I had Reggie serviced after last summer’s Tarifa to Nordkapp cycle at my new local bike shop here in the Calder Valley, Blazing Saddles in Hebden Bridge. Alas, along with many other businesses in the valley towns of Elland, Sowerby Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, Blazing Saddles was washed out by the Boxing Day floods. I was in Hebden Bridge last week and many shops – including Blazing Saddles – remain closed for drying out, repair and restocking… But Calderdale is indeed rising! If you in the area, here’s one way in which you can help out:

“A Big Thursday Treat – many people have had a tough time since Christmas, and there’s not been that much to smile about, so we thought you definitely deserved a night out!  Join us for delicious local beer and be inspired and motivated by incredible athletes whose resilience and determination in times of great challenge are an example to everyone. Come and help us make it a memorable evening.  The Very Special Event will be held in the shop – it’s been empty too long now and we’re looking forward to filling the space with people having a good time.  There will also be a Cycling Themed Auction with some very desirable donated Goodies. (Not the 70s comedians) Tickets are £5 and advance ticket proceeds will go to Calderdale Rising.”

Tickets are available from Eventbite – here’s the link.

More details (from the Calderdale Cycle Hub Facebook page):

A Very Special Event

Kicking off at 7:00pm with local Bridestones beers, hand-pulled by our friend Martin from ‘Drink?’
It’s really hard to find words to describe the Very Special Guests who are coming to tell their tales. They’ve offered their time to show their support for us all, and if you’ve ever felt at all demotivated, this is the event for you.
Steve has sent very short bios of the guys so if you want a eads up before the event, please take a look. We’d like to fill the shop with people so if you’re free, please come and support us. And Please Share! ‪#‎stpremier‬Calderdale Cycle Hub Welcome to Yorkshire

The Bios

David Smith MBE – The Balance Between Passion and Obsession

David has spent his whole life with the dream of representing Great Britain at an Olympic level. For the London Games 2012 David got his opportunity in the Para mixed coxed fours rowing boat. Winning a Gold medal he certainly made his opportunely count! However hearing David’s story of his road to the games and the health problems he faces will simply leave you in awe of this great athlete.

Jon Gildea – Being 100%

Jon is no stranger to the valley. Spending plenty of time hammering down the trails on his Mountain Bike. A former junior rider for Team Kona and Great Britain Jon had both success on the Mountain and Cross bike however in a mountain bike accident left Jon with serve nerve damage in his left leg and was told he would never ride a bike again. Jon is the current Para-Cycling C5 National TT Champion and has won numerous medals on the track and road.

Adam Duggleby – A Life in the Saddle

From a young age Adam has shown promise as a talented road and track rider. He was a member of the junior Great Britain Team Pursuit Squad which included Ed Clancy and Mark Cavendish. Adam chose to leave cycling heading to university and a career in accounting. Adam was recalled by British Cycling 3 years ago to pilot a tandem for visually impaired rider Steve Bate. Adam is a elite road racer and one of the top Time Trial riders in the country.

Steve Bate – Clear Vision

Steve has aways loved the outdoors and was following his dream of becoming a highly qualified Climbing instructor until the diagnosis of a an eye condition took away his drivers licence and dream. Steve was told he could be blind in 5 years so he set his goals on solo climbing El Capitan a 3000ft rock face in Yosemite valley, California. Taking 6 days he became the first visually impaired person to achieve this. Steve’s next goal is the Rio Paralympic Games riding a tandem with pilot Adam Duggleby.

Jaco VanGass – From Poles to Pedals

A young war veteran Jaco came close to death as a Para Trooper in Afghanistan. After 11 operations and a long rehab Jaco has run marathons, completed an iron man, walking to the North Pole and climbed some of the highest mountains in the world despite losing his left arm and having lost most of the muscle from his left leg. Jaco is a double gold Invectus Games medalist, C4 National Road and Time Trail Champion and a huge inspiration to all he meets.