EPIKS epic event held at the community centre on Sunday 1st August 

Kirkburton Parish Council invited EPIKS https://epiks.org.ukto bring their E-bikes to various spots around the parish so people could give them a go. On Sunday 1st August they brought their road show to the Yetton Community Centre on Fields Way.

It began off a bit wet but that did not deter about 10 people who were shown how the bikes worked, had a practice around the yard and then were escorted on a trial run around the village.

I was on tea and coffee duty (Thanks to Yetton for generously opening the kitchen and providing the biscuits!) but in a lull between visitors I decided to have a go!

I hadn’t been on a bike for at least 10 years, and that was on holiday in Cornwall (flat ride) and before that I used to pedal happily around the flatlands of Norfolk, but cycling round these hills? You are joking!

I was lent a helmet and high vizz before one of the EPIKS team gave me a quick lesson on the gears. I did a few laps of the yard to get the feel of the bike then the Cycle instructor put my battery assist on HIGH and we set off up Fields Way. We turned up Moorside and, as we climbed the hill I did notice my legs a bit but I wasn’t even puffed at the top! We flew round the top road and free wheeled back down New Road. I was enjoying it so much we decided to do another lap. This was brilliant!  A trip into town would be easy and I would definitely consider a longer tour.

Epiks are now setting up a bike library so anyone in the Kirkburton ward can borrow a bike for a fortnight and give ita really good test. Should you decide to take the plunge after that I think a new bike cost £2000 – 4000.

 

Cllr Clare Walters