ELEPHANT AND CASTLE AT PECKFORTON CHESHIRE 150 KILOMETRE RIDE 2157. MAY 2006.
Contrary to rumours I have to say that club night has not been scrapped by myself, I simply stated that I was no longer going to sit in the pub on my own all night again. Club night is still, at this moment of writing, on Monday night at the Ainsworth.
I have to inform you that Rodney has sent e-mails to members who are on line that a new club night will take place at Bob’s Smithy, Chorley old road, once a month, starting on Monday nights 3" July 2006. 9.pm. All welcome.
Inside this edition.
Club ‘25’ Club ‘10 Champs,
Club Weekend at Championship ‘Wo gehen sie?’ Shrewsbury.
10° ‘Sprechen sie New cycle forum
Trough of Deutsch?’ for Bolton Bowland. cyclists, Letters.
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Px one, number one. I refer to my request for volunteers for the ‘Clarion Open Ten’. First on the phone was Frank Myers, almost as soon as the last newsletter dropped on the floor. My thanks to Frank for his prompt action, will forward his name for an award.
Not far behind was Dave Bisset, a fervent footie fan of the ‘whites’, surely anyone who will forsake a seat at a Wanderers home match, in favour of standing out in the rain, though hopefully not, is equating to wearing the vest of sackcloth and ashes. Another award surely.
More response
Another almost: immediate response to the last newsletter came from Albert Winstanley by way of a letter, hand written, in stark contrast to today’s e-mailing and texting. I will put in this latest edition Albert’s key remarks, but at Alberts request, edit the letter.
Even More Response
Peter Roscoe, an ardent fan of competition within the Clarion, responded to my newsletter with a phone call. Again he was pleased to receive it and is envious of Bolton’s communications via the newsletter, commenting ruefully on his own one page edition going out to his section members.
Enforced Rest
I recently was forced to stop riding my bike, and I can tell you that a period of two weeks is a long time, when, all you want to do is get out and ride. The hardest part, having to miss two track nights, especially as I had paid for one of them. The upside of this was 1 was able to complete the newsletter and deliver almost all of them personally. For the sake of transparency, six letters incurred second class postage cost.
Awaiting the news.
The reason I am awaiting the news of today’s ride is that what started as a day of rejoicing turned out somewhat less.
Early morning rain and two punctures within one hundred yards from home evaporated my wild enthusiasm at my first ride out in a fortnight. Arriving on a deserted town hall square did little to lift my spirits, five past nine and no one in sight. The rain is now a steady downpour and I head for Four Lane Ends, surely some one will be there, but no.
That’s it, I head straight for home, didn’t want to get wet through anyway.
I decided to continue with my project, erecting an aerial in order to receive eurosport satellite programmes. A welcome visitor interrupted my work for a while. After this a phone call from Rodney explained an awful lot of unanswered questions.
I was more than five minutes late to the town hall, thirty five was more like it, I had forgotten that the summer start time is eight thirty. The mystery of the missing bodies was solved. What was not solved however was the answer Rodney was looking for, where did the members go, certainly not to The Yeld as on the runs list. All will be revealed in time no doubt. Eventually the answer to the above questions were forthcoming, revealing another pantomime in the mind.
Three A ride members were on time at the town hall square, along with five B ride stalwarts. The impending rain and the fact that none of the A ride knew where the ‘Yeld’ was, brought about a decision to combine rides and set off for Scorton via Belmont.
Ian Tipping, also late to the town hall square, had an inkling as to where the ‘Yeld was, somewhere in Cheshire he believed. Finding a deserted meet he set forth heading for Four Lane Ends, he was bound to catch them if he did a bit of sweating.
Rod arrived at Four Lane Ends to find Bernard who had already had two punctures, waiting. A lone figure pedalling furiously came towards them, Ian, red faced from his efforts, pulled to a halt. Surely the group can’t be that far ahead of them. Rodney decided to go home, Bernard and Ian were for taking up the chase on the members ahead, Rodney was a very wise man.
Hollins Green was reached, the rain falling on Ian and Bernard was turning to steam on contact such had been their haste. Either they were chasing
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shadows or the A ride were training for the Tour de France. Home now seemed an attractive objective, end of chase.
T.etters to mv Name.
0 I do not have a degree behind me but I was very pleased to find two letters from clarion members declaring enjoyment at reading the last newsletter. I include these letters, edited of course. Albert Winstanley..... Dear Tony, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to your goodself, for continuing to produce the Newsletter of the Bolton Clarion Cycling Club. I like the light hearted and racy style you maintain which captures the friendliness and companionship of the club... and which keeps we ‘old timers’ in touch. It is always nice when I found it, once again, having popped through my letter box, and I can settle down in my armchair for a spell, and read about the “doings” of the club. A thank you too for it’s delivery. Reading same, and sharing the experiences of today’s membership.... I am well transported ‘Back’ to my own happy club days, when I was a regular on the club runs. I give thanks that next month I shall be 90 and I am happy still cycling, albeit slowly. I like the Colour photograph at the head of the News Letter, sets it off nicely, hope we can have one or two more. Many thanks for keeping me on the mailing list Yours sincerely, Albert Winstanley.
How about that for appreciation, makes me want to write forever. Well, perhaps not forever, just a bit longer.
From our esteemed National Secretary, Charles Jepson.....Dear Tony, thanks for the copy of your section’s excellent magazine, I thought it was
a newsletter, ed.) you are well on your way to competing with Northern Wheel.
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I hope you forward a copy to Richard Newcombe as this is the type of stuff I feel we should be printing in ‘Boots and Spurs’. (I already do..ed.)
I hope you are able to make the Easter Meet, Andy from your section and I plan to ride down, hoping to link up with Merlin and Julian from Stockport on route.
I thank you once again and look forward to the occasion of our next meeting. Yours fraternally, Charles Jepson.
So you see dear members not everyone is bored to death with the news.
Quernmore
odney arrives on the town hall square,(late again) with the news that Steve Menhams is arriving shortly. Steve has been to a car boot sale and is going home with saddlebag bulging to drop off his booty. Rod also announces that today is going to be a horrendous day, snow, hail and rain with gale force winds. Asked if he is related to prophet of doom Jobe, a blank look given. The ride will have to be cut short he, Rodney, decides. Perhaps persuaded by Rod’s gloomy announcement, Fleur swings her intended ride around completely, Hebden Bridge is out, Red Barn is in. Red Barn is down in Cheshire, a much better proposition if the weather does turn for the worse. The A ride set off for the pre planned ride to Quernmore over Bull Hill toward Whalley. An orderly ride up Bull Hill due to a steady pace set by Brian Firth takes place. A little drizzle due to low cloud is in the air as we breast the top of the hill but not enough to don waterproofs. A woman in her car decides to block the road as the group hurtle down to Darwen, squealing brakes and squealing riders bring about an ashen look to the woman’s face. Whalley toilets bring great relief and a short welcome break. Leaving Whalley we head for Dunsop Bridge, hoping the café there can cope with the arrival of twelve hungry men, well eleven and one woman, Martine. As we dine a heavy shower outside puts a smile on Richards face, the waterproof saddle cover he has been carrying for months is now doing it’s job protecting his Brooks Leather Saddle. For a change, I am not the last to be served and the egg and beans on toast ordered by six on the table are soon being enjoyed.
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As we prepare to depart Dunsop Bridge inform the rest of the group that am turning for Scorton once over the Trough of Bowland, the road to Quernmore is straight on, do not wait for me.
Though recovering well from my minor op, I do not feel up to the long slog over the moor past Jubilee Tower. I am pleased to have got this far knowing I will manage the rest of the ride at my own pace.
As we ride up the Trough the sun comes out, the well broken cloud allowing masses of blue sky to be seen. This is perfect for a ride like today as once over the top the panoramic vista before us is breathtaking. From the top of the pass we are looking, with crystal clarity, at the whole of the Fylde coast, Morecambe Bay, and the hills of the Lake District, what a scene this is.
As I reach the top of the hill last, the others are waiting and having a rest, so as I am turning off a little later press on. Eventually, I am joined by Ray, who informs me that the rest of the group are also taking the shorter route, to Scorton. I don’t believe it! I want to be alone.
Reaching the gentler countryside below the fells masses of daffodils are glowing in the strong sunlight and the green of the fields is turning to the intense emerald of summer, oh Rodney, how wrong could you have been. True, it was cold, we even had the strange experience bits of hail and snow blown by the wind as we cycled in brilliant sunshine.
Scorton was busy as usual with cyclists and as IJ arrived I realised here was my ideal opportunity to go it alone. The rest had already gone inside so I left word that I was pottering on down the A6.
The ride down the A6 was a pleasure, a strong tail wind and not too much traffic, the sun beaming down and no distractions to my thoughts of yesteryears.
Once through Preston the road assumes an up and down character, the downhill bits are not long enough and the uphill bits are too long. Still I stick to the task of getting home in one piece and still manage to enjoy myself in some strange masochistic way.
On reaching Horwich I am struck by the amount of water running down the roads, obviously I am behind a lot of rain, Ahead of me I can see a huge bank of dark cloud, moving away to the south east it will prove no threat to my short distance home.
I arrive home, the sun is still shining and bouncing up off very wet roads, must have been a heavy shower, wash down my trusty steed and bed it down in the garage. Now for a nice pot of tea.
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Busy, Busy, Busy.
hat A busy time I’m having at the moment. Running the club ten, attending cycle forum meetings, runs meetings. The one event taking most of my time though is the club ‘ten mile’ time trial. Listing entries as they arrive, duplicating the envelopes ready for posting start sheets and result sheets, and arranging fastest to slowest competitors in the correct order. This year the Easter Weekend has intervened, being the week before I had to get my skates on preparing the start sheets, enveloping them and posting with first class stamps, as required by C.T.T. rules and regulations. As I was booked in at Shrewsbury for the ‘Clarion Meet’ I had to send out all correspondence by Thursday before setting off to ride down on Friday. I don’t know how I managed it all.
Shrewsbury Weekend
I had decided to ride down to Shrewsbury on my own, I did not want to be continually hanging off the back due to my recent drop in fitness and form. Steve Menhams and Richard Brown rode down together while Andy Ascroft rode down with Charles Jepson and Ruth, who were doing it on the tandem.
The weather turned out to be ok for cycling, a bit chilly to start with but all in all a good day for it. Considering it was a Bank Holiday, traffic was not too bad, very little in the lanes across Cheshire that I took to join the A49 at Acton Bridge.
Leaving the A49 at Witchurch it was back to quiet lanes down to Wem where I had my second short break, the first being at the newly refurbished café at Beeston, what an improvement there.
Just out of Wem I sought the lane leading to Clive, a beautiful little village nestling under Grinshill, a stunning site for viewing the surrounding area. From here I took more country lanes leading me into Shrewsbury on a B road beside the river Severn though the river is not seen until you enter Shrewsbury itself.
I was in the town by 3pm. and took in a few of it’s attractions as I wandered toward the digs Steve Menhams had prebooked.
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Sitting outside the B and B, no response to the doorbell, in the sun was a welcome relaxation during which I familiarised myself with the immediate surroundings.
Just before 4pm. Richard and Steve arrived, a little surprised I think at finding me here already. Steve went off to find someone to allow us access to the Band B while Richard and I discussed the route they had taken.
It seems that as I joined the A49 they were already behind me due to a break they took at Pop 2000, of course they were behind me the rest of the way as well.
Friday evening was spent in the Clarion H.Q. at the Lion Hotel, a convenient ten minute walk for us across the ‘English Bridge’, where we signed the register for the ‘meet’.
Saturday was a day of relaxation, I preferred to amble round the old town on my own, a conducted tour had been laid on for clarion members, which proved very popular.
Later there was criterium racing at the new ‘Cycle Track’ built into a brand new sports complex at Sundorne Park on the outskirts of town, what a facility, and the clarion were the first to use the facility to promote an Easter race meeting. All this before the official opening, we were indeed honoured. I also made time for a good snooze in the afternoon, the digs were quite comfortable and very quiet, ideal.
In the evening a ceilihd, caley is my preferred way of expressing this one, was soon in full swing but with very few present in the early stages I found the downstairs bar more to my liking.
Sunday was a good deal busier than I had intended. I had decided to ride up to the 25 mile time trial course in the morning to watch some of the competitors enjoying themselves. I was ignorant of the course being used and found myself riding all the way up the A49 to Prees Services, a little bit further than J had intended. I was just in time to see the last competitor cross the finish line before heading for the H.Q. to see the result board. Inside the café used for headquarters, cyclists crowded round the result board, all craning to see who had done what. I eventually got near enough to be able to read the times listed. It was obvious that it had been a very hard morning, the times of many being a little slower than expected.
The evergreen Derek Hodgins though had posted a very good time under the conditions. I made my way back to Shrewsbury via a much quieter route getting back in time for the afternoon ride to the famous ‘Ironbridge’.
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The ride to Ironbridge was the usual National Clarion ride with those of great ability dashing off at great pace, the leader on the day was having a great time. The poor man had to chase down those at the front so that they would have to adhere to the chosen route, wait for the stragglers then dash off up the road to the next turning, he did a splendid job.
Charles Jepson and Ruth rode the tandem, Charles with Bugle round neck, Ruth waving the large red flag of the Clarion. The bugle was sounded at the off, un-tunefully I might add, as the seven foot tall town crier’s voice bellowed and bell clanged.
Ironbridge was eventually gained where total confusion prevailed. Were we to have a group photo before or after the pub lunch. The original plan had been to assemble at the White Horse but someone spotted a pub at the bottom of the hill leading up to the ‘ironbridge’, called White Hart, We had the comical sight of seeing cyclists riding up and down the hill like the “Grand Old Duke of York’ was conducting them.
Eventually sanity returned to the proceedings, photos were taken, pub grub was ordered and even the sun came out as if to say we had finally got it right.
The return to Shrewsbury was a little more orderly, that is of course until we hit the final few miles to town on the main road. The ‘Bob Jackson Tandem’ flew to the front, hotly pursued by a few individuals, alas all but one fell by the wayside, including our heroic guide who all but died in a valiant effort to stay in touch.
All that remained now was a hot shower and change of clothes ready for the presentation night festivities.
I might mention here that Bolton were presented with the cup for most miles cycled to Shrewsbury, Paul Dickinson with the vets BAR and Rodney with the Clubman of the Year Award.
All in all a very good weekend, perhaps a few more would like to make a weekend of cycling next year when the Easter Meet is held in Hereford, and what’s more it’s rideable.
Shrewsbury Snippets
I finally got to meet the guy who does our Boots and Spurs, Richard Newcombe. It is always nice to be able to put a face to a name, Richard scans our edition of Bolton Clarion Newsletter for worthwhile articles for submission, nice to see he prints some of my stuff.
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I am left with the picture in my mind of our valiant guides contorted face as I passed him when he so animatedly ‘Blew’ and the sound of Richard Browns voice as he said to the poor guy, “jump on pal” before leaving him for dead.
Don’t ask me about the A.G.M. Ian Clarke, Jayne, his new wife, and his new Bob Jackson tandem, an
absolute stunner, both actually, so lovingly adulated by Ken Clarke, Ian’s
father. Rodney being outdone by the seven foot two town crier with the biggest
hand bell I’ve ever seen.
The next Clarion Meet will be at Hereford, another area of outstanding beauty, great stuff.
The long way back to Bolton into a headwind left me feeling tired but I perked up when I found out that I had spent less time riding home than
Steve and Richard.
Bolton Clarion ‘Ten’
fine day for a time trial, cool but not too bad, unfortunately the windless conditions that most time triallist crave for did not exist. Whilst working my way down the course erecting the safety signs along it’s length, I realised that it would be a tail wind start. The finish would be tough. No matter how early I make it to Winmarleigh Hall there is always some one waiting, one young man was even two hours early, couldn’t wait to get a good one in. Marshals began to arrive, and not one left it until the last minute this year allowing me to at least breathe easy over the course being manned. I did get a bit of a sweat on over the tea bar but all worked out in the end. One by one the competitors came back to H.Q. and it soon became clear that it was a real grovel on the way back, riders who had been on this course the week before were reporting slower times, significantly so. The start was manned by two able ‘pushers off’, Frank Myers and Dave Bisset. The sight of Dave, alias the ‘incredible hulk’ gave rise to the more timid starters thinking that they would finish up at the other side of Hampson Green island if Dave gave them their impetus.
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Despite the wind there were some good rides, the wind seems to have little effect on the good riders. The winner recorded a very respectable twenty minute ride.
The result board was as usual the centre of attraction, closely followed by the tea and cake section. The board marker, Fred, doing an excellent job recording the times as well as working out the confusing ‘plusses’ of the vets. With over half the field being vets, the area in front of the board was congested with guys squinting, peering over glasses, looking under glasses and leaning as far forward as possible to read the recorded times. All this while skilfully eating cake, and drinking tea, as they bobbed and weaved behind the crowd, eventually making their way to the front for a better view.
The car park is also a place of interest during a time trial, each and every competitor engaged in pre-race rituals of every description. Turbo trainers, rollers, stretching, and even lying down visualising the course, all play their part.
Southport-aka-Martin Mere.
The destination for both rides, 23.4.06., was Southport but for some
strange reason, despite being a favourite of the B ride, no B riders turned up for the ride. Shades of old CTC habits, were the telephone bongos going the night before?
A small group left the town hall square, five in number, as most of the A ride were by now getting ready to go to Majorca later in the day.I myself intended to cut the ride short at Martin Mere.
We rode out to the café at the farm close to Martin Mere through quiet lanes around Mawdesley and Rufford The day was quite nice but the wind that plagued the time trial guys the day before was still blowing, and a little cool with it.
The toasted tea cakes and coffee were very nice at the farm tearoom so much so, seconds were ordered. At this point I reiterated the fact that I was making my way home from here and not going to Southport. Glances were exchanged among the others, a pause then a declaration from one that sixty miles was enough for him brought about general agreement. We would ride back together in true musketeer spirit.
The ride back was really pleasant, the wind was now behind and the sun was warm enough for comfortable exercise without too much heat build
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up. The golden glow of daffodils along the hedgerows of the narrow country lanes added to the pleasurable feeling of spring.
Despite the short ride it was a satisfying day for me, plenty of exercise and back in time to watch ‘Liege-Bastogn-Liege’ on Eurosport. The tale of my acquiring a new ‘dish’ and decoder is indeed worthy of an article on it’s own, Giro and Tour, await me.
Early Warning. Next year the club has the honour of promoting the National Clarion ten mile Championship within our usual open ten event. envisage it will be on the same corresponding weekend as this year. would of course like
to see a few new faces helping out, if could be sure of helpers in excess we could be a bit more adventurous in our promotion, i.e. seeking either a main sponsor as a one off event or seeking support from smaller
concerns. It would be great to have the confidence to promote a worthwhile ‘Suner Ten? Can You Heln?
Opening cycling up in Bolton
he formation of the new cycling initiative in Bolton opens the prospect of real cycling promotional values. The initiative is to promote, sport, health and inclusion. That is encompassing as many people with aspirations toward cycling with the facility to do so. At the moment the group has taken on a tri partite appearance with Bolton Clarion, Lancashire road club and Horwich cycling club showing consistent support in the early formation of the group. The executive of the group has already been formed, again the three main cycling groups make up the board. am pleased to announce that Clive Bryan will be representing our club as treasurer on the executive committee. For once the three clubs will have a different agenda, one of cooperation in a forward looking plan to encourage cycling, be it health, leisure, social or sporting in nature. I for one look forward to real benefits for cycling in the borough, who knows we may even end up with facilities to match some of the real cycling friendly towns that are so far ahead of Bolton.
Took Short.
Went up to the club ten champs at Garstang, went early so as to have lots of time to prepare for the ride. When almost at Winmarleigh Hall the quick rise over the hump back bridge jolted my memory, I have not put my shorts in my bag’. A full day of preparation, check bag for jersey, long sleeve top, shoes, spare innertube, cartridge pump, tyre levers, helmets, (I have two in my bag at all times) energy drinks, soft drinks, Pro Plus, honest, and so it was I set off with peace of mind.
Now my peace of mind is shattered, last time this happened Mark Rudy came to my rescue but he wasn’t around today. I set off from the hall frantically searching my mind for the nearest bike shop, try the garage near the start, they sell bikes. No shorts there but the nearest shop that might was at Fullwood back down the A6. A look at the watch told me that I could just about make it there and back if they had any shorts at all.
A not too busy A6 soon allowed Preston to appear and turned off into Black Bull Lane. Bike shop half a mile down and pulled onto the front and dashed in. Thankfully a number of shorts were hung up on a rail, not having my reading glasses I could not read the labels for size, panic was beginning to rise, had they any big enough for my now oversized bum. They had large and being lycra they would stretch over anything. I gratefully handed over the required amount to the shopkeeper and dashed out to my van.
Back up the A6 with constant reference to the watch, yes I would make it. I had already picked up my number so Cockerham road was chosen to park up. Into the back of the van and change, still time for a warm up, out with the rollers and nice easy pedalling for a while, about twelve minutes.
Still time for a road warm up so three times around a circuit of Garstang I have used before then it’s up to the start. Would I be glad to have made it? Well it is my first time trial of the year and due to my minor op, very little preparation. 5-4-3-2-1 Goeee!!!!
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Club Ten Championship
Paul Dickinson Gold, Anthony Bowles Silver, Frank Myers Bronze.
The remarkable story of this years champs has already been told in part, but what is more remarkable is the trio of medallists.
Paul, gold, nothing remarkable about that except the large gap between him and the next two on the list. Tony, silver, my first medal in a club championship, and at sixty eight. Frank, same age as myself, bronze medal, run of the mill stuff for Frank, he has medalled in bronze before.
The combined age of the winning trio is one hundred and eighty one, now that in itself is truly remarkable and has to be a new club record.
Little stories out of the event,
Frank was beaten into third place by a mere seven seconds, not a lot, but at least I was glad.
There was even less of a gap between former member Andy Horner and Paul, one second, Andy was gutted as he had misread the result board and was elated thinking he was over a minute better than Paul. A look of disbelief came over his face when I told him Paul had stuffed him for one second.
Frank and Paul thought the story of the missing shorts was hilarious, bringing a bit of fun into the afternoon.
And of the afternoon, well the sun was out, the wind was blowing strong and across most of the way but just enough behind for the last mile or so. Average heart rate for the event for me was 176, and I was struggling to keep it down.
Now for the 25 championship
Rod’s Ice Cream Urge
Rod’s latest fitness campaign is to dash up the A6 to the ice cream parlour at Chorley then potter back home after a giant triple flavoured cone.
Rod’s last outing on this training ride was the result of an urge to sample the first class ice cream. Up Plodder lane as a warm up, Rod began to feel quite perky. As he hit the A6 at Four Lane Ends he let rip and went for it. Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen miles an hour and rising, there was no holding the Airborne back. Twenty one and a half miles an hour was on the clock
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and still he felt reasonably comfortable. All too soon the ice cream parlour came into view, sure he was ready for the cool delights but he would have to slow down to a stop.
A large queue outside the shop meant a long wait, the motorists passing him on the A6 knew his destination and thought ‘what a good idea’. Realising the wait would be too long Rod left reluctantly and was soon making the return journey home. Remarkably he was not as wiped out as he thought he would be and picked up the pace again. Once over the drag of Blackrod by-pass He settled down again to twenty one and a half miles an hour, by this time thoughts of open time trials began to enter his head. Bernard’s cheeky turbo training smirk of late looks like being wiped off his face.
Now if you are sat at home wondering how to get fit, why not try Rod’s recipe and chase up to Chorley, queue for ice cream, leave before being served then hammer back home again. Rod averaged twenty one miles an hour including queue time, what can you do?
Myers Retires Racing Review
Well you read it in past newsletters, Frank was going to come out of winter absolutely flying. He was actually but he was not doing as well as he expected. Read any training articles and they all guard against overtraining, Frank I fear has overdone it. All tell the tale that the last person to accept the fact is the person who has been overdoing it.
Frank started his campaign with a bronze in the club championship ten, going on from there with a near two minute improvement the following week at Levens. At the beginning of the year, most would be happy with that, myself would be ecstatic. The following week back on the L101 he slipped back a bit, a slower course but still a better time than the champs event. Frank was rather disappointed and decided to take some time out from competing, until the urge to test himself again returns. The sooner the better Frank, we all love a tryer.
Up at Levens Paul Dickinson managed a 22.37. while Ken Bath did 24.58. Ken will be working on that one no doubt. Early days yet.
Frank’s time at the L101 event was 27.45. almost a minute faster than he did in the club champs, I would have been over the moon with a minute improvement.
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Returning from a ride to Southport on Sunday I bumped into Paul, he was just returning from Cumbria, after completing a twenty five there, 59 minutes 28 seconds was his time, not bad is it. The weather was quite windy and it was also quite cold, I know I was feeling quite chilled myself that morning. More racing as it happens.
Velodrome review
It was a disappointing night for Bolton clarion at the three club challenge organised by Oakhill. Bury and Oakhill were strong while Bolton were a very weak side. This fact was very disappointing for me as Bolton were once dominant in these challenges. A lot of promise was shown though, David Skinner looks as though he could be a very good prospect, he certainly showed his dad a thing or two. Ryan Smith also looks a good prospect. It was particularly daunting for me as Bolton are far and away the strongest section with twice as many members as the other two, we seem to be slipping back.
Elephant and Castle 150k
hat appeared at first sight to be a goodly number for the 150k ride to the Elephant and Castle turned out to be rather misleading. Sunday morning had been heralded with beautiful blue sky and brilliant early sunshine that had people scrambling from their beds. It turned out however that the forecasters were bob on and heavy dark clouds began to roll across the sky. Rain for the day when it arrived they said. By the time we reached Hollins Green, by which time we were donning waterproofs, we already knew that four would not be going the distance. The rain increased in tempo from this point on though seemed to settle at heavy rather than very heavy, from our point of view it meant we could not get any wetter anyway. Middlewich was our first scheduled stop, the garden centre being rather empty meant we were the first customers for the café. It was here we were to lose two more riders, one considering the distance would be too far and the other wanting an early bath, obviously the temperature of the rain not warm enough.
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On leaving the café we noticed that all the cushions where we had been sitting looked as though we had all been bursting for a toilet, a large wet patch on each and every one.
Setting off once more we were now down to the magnificent seven riding into the steady downpour that varied a little from heavier to a little heavier.
Either we had acclimatised, or the temperature had risen a little, the rain actually felt a little warmer.
We pressed on through Church Minshull and Wettenall, should that have been Wet-on-all, and Alapraham Green eventually reaching the Staircase Locks near Bunbury. The locks rather conveniently having a toilet meant a short break allowing Kevin to whip out his rice pudding and have a few spoonful before setting off once more.
The village of Bunbury is attractive, even on a day like this but we do not have time to linger as we press on to cross the A49 at Spurstow.
A couple of miles now toward the towering Peckforton hills and a brief stop at the huge garden wall stone ornament depicting the Elephant and Castle. Since Bolton’s coat of arms also depicts an Elephant and Castle it seems appropriate to visit this place now and again, though the setting here, beautiful rural Cheshire, is something of a contrast.
The lane running beneath the Peckforton Hills is nice and flat and here the rain eases a little and the wind gets behind us, cycling is now a little more bearable. The countryside suddenly opens as we leave Peckforton and before us is the castle of Beeston looming in solitary splendour against the dark grey sky. A gentle sloping lane takes us down to Beeston where our next café stop is waiting.
The café here has been refurbished and is a nice place for cyclists though today, there are not too many around. The food is good and served fresh, no fast food, just freshly made food. The fresh large helping of chips and beans in front of me was certainly worth the wait.
The fresh tailwind helps us along through Eaton, Cotebrook and Delamere, it seems strange to be passing the Station Café without stopping but on we press toward Acton Bridge.
The lanes now become very familiar as we cross the old Stretton airfield on to Swineyard lane before descending to Broomedge where we take a brief stop for vitamins etc to help out on the last leg of our journey back to Bolton.
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It is while crossing Warburton Bridge we have our first puncture of the day, surprising really considering the wet conditions, I personally expected more than the average today. Bernard was the unlucky victim, he insisted that we carry on at our moderate pace, being super fit he would soon get back on.
Holcroft lane was really tame today, the usual conditions of a headwind gone. Instead we have the rare treat of a fairly strong wind behind us, this in turn meant that Bernard would have a hard time catching us. As we reached the top of Holcroft Lane a patch of blue sky appeared and soon we were sunbathing in sopping wet clothes, would you believe it! The sun stayed with us until Atherton where the cloud came over once again.
We stopped on Holden road at Leigh for an urgent urinal stop. How urgent was indicated by the distance Fleur put between the group and herself in headlong flight up the road. At this point Bernard arrived, a sweat on his brow indicating a mighty effort to catch us.
All that stood between us, and the finish in Bolton, was Firs Brow. The hill was a lonely furrow for those with weary legs. We regrouped as usual at the bus shelter at Four Lane Ends then with only a long freewheel into Bolton left, spirits rose.
Of those to complete the 150 kilometre I have to single out Ken Hahlo, for the second year running he has completed this ride, last year being his first time ever one hundred mile ride. Here he was again having done his second one hundred mile ride and looking just as jiggered as the first one. Ken is now at retirement age and has only been cycling a bit more than a couple of years, well done Ken.
Ken and Paul look for a fast time.
Ken Bath and Paul Dickinson took to the road looking for a fast twenty five time, unfortunately it was one of those weekends when the best laid plans of men and mice, well you know what I mean. The unpredictability of our weather does little to help our racing lads as they endeavour to improve their best times in time trials. Some where down toward the midlands they went, Fred Smith had entered but could not make it on the day, but any chance of records went out the window as blustery winds prevailed.
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Both posted very respectable times, Paul a 59 and Ken a 1.03. As I said, very respectable efforts.
Colourful Giro
The Giro is very different from the ‘Le Tour’ as tours go, it just has a very different ‘feel’ to it. The Italians have a certain amount of flair and unpredictability, sort of let’s see what today will bring.
Up to now it has been very absorbing, extreme conditions and heart stopping mountain descents, along with amazing sprint finishes keep you on the edge of the settee.
No prizes for guessing the winner, Basso has dominated in Armstrong style and became a very worthy winner. Much of the pre race hype as to who was fit and who wasn’t came to nought as one after another fancied riders came to grief.
L And now for a completely different type of racing
he club Twenty Five Championship turned out to be as predictable as the Giro in it’s closing stages, Paul Dickinson taking top honours once more. Second and third places were less predictable as Fred Smith and Ken Bath have been running close this year. Fourth place was assured for myself as the fourth counting Bolton Clarion member riding, where have all our racing lads gone? On a very windy afternoon the J2/9 took it’s toll among the lesser lights of time trialling resulting in many rider’s times being somewhat slower than the previous week. I was fortunate in not having ridden a twenty five yet, the first one is always a rust remover, and I am covered in the stuff. Paul still managed a very healthy time of lhr.1 minute, 44seconds. Fred Smith managed Ihr. Sminutes 50 seconds. A mere thirty nine seconds behind Fred came Ken Bath, lhr.6minutes 29 seconds. So that’s another club championship in the bag, just two more to go, the fifty and the one hundred, time to get your entries in lads. What did you do, I hear you ask, well on the face of it, not very well with lhr. 15minutes 2 seconds. I was a bit disappointed but my spirits were
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lifted when I found a result sheet from 2002 when I recorded Ihr. 15 minutes and 1 second. Four years to gain one extra second aint too bad is it? It was a ‘Bonk’ Holiday Weekend after all
Pete Lane however, riding under the flag of the dark side, managed a personal best time ever, and he hasn’t ridden one for about twenty five years. Pete did a very creditable lhr.6minutes 49 seconds, looks like there’s a lot more to come yet.
The time of the winner? 52 minutes 42 seconds, at least our improvements over the season are likely to be greater than his, a comforting thought eh?
Tyred Out!
On the morning of the 150k I was informed that the carcass of my rear tyre was visible, the rubber having worn out. As I was carrying a spare tyre in my saddlebag I gave the matter little thought and carried on with the ride. The rain, as I previously explained was non stop, so I was very surprised to finish the whole event without incident.
The following day I fitted a new tyre ready for the next time I wanted to use that particular bike.
Wednesday is my weekly Croston ride, and so it was that 1 decided on an easy ride on gears instead of my usual fixed gear mode. The ride went well enough, nice weather, no problems with me or the bike, and on my return stabled my steed in the garage.
The following morning I moved the bike I had ridden the day before, it was leaning against my trusty Moulton shopper, and lo and behold the back tyre was as flat as could be. ‘I could not believe it’.
Polka Dot Challenge
Fred Smith and Bernard Nicholson both rode the Polka Dot Peak District Challenge, 100k, or was it 100 miles? However both finished in a time of a little over six hours, not bad going at all. The great thing about this event is that all monies from entries are donated to charity, not to the event organisers, who do a magnificent job. Well done Fred and Bernard.
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Ping!
A beautiful day was in prospect, warm sunshine, blue skies, no wind to speak of and a ride organised by Dave Bisset taking in the west Lancashire Sporting my new England Hat and England shades (influenced greatly by the World Cup) was ready to enjoy the day. The A ride, best turnout for some time, made their way up Blackburn road, and as we approached the Belmont road junction a loud Ping! from my front wheel indicated a broken spoke. End of my A ride.
The ring road was rather handy here as I was able to return home in a short time and duly repaired the wheel.
Wo Gehen Sie
Fleur’s Trip to Germany takes place shortly and we wish them a very successful tour of the Black Forest.
Hints and tips:- To avoid being addressed as ‘der lumpenhiandler’ dress smartly.
To keep intruders out of your tent ‘Niemand darf das Zimmer betreten’
If someone in a tent shouts, ‘Machen Sie sich auf etwas gefasst!’ be prepared.
If you hear the camp proprietor exclaim, ‘Bleiben Sie mir vom Leibe’ or, ‘Mach’, dass du wegkommst!’ get the hell out of there, quick.
If you’re lying in your tent and hear, ’Lauten Sie nach dem Madchen’ you’re in the presence of a posh camper.
The conclusion that, "Er weicht keinen Fussbreit’ means you have a dead cyclist on your hands. (probably the morning after the night before)
If you are told your missing member ‘Er sitz hinter schwedischen Gardinen’, he’s not in a swedish garden, he’s in gaol.
Toward the end of the tour we don’t want to hear, ‘Er hat ihn kalt gemacht’, we would rather hear, ‘Wunderbar’.
Have a nice time folks.
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