Rangers
I have dedicated this page to the Sustrans Rangers who give up their time to maintain and promote NCR 45. If you are a Ranger on 45 and would like to have an entry on here or if you would like an email address yourname@ncr45mercianway.co.uk please contact me.
Route Forum at Google Groups
I also wanted to include a forum where those interested could raise topics for discussion and circulate information to all. To that end I have set up a 'Group' on Google at Google Groups. Please subscribe to this group we all have an interest in NCR45 and this is the only way at present of sharing that interest. Subscribe to Group.
Using this 'Group' it is also possible to send an email to all subscribers by sending to email ncr45mercianway@googlegroups.com
Become a Sustrans Voluntary Ranger
If you want to become a Sustrans Ranger and help with NCR45 or any other Route you can contact this Site, any of the Rangers on here, or apply to Sustrans Volunteer Rangers.
Ranger Profiles
Geoff Shinner – NCR 45 Little Wenlock to Coalport – NCR 55 Coalport to Telford town centre.
Here in Telford we have many miles of cycle routes both NCR (45, 55 & 81) together with local routes, so there is plenty of scope with varying terrain for both the occasional cyclist and those who prefer a challenge. A fair amount of these are off road or on quiet lanes.
I have lived in this area for over 30 years, but have been cycling here for over 40 years. I started when I lived in Tipton, (West Midlands) before I was old enough to hold a driving license. My Grandfather gave me an old Hercules bike with dropped handle bars and epicyclical 3 speed hub gears. After a bit of rebuilding this gave me the freedom to travel as far as I liked. I used to travel anything up to 80 miles in day and still continued to do so after moving to Telford. The old bike eventually wore out after many years of service and was replaced with a 10 speed racing bike, much lighter, which I later converted to 15 speed.
Now I have a standard mountain bike, to which I have added mudguards, panniers and a water bottle. Initially it had 10 gears, but I have since converted it to 15, which makes hill climbing easier. I do not cycle such long distances these days, 30 miles in a day is quite far enough.
I am a member of a local historical society. Cycling around is an ideal way to do research, take photographs and to plan routes for society walks. Far more ground can be covered than is possible in the same time by either driving or walking.
I joined Sustrans 3 years ago following an appeal in the Telford Journal for more Rangers. As route 55 passes my house within quarter of a mile and I was already using it regularly, I thought that I may as well volunteer. The Ranger duties have added another interest to my cycling without really adding any additional time commitment as I can combine these with historical research on the same outing.
Contact Geoff at email geoffshinner@ncr45mercianway.co.uk
Mike Clarke Shawbury to Harthill
Being a Voluntary Ranger for Sustrans gives me an added interest to my cycle trips. Over 40 years of cycling experience in North Shropshire and South Cheshire have given me a very good knowledge of the area. About four years ago I began to have problems with my leg and cycling became difficult. I then found the PowaByke and being able to use the electric power assistance has made a big difference not only by reducing the physical strain but also giving me the confidence to go that bit further. You do not have to be a super fit gold medal winner to enjoy the National Cycle Network or the unique perspectives gently cycling along can give. I do think that steps could be taken to make the National Cycle Network more appealing to more people, leaving aside the millions it would cost for dedicated cycle ways; how about a reduced speed limit for the NCR, how about a public information programme to advise motorists that a different driving behaviour should be expected on the NCR; it is not always about cash. I like cycling in all weather except strong winds and heavy ice or snow. Many people come to cycling today inspired by the sporting image and measure their day in the number of miles and hours, for me as a youngster, a bike was the only means of transport available, and the only way of getting out and exploring. I still use my bike in that way; there is always something new to see. I am only one of a number of Sustrans Rangers who keep an eye on the NCN, and as I live at Whitchurch I cover NCR45 south from there to Shawbury and North to Harthill.
To find out more contact Mike Clarke at email mikeclarke@ncr45mercianway.co.uk
