Sunday 6th September saw the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's first 'Pedal' sponsored cycle ride, an event which follows the lead of WACT's long-established annual 'Poddle' sponsored walk.

Like the Poddle, the Pedal's aim is to raise funds for the restoration of the canal link between the River Wey near Guildford and the South Coast. The first Pedal attracted 22 cyclists to the route, following mostly bridleways including the Downs Link and the canal towpath. Between them, the riders gathered pledges amounting to more than £1000.

The cyclists followed a figure-of-eight route, covering about 30 miles, including stretches of canal between Bramley, where the route started and finished, and Loxwood. The front runners completed the ride in just under four hours.

Event organiser Simon Clark said: "The weather was ideal for cycling, dry with little wind but not too warm. The riders all seemed to enjoy the event and the mostly off-road route. Overall, the ride is likely to raise over £1000 for the Trust, a great effort given the experimental nature of this first event."

The highlight of the day was a visit to Loxwood Lock, opened earlier this year as part of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's ambitious project to reinstate the canal beneath the B2133 road in Loxwood. The new lock was necessary in order to lower the water level and enable boats to pass under the newly-constructed road bridge. This project, costing £1.8 million, is one of the largest and most expensive anywhere in the country to be undertaken by a volunteer canal trust.

WACT is grateful to St Catherine's School for providing facilities at the start/finish, to the Trust members who provided refreshments and support, and to all the riders for their superb efforts.

Note for editors:
The Wey & Arun Canal, "London's lost route to the sea" was originally opened in 1816 between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, and Pallingham, near Pulborough, the head of navigation of the River Arun. It closed in 1871, due to railway competition. Since the 1970s the 23-mile waterway has been the subject of a campaign by volunteers to restore the route to navigation. Work has been undertaken in a number of locations, most notably the stretch near the Sussex/Surrey border at Loxwood. Over two miles in length, this includes four working locks, two public road crossings, an aqueduct, two farm bridges, and numerous minor works, all built or rebuilt through voluntary effort. Boat trips are available on this stretch, onboard several craft, including the new 60-seater electric Wiggonholt.

Further information can be obtained from the Wey and Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: pr@weyandarun.co.uk.

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.