Eagle-eyed visitors to Clitterhouse Farm in Willesden will have spotted a recent addition: a shed that’s the brand new home of Cycletastic. They’re a volunteer-led project that both fixes your bike and teaches you how to fix them too!

But the shed isn’t the only new arrival – with summer making way for autumn, rain is also back on the menu. Great for plants (including the many veggies being grown at the farm) but maybe not so brilliant for attendees who don’t want mud all over their footwear.

What was needed was some kind of natural cover for the ground. And that’s where GoodGym came in, rolling out a red (well, brown) carpet of wood chips for the Cycletastic crew.

Braving the September showers, Tabitha, Pete, Josh and Chris got to work shifting the chips from their original pile to all around the shed. Only breaking occasionally to seek shelter from the heaviest of downpours, the team diligently shovelled the chips into waiting wheelbarrows, ready to be rolled to their destination.

Before they knew it, the previously plain ground was decked out in a thick rug of wood chips – all set for the many feet (and wheels) coming its way.

The workshop with Achilles International was a powerful and eye-opening experience (literally!). We were blindfolded to simulate what it’s like to run without sight, which really helped us understand the level of trust and communication needed between a guide and a visually impaired runner.

We then took turns guiding and being guided during short runs, learning the ropes—quite literally! The team also walked us through different types of visual impairments and how to tailor our support depending on the individual's needs.

It was informative, inspiring, and left all of us with a deeper appreciation for accessible running and the strength of the Achilles community. Huge thanks to the organisers and participants!