28th Apr 2026
The Linmere Cycling Hub hosted its first Cycling Survival Workshop recently, welcoming local cyclists of mixed experience levels, to The Farmstead, for a fun and practical Cycling Survival Workshop, designed to help riders feel more confident tackling longer rides this summer.
The 2-hour workshop focused on essential roadside repair skills and emergency fixes that could help cyclists get home safely or reach a bike shop if mechanical problems occur while out riding.
Participants were guided through a wide range of common cycling issues, including how to properly repair a puncture, deal with split tyres and snapped chains, lubricate chains correctly, and temporarily fix damaged wheels. The session also covered more advanced scenarios such as mech hanger failures, broken spokes, snapped cables, and derailleur damage.
“Changing the school drop-off routine does require making more time for your journey, to and from school. However, the route from The Farmstead to Thornhill School takes a matter of minutes and is mostly free of motorised traffic. The journey also helps pupils get energised for the day, especially if the weather’s good. The hope is we can ‘nudge’ changes in journeying behaviour, to take the time and make use of the sustainable journey links, through Linmere. The scheme’s just started and we’re already seeing families arriving at ROAM cafe, each morning, to collect their stamps. So far, the response has been encouraging.”
To launch the scheme, the Linmere Delivery Team attended Thornhill School Assembly, to present the video and distribute collector cards, assisted by Central Bedfordshire Council’s sustainability champion, Freddie the Fresh Air Frog, who created quite the impact!
Participants get practical advice on repairing a snapped chain.
The workshop attracted cyclists from around the region, with many attending to build confidence ahead of longer summer rides, charity events and group cycling events. Attendees also received advice on the most useful tools and spare parts to carry during longer journeys.
Following positive feedback and strong interest, the Cycling Hub Team have confirmed the workshop will return for a second session on shortly, giving more local cyclists the opportunity to develop valuable maintenance and survival skills on the road.
The workshop achieved a solid ‘thumbs-up’ from attendees.
We edited a video from the workshop, so that anyone interested in joining the next session, gets an idea of what to expect. It was a fun session, with lots of valuable advice, with a solid ‘thumbs–up’ from everyone who attended!
Look out for news on our social channels, for the next session!
