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				CTC Birthday Rides.
				In the 1970s CTC decided to run a week-long cycling holiday as a build up to a big celebration on the CTC centenary in 1978.The idea was so successful that it has continued ever since and become one of CTC's main annual events.. Ussually about 1000 cyclists gather for the week the 5th August falls in, which was the date the CTC was founded in Harrogate in 1878. There is always a garden party, known as 'The Birthday Tea' on the 5th, attended by the cyclists, local dignitaries and visitors from the area.
				The Birthday rides move around the country so that local groups can showcase their area. Volunteers plan out hundreds of miles of routes from short family jaunts to challenge rides, and the routes themselves become a permanent legacy of the week. IN 2003, the CTC's 125th Anniversary, celebrations culminate at the Hardy Rides hosted by the Wessex District Association in Dorset. Record temperatures and record numbers made it a week to remember. The 2004 Birthday Rides, organised by Manchester DA, were the Peak Rides near Bakewell in Derbyshire. See our gallery and www.ctcbirthdayrides.org. Competitions were introduced 2 years ago, especially aimed at children. In 2003 British Schools Cycling Association ran a week long set of children's fun events on a closed site and in 2004 a week long touring skills competition for all ages based on the national DATC competition was held. These events have proved to be very popular and have helped generate a tremendous atmosphere. Negotiating arrangements for the 2005 rides are underway and 2006 has already been bid for by CTC Scotland. They are planning to host it in the Dumfries area amidst beautiful and undiscovered terrain.