NEWCASTLE
PHOENIX
Newcastle Phoenix is the first go-ride club North of the
Tyne river and this factor only seemed to boost the
need for the club and the North East British Cycling
Go-Ride Coach. After originally being located on
Newcastle Town Moor, Newcastle Phoenix needed
to move their club further afield to somewhere that
provided space for their increasing membership, pacier
techniques and the ability for cyclists to ride in smaller
groups.
Steve revealed that, “Newcastle Council suggested a
move to Blakelaw Park, with the promise of a closed
road circuit, until they realised the accounts didn’t add
up.” After their move to Scotswood Excelsior Sports
Academy, Walton added that the club offered “better off
road facilities [but] was actually more restrictive as the
Centre wasn’t open when we needed it to be due to cut
backs.” But, the club made it work with their promotion
of the Cyclo-Cross in November and although it cost
the club more than it had done in the past, they secured
a National trophy which helped promote the club and
increase the membership.
Steve went on to talk about the rewarding aspects of
his role as coach in the cycling club, saying the most
satisfying feature of his role is, “giving young riders the
benefit of our years of experience and seeing them
take that advice on board and advancing their skills
massively.”
He continued that the workshops from other riders,
such as Jake Dobson who was almost certain to get
onto the ODP, have proven invaluable to young cyclists
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ISSUE 01