The Handcycling Association of the United Kingdom

Handbike racing in Europe is fast, furious and lots of fun. It’s also really easy to enter and everyone is welcome, so what are you waiting for – get yourself out there! Read Jimmy Goddard's step-by-step guide here.

Dear Athletes,

we have been in contact today with the police and the municipality as last attempt from our side to find a solution for our race itinerary but it seems that things are getting harder and more complicated. So we discussed this issue with our headquarter in ZHO and internally in the club and we came to the hard decision of cancelling the race this year better than accepting risky itineraries with very low standards and disappointing to our athletes, officials, media and observers, and that will also harm the image and reputation of the EHC. We kindly request those who already registered in the race to cancel their bookings. Our organizing committee will assume the responsibility of reimbursing any fees related to the tickets cancellation after receiving the invoices from the travel agents of those who already bought their tickets. On behalf of the LOC, I would like to express our deep sadness and disappointment of losing this great opportunity of hosting the first race of the EHC in 2012 in Al Ain, and we will keep working very hard to make this happen in the future with more guarantees and commitment from the city Council and the police. Thank you very much for your understanding.

For further information, the athletes should contact the organizers on:
alaindis@eim.ae

With my kindest regards

Tarek Souei
LOC Al Ain

You can read the documents produced to support our organised road riding events here. Even if you don't have time to look at all of these, it is recommended that you read the Guidance for Group Road Cycling as it contains tips and safety information that you should be aware of before going on the road on your handcycle.

_You can now register on-line for the EHC events in Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) and Rosenau (France) here.

_Transport for London have proposed a new traffic order. Section 10 includes the following, “No person shall cause any vehicle drawn by horses or other animals, or drawn or propelled by hand to enter the tunnel .” This sounds like handcycles would be banned, even though pedal cycles are not banned.

We took up this issue with Transport for London and the good news is that the wording refers to legislation that dates back to 1949. We are assured by Terry Jennings (project manager) that, “'Drawn & Propelled' in usual jargon means pull & push & relates to hand-carts...TfL does not differentiate between hand-cyclists nor any other type of cyclist. So you may rest assured that cyclists of all kinds may continue to enjoy using the Tunnel freely.” Further he will be pleased to help raise awareness of handcycling with the London Tunnels Review forum.

_ Andrew Chamings details what you need to think about before trying to go off-road on a handbike here 

Four videos of new member Chris Jones on his aMTB. See them here.

Read Geoff's account of fitting front and rear mudguards to his shark here.

Read the Chairman's thoughts for the Association for the coming year here.

A guide to winter handbiking focusing on what to wear. Read the guide here.

This years racing calendar which includes UK and European events can be seen here.

_In 2012 the Vuelta Playa Blanca races will be held on 11th and 12 February but most handcyclists travel out the week before for some winter training in the sun. A number  have already booked for 2012 - training through the winter doesn’t seem so bad when you have a training camp to keep fit for! Read Marc's 2011 report here.

2011 was a good year for male and female British Handcyclists racing in Europe. Read about the highlights of the series here.

_Congratulation to Chris Madden, Rob Wickam and Brian Aldis who took the top three places in this year’s British Cycling Disability Series.  Read more here.

Preparation for the RAAM continues at Tedworth House with continuing Handcycling UK support. Read about it here.

Six handcylists met up in Church Stretton for a challenging ride over the Long Mynd.
Read more about the day here.

Read about the weekend here which included a ride up the old national hill climb course at Beamsley.

Three days of handcycling in and around Lancaster - read about the weekend here.

HandcyclingUK visit Headley Court to introduce handcycling to injured military personnel. Read the article here.