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The news has just arrived that Dave Rickelton became a victim of the icy road conditions last Wednesday. After falling on a bend and hitting the ground heavily he suffered 2 fractures of the femur [thigh bone], one of which is at the neck [hip joint].

Dave was airlifted to Newcastle General hospital where he’s being treated for his injuries. Let’s hope he makes as speedy a recovery as is possible in the circumstances, but these things take time. Be a patient patient Dave!

I think we cyclists probably all agree that the road treatment in and around Northumberland this year has been woefully inadequate. Even some of the major roads since New Year have been kept clear of ice only by the volume of traffic using them, and the minor roads sometimes have been almost unusable for cyclists and not good for motorists either.

Before Christmas the snow fell, the roads were treated, the rain came and washed away the grit, the roads froze worse than the first time, but where were the gritters? Authorities meeting their financial targets! There are times when road safety must override costs.

On a more positive note, the club would like to express its gratitude to and admiration for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who airlifted Dave from a remote spot west of Ryal, gave him first aid and made him comfortable en-route to hospital. It truly is a great service and has been called upon several times in recent years to rescue broken cyclists.

It’s likely that soon the club will support this service from the proceeds of event or events in the near future. Watch this space.

Posted in News.