Established 1896
To make up for the fact that all riders were
not given
their just
reward for a
very hard
season of Dave Bisset
Audax rides John Martin
For they are jolly good fellows
For they are ‘oily good fellows And so say all of us And so say all of us.
General Secretary Hereby Decrees That the under mentioned members be afforded all due respect for their glorious efforts during the 2003 season of Audax events. 2400 kilometres in hail, rain and shine. Congratulations John Martin and Dave Bisset.
Editors comment.
The iast Newsletter was a little less than the previous edition and this was largely due to the sudden news of Amy's diagnosis of breast cancer. The findings were given to Amy on Christmas Eve and the programme of treatment confirmed on New Years Eve. To be given such devastating news at a time when everyone else is celebrating, and at the same time not wanting to spoil the festive season for family and friends was tough, to say the least.
Amy took the decision to say nothing until it was unavoidable, putting on a brave face to all. Things just had to carry on, and we did our best not to allow our personal problems interfere with the running of the club but obviously something had to suffer.
If things did not go to the liking of anyone I can only say, we did our best.
Amy would like to express her gratitude to the club members for the fantastic support she received, the house was filled with cards and flowers and messages of good will. thank you all.
Southport. 14‘ March 04.
We have not seen anything like the good weather of last year so far and today would continue in a cold and wet vein. Not that the ride to Southport was a bad ride, indeed it was a nice run across Burscough Moss, even if a little wet. There was a brightening of the sky as we neared Southport, Steve Garthwright declared that it was forecast that the sun would appear as we arrived there.
As we sat in the cafe enjoying sausage egg and chips, out came the sun, and so it was that we were warmed inside and out.
On arriving in Southport we were met by Jim Horrocks and new guy Ken, I don't have his last name yet, we had become separated in Horwich, not bad for the clarion, and they made their way the short route while we piled in forty miles or so getting there. As we had arrived at the same time nothing was lost and dined together.
We left Southport heading north with a strong wind on our backs and of course warm sunshine, the ride now became a real pleasure. Soon we were on the farm road across to Red Bridge and Croston and of course afternoon coffee at Memory Lane.
Ken was putting in a plucky ride, he's over sixty and this is his first club outing, and the distance is beginning to tell. Suitably refreshed we set off for the last leg to Bolton via Standish and Coppull. Ken was still going well at Horwich, so much so he decided to take the ride up Chorley Old Road, I would have opted for the New Road myself.
Nice one Ken, I hope we see you again.
Ken Hahlo has now joined us bringing new members this year up to March 04. to six, well on the way to replacing the lapsed members.
Membership stands at seventy nine.
The Battie for Fifn P
Down we went to Memory Lane.
For toast, coffee, and pot of tea. 'Weicome' beckoning on window pane, Belies the battle inside over fifty P fee,
Where Keith and Dave fought out a corker, Over Fifty P for the trip to Majorca.
The goings on in Majorca failed to live up to the excitement of the 'Battle of Memory Lane’. Since I can't get much information on the holiday, nothing spicy that is, it seems suffice to say, 'it was a very nice holiday’
Monks Heath abandoned. 28" Mar. 04.
The day was grey and quite cool, some members expected the forecast to be right and it all depends how you interpret the weather map.
A crowd of some sixteen made the trip across Cheshire, a very good turn out, and it was nice to see new rider Ken turning up for more self flagellation. By the time this newsletter comes out Ken will be a good rider, racing fit I'll bet.
Amy and myself rode tande™, the first time since October, and probably the last for some time to come. Amy prefers <0 ride solo. but I can't think why.
It had been decided that we would trv 'The Spinney" cafe in between Knutsford and Holmes Chapel, the distance being less than the ride to Monks Heath. It turned out to be a good decision. most were ready for the beans and toast and tea by the time we arrived. Sixteer cyclists need some attending to and as expected we, the ones at the back that is, had to wait some considerable time to be served. The wait was worthwhile.
With such a delay for dinner it was decided to hack out across Cheshire in the direction of Lymm and afternoon tea at some point, the Willow Pool as it turned out. We did have an invite to ‘Browns Mansions' for tea but we opted to slum it at the garden centre.
The group broke up here as it was quite crowded and by the time we left the group had been halved. By now the afternoon was beginning brighten and the nearer we got to Bolton the nicer it became though a few tired legs became apparent and once again the group split.
The Tandem and Ken brought up the rear at a more comfortable pace, though we later founc out that we were not far behind the remnants of the group ahead by the time we reached Bolton.
At the top of Firs Brow we gathered ourselves for the last push to the nice downhill Hulton Lane. Ken was already looking forward to next week. who's taking the beginner: ride next week" "I am" said Amy. "good" said Ken. "my membership will be in the post this week" Another satisfied customer.
twas iice to see the pnoto of young Charlotte O'Brien in the B.E Rodney Bryan, cur new press agent. produced a stunning shot of Charlotte with her trophy against the backdrop of our pictorial history on our awards night, nice one Rodney.
Awaiting Audax News.
I have had the newsletter page open for four days waiting for the report of our members
‘atest Audax escapades. Usually the phone rings as soon as our Audax correspondent crosses he finishing line. something has to be wrong. In desperate need of news. resort to ring ?aui Hackin. who rode the latest event aiong with the famous duo. Dave and Jonn. Now 5 usually the recipient of insulting e-mails with the taunting phrase ‘Thirteen Nil’ etc. and vas waiting for a little pay back, and how. Paui's version of the event leads with the desperate duo sneaking off before he can secure his car, a full ten minutes head start. Is it possible that these guys are from the same club I ask myself. Paul set off in hot pursuit reducing the sneaky start to nothing within five minutes, yes your maths are correct, five minutes, and then rode off and left them never to be seen again. Paul waited around the finish until six o'clock, a full hour, then had to leave. No doubt Dave was around the corner waiting for'Paul to leave. Version two,
Dave and John did not sneak off, they rode off shouting football hooligan style ‘fifteen one’ indicating to Paul that he was always going to be behind. Paul was hiding his embarrassment by fiddling under his car boot lid until they had left the car park.. Once under way the course proved difficult to navigate, Daves new pathfinding gadget was working but John was so far ahead that Dave could not make himseif heard when shouting directions. His continual sprints to catch John, and then backtrack, proved to be very taxing eventually slowing the pace for the whole event. Dave and John finished at seven thirty their slowest Audax for some time. Paul Hackin was gobsmacked to hear that they had not been training, fifteen Audaxes on the trot and not very fit. They'll have to train with A.O.B. he hasn't been out for weeks either. Talking about training, Dave John and Paul are booked in for a three hundred km. event in April and I know two of them are anxious to get some miles in before hand, that leaves one really laid back about the event, John Martin.
Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of Pain
Beginners begin
Amv had a good attendance for her beginners ride, (4.4.04.) and the tip to Haigh Hal] was just about right for little Chariotte who proudly showed off her new bike.
New member Ken may have found the ride a little bit tame after his adventurous rides with the more established A team but I'm sure the B rides will suit him better.
The ride back to Rivington was a nice finish to the day apart from the traffic, the Barns are a real attraction now at weekends and now that summer is on the way no doubt evenings will.
also be busy. Knott End. 4.4.04.
4 much better turn out than expected on the first A ride with an eight thirty start. few were still under the duvets when they shouid have been up and about and as a consequence missec i very good dav out.
{t was quite a windy day and the route over Belmont was chosen, more because the Bon Appetite is at the other end than any other reason. A sausage sandwich failed to find the owner much to Steves anguish, he demanded to know who had ordered it, it was the third one down the order. Everyone looked sheepishly at one another but no one owned up. At last someone declared apologetically 'I ordered a sausage barm', crisis over we resumed chomping at the eggs and bacon.
The wind was a little troublesome as we neared Knott End along the lanes over "The Heads' but it was all worthwhile as we were rewarded with a traffic free ride.
The skies clouded over as we dined in the sea front cafe and down came the rain blown almost horizontal by the wind which also whipped the tops off the choppy waves at the mouth of the estuary.
it was ume to leave our comfy diner and as we donned the waterproors and made ready to go up went the shout ‘puncture’. One guess only as to whom the cuiprit was. but it was the same guy who the week before, found a puncture again as we were setting off after mid day lunch. Eventually we set forth for the ride home and within fifteen minutes the rain ceased and out came the sun, what a difference it makes with the warm sun and the wind on your back.
The good weather continued most of the way home, a bit more rain as we approached Bolton but nothing to shout about really. Five of us returned via the A6 and IJ don't know yet how the lads who took the Belmont route fared but we finished with the wind behind us and very
welcome it was
Whilst out secret training, Paul Hackin found it very cold by the time he reached Settle and his feet were 'freezin’. Remembering Amy's advice about silver foil Crisp bags he dived into a rubbish bin outside a general store and rummaged around. Eventually he
Came up trumps with a couple of Walkers big bags. On his way home Paul reflected on how warm his feet had become, as the warmth was reflected back to his feet. So there vou are folks read vour newsietter and warm to the articles within.
The Clarion meet at Scarborough
Amy and myseif made the trip across to Scarborough this Easter, purpose to attend the A.G.M. and support Bolton section's amendment to the proposed rule changes. Scarborough itself was quite pleasing and we were unfortunately without bikes so what we managed to see was very limited. A trip at some other time will be looked forward to. The A.G.M. was a lively affair, a huge change from what some people dread, long winded and without much to show for it. Charles Jepson produced a first class agenda and the whole meeting was driven in spectacular fashion by Ian Clarke, a masterly performance in the art of chairmanship, whoops, chairpersonship. So what's new, well our name is now 'The Clarion’ as opposed to ‘National’. It makes sense as most people declare themselves members of the ‘Clarion’, then, when asked what section. Boiton or Bury, or Stockport. The bonus of this, though not mentioned at the meeting, is that all members regardless of section can wear the new kit with the logo ‘Clarion Cycling Club n traditional red and yeilow without the expense of ordering a stock of section clothing. Some sections however will wish to retain their own identity, and continue to suppiy their own kit. Save to say that our amendment, and that of Stockport, almost the same as. ours, was defeated, the meeting was the best have attended and the new rules will tie forwarded to sections in the near future. I have to say also that the rules have had a well overdue airing and most changes have been for the good. charles Jepson has done an excellent job since taking on the job of General Secretary, his wide view of the clarion and interest in furthering the club is encouraging both the old brigade and those eager for advancing the club into the future. York rally will be interesting this year, Charles has negotiated a stand for The Clarion and I for one will look forward to doing my bit manning it. I have been pressing for this very thing tor years, my idea falling on deaf ears without comment trom those who perished the thought of entering the camp of the C.T.C.
Fiat Cheshire, 18.April 04.
Not many members tumed out for the ride to Beeston Castle; the rain was thought to be a major factor but perhaps the thought of a ride of over a hundred miles had even more bearing. Sally, having ridden a tem mile time trial the day before, decided to use the ride as a recovery ride.
Richard hotted the pace up down Holcroft Lane to Hollins Green where a brief respite took place for energy food to be consumed. Alan Coilier took over the ‘hotting over Warburton bridge and the climb up Broomedge where a route deviation caused some comment about the 'shortest distance between two points’. A distraught runs secretary began to wield maps ail over the cafe at Stretton, his adversary had no glasses so the point was lost. The climb up to the ridge overlooking Acton Bridge laid low the myth of flat Cheshire. ana there was more to come before a bit of level stuff at Delamere.
Next came a few more lumps over Utkinton, some pretty severe stutf above Tarporley
Then a nice downhill stretch all the way to Beeston. Of course atter the downhill to the valley bottom, it follows that we must climb out again, up the hill to Beeston Castle.
Now the ride becomes a whole lot easier, the sprinters sprints have become dulled, and the easy rolling lanes are now suited to the plodders in the group. The lanes are even more attractive around here and Bunbury is especially nice, we even take time out for a look at the Bunbury Lock Staircase. A slight deviation takes place and the general consensus of opinion says that following Richard is the reason we are going the wrong way and he is relegated tothe back. On the right track once more another discussion takes place at the junction in Church Minshull, the runs sec again claims credit for getting it right.
A grand tour of Middlewhich takes place as the runs sec takes us on a shortcut to the 'Cafe Med! along one way streets, the cafe has closed down when we finally arrive. So we are back at the point of entry to Middlewhich, twenty yards from the other cafe originally rejected in favour of a ‘grand tour’. Tea. coffee and toasted mutfins and cheesies are enjoyed and the route home is decided, we are now in the ‘flat’ area of Cheshire beloved of time trialist's. Easy ride home then eh, not so. tired legs are now common piace excent those of the phantom whistler, cunnily enough we never heard it at the front. Mlotorway bridges assumed the proportions of mountains and Warburton Bridge no less than 'Alpe Du Hues' and all the time, ahead of us lay 'Firs Brow’.
The identity of the phantom whistler became known on the climb up Firs Brow, Dennis the demon pedler shot by on the hardest part, still whistling, and not even Richard who had been awaiting his moment of triumph, could do anything to:de-tune him. It was left to the old man in the group to restore some pride, heaving his sixty eight inch gear, and fourteen and a half stone, up the steepest bit, he launched an attack as soon as the hill assumed a more appropriate incline suited to the gear. The gap to the leader was eaten up in no time and Richard was gobsmacked by the rush of wind going past him, as was the phantom whistler, he had been out phantomed.
The only reason I put myself through the agony of climbing to Four Lane Ends is the sheer delight of the long free wheel down Hulton lane, well easy pedalling as I'm on fix, and am only a few minutes away from home when I get there. Today I am extremely glad to get home though I have an idea that Alan Collier was more glad than I.
Over a hundred miles, a mix of pain and pleasure, for those that did not turn out to ride, see:
what you missed. More pain and misery, 300k Audax.
The indomitable duo has now become a threesome, but for how long?
Dave and John have now been joined by Paul Hackin in the quest for the gobsmacking beautiful silver trophy, the Audax Cup. Aspirations are one thing, bringing them to fruition is something else.
In darkest Cheshire at eleven o'clock at night the Audax started out on the three hundred kilometre trek across to Wales and back. The night was cold and black as could be, and the rain. was coming down by the bucketful. as the group rode together for whatever comfort
there was to had. Riding through the night in these conditions is reminiscent of our war yeroes setting out on impossible missions, heroes or fools since the war has long since been won. I have nothing but admiration for these hardy souls as I know what they are enduring, though some think they are the only ones to be suffering. Paul Hackin had prepared wisely, three pair of gloves and his feet clad in the now never to be forgotten foil crisp bags. Paul was the only one with warm feet as the night became colder and colder.
The group stayed together all night as the maps were hard to read in the dark wet night, the leader on the front, a veteran of this ride, knew the way well and the rest were glad to follow. There must have been panic at the back when the hills began to arrive, to lose sight of the lights in front when you don't know where you are is frightening. Adrenaline begins to flow at regular intervals, fear can be a wonderful thing at times.
As daylight arrived and map reading was possible, also the rain had all but ceased, the fitter riders went ahead of the night time leader and the race to be first back was on. At the time of writing up this bit I have only Paul Hackin's version of events, Dave Bisset had retired to bed Forever by the time I was able to ask around for details. Amy heard some garbled phrases \ike ‘old fool’ 'should know better' 'Madness is creeping in’ on the phone before words like ‘hot bath! 'bed for a week' 'do not disturb’ ended the brief report. know that when Dave is recovered the whole world will look a different place, after all there's the Mersey Road's 24 hour to come yet, and Dave's aspirations include that event, well at one time it was.
Racing ahead The boys get started.
As the track season comes to an end the rest of the lads are into a new season of road and time trial racing. Off to an early impressive start is Andy Horner, first clarion rider in the ten miler at Scarborough. Paul Dickinson is set to renew rivalry with Andy and the two came head to head on the Levens course recently. Almost unbelievably, the pair recorded exactly the same time, 22mins.45secs. riding ten minutes apart. Sally rode the same afternoon recording 28mins.59secs. an improvement on her first ten by a minute.
Stephen Hodgson also rode the same event and recorded 27mins.54 secs.
The day after Paul and Ken Bath went over to Leeds to ride an LVRC road race, pan flat course according to Paul, and placed respectably in their groups. Paul finished in about tenth after a gallop up the finishing straight while ken was happy to finish in the bunch in his group.
Meanwhile, Simon Lawman, benefiting from his recent high mileage and chain ganging, came in eighth at a recent Lancaster event against first cat opposition. His form came after a few races where he struggled a bit, not having any racing for about three years. Tom Butterworth still hasn't enough miles in him to compete up to his potential yet but he's still
trying.
Nice photo in the evening news of Paul Dickinson receiving his
National Chanpions TT top from Andy Wilkinson
Ken's new Bike
Ken Bath has a new bike and it is so light it almost contravenes UCI regulations. A steaithy matt black Bianchi constructed of aluminium tubing so thin that it has to be reinforced with the stuff inside maltesers, the bike is so light he has to fasten it down, otherwise he has to keep getting the stepladders out to pull it down from the ceiling. Unfortunately it won't float to the front of the bunch yet, like a malteser, it keeps getting eaten up, by the opposition. A bit more training and Ken will be licking them into shape. Commiseration's to Frank Myers for losing the lightest bike title. He'll have to change the numbers on his Look to have a look
in now.
Cycling Weakly
I finally got Daves report on the 300k, it would seem that the rain put a damper on a bit more than the event. A mere two days after the event is no time to make an accurate report. especially when ycu're still stuffed. Dave I fear is suffering a depression after giving himself a pounding, a wee« from now and he will be filled with renewed vigour and the vows to lose weight by the stone will have been reduced to mere ounces. The feedback from Dave is all that I have felt in the past, nobody else suffers as I do, look at that skinny sod skip up the hills, I'll push his back wheel in at the next control. It is all in the mind, when sanity returns the world will be nice and rosy and your stride will have a swagger to it, you realise you are fit, very fit, even if someone else is fitter, ydu are still fit. Dave and John finished one hour behind Paul Hackin who is as fit and as lean as a racing snake, that's next to nothing over the 300k event. Dave acknowledges that he needs to shed a few pounds but he'll have:to accept, as I have done, that riding uphill against lighter people is an unequal task, even ifsthey are not quite as fit, they have less to haul. At this moment Dave is putting the Mersey.roads 24hr. on hold, the 600k on re-evaluation, the possibility of a 400k has not been entirely written off. I used to bitch and moan all the way round but at the end of the day Lwas still there, often riding stronger than some of the early speed merchants. I chuckled at Daves description of a steep hill near the finish, every time he approaches he swears he will ride it, and every time he walks, legs refusing to do what he told them, at the same time he watches John Martin riding up the hill with the assistance of 'Granny' as Dave puts it, his sense of humour is returning, a good sign. Now about that 24 hour event Dave.
Home is the
Hero
Howarth Sunday 25”. 4. 04.
Summer arrived in time for one of the nicest rides on our list. know that a fair bit of urban road has to be negotiated but once Hebden Bridge has been reached it's a case of let the ride begin. We arrived in Hebden Bridge in good time, our gracious runs leader had done his. usual bit of half wheeling so there was plenty of time for a good breakfast before tackling the climbs ahead. The sun was now beating down on our backs as we began the long haul over Pecket Wells, Ray had began the day attired in a waterproof jacket and having no saddlebag he rode the long climb in a bit of a lather. At the top he gratefully accepted the offer of having his jacket stuffed in to a half filled saddlebag. At the top we regroup and admire the fantastic scenery from our vantage spot. Next came the drop down to Oxenholme, what a thrill, full tilt with hardly a touch of the brakes. Alan Collier showing his motor bike skills «was the first one down. The ride up the hill, the oid main street that is, at Howarth, is getting a bit muci as the large cobbies seemed to be spaced further apart than usual allowing the wheels to drop in to deep troughs giving a very rough ride. We take a breather at the top and fill our water bottles ready far the next great part of the ride over to Wycollar. I think that today is the best day I have ever rode this leg, my memories all to often bring, back days of head winds and lashing rain along, with a great deal of pain. The pleasure of the Tide today will perhaps diminésh those painful memories.
We take a bit of rough stuff down to: Wycollar, a:bit of a novelty for some but the track cuts some four miles off our route, and with the sight of the pack horse bridges, the village, the bit of off road makes it all worth while.
The next stop is Burnley, back on the urban roads again, but shortly we are in Sainsbury's enjoying our next well earned rest, some are enjoying a second breakfast. Burnley Hill is contemplated while we enjoy coffee and doesn't seem so bad an obstacle from the comfort of the cafe.
Up we climb, the stronger riders up front forcing the pace, others following at a more sensible pace until the top is gained without anyone dying. Again we are treated to some great moorland. beauty as we drop down to Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom the afternoon sun today's ride has tested thie stromgest among we all agree that we've done enougit for one day. Nine: let's hope we have many more like it.
‘The see wislies tothank ailtihose: wiles contributed their services at the club's open tem mile time trial, tea ladies, marshals,
pushers off, results team, board markers. You all did: a wonderful job, thanks again.
Amy,s New Sparkling Swish Posh Stuff
tne Bank Holiday weekend we, Amy and I. took to the janes ot Cheshire. Putting the
oikes in the back of the van we made tor the car park in Lymm, trom where we began a ride through the lanes around Great Budworth and Pickmere. The day was as much as any cyclist could wish for, warm sun, a light breeze, just perfect for the purpose of our meander through
the green sward of Cheshire.
The purpose of our outing was to give an airing to ‘Amy's Mercian Bike’ a bike that many have heard of but few have ever seen. The Mercian has been used very sparingly in time rials and is still in the pristine condition that it left the shop in. Now however the Mercian tas been transtormed from a good looking bike into a sensational one. a Piece of transportable jewellery bedecked with Dura Ace Sti's brakes, gears. hubs glittering rims and the nicest chainset vou can buy, TA no less. topped orf by brake cabies and gear cables constructed or shiny polished beads of aluminium. This was the rikes Peari Necklace
Ail that remained now was the test tlight. so to speak. as a nervous ‘vas sure oF iow she ‘vould cope with the Sti levers. The bars were jett untaped for the dig try out. :o allow tor minor adjustments that may be required, very few as it turned out.
I soon had Amy changing up and own the gears, the left hand one was the one that she was worried about, but the Dura Ace mechs were so light that any misgivings soon dissipated. Now Amy could relax and begin to enjoy the whole new experience, why did I not have these years ago" was the burning question, It's Fantastic" there's that latest saying for everything on tv shows again. This time though the word was everything it's supposed to
convey. By now Amy was riding so confidently with the bike she had time to look down‘at the road,
the sun was bouncing light off her bike onto the tarmac in the shape or her wheels’and chainrings, like a glittering ghost following her every move. She was as thrilled to see this as any child on Christmas morn.
We wheeled through Tatton Park in the glorious sunshine and stopped for tea and a sandwich at the cafe, standing guard over the Mercian as Amy brought the tea. "Have they ail been looking at my Bike" was the inquiry, "yes of course". During the whole of the break Amy's eyes never once left the Mercian, all of three feet away, and she eager to step on her steeds pedals and be off again. Back at Lymm we paused a while to gaze into the lower dam, well I did, Amy was busy moving her bike about making sure the visitors and locals all had a good look at her sparkling machine. Back in the van we discussed the minor adjustments required before applying the finishing touch, the matching blue bar tape, then ‘Olay’ the job is done. Now anyone that knows me and Amy will have realised that we could not accomplish such a job without some disagreement, there was a little, not a lot, but at the end of the day it was ail worthwhile. If you want to see the Mercian, then tum up and support one of Amy's B rides, but be warmed, if it looks like rain then you will have to wait for a little while longer.
Lake land'Glory 9.5.04.
Did you miss the ride in the Lakes then you did not just miss the ride you also missed a memorabie outing. Meeting at Waterhead near Ambleside for a change we found a pleasant morning awaiting us, a bit cloudy but dry and clear scenic views. Steve Garthwright rolled all of fifty yards from Ambleside youth hostel to meet us as we readied ourselves for the day out,
Out of Ambleside and into the quiet lanes to Skelwith Bridge, pausing for photo's of the largest bank of bluebells I have ever seen, rising ever upward beneath a leafy green canopy. Amy was a willing model posing with bike amidst the sea of blue.
A more open landscape awaited us on the approach to Elterwater, the backdrop of the Fells of Langdale towering above was truly inspiring. Today would be a great day.
Down the Langdales valley we went, nice easy cycling despite the awesome looking mountains. An energetic sheepdog ran alongside as if trying to round us up then a shout trom the sheperd put it back on the trail of a wayward flock of sheep.
The easy cycling came to an end at the end of the valley when we had to climb out and the only way out was up a strenuous one in four hill. Rodney stopped to take photo's half way up, well that's what he said, he then walked up the steep bits. Clive Bryan was amazed to discover that he had ridden up a one in four, what a difference mid week training does, he never even felt discomfort. Neither did Amy and Steve Garthwright, they also walked Rodney bribed me into taking his photo as if he had ridden all the way up. While he was going back down a bit and turning round I recorded that as well.
After such a huge climb came the reward, a mad plunge down into Little Langdale where we had tea and coffee at the old ‘Three Shires Inn’.
Next came a bit of ‘rough stuff, pre planned by me, but not revealed until the last moment, after all I didn't want a mutiny on my hands. The rough stuff wasn't much but had J said so no one would have believed, I don't know why. Shortly we were back on tarmac passing through Tilberthwaite on our way to Coniston, the ride continuing to be magical at every turn in the road.
Not stopping at Coniston we tackled the climb over to Hawkshead, not as steep as the climb out of the Langdales but longer and still quite arduous. The swoop down to Hawkshead from the top was as exciting and breathtaking as ever.
We dined im the village at leisure then Amy Ian and myself relaxed on a form in the grounds of the old grammar school where Wordsworth studied as a boy.
Next came a gentle ride round Esthwaite, a nice rolling route, before tuning toward Ambleside via Wray Castle, this is one of the nicest lanes in the Lake District, in my humble opinion anyway.
Back in Ambleside we were able to relax and enjoy the afternoon sun, fortified by more tea of course, before setting off for the car park and reluctantly starting the journey home.
The day has been every bit as good if not better than our previous rides in the Lakes, if onix for the outstanding show of bluebells and wild garlic and their distinctive scent. Amy has ne doubt, for her this has been the best dav ever in the area. in fact the best day in any area sne has ever visited. Any more votes for the Lake District rides.
The Great Fire
The ride to Nantwhich was one i was loOKINg forward to. iUs notconmen we as the ride tots up a mileage of some one hundred miles pius, not bad for a club run eh.
My memories are of black and white, Tudor and Elizabethan buildings, they are of course still there but the town centre is now pedestrianised, as opposed to the busy streets I once knew, 'was it just fields then’ one of our humorist's inquired.It seems that Nantwhich burned down ina great fire and was rebuilt with help from Good Queen Bess.
It was a great cycling day, sunny skies and warm sun. and everything in full bloom especially the glorious white hawthorn blossom. The only thing that tended to spoil things a ‘ittle was the bits of main road we had to contend with, like the A49 through Delamere 2 four mile stretch leading to Middlewhich. Apart trom that we juiet janes and easy ridi e flatter 22 Stretton provided us with o eakiasts a1
wantwhien, surpr vere being ordered.
Nantwhich was very quiet with no apparent cafe's so a local pud was patronisea for pint
shandies, consumed outside in the wonderful sunshine.
Church Minshull was next on the route, retracing our ride on Sally's one hundred ride up to
Middlewhich where our second food stop was enjoyed. Appetites seemed to be growing
among the group as soup and such was followed by fruit pie and ice cream.
On our way again and back into the lanes this time heading for Knutsford then Hollins
Green. Another short break at Hollins Green was taken to gather what reserves we had for
the final push to Bolton. Some had more in hand than had. was still on the front at the foot
of Firs Brow. then signailed the start of the dash to the top and sure enough those that naa
spent all day at the back sprinted to the fore. one of these days I'll hang about at the sack.
and then we'll see. Still it was a very satistving ride, the second ride of one hundred oi ear.
Dave Bisset is recovering
After a bit of a scare recently Dave has recovered well, so much so that he has indicated that he may retract his earlier statement about not riding any more audax events. he will carefully consider the progress of Paul Hackin. Nice to have you back on the bike Dave.
Jolly Roger
Roger Miils, also an absentee of late. has recovered from a minor aiiment and is back on his bike and riding like a happy two vear old.
Baptism of Firc 23", May 04.
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Young Brian Halstead chose our ride over to Otterburn for his first long club ride. The ride turned out to be a baptism of fire, a baking hot sun and long long hills conspired to make this a Devil of a ride. First came the hill out of Bradshaw, ok for those well experienced riders who know how to pace the ride, but awkward for those who don't.
A nice sunny day started a little on the cool side but by nine thirty had really warmed up. the hills helping to raise the temperature as we went. By the time we reached Burnley a few tears had also been shed, two punctures on the way and a discarded tyre saw to that. Breakfast at Sainsbury's helped to smooth things out but no sooner were we out to start the ride again,
another puncture. Eventually we were off toward that magnificent ride over Lothersdale. on a day like today
the scenery was inspiring. Clear views across the Dales of Ingleborough. Pen-y-gent and Wherneside gave a hankering to visit hostels in the area at some future date.
After dropping off the top of Lothersdale. a superb descent, we were not too far from Gargrave. our destination for lunch. On reaching the Dalesman Cafe we had a surpris of our fellow clarion riders already seated and awaiting meals, these of course were our supe:
ive
fit racing lads.
Double egg and chips was my order, for which I offer no apologies, I had earned it, an healthy appetite deserves a healthy helping.
Well satisfied we set off for Otterburn, via the bit of rough stuff riding at Bell Busk, the gently rolling lanes very different from the long climbs of the morning. Shortly after leaving Otterburn we passed through Hellifield, and not long after that came another puncture. We had more than our fair share so far and all this on a day giving perfect conditions for cycling. All the lads kept an eye on young Brian, giving encouragement as and when, but it is hard to avpreciate advice when you feel that every hill is like Everest. even the smallest rise in the road looks like more pain. have to sav that was more than impressed by the wav Brian stuck to his guns. others hi fel! by the wayside on a rice like this. an olume
lor ms strengtn of character
After the beauty of the Ribbie Valiey Blackburn is sometning o7 2 pain tna nas to be endured in order to get back to Bolton, though the top of Bull Hill out of Darwen ts as nice as many a country lane, if you can appreciate it when you get there.
The reward though is the drop into Bolton, today was something special, early evening sunshine, freewheeling at thirty mph plus and knowing that you're almost home. The agony and the ecstasy, who'd have it any other way.
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Dave Bisset update
Dave is now looking at his time trial book (if he can find it) as an alternative to tix jong distance audax events. Shor distance gruelling events nfinitely mor: would now seem. it's ali a question of Perspective
Congratulations to Stephen Garthwright and Paul Hackin on reaching their fiftieth birthdays.
Steve wants everyone to know that he was the first to the fifty mark, he has at last beaten Paul at something.
Paui Dickinson and Andy Horner will be head to head again this year for the ciuo championships, both are riding weil. Paul has two personal bests so far, his 57 minute 25 being the best so far. Andy pipped Paul by a couple of seconds in our club ten and then again for the club ten cup but then Paul pulled pot that fast ride up at Cockermouth. Andy meanwhile was doing a recce on the J2/9, the scene set for our twenty five champs, and did a splendid 58 minute ride. Which is the faster course? We shall have to wait and see.
What of our other fast lads, well Fred Smith continues to be fast, he won the over sixties award at Garstang in May. Ken Bath is going well and Frank Myers is getting faster, retirement is obviously doing him good. Simon Lawman is taking a rest after some good early form while young Brian Halstead has reputedly clocked under thirteen seconds for the flying 200 metres at the velodrome skill sessions.
Message from Bury Clarion, HELP.
Message from Bury Clarion, HELP. Well that's how it came over as Bob Duckworth found he could not raise a sufficient team to challenge Oakhill, even-though the challenge had been sent out. We (Bolton Clarion) stepped in and raised volunteers, some say they were coherced, some say they were conned. Whatever, we found a good number willing to help them out and a good evening was had by the members. The combined weight of Bury and Bolton overcame Oakhill who nevertheless put up a plucky performance.
The evening was a chance for the sections to blood the young members, I noticed Oakhill had a couple and of course we had young Brian Halstead in for the experience, and very well
they did too.
More exiting stuff in vour next Nesletter.
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