Tour of Britain Stage 8 Oldham

A lot of cycling fans were over joyed when the Tour of Britain announced stage eight would be passing through all ten boroughs in Greater Manchester. We were really excited when Oldham Council (one of those ten boroughs) got in touch with us to hire the Dirt Factory Modular Pump Track and Air Bag for a special community event. The Tour of Britain 2019 was passing right by a beautiful park in the heart of Shaw, Oldham, the location was perfect.

Bike fun in the sun

Oldham Council wanted to celebrate in style, and that they did. On the day were free bike repairs, pump track and air bag action, graffiti jams, music and much more. It isn’t often that the peloton passes right by you, so to have lots of cycling disciplines all celebrating together was pretty cool.

“Thank you so much, the air bag and pump track was amazing. I’ve not seen that look on the kids eyes with any other activity we have run, they loved it! And some of the adults. Makes a fab alternative to a few cones and a ball to engage young people. Also you having bikes for kids to use so they could all have a go was also a mega plus, kids who thought they would not get a go were surprised they could – the air bag and pump track made a lot of people very happy.” E.Edwards – Community Development Officer, Neighbourhoods, Royton, Shaw & Crompton District Team

“My son was non-stop telling me (about the Air Bag) when he got in. I didn’t realise you did so much at the parks over the summer, I think its brilliant and my son really enjoyed taking part.” S. Turner, Shaw resident and parent.

There was an excellent turn out and the sun was shining, which is rare in Greater Manchester, which is one reason we operate an indoor bike park. Families, teenagers and young tots were all taking part in different activities and everyone was waiting for announcement on a big loud speaker as to when the race would be passing by. When the time came, bikes, scooters and skateboards were put to one side and generators switched off and everyone ran to the side of the road to cheer all the racers on. After a few minutes police motorbikes were whizzing by, team cars armed with spares and then a tightly packed peloton. It felt like it was all over after ten minutes before everyone realised there is still lots of fun to be had back in the park. What a great day.

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