The all-season eco-friendly sport of cycling is accelerating through the winter with a revamped diary of rides and related events.

The confidence of the

London Cycling Campaign's Croydon branch (www.croydon-lcc.org.uk) was given a boost when a record 40 riders turned up to Addiscombe Cycling Club for their monthly 40-mile easy ride and they are confident a similar level of enthusiasm with be maintained regardless of the temperature.

Addiscombe Cycling Club can be contacted at www.addiscombe.org, webmaster@addiscombecc.freeserve.co.uk

To help get even more people out there cycling, the Croydon campaign has released the following dates:

Saturday rides kick off at 9am at Coulsdon South BR

station going through Surrey lanes to Charlwood - back for lunchtime with average speeds of 16-17 mph.

Sunday rides spin off at 9am also from Coulsdon South BR - negotiating some hilly rides to Westerham.

Off road rides go every Sunday at 10am meeting at East Croydon Station - for semi-serious mountain bikers.

Following a ride from Purley Station to Charlwood via Hemfold at 9am on December 16, late afternoon has been designated for a period of rest with the Cyclists & Walkers Christmas Carol Service at the only church in Charlwood, at 4pm.

Then on December 30, riders will meet in Shirley for two levels of riding to Otford and Stone Street.

January 6 will bring riders together again at Purley with an easy pace to Edenbridge and Cowden and a trek for the more seasoned to Abinger and Wimland. Contact David Harris on 020 8771 4219.

Anerley Bicycle Club has organised the following cycle rides on Sundays starting at 9am from Purley Dump, Sharrocks Depot, with the option of turning back at 11am or carrying on until lunch.

December 16 takes riders to Ide Hill Craft Centre, December 23 to Puccino's in Dorking, December 30 to Bocketts Farm and on Tuesday, January 1 there will be a 10.30am ride to Mickleham. Contact Geraldine on 020 8556 7063.

Croydon Cycling Campaign invites residents on Wednesday, December 12 and on Wednesday, January 9, to a group meeting at 8pm upstairs in the club room at the Spread Eagle, Katherine Street.

On Thursday, December 27 a social evening kicks off at 8pm upstairs in the no-smoking area also at the Spread Eagle. Contact Austen on 020 8760 9883.

At 1pm-4pm on Sunday, January 6 Greenwich Cyclists will be taking over Herne Hill velodrome for anyone from anywhere who wants to learn to ride a fixed wheel no-brake track bike.

A collection will cover the cost of hiring the velodrome, a trainer and the track bikes.

Contact Barry on 020 7232 0444 or the velodrome direct on 020 7737 4647.

To publicise your cycling club, cycle rides or other pedal power related events, contact Liz Mincer on 020 8681 7600 or liz@croydon-lcc.org.uk

December 13, 2001 14:30