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	Freedom Bike Ride great success - BRS
	Tuesday 17 June 03

	The Bicester Refugee Support/Campaign to Close Campsfield sponsored Bike for Asylum at the end of May was a great success, with twelve riders taking part and several hundred pounds raised in sponsorship. Cyclists and supporters assembled around the BRS banner in Bicester's Sheep Street before setting off on the 19 mile ride to Campsfield House Removal Centre in Kidlington. At MOD Site A, the proposed site of the accommodation centre near Bicester, campaigners stuck banners to the perimeter fence with slogans opposing detention and in support of refugees. A backup van was provided to supply water and offer transport to those who wished to drop out early. Remarkably though, considering the blisteringly hot midday sun that day, there were no dropouts, even though some of the cyclists admitted to not having ridden a bike for a year! Oxfordshire's villages were virtually empty of pedestrians, but plenty of cars hooted their support. Arriving at Campsfield, the cyclists (looking impressively fit!) were greeted by waiting supporters and media. After gathering around the Campsfield gates to listen to reports of news and activities from the various campaigns represented there, Bicester people joined the regular Campsfield demonstration around the back of the detention centre. For those who have never been to the monthly Campsfield demo, this is an opportunity to let refugees know that they are not forgotten by the local community and that supporters are actively campaigning to close such centres down. There was plenty of singing, shouting and banging from our side of the fence and it was clear from the vocal response of the detainees that they appreciated our presence. At the end of the demo there was some sadness that while we were free to walk away in the glorious sunshine, hundreds of innocent men would continue to remain locked up in prison conditions for an indefinite period without knowing why. There is plenty of interest in running an even bigger event next year - particularly if the government pursues its plan for the accommodation centre. There is even a possibility that we could extend the cycle route to take in other centres holding asylum seekers, or that people from other refugee support groups around the country may wish to join in to make this a regional or national event. Members of the Campaign to Close Campsfield have been fantastically supportive of our Bicester campaign since the very start, and it was a real pleasure to join with them and publicly link our shared concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers. You can see pictures from the Bike Ride at http://www.bicesterrefugeesupport.org.uk/gallery/index.html#cycleride
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