Interesting Things

£50 million is up for grabs from the Big Lottery Fund and it could be invested in cycling and walking across the UK but only if you really want it.

Sustrans needs you to vote for Connect2 , one of four projects competing on ITV1 in the Big Lottery Fund’s: The People’s £50 Million Contest with the winner decided by public vote. Online voting will open on 26th November at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and telephone voting takes place over the weekend 7th-10th December.

Do one of the following today so that they can remind you how and when to vote.

• Text CONNECT2 to 80010
• Complete the online form at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk (also has more information about the projects) or
• Call 0845 058 1373 to leave your contact details.

Go on then…..

Follow this link for information on ‘local boy done good’ story, Martin Ogden.  Also known as ‘Oggy’ he’s won a bunch of races and can drink a steaming hot brew in double quick time.  Vicebikes (here) and Oggy have been in cahoots over a beautiful 4X/free-ride signature stem which is available from the store at £50.  Phone for more details/availability.

Ever wondered who the patron saint of cyclists is?  Wonder no more, it’s this lady right here:

The Madonna del Ghisallo.  This is an extract from ‘The Tablet’, 14th July 2007.

“According to legend, the medieval Count Ghisallo was attacked by bandits while travelling near the village of Magreglio in Lombardy, northern Italy, when he spotted an image of the Virgin Mary in a roadside shrine and ran towards it.  He was miraculously saved from the robbers and, as the story spread, the Madonna del Ghisallo became known as the patroness of local travellers.  A chapel in her honour was built at the top of a steep hill overlooking Lake Como, and quickly became popular with cyclists who would stop to rest and say a prayer at the shrine.  In 1949, Pope Pius XII declared the Madonna del Ghisallo the patroness of cyclists.  The chapel itself has become equal part religious shrine and cycling museum filled with artefacts and photos connected to the sport, including the leader jerseys won by past winners of the Tour de France and its Italian counterpart, the Giro d’Italia.”

Now you know.