Well here we are in the darkest days of winter, cycling is all waterproofs, lights and mudguards. But it's only 4 days until the solstice, then the days start getting longer. And 4 more until Christmas. If you haven't bought all your presents yet, we've got a few gift ideas in this message.

Top December maintenance tip? Treat your lights to some new (or rechargeable) batteries. Often when the batteries are low your lights will seem fine when you first switch them on, but dim after a couple of minutes, so look at how bright they are when you come to a stop. Also, keep your tyres pumped up so they feel hard - this is a bad time of year for punctures and properly pumped tyres will deflect most road debris (see below for pumps).

We couldn't find a Christmas cycling quote, but having seen the wonderful 'Cyclemas Tree' in Gloucester Green we thought this would bring a smile: "Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world." - Grant Peterson

With that thought, may we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. (Further message content below).

See you in the shop,
All at Oxford Cycle Workshop

1. Christmas opening schedule
2. Gift ideas for cyclists (and non-cyclists)
3. New round of lessons in January

1. CHRISTMAS OPENING SCHEDULE

We will be open as normal until Thurs 23rd December. Friday 24th (Christmas Eve) we will open from 9.30 - 12noon We will then be closed until Tuesday 4th January, when normal hours will resume.

2. GIFT IDEAS FOR CYCLISTS (AND NON-CYCLISTS)

We have a new range of what can best be described as 'gizmos' from 'True Utility'. Key ring pens, pens with torches built in, penknives and multi-tools, lighters and more. They're all beautifully designed and finished in brushed steel, with prices from £3.50 to £30. Ideal presents for those difficult people for whom you can never work out what to get!

Don't forget we have our usual range of lights, gloves and reflectives - always useful. The funky Cateye mini LED lights that have a little elastic to hook them onto anything make a great present - you can use them as an extra back up, or a camping torch etc., the magnetic switch makes them fun to play with and they're just £10. Our gloves start from £5.75.

A quality pump makes a great gift too. Our Blackburn pumps come with a lifetime guarantee, and they'll get your tyres to a proper working pressure (which the old style pumps with screw-in connectors just won't manage). Prices start from £10. Or how about buying a track pump as a gift for a whole cycling family? Keep it in the garage or shed and it'll take the hard work out of hard tyres! We've got a basic SKS model for just £12, or a Blackburn for £20.

Finally, how about giving a gift membership? Do you know someone who's always meaning to get around to learning to fix their bike? Or someone who does but doesn't have the tools or space? (Maybe your partner likes to fix their bike in the kitchen and you'd rather not have nuts and bolts in the cornflakes or oil in your tea?) Give them membership of Oxford Cycle Workshop, the gift that keeps on giving, and they'll get lessons, the use of our workshop and discounts in the shop.

3. NEW ROUND OF LESSONS IN JANUARY

As usual booking is first come first served. However, if you do book, please try to turn up. We turned several people away from the last course, and then some of those that booked failed to turn up, which is a shame.

Tuesday 18th January - Introduction/ punctures
Tuesday 25th January - Bearings/wheels
Tuesday 1st February - Brakes
Tuesday 8th February - Gears All lessons from 6.30pm - 8pm

Although the cost of the course is included in your membership fee, you do need to book in advance,as places on each course are limited. At the end of these course we'll have a break and then run them again, on different nights. If you can't make it on a particular night, please let us know as we may be waiting for you, and numbers permitting, you may be able to catch up on a missed lesson by sitting in on another class.

Dom