Cut back, cut back, cut back to where you once belonged

In an attempt to try to avoid litterpicking two weeks running Huw had been in touch with the National Cycle Network to gain permission to cut back some of the overgrowing trees and vegetation that encroaches onto the cycle paths.

Near one of our prime litter pick haunts there was a substantial patch of overgrowth where, with a few tools we could make a big difference. So, I rustled up a few said tools and Mel duly brought them along in the car to the meeting point in Slater St.

The running contingent were a little early arriving so we had a snoop at the Leicester Cycle Speedway Track nearby - a couple of the ladies admitted to not knowing it even existed, I think they were even more surprised when we revealed just how long it had been there. Jim casually mentioned - perhaps we could do a task for them some time? - More of that later!!!

Mel arrived and we got tooled up and set to work on a particularly low hanging set of branches.

A discussion ensued about what to do with the clippings and it was Jim with his knowledge of volunteering on similar activities with Leicester City Council who showed us that the thing to do was make a tidy pile in the hedge and back from the path - not only does the stuff decompose obscurely but also it makes a safe haven for bugs and other wildlife.

With the first bit done I went in search of other overhangs and didnt take long to find more prime clipping sites.

Mel and Michaela clocked that once again the site had become a bit of a litter tip so they decided to set to work with the pickers as we had a big enough lopping squad - later they were joined by Sharon and between them, even in just a few short minutes 4 full bags were collected.

Lisette and Stu proved a dab hand with the loppers and in all seriousness the risk of a cyclist getting a poke in the eye around there now has been substantially reduced.

As ever the team needed to be dragged away from the task "just one more branch Dave" - "Just this one more crisp bag" etc.

And then we spied activity at the Cycle Speedway. Jim and I went over for another snoop and told the GoodGym tale to a bloke called Craig "Ooh free?" he said "I'll have some of that". "You can come anytime" he said "Yes I can get you a key cut" he said!!! - High potential of some worthwhile tasks there - weeding, painting, who knows - contact info will be winging its way to Huw in due course.

So with everyone rounded up we set off back but stopped of at Rally Park for a short fitness session. In an homage to our Trainer Huw and to the triumphant England Cricket Team we did a repeat of the bowlers sprint exercise that Huw first introduced us to at the cricket club task - 8 reps, 22 yard sprints - on a warm night it left everyone feeling energised.

Just time for the short jog back to base then a collective round of applause for Stu who did his 50th Group Run tonight.

Great work Stu and well done to all tonight