Wheels For All at Watchtree
What We Do
Thank you
The Watchtree Wheelers staff, volunteers and beneficiaries would like to thank everyone who voted for us during the ITV/Border Peoples millions programmes. The funds gained from this have now been used to create our superb cycle track and many new groups and individuals will benefit from it for years to come.
We would also like to thank the following organisations for there support:
- CN Group
- Cumbria Community Foundation
- Comic Relief
- Together we can
- Carlisle Healthy Networks
- Cycling Projects
- Sustrans
- Cumbria County Council
And all of the local businesses that have donated prizes and sold tickets or calendars for us during 2009.
The Watchtree Wheelers Cycle Centre is a newly established group for All disabled and disadvantaged people. Our aim is to provide facilities, equipment and leadership to promote cycling for disabled and disadvantaged people. The benefits of cycling for for those who are disabled and disadvantaged people are easily recognised: as well as being a great form of gentle exercise cycling helps to improve balance, co-ordination and confidence within a group activity. Cycling promotes social inclusion, friendship and team work.
We are situated within Watchtree Nature Reserve near Carlisle and are part members of the larger charity "Cycling projects - Wheels for All".
We are independently funded through donations and grants from various different trusts and charitable organisations. However the National Lottery Peoples Millions initially funded the centre with a £50,000 grant in 2008.
Paralympic Gold medalist Aileen McGlynn and Nature Reserve Manager Tim Lawrence
leading the first official Watchtree Wheelers Cycle ride
Sessions and Trails
All sessions are led by a qualified instructor and the focus is always on fun. Sessions take place either on our Cycling training area adjacent to the visitors centre or on our purpose built Watchtree Wheelers Cycle Trail. The trail is a 1 mile long traffic free route and takes riders on a tour around the wetlands and hay meadows, two bird hides are easily accessible from the trail providing a unique combination of cycling and exploring within this fantastic Nature Reserve. We are currently working on a second trail which will link the current one with our woodland area.
Our Fleet
We have a varied fleet of 14 adapted cycles including trikes, hand operated trikes, two seaters and much more (see leaflet for full list). These bikes are suitable for a variety of different abilities and disabilities including; Cerebral Palsy, Austic Spectrum, Obesity issues, Downs Syndrome, Mobility Impairment, Impaired vision, Coordination or balance and almost all physical disabilities. Many of the bikes offer independent riding for the client however some are assisted by the session leader or carer. The veloplus cycle is unique in that untransferable wheel chair users can access the cycle without leaving the wheelchair.
We also have a fleet of normal "step over" bikes which can be used for family, friends or carers to accompany the riders during a session.
Contact
If you'd like to find out more or make a booking please contact Ryan Dobson on the details below:
Tel: 01228 712539 or 0775 897 3529
Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd
Nr Wiggonby
Carlisle
Cumbria CA5 6NL