Becky Nokes of Llangollen's Drosi Bikes gives an account of the recent special event at the Town Hall which saw the screening of iconic bike film Chasing The Sun and a discussion by some powerful advocates on how the bicycle can be a a strong force for good ....
"On a winter’s evening in Llangollen, the Town Hall was filled with something special: warmth, conversation, inspiration — and a shared belief that the humble bicycle can be a powerful force for good.
"Hosted by Drosi Bikes, Chasing The Sun was more than a film screening. It was a community gathering that brought together local residents, organisations, cyclists, creatives and decision‑makers to explore how cycling can support wellbeing, strengthen communities and help us respond to climate change.
"The evening centred around the screening of Chasing The Sun, a documentary from two-times BAFTA‑winning director Michael B. Clifford.
"The film follows ordinary people taking on the extraordinary challenge of the iconic sunrise‑to‑sunset ‘Chase The Sun’ endurance ride, revealing what cycling means to people on deeply personal levels — from mental wellbeing and connection, to purpose, resilience and hope.
"As the film followed the cyclists across the country, it also looked at ways in which communities have made change, or are championing change for the future.
"Following the film, a thoughtful and engaging panel discussion moderated by Beth, co-founder of Drosi Bikes, asked a simple but powerful question: How can cycling be used as a force for good?
"The conversation explored cycling through many lenses - leisure, commuting, repair, sustainability, storytelling and community action -and made a clear impact on those in the room.
"We were incredibly grateful to our panel for sharing their honesty, insight and lived experience. The panel featured Michael B. Clifford, director of the film, who said: 'It was my first time in Llangollen. What an experience! The setting, the people, the hugely warm welcome.
"'It was a thrill to see Chasing the Sun up on the screen in the town hall, with such a large and receptive audience. I met so many interesting people. Thank you so much Drosi Bikes and everyone involved with the event.'
"Joining Michael on the stage was Ross Adams, with several hats on including Behaviour Change Practitioner and Chair of MB Wales, Ceri Belshaw, photographer and gravel bike adventurer and writer, Rosanna Watson, co-founder of Snowdonia Gear Repair and Nick Smith, co-founder of Alpkit, whose down‑to‑earth passion for doing business better really resonated with the audience.
"This film was especially meaningful for Tracy Moseley, World Champion, Trek and Bosch Ambassador, during the filming. It marked the last time she rode with her dad, later inspired her to start a bike bus to her son’s school, and motivated her to take on Chase The Sun herself in 2024 to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, who cared for her father in his final weeks.
"Tracy said: 'It is a great film that makes you think on so many levels and champions the bicycle.”
"The night was also made richer by the brilliant organisations who joined us in the hall. Alpkit brought a fantastic cycle gear swap, with all proceeds going to the Alpkit Foundation.
"Snowdonia Gear Repair showcased their beautiful repaired and upcycled kit - a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we choose repair over replacement.
"We were also proud to have Dee Valley Clean Up and Clwydian and Dee Valley AONB as part of the evening, highlighting the importance of caring for the places we love to ride, walk or run.
"Behind the scenes, the event simply wouldn’t have happened without our incredible Drosi Bikes staff and volunteers, in particular, Becky and Geoff. From planning, set‑up and pack‑down, ticket sales to welcoming guests, their support kept everything running smoothly.
"The energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers helped raise more than £700 from raffle tickets, with generous prizes donated by Bearded Men Adventures, Bear Trax, Beics Brenin, Bosch, Drosi Bikes and Alpkit. The funds raised from the raffle will go directly into supporting Drosi’s Youth Programme.
"Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the night came from the audience themselves.
"Many shared how inspired they felt, how welcomed they were, and how the event encouraged them to think differently about their own role in creating positive change. As one attendee put it, “Small changes, when made together, really can make a big difference.”
"For us at Drosi Bikes, that’s exactly why we do what we do.
"Thank you to everyone who came along, contributed to the conversation, supported the event and helped make the night what it was. This one will stay with us for a long time."
* Tracy Moseley and Ceri Belshaw.
* Rob Hirst.
* Snowdonia Gear Repair.
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