Was it just my eyes, or did I see the sun peek through the clouds on several occasions last week? Does this mean something? Is Spring on the way?

Well, no. Friday brought us more cold and rain just in time to dash our hopes. But, checking the weather just now through the magic of the super-web, I've spotted icons of sun for the weekend. We're 'virtually' assured of cold, but clear weather.

While on the topic of things online, I hope you've all spotted our new, slick, pro Website 3000 deluxe. We hope that it does a better job of providing you the information you need about cycling in Oxford, and about us at OCW. Please check it out at www.oxfordcycleworkshop.org.uk. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them.

Quick Tip: In times of rain, water will tend to wash all of the lovely lubricating and protective oil from your bike, especially your chain. It seems that every other bicycle we see for repair in the shop has a squeaky, browning chain. Why not help it all last longer and work better by applying some oil now and again. If you leave your bike outside and/or ride it everyday, then oiling your chain once a week is not a bad idea. Remember: if something is squeaking, it needs oil.

"Be at one with the universe. If you can't do that, at least be at one with your bike." - Lennard Zinn

Happy Riding,
See you in the shop,
All at Oxford Cycle Workshop
(Further message content below).

1. New member maintenance courses
2. Wheelbuilding courses for members
3. Campaign to improve cycle facilities in Oxford
4. Cycle Crime Survey
5. Nile Charity Ride

1. NEW MEMBER MAINTENANCE COURSES

Sim will be teaching a new round of maintenance courses for members beginning on Tuesday the first of March. Availability is for members only, is free and is offered on a first come, first served basis.

Classes are from 18:30 to 20:00 at the Oxford Cycle Workshop, if possible bring your bike.

If you wish to have the courses on a different night in the future, please contact the shop.

2. WHEELBUILDING COURSES FOR MEMBERS

For the first time, OCW will be offering a course to members on wheelbuilding. That's right, YOU can build your own wheels and learn how to fix them if a spoke of rim fails. Courses, like all member courses, will be free, but attendees will be obliged to purchase, order, or bring new wheel bits from which they can build a wheel. The normal member discounts will be extended on ordered or stock items.

Members interested in the class, which will be offered in the coming weeks should contact Tom at tom@oxfordcycleworkshop.org.uk. Please indicate which nights would best suit you, and what kind of wheel (size, front or rear) you wish to build.

The course will likely be up to 3 hours in length on a weeknight, beginning at 18:30. Please note that wheelbuilding takes a bit more patience, organization, and technical skill than many things bicycle-related (that is, if you have trouble changing a puncture, you may be frustrated in this course).

OUCC members interested in the course should contact John Tuckett.

Times and dates will be sorted out when we have a complete list of those interested.

It should be fun, and at the end of it, you'll end up with a new, strong, (hopefully) round wheel!

3. CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE CYCLE FACILITIES IN OXFORD

Fed up with the lack of cycle parking in the city centre? Scared by buses, and frustrated by cycle lanes that seem to stop just when you want them most? Cyclox, the Oxford Cycling Campaign, has been going for a little over a year now - successfully organising events like Car Free Day, getting press coverage of cycling issues and lobbying the council. In that time, the range of issues on the agenda has swelled, so that the group has just reorganised itself to accommodate more people, in more campaigns, in a wider range of roles.

The next Cyclox meeting will be establishing 'sub-groups' to look at different campaigns and events. So, if you'd like to be involved, in any way from writing the occasional letter/email, to organising a whole campaign, come along and find your niche!

The meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd March, 7pm, at East Oxford Community Centre on Cowley Road (opposite Blockbuster video).

4. CYCLE CRIME SURVEY

In the near future, you will receive a survey on cycle crime. As you know, cycle crime is a big issue in Oxford, and it affects all of us who own bicycles. We would appreciate a little bit of your time to fill out the survey and return it. We are currently working with Cyclox and the County Council on methods of reducing cycle theft in Oxford. By filling out and returning the survey to us, you can help.

5. NILE CHARITY RIDE

New on the website this month appears an article on what has been dubbed the Nile Cycle Challenge 2005. It's a ride along the Nile River in Egypt for an Oxford-based charity called OSCAR (Offering Support to Children and Relatives). Refer to the website, in the Articles section for the text and information on how you can get involved, or, indeed, ride along the Nile River for charity.