15pm photo opportunity and prizes presented by Councillor Colin Kirkby in Broad Street

Fees for participants and exhibitors

£20 for a stall, chairs, tables and a power point under cover all weekend at the Rodd and on Sunday in Broad Street for the rally.

£10 for stall, table, chair and powerpoint just on the Sunday

£5 Competitors for the rally includes entry numbers and access to a power point in Broad Street

Ends

Press release issued: April 17 2006