WYLAM on wheels 2022 - what happened last year!

 Wylam on Wheels 2022 - A Huge Success

The weekend of 17th / 18th September 2022 saw the success of cycling events in Wylam: Wylam on Wheels and Waggonway on Wheels. Over 250 cyclists took part with all ages and abilities included. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make both events such a success. 

Local cycling group, the Wylam Sprockets, organised Wylam on Wheels with the option of either a shorter 25km cycle or a more challenging 60km route which included Hedley on the Hill! Refreshments were provided at feed stations in Bywell and on Kiln Pit Hill, and all cyclists were rewarded by a fantastic home-made afternoon tea on the Jubilee Playing Field. The atmosphere was fantastic and there was excellent entertainment from local band, The Wild Women of Wylam.

The event was generously supported by many residents of the village. The afternoon tea was particularly impressive with a wide range of delicious cakes baked by numerous local volunteers. A huge thanks to the Spar who provided major sponsorship for the event. All entry fees were donated to the Wylam Community Playing Fields Association, who are responsible for the upkeep of the Jubilee Playing Field. In total £5000 was raised which was a great effort!

Waggonway on Wheels, an event designed to promote inclusivity within cycling, marked out a 3 mile route along the Waggonway, towards Newburn. The route finished in the Stephenson Arms campsite field and participants were welcomed with music from the Sunshine Paneers Steel Band and talented local singer, Hannah Stanton. There was also a display of electric bikes. The event was supported by the Prudhoe charity, Cycling Without Age, who provided free rides in their amazing trishaw bikes. There were also a range of adapted bicycles, borrowed form Newburn Leisure Centre, which were suitable for abilities.

The events aimed to encourage cycling for all and has put Wylam on the cycling map! The youngest cyclist was only two years old and the oldest 89!  Many were new to cycling and others dusted down their bike from the garage and got cycling for the first time in years. Hopefully, we will continue to see many out on their bikes enjoying the fresh air and our beautiful countryside. After the success of this inaugural event, we hope to organise more cycling activities next year.