polton Clarig,, Cychng Club
Established 1896
Bolton Clarion Cycling Club Congratulate our Olympic Cycling Team on their Fantastic performances in
Athens 2004.
Newsletter July September 04
Things look a little more even in this years competition for club honours, Andy Horner and Paul Dickinson again locking horns in a do or die struggle for superiority.
On a breezy afternoon on the J2/9 in Cheshire it was tough for all our riders, we also had riding Sally Roy, Frank Myers and Ken Bath.
Sally, brave as ever in the face of adversity, unable to train due to work commitments, battled round in 17minutes 5secs.
Frank Myers, his last race again, lhr. 13minutes 1 6secs. not bad for an ageing veteran, going better for all his complaints.
Ken Bath at Ihr. Sminutes and 33secs. unable to profit from his speed training the previous Thursday at the Velodrome, was about right for the time of year.
I think I would be right to say that Andy Horner was a little disappointed with his time he bettered his time of the week before, but was sixteen seconds behind Paul with a very good 58 mins. 51 secs. not bad by any standard.
Pauls 58 mins. 34secs. was enough to clinch the '25' cup, to make the score one apiece in the race for the club 'Champion'
Andy won the club '10' by a few seconds and now Paul wins the '25' by a few seconds, the ‘Fifty’ now looks like a hot contest.
Just as a footnote to the above, Paul took advantage of good conditions the following morning at Rainford and recorded another 58 minute '25', 58mins 39 secs. to be exact.
A little less hectic but just as hard. Sunday June 04.
Surprisingly the ride was to Glasson Dock, I say surprisingly because unti/ the night before thought we were going on the 'Three Dams' ride. I was very pleased as could now ride my favourite bike, "The Cinnelli' on fix of course.
A good turnout had chosen a brilliant day for a ride to Glasson Dock, Belmont is glorious on
a sunny summer's day with a marvelous downhill all the way to Bon Appetite.
The usual egg and bacon barms for the greedy and toasted tea cakes for the not so greedy accompanied by tea and coffee adds to the feeling of well being before setting off on the next leg up the A6 to Garstang. So far so good.
Before anyone says the A 6 is boring let me say that on a beautiful morning like this, going a good pace, with lots of conversation in the group it is far from boring.
Leaving the A6 at Garstang we head for Cockerham, the B road being surprisingly quiet and we are allowed to enjoy the rolling lanes without too much hassle from cars. A few motor bikes give a close encounter or two, perhaps they were responding to Alan Collier's coded hand signals, I don't know.
A grand sight awaited us at Glasson Dock, loads of visitors and it seemed most of them were cyclists filling the outside tables at the corner cafe.
Inside there was plenty of room and the service was excellent, as were the beans on toast. After lunch there was time for a little relaxation and sunbathing by the dock. ice creams optional of course.
The return was via Cockerham sands, and with a fair breeze behind or to the side cycling was a joy once again. The sunny weather was also hot by now and it seemed twice as warm when the wind was right behind, but I'll put up with this anytime.
Out of the lanes at Preston and back onto the A6, traffic a little heavier by now but not too bad.
The headlong rush down to the Ribble always seems to cause a rush of blood to the heads of some and the usual dash to the Bon Appetite begins. I am always at a disadvantage here, good as I am my fix gear will not allow me to keep up, Andy Wallis is also at odds with his fix gear as well so we have to arrive slightly behind the others, we have however made up an awful lot of ground.
All to no avail, the mad dash was for nothing, for the first time Steve has shut up shop and zone home, what a blow, even the shop across the road closed it's doors as we arrived. ‘Ve must have looked a pretty mean bunch.
A late shop just down the road came to the rescue of those with tongues hanging out offering retreshment before the final push home.
As usual the ride now splits up, A6 to the right, Belmont to the lett, I'm for the easy option along with more than half the group. The A6 it is.
With a nice strong tail wind, and no pressure from the hard riders, Paul that is, our group have a nice comfortable ride back to Bolton and still making very good time.
The warm weather has taken a bit longer to get here this year but it seems to be making up for lost time now it's arrived, roll on.
Keeping up with Dave
Scrap the news from the last edition about Dave Bisset. the bit about short time trials, he has now been persuaded by John Martin that time trials are a waste of time, long distance audaxes are the way to go, pardon the pun.
L Three Dams and out.
Well it was for me, three dams and out, after the first dam, Scammonden realised that for me the next two dams would be a dam too far, I had a serious bout of bonk.
The day started well enough, a good size group, sunny warm conditions and a fair wind behind. We had not got beyond the Bolton boundary when a collision between the Smith bros. resulted in minor damage of one bike, Craig's. Being a man of means, Craig returned home to change bikes, adding five minutes choosing from one of his stable of steeds. Meanwhile we had ambled along to Rochdale where we waited for Craig and his small party to catch up, we did not have to wait long.
te
The long climb from Milnrow over to Denshaw claimed our first casualty, Clive Bryan declared himself unfit due to too much drink while on holiday and promptly turned round to free wheel down the two miles he had just climbed. I knew instinctively that I was now the weakest link, it would be very hard from here.
The ride from here through Denshaw and Delph is a superb ride, fantastic Pennine scenery all the way. The hills are hard and long, for me anyway, and the drop down to Marsden was a welcome relief, especially as it was our first cafe stop.
Coffe and toasted tea cakes with jam never tasted so nice at the craft shop cum cafe, our old favourite super stodge cafe now a thing of the past. We were made very welcome and the service was very good.
On we went up the valley from Marsden until a sharp left turn put us on to ‘Scapegoat Hill' a fearsome climb that has the front wheel of the bike lifting off the ground as you attempt the one in four gradient. A super steep bit had me off as I found I am no good riding a unicycle. A short walk of some ten yards and I was back on and following the others to the top. On reaching the top I realised that I truly was the weakest link, legs gone, everything gone.
On reaching Blackstone Edge I realised that the ride to the top was going to be painfully slow, a strong headwind was blowing down the two to three mile stretch. Fortunately for me, lan Tipping decided to give me a backwheel and towed me to the top where the ice cream van was offering sustenance and comfort.
Swooping down the hill from the top was another invigorating experience, the fierce wind doing it's best to blow us off course but down we came safely.
Hollingworth Lake was our tea stop and I made something of a recovery here and spirits began lighten. Alan Collier, who never gets punctures on club rides, suffered another super deflation. A loud hiss from the parked bikes announced the arrival of an imminent tube change, Alan was still inside the cafe when it went off and cheerful members did their best to spoil Alan's enjoymert of his cheesecake.
Alan mended his puncture with all the aplomb of an expert, which he is of course, and soon we were off on the last leg home. The ride back through Rochdale and Bury presents little by the way of difficulty, except for the rise out of Ashworth Valley, where the rapid descent down one side dictates how far you can get up the other side without blowing up.
Back in Bolton and it is still early, not many miles on the clock but boy has it been hard, must be my age, I think next year I will give the Three Dams a miss.
Pinging Paul
Paul Dickinson is right on form and as the saying goes, he is pinging. If any proof were needed his latest result is a flying fifty mile time trial, hour 59minutes 38seconds, the first twenty five done in 57 minutes something. This is a new personal best for Paul and it looks like there is more in the tank as conditions on the day were not exactly 'float day’ conditions.
We have been patting our runs Sec. on the back for some time now, so long in fact that many of our members have become 'fair weather cyclists’. The first rainy start to the day and where where they, in bed.
Well some of us are made of sterner stuff, some call it stupidity, but whatever, we went forth on a morning when rain really did come down by the bucketful.
Clive Bryan assured everyone that it would clear by eleven o'clock, and if Clive can be optimistic anybody has to take notice. Arriving at Stretton cafe for elevensies we looked a little damp but none the worse for it and soon were enjoying full breakfasts.
The rain was bouncing down as we looked through the window and there were no breaks in the dark clouds, there was a little weakening in the resolve of one or two to carry on to the Eureka cafe on the Wirral but Clives words strengthened the weak, ‘it will all be over by eleven o'clock’. Forgetting that it was already past eleven we set of again, Sally decided to call it a day and went home early having no faith in Clive.
The nearer we got to The Wirral the brighter the skies became, in fact blue sky szemed to be right over where we were headed though the twisting lanes seemed at times to te leading away.
As we arrived at our destination, Eureka, the sun came out and as the rain had kept many cyclists in, the place was non too busy. More beans and eggs. The cafe still boasts the 'tour’ jerseys won by Chris Boardman displayed in a glass frame, other jerseys won by Merseyside racing men of past years are also displayed. This is a real cyclists cafe.
The ride back was a real treat, a strong wind behind and plenty of sunshine made light work of the remaining miles to Bolton. We even had time for a ‘big mac' at Warrington.
For the first time ever, Firs Brow was ridden as a group, no one venturing to the fore, though as we were four abreast at one point in the bus lane, it looked like someone was likely to strike. I think the fact that Ian Tipping and myself were riding so comfortable on 68 inch fix gears all the way up put all thoughts of a sprint on the backburner. Well that's my version. The ride was a hundred miles plus for most riders, though Rodney had to ride into town to make sure he clocked up his first ride of a 'Century'. Well done Rod.
More Stupidity
Not really but when Dave Bisset asked John Martin why he should ride more Audax events in the light of his recent set back, John replied he should carry on riding Audaxes because he
is stupid.
Most Stupid
Well like us, on the same wet morning, Dave and John set off on another 200k event starting outside Chester and heading for Wildboarclough, and like us endured heavy rain until well into the afternoon.
Un
John and Dave had the pleasure of another cyclist joining them for about twenty miles or so, but on reaching Audlem the poor guy found out that he was on the wrong event, he assumed, quite wrongly that the pair he had joined were doing the same event. They left a rather wet dejected looking soul muttering that he had a brother living in Nantwhich.
John and Dave finished the event by eight thirty, Dave sounding rather pleased with himself as he reported in to the newsletter on completion. It seems that 300k and 400k are within the
realms of possibility.
York Rally 04.
Ever since the Clarion, despite annual optimism that things would get better, found memberships falling at a fair rate of knots I expressed a need to arrest the decline before it was too late. For some time I was of the opinion that we, The Clarion, should take advantage of the York Rally to advertise the fact that we were still around and in some areas very active. At long last the thorn was grasped and our new whizzer of a National Secretary, Charles Jepson, wasted no time in booking a pitch and setting up a stand alongside other venerable institutions, VTTA, Rough Stuff Fellowship, Tandem Club, etc.
Despite the shortcomings that always beset the first attempt at something new, The Clarion booth attracted great attention and the forecast used to be in the Clarion’ began to be heard with ever increasing regularity. Many of our promotional (free) newsletters were snapped up along with a healthy interest in Denis Pye's 'Fellowship is Life’ the history of The Clarion. The new, old style clarion badges attracted interest with quite a number being sold, the old outgoing badge also did quite well. While the rally seemed a little less supported than usual, the turn in Saturday's weather from reasonable to outright atrocious ‘n the afternoon helped to drive large numbers into the marquees for shelter, a bonus for us.
Sunday is the day that the day trippers arrive and the weather again was in our favour, wall to wall sunshine encouraging people to visit the racecourse and they came in droves. The Clarion Stand was as busy as any other in the exhibitors marquee and Charles Jepson was conscious of the fact that we were short on free promotion material. This was the day though that people were coming back with filled in membership forms having had their free info to digest overnight, others expressed an interest and joined there and then.
No doubt the star of our stand was Merlin Evans and his 'penny farthing’, sorry Merlin but most people would not recognise ‘Old Ordinary’. Having just completed a tour of the old Austria Hungarian Empire taking in the Alps, great interest was aroused as to how anyone could traverse the Alps on such a machine, Hannibal on an elephant, OK, but Merlin on a penny farthing, no way.
As an exercise, the weekend was nothing less than a success, Charles was ecstatic about the new members who joined and the prospect of two new sections in Wales and South Devon. Now that the format has been proven, it remains now for others to come forward and support Charles, a few more, a couple even, helping to share time at the stand would make a world of difference. Thanks to Paul Hackin and Steve Garthwright for standing in a while I went to shout for Dave Heald during the grass track championship race.
Former Clarion Sec. [an Clarke, Fenland Clarion, aiso here for the grass track racing, dropped in to see us as did our own Bolton section visitors including the venerable Albert Winstanley, eighty six and enjoying meeting old friends and new. Albert now rides a Brompton, modified to suit his needs and he has amassed many miles since it's acquisition. So there we have it, The Clarion at York Rally, and making a lasting impression on the cycling world. For the first time in years I feel that a corner has been turned and a new
panorama is in sight.
Berling tting
After setting a trend of Berlingo spotting, noting the many different colours and finishes. was surprised to find myself invited to a test ride, ail the way to Scotland.
Dave Bisset rang to say that his usual companion, John Martin had retused to make the trip and could I take his place. I could 10t believe my luck. A trip to Scotland in the very vehicle that inspired our latest fad.
Cycling Plus had inspired Dave's interest with an article on a short tour of ‘The Kingdom of Fife’. So it was that Dave picked me up at four pm. and I was shown how versatile was the Berlingo, two bikes and luggage in the back and no need to take out the wheels. Off we go and by about seven thirty we are on the outskirts of Edinburgh heading for the B and B. Once booked in at the golfers paradise, (every room is naméd after a Scottish golf course) Dave whisked me off to see the home of his other passion in life, indoor climbing.
Now if like me you envisage indoor climbing to be a board full of knobs up to a height of about twenty something feet at a youth club somewhere, forget it. This climbing centre is the grand cathedral of indoor climbing, about seven storeys high, glass walled and built over an existing rock quarry. Now if you find it hard to visualise such a building then I can only say that it is like some futuristic science fiction setting. Even if you never aspire to climb, (and I certainly don't) it is a must place to see, incredible.
After a breakfast of thick (thick thick) scots porridge, umpteen rashers of bacon, two eggs, a large sausage and tomato, toast and marmalade washed down with delicious coffee we get underway. A car park at Queensferry close to the Forth Bridge, the road bridge, is found and the bikes are unloaded. Just the sight of the bridge at close quarters is pretty awesome, we can't wait to get on it with the bikes.
Riding on the bridge looking out to the Forth Rail Bridge close by is some experience and we pause at the centre to feel the movement that typifies suspension bridges. A couple of photo's to record Dave and myself on the bridge, a first for both of us, then we are off to tour 'The Kingdom of Fife’.
The weather was a mixture of sunshine and showers, the showers predominate so it seemed, but it did nothing to spoil the outing. The early miles follow the coast in a mixture of off road coastal tracks, bridle paths, interspersed with a few housing estates. Once we are in the countryside the lanes are great and early on there are no climbs to worry about, just Dave's
front wheel slightly ahead of mine. I was beginning to worry about my fitness. Dave whizzec the pedals round at an almighty rate of knots up the hills, the short ones that is.
The best part of the ride comes with the longish climb before we catch sight of Loch Leven. it's the highest climb of the day coming right after our stop for lunch obtained from a village shop. I certainly needed the sandwich and large cream apple turnover as I had long burned off the super breakfast. It was here we enjoyed a bus shelter as we ate during a terrific downpour that dutifully ceased as lunch was over.
The long climb started with three steep hairpin bends, Dave called out to ‘Granny’, dropped down to his little ring and proceeded to enjoy the long climb in his own company. The apple turnover had done the trick and I turned over the middle ring with comparative ease. At the top I took a photo' of Dave, looking comfortable by now, atop the conifer lined ridge. Descending the other side we began to look for the Forth bridges in the far distance and hearing Dave shout I scanned the horizon just as I began a long straight descent. As I reached the bottom where a right on to a track had to be taken, noticed that Dave was no longer behind me. Taking out my binoculars I looked back up the long, long straight, no sign of Dave. waited a while. reluctant to climb all the way back up, it couldn't be a puncture surely, not after a puncture free morning on the rough stuff. Figuring it must be mechanical slowly retraced back up the hill and just over the crest was Dave just replacing his back wheel, he had-a puncture after all.
We continued our way, heading for the Forth Bridge along what remained of the Kingdom route and as we reached the beginning of it, Dave's back tyre expired again. Another new tube and we finished the ride back over the bridge able to see the car on the carpark below us, a comforting sight indeed as we were again caught in a brief shower.
The ride had taken us a little longer than expected, the early rough stuff and tracks extending the time somewhat but on the whole not bad. All that remained now was the long trek home and with the rain storms we saw along the way I realise how fortunate we were to have only been caught a few times.
Once home was abie to read the article and route in Cycling Plus and in retrospect found tne writers had exactly the same ride we had. Unexpected low m.p.h. on the eariy part anc getting lost in Glenrothes on the new roads and islands system due to a poorly sign posted Junction. I was also surprised that the authors found the climb over the forest 'A mighty slog’. must be a couple of southern softies.
It just remains for me to give a big thank you to Dave for the expedition north of the border and the insight to the world of the indoor climber, and some people think cyclists mad, and not forgetting John Martin who. by being otherwise engaged, working that is, left a vacant
seat in the Berlingo.
Paul Dickinson goes from strength to strength, (3.7.04.) lhr. 56 mins. for a 50 miie time tria on the roads around Nottingham. Great stuff Paul, can't wait for the club ‘fifty That is a six minute improvement in the last two weeks. wonderful.
Horton in Ribbiesdale 4.7.04.
L
It was just like Bolton Holidays used to be, raining hard on and off all morning, just the right day for the old fashioned cape.
By the time we left Bolton and the fair weather cyclists in bed, it stopped raining long enough for us to get to the top of Bull hill before once again donning waterproofs. Boy did it rain on top of the hill, sweeping over the moors in a deluge. Down to Darwen where it seemed to ease off a little but persisted with lighter showers until Waddington, where we enjoyed the usual second breakfast of the day. Charlie and his son Simon bade us goodbye at this point heading for home not knowing how far they could ride before getting the bonk. Another heavy shower began as we left the cafe, we were fortunate that at least the temperature high, warm and wet is far better than wet and cold.
At Flass farm we took off the waterproofs again and made it through to Settle as the clouds began to break up. Things looked promising. Taking the back road out of Settle to Stainforth. lan took the lin 7 on fix gear at full tilt, forced to stop only after he had got to the top. we had to put the waterproofs back on anyway.
It's some time since I came to Horton in Ribblesdale and had to ask if the cafe there was stil! open, fortunately it was and was also quite empty as we arrived. but not for long.
As we settled down to our pints of tea and coffee and cake, a typical dales downpour began and all of a sudden the place was filled with walkers and hikers seeking shelter from the storm. ‘It's clearing now’ said Clive but all it did was get heavier and heavier.
As we were trying to leave, our way was barred by walkers all crowded in the entrance porch to the cafe, we had to squeeze by them. The w.c.'s were some one hundred yards down the road so a mad dash was in order. It was still raining as forcibly as we left but five miles down the road it ceased and that was the last we saw of it the rest of the day.
One of lifes pleasures for a cyclist is riding down the Ribble Valley on a summer day. it wa: magic, the rain had stopped. the sun was out. ch glory.
The magic ceased at Blackburn as we began the familiar Bull Hili route. tired legs begin 1 be painful at this point. but the gods were kind and we had a brilliant tail wind to assist us al the way back to Bolton.
What could have been a miserable ride turned out to be fantastic, all because we persisted with the ride all the way. Had we turned tail and headed for home as some would have then we would have had rain the whole ride and missed the pleasure of a great ride back from Settle.
It can pay to get out of bed even when it is raining, honest.
Track Nights are Back, O.K. Make a note of the dates. If you are interested just let me, Tony, or
Sally Roy know and we will book your name down. Saturdav 16"
October, Saturday 20" November. Speed and excitement up and down the velodrome boards, give yourself a treat, dare vou.
Frank Myers went jooking for a good time in a twenty five mile time trial, all the way to Ranby near Nottingham. Frank was rewarded for the long trip with a personal best time over the distance of lhr. 9mins. 2seconds. Now before anyone says so what, lets remember that Frank came into cycling late in life and his best ever time comes close to his sixty seventh birthday. When you can get faster as well as older then not a lot can be wrong. I say Congratulations Frank, well done and may you continue to get better.
Wildboarclough 11.7.04.
By the time we reached Four Lane Ends our number had swelled to eleven for our trip across Cheshire the edge of the Peak District.
A nice tail wind carried across the flat lands to Mathews garden centre at Monks Heath in fairly rapid time. if it hadn't been for a toilet stop and a puncture it could have been evens. ii felt like it anvway. Runs Sec Alan Collier assisted by lan Tipping set a ruthless pace with people having to sprint to get on after pauses at lights and junctions.
After a satisfactory break we set off in the more rolling part of the ride to Sutton where the first real hills began, as well as my position of tail end Charlie.
After passing the Celtic Cross, an ancient monument that no one seems to se as they struggle to the top, we are treated to a superb down hill into Wildboarclough. The views which J normally comment on were replaced by tarmac, was finding the hills hard work, but it was a cloudy grey day anyway so the countryside was not at it's best.
The pub in the valley provided our next break during which rain began to fall and persistec after our departure
Reaching the top of the valiey we begin the aescent of the Cat and Fiddle. at this point th: day began to be full of incident. was way behind the others on the jong downhill. my caps was a great catch point for the strong wind so braking was not difficult. approached a sh hairpin bend and saw our group by the side of the road and as neared I also saw a car wit! hazard lights flashing at the same point. Something was amiss. Rodney was sitting in the grass by the side of the road with a couple of our lads and Sally looking concerned. He hac obviously fell off on the bend and sustained an injury to his shoulder, landing on a grass verge had lessened the seriousness of his fall. The motorist in attendance was good enough to have stopped and give assistance and also phoned for an ambulance when it was ascertained Rods injury could be a broken collarbone.
Now in true cyclists fashion, the main focus of attention was on Rod's bike. "how's my bike’ enquired Rod. And was relieved to learn that apart from a bent back wheel all was well. The back wheel was almost immediately sprung back into a straight wheel by well informec mechanics. to Rod's relief of course. Also in true cyclists fashion. when it is ascertained tha injuries are not life threatening. sympathy does not exisi. Scenario’s are trotted out. the bes: of which is the one describing the ambulance men lifting Rod's titanium ‘Airborne’ bike on tc the stretcher, carefully of course. then driving of leaving poor Rod on the floor.
10
Rod was taken off to Macclesfield Hospital, Airborne as well, in the ambulance.
We waved a tearful goodbye, well not really, in fact all the cruel jokes came trotting out as we made our way home.
As I said the incidents on the way home really livened up the day. Near Knutsford we were cut up by a lunatic in a white van, Alan Collier was smacked in the face by the driver as he left traffic lights. Sally and Paul had water thrown at them by the passenger and the driver aimed his van at me and almost had me off, Rodney was now inside page stuff.
After Knutsford we somehow managed to lose Andy Ascroft in a lane to Broomedge. Later we lost Richard Brown but we knew he would not be far behind and we recovered him at the top of Firs Brow, now there's a story in itself. Richard is normally charging up at the fore, but today a sore behind is behind the story of being behind, get it!
This day is one of those days that will be recalled time and again, who said cycling is
boring?
In the Wee Small Hours.
Rodney is recovering but expects to be off the bike for a while. Severe bruising to ribs shoulder, arm and hand.
On getting home from Macclesfield hospital he settled for sleeping on the couch as he was in such pain at every movement, allowing Mandy to rest. However in the wee small hours of the morning nature demanded a trip to the loo. Mandy's peace was shattered with a howling in the night. Rod woke up and found he was in so much pain, unable to move, and in desperation screamed for Mandy's assistance. Now suppose he hadn't been married!!
Keeping in touch.
Thanks to Tom Butterworth for sending me an E-mail from America. For those who are not aware of Tom's trip to America, Tom is on a work place at a training camp for American
school children, three months I think.
Hi Tony,
Well I've been here 5 weeks now and I con honestly say that I'm
having an amazing time. When I arrived we all got to spend a day in New York City, staying at Columbia University which is on Broadway just a few blocks away from down town Manhattan. I had a brief chance to have a look around Central Park and it was suppose to be a case of having a relaxing evening because we were all setting off to our various camps early the following
morning.
This, however, went completely out of the window when a group of us decided to have a night out around Time Square. The square itself was unbelievable-there are billboards the size of Bolton Town Hall and all the
11 buildings are basically covered with garish, bright advertisements (this is truly the home of global capitalism): we spent most of the time bumping into NewYorkers as we had our heads well and truly tilted skywards. It really is impossible to describe it, but all I'll say is that it's far more impressive than it looks on tv/film. We had a meal overlooking the square, had a few drinks, went on the subway, got lost on the subway and ended up getting a Yellow Cab back to the university-all in all a great night!
Since then I have been at the Camp itself. The staff are a good mix of
Brits, Aussies, Kiwis, South Africans, Yanks and even some eastern Europeans; so it really is a multinational affair-but everyone is easy to
get on with and I now have places to stay in each of these countries-its not what you know but who you know!. The Camp itself is amazing, set in hundreds of acres of woodland with our very own lake roughly the samie size as the jumbles reservoir. The weather has been really good so far, but we've
actually had a couple of days of rain recently and a few big storms. I've
got a different group of kids to look after each week and on the whole they
are great kids- but they are all unbelievably loaded-one of my campers was picked up in a limo last week because his parents were overseas on business. The mountain biking is okay, but the trails are a bit same after a while,
the other guy that i run it with is a down hill mountain biker; so he
obviously thinks that full suspension and knobbly tyres are the best thing
since sliced bread. I've attempted to explain to him about 'proper' cycling
and how full suspension just makes your bike weigh a stupid amount more than it needs to be- but he just doesn't get it; I'll keep plugging away though!
Speaking of cycling, I haven't been able to see much of the Tour, but I'm getting the results every day and will probably buy the whole thing on DVD when I get back. I cannot believe about David Millar, I honestly thought he was a clean, talented rider-but it turns out he's a cheating, lying bastard
and he's not only ruined his own reputation, but will also damage that of British cycling and our 2012 Olympic bid-what a plonker!
Well I've got to go now cos my kids will be back from session soon and I've got to take them for their lunch. I hope your enjoying the summer and getting plenty of rides in. Send my love to Amy, I hope she's okay and getting to do as much cycling as she wants to. I'll be in touch again soon,
I may even ring as international phone calls are actually quite cheap if you get the right phone card. Say hi to everyone at the Clarion for me.
Take care. Tom.
100k Rel
Most of the members turning up for the ride arrived in time for an eight thirty am. start.
We actually start this ride at nine. An oversight of the humble secretary, runs list publisher, newsletter writer, postman, typist, routemaster, map maker, and what have you meant that got it wrong by not including the start time on the date of the ride. Apolgies.
Thirteen were set for the ride at the start time, Amy giving a count down every ten seconds five minutes before the off, unlucky for some you may think. Well the only unlucky one was Charles Whittle, he rang me before eight am. as to when the start time was, the only one with forward planning I thought. At nine prompt we set forth, but without Charles, he was late. We could not have had better weather for the ride, plenty of sunshine, and once beyond Burnley, scenery as nice as anywhere as we circumnavigated the beautiful Pendle Hill country side.
It's worth mentioning that A.O.B. was also on the circuit but as an observer, not officially on the ride. As usual he "Hadn't been out for weeks’ but nevertheless he made things hard work for me, and I'm in training, well according to Alan Collier.
Despite having minimal stops on route, the first two back in Bolton were Dave Bisset and John Martin, Dave looking like the cat that caught the goldfish, smug I'd say. I have to say though, well done Dave and John, I just wish I'd known that it was a race. It turns out that Dave caught sight of us as we tumed for the Abbey at Whalley, for a pot of tea, and thought we were taking a short cut and legged it for home.
All in all most riders were back in extremely good times, the last ones were Amy and Maurice Halsall, just half an hour or so behind the tandem, crewed by Alan and Rachel. Again Bull Hill was a struggle for most, Andy Wallis in particular, Andy had ridden the route on fix gear and I can say from personal experience that it is a hard task on a single
gear. Well done to all who supported the ride, certificates have been well and truly earned.
All Through The Night
23.7.04. Paul's all night ride.
Friday night at the Black Dog Belmont, 9p.m. Rodney was greeting us with his digital camera getting scoop shots for his web page. As I write this report the following evening the photo's are already on the web, and very good they are too, thanks Rod.
Ten riders gathered in the pub making ready for the ride, however, Jim, was not to ride so we would be down to nine. Member Andrew Singleton greeted us in his local but refused the invite to join the ride.
It was time to go and as we stood outside unlocking bike locks hordes of midges descended on us, most of them attacking Stephen Menhams who in between trying to unlock was waving his arms and jumping about. Once the bikes were free Rodney took a final photo at the front of the pub, then we were off on a ride to remember.
Alan Collier was sporting a brand new Shimano Dyno-hub but was soon tapping the headlamp in a way reminiscent of the days of ever ready battery lamps, trying in vain to gain a flicker of response.
Stephen Menhams was missed within a mile or so, last seen trying to fit a new lamp.
On to Salmesbury Bottoms where Alan Collier finally rectified the headlamp, using a headlamp clamped to his head he looked like a surgeon on a mission.
On to Mellor and Ramsgreave then the scary descent from the top down pitch black lanes, the road disappearing from our lights as we rounded the sharp bends. At the bottom we waited for the tandem, they had punctured on the way down due to ‘hot rims’.
Off again we were soon hurtling down the long hill toward Ribchester lights flooding the long straight road ahead. Turning into Gallows Lane it was very dark again and the twinkling bright red lights of many L.E.D.'s was a bout all we could see.
On to Huntingdon Hall Lane where the climbing began to get serious enough for Andy Wallis to take his first walk, Andy had opted for a fix wheel bike, he really is fit.
Jeffrey Hill next and again Andy was forced to take a little walk but was soon back on again once the incline levelled out.
Alan and Rachel overcame their fear of the descent from the summit by careful use of the brakes, releasing them as hot rubber began to smell. Chipping was reached without further incident.
Chipping toilets were closed, previously they have been open, but we took a break anyway making good use of the benches around the wishing well. The few locals we saw took a little interest in these crazy people of the night, one even began to sing ‘if you go down in the woods today’ well you know the rest. Another we met in a lane responded to our greeting by running after us at great speed for a drunk, Andy Wallis began to spin his fixed gear like a track sprinter.
A few miles down tl e road incidents again began to arise. A string of small potholes proved hard to seein the dark lanes, even though our lighting was excellent they lav undetected until we hit them. My back up light's battery pack shot out of it's cage requiring a trip back up the road with another torch to recover the wayward item. I found it intact and slipped it back into place and it worked perfectly. I rejoined the group and we were ready to go until the dreaded cry went up, Puncture’. Richard Brown had also hit the rough patch and discovered ‘snakebite’ in the inner tube. It should be mentioned here that with all the spare torches and lamps, Led and otherwise, making roadside repairs in the dark is a doddle. Puncture repaired we are ready to roll again, until I find a large degree of movement in my handlebars and stem, alarmingly large. More lights are thrust forward at the offending part and to my horror I find that the quill adapter to A-Head stem has snapped off. Fortunately, being an adapter, the fixing bolt to the quill could be tightened to a point where all movement ceased and was able to carry on with the ride, albeit gingerly at first. My confidence grew as we made the summit of the Trough of Bowland but the descent gave me further cause for concern, would my temporary repair stand hitting a pot hole at speed.
Once we hit the rolling hills down near Dolphinholme J was happy that things would be ok. Soon we were entering the motorway services at Forton eager for hot tea and coffee plus a well earned long rest. Andy was just about nodding off when it was time to make a move to
our breakfast stop at ‘Bon Appetite’ in Higher Walton, Steve had promised to open early for us and we had promised to be there on time, 6.30 am.
As we left Forton, dawn light was appearing over the Lancashire fells, it was a pleasant experience riding in the half lit lanes as the birds began their chorus and the rabbits scampered for cover.
The pace was nice and easy now, we had plenty of time in hand, enough to make a detour into the lanes round Inglewhite before rejoining the A6 to Preston.
6.25. am. and we are at Bon Appetite and Steve has the eggs and bacon ready for the hungry horde that has descended, in no time at all the egg and bacon barms are on the table along with the steaming hot pots of tea and coffee. This is a wonderful time of day though Andy oblivious to the loud chatter around him, finally drops off part way through his bacon sandwich.
Breakfast over we start the last leg of our 'All Night Ride' and everyone decided that the easiest route home would be the A6. Andy's little rest did wonders for him and he was riding strong again as we neared Chorley.
Adlington, not far to go now and another all night ride will be over.
I think that next year perhaps one or two more will take to the idea that riding on empty roads is not as daft as it may seem. Hills do not seem as steep or as long, not being able to see them helps to fool the brain. The only sounds are of whirring wheels and tyres on the roads, the odd shout‘of puncture and perhaps that of a lamp hitting the deck. Other than that it is voices in the dark that do not have to be raised above the sound of traffic and the odd call of an owl. The views may not be terrific but to stand on top of Jeffrey hill and the Trough of Bowland and see the night time landscape of distant twinkling lights, I swear I could see Blackpool tower, without doubt an experience worth having.
Next year, give it a go.
The Road to Recovery
The Sunday morning following the night ride it was raining the proverbial cats and dogs,
surely no one in their right mind would turn up for today's ride.
As I turned onto the town hall square I saw one rider, someone else beside me who was out of their mind. We were soon joined by others also like minded, ten in total.
The rain was coming down unabated and the forecast was depressingly announcing that we were to have rain all day. Having hardly recovered from the all night ride, I ashamedly agreed that it would be wise to ride as far as Croston, Twin Lakes cafe to be exact, Southport was for once uninviting.
Alan was for stopping at every cafe on the way but we either did not pass one or they were closed, Rivington Barn was the first one he tried, closed. Worden Park Leyland, they were closed. We eventually made Twin Lakes and how welcoming it was, sitting inside and watching the rain being blown across the water was very comforting, especially when the
food arrived.
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Curried beef an chips is to be recommended and so too were the full English breakfasts. along with the bacon and egg barms. Just in case we got the bonk on the way back we supplemented the meal with rice puddings and sponge and custard. We didn't get the bonk but we could hardly move anyway.
Slowly we returned to Rivington Barn to round the day off with coffee before getting home in time to watch the finale of the 'Tour de France’. For those who did the all night ride it was a recovery ride that was needed, for those that didn't it was wet weather riding with dry interludes in the cafes. It has to be the first time in a long while that we have not had sunshine at all on the day of the Southport ride, better luck next time, eh.
Andy's Fifty
Andy Horner rode to the club fifty championship on Saturday (24"" July 04.) taking the National Clarion Championship at the same time, and what's more he took fourth place overall. Andy rode to a time of lhour 59 minutes 14 seconds. Paul Dickinson recorded 2 hours 3minutes 8seconds to take the club silver medal. With just the 100 mile champs left it is two to Andy the ten and fifty) one to Paul (the twenty five). Since Andy has no desire to tackle the 100 it looks like the score will be two all.
Paul takes the 100 mile champs.
As I was saying, Paul was the only one brave enough to tackle the 100 mile champs and so the score is now two apiece. Andy the 10 and 50 champs, Paul the 25 and 100 champ.
Paul recorded 4hours 4S5minutes 48secs. for the 100 but he felt that things were not going well in the first ten miles. he just blanked his mind to anything but finishing and got on with it.
Ken Bath has sneaked in under the hour for a twenty five mile event, J don't know where vet. but details on this historic event later.
Ken informs me that after thirty years of trying he has at last succeeded, and he is still getting a huge buzz out of it.
The event was on a fast mans course for the slowest 120 entries, got that, and the winner came home in 53 minutes. Ken did 59 minutes 55 seconds, and that has to be one of the clubs best rides of the year. The fast lads are expected to go fast, but Ken certainly pulled one out of the hat.
The-day after, Ken was riding in a road race near Chester and was only twenty yards from winning. In that twenty yards to the finish though, some twenty riders were in front of Ken. all across the road and no way through. Well one good ride in the weekend is good enough for anyone. Well done Ken.
16 150k Reliability. Chester.1*.Aug. 04.
We had a day to remember for this ride, hot sunny weather, a real scorcher.
The ride started at a very comfortable rate with a brief stop at Hollins Green to adjust clothing, a complete disrobe for some, then off to Lymm services for a toilet stop.
The transport cafe at Stretton was our first real stop, egg and beans on toast and the usual bacon butties.
Things were still going well as we reached Helsby then things began to happen. Clive Bryan had wisely purchased two new tyres for the event, Scwalbe Blizzard with anti puncture kevlar inserts. As is bound to happen, Clive punctured. After what seemed an eternity, these new mini pumps three and a half inches long are pretty useless, we were at last up and running. On the outskirts of Chester Clive punctured again, this time in the back wheel. Clive by this time is unimpressed by his new purchase, two deflations, back and front on a perfect day for cycling.
A quick pump up again by the mini pump just to get us to the riverside cafe, and we are at the cafe enjoying tea on the riverside prom. Our stay was rather overlong but on a day like this who wants to rush. Eventually we make our way back out of Chester and onto the route over Kingsley and on to Acton Bridge. All is going well until another puncture delays our progress but Fleur tackles the job with gusto and soon has the tyre back on the wheel. So fa: so good. Out comes the mini pump again, and again not much air is going in the tyre. Another pump is tried, again without much success, finally a normal long pump is supplied and hey presta, the tyre is inflated.
The next delay occurs when the tandem is stopped and when they appear half of the group had decided to follow Ray, who was not out for a certificate, off the designated route. Stopping to refill water bottles at Broomedge we were surprised by the arrival of a sweating bunch who had been doing 'evens' and were convinced thzy were half an hour ahead of us. Boy were they surprised to see us here before them.
Fleur and Maurice did not stop but carried on down the hill at great pace, I knew what was coming next.
Hollins Green was reached and Fleur and Maurice were still nowhere to be seen, Fleur is at her best on the flat, and the pace goes up alarmingly. Paul Hackin and Andy Skinner begin to race, hotly pursued by Roger Mills. Holcroft Lane is being gobbled up at a fair rate when up goes the shout 'there they are' again the pace goes up as the pursuit is taken up in earnest. Gear levers are pushed to the top looking for that extra drive, fine for the others but I'm on a 68 inch fix gear and my legs are about to unscrew. A regrouping takes place at the top of Holcroft Lane but not for long, Fleur and Maurice again go whistling past waiting for no one. The chase is taken up again, all the way to the greyhound at Leigh, where we sit on Fleur's back wheel.
Atherton, and the drag up to it are a precursor to the last hard bit of the ride, Firs Brow and Four Lane Ends.
I have to limit my options on the steep bit and watch in amazement as four riders hurtle at great speed up the hill, looks like a 'tour' stage finish. I am informed at the top that speeds in excess of twenty one miles an hour were attained up to the lights, Andy Skinner is ready for more time trials is the opinion of all.
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A more orderly finish to the ride on the town hall square takes place where a mere five minutes separates all the group. Clive Bryan suffers another puncture, his third of the day, as he arrives back in town, enough is enough, ring the wife.
After an easy ride most of the day stored energy is expended in the last twelve miles, rather odd when you consider we had already done ninety miles when the rush started. The ride home after is done at a real leisurely pace, I don't have much option and I am ready for a hot
shower and tea.
Oh to be in England now that summer's here. How apt is this saying when you are in glorious Lakeland on a hot summers day.
We met at Lakeside on a beautiful morning, blue sky, blue water of the lake reflecting yachts and boats of all sizes, the sort of scene pre-empting an exiting holiday. We were here but for a day, though we would enjoy our time here as much as anyone.
Ten members set forth through the shady lanes on the west side of the lake, the up and down twisting road offering glimpses of Windermere from time to time. We were heading for the ferry to take us across to Bowness but a delay occurred and we found ourselves ambling along behind a herd of cows, not annoying in the least for us. A following car however was less than impressed and took a left turn at an opportune moment.
Timing for the crossing could not have been better, ready to go as soon as we boarded along with three cars and two motor bikes. I should mention that the fare now for a cy¢list is forty penc:, doesn't seem long since it was only a ‘tanner’, that's two and a half pence for the younger members information. I always get a kick out of being on a boat, for a short trip that is, and soon we were off at the other side heading for a toilet stop followed by ‘bacon butties’.
The road from Bowness seems to climb ever upward in the direction of Winster, a good thing that the sun is not yet at full power as sweat runs freely from the exertions of climbing. Before Winster a left turn onto narrow single track lanes gives a mighty relief from fast cars, car free lanes in the Lake district what a joy. We carry on climbing for a while then we are on rolling lanes that so few people have ever seen, frequent gates across the road ensure that only locals and the odd farm guests travel along here. Stops for photo's are frequent ask Alan Collier, he thought he was out with the 'paparazzi'
At Ings, we are set for a little rough stuff riding, not everyone's taste but little is said by way of complaint as we are in more gorgeous countryside overlooking Kentmere Valley. A friendly farmer holds the last gate open for us as we head for tarmac once more and begin the descent to the valley bottom.
On reaching the valley the ride becomes nice and easy, so easy time is taken out for a puncture before continuing on to Kentmere village. Amy and Rachel explore the gravestones looking for items of interest while Rodney takes more photo's.
1 eisurel pace continues as we now heac ior Staveies anc junen a! riage along the river is a rea! delight. this dreamlike cycling After lunch we take interest in the large cycle shop Wheelbase, no one has prought enough money for the bargains on offer, i.e. the carbon fibre saddle weighing a mere couple of
ounces, at ‘one hundred and fifty pounds' only. Alan Collier takes a ride on a whacky chopper type, photo on Rods web page along with
other shots recording an excellent day, and we drool over the Cannondale and Trek lightweight race bikes, all good stuff.
The return leg to Lakeside is via more single track roads running through Crook and Crosthwaite before steadily climbing the ridge over which lies Gummer Fell with fantastic views of Windermere from here. The drop downhill here is nothing short of hair raising, if you have any, even with brakes on hard breakneck speeds are attained, a true white knuckle ride. Amy pulled so hard on her brakes she could not straighten her fingers for a while, Rachel was also pleased to reach the bottom in one piece.
Ten minutes later we are back at Lakeside, spot on four thirty, and ice cream cones with chocolate flake are a must have for the weary and the not so weary. As we relax Rod takes the best photo of the day, a worn out lady lay in the back of a van with legs in the air, see Rods web photo's. Plenty of time is taken over the stowing of bikes as we reflect on what has been a great day out, the last time we did today's ride it rained all day. what a difference in weather. There are great rides to be had in the lakes if you plan it well, and all without too much traffic, it really is worth the trek up the motorway now and again.
caie. ine
Autumn Tints Dinner
Fleur Woolley is organising the Autumn Tints Dinner this year. Tickets are nine pounds and can be purchased up to four days before the dinner. The Dinner will be at Smithills Hall on Saturday the 30'". October. Maurice Halsall and Fleur are the ticket
vendors, early bookings will be appreciated.
Personal Bests for a few of the club members at the Levens course on a very good evening. Sally Roy, how pleasing is this performance, Frank Myers, well what can vou say about Frank's dedication to improvement, another pleasing effort. Andy Skinner. well did tell vor about his storming Firs Brow at twenty one miles an hour. turning in a fantastic ride. As we as all this Fred smith, not a P.B.. turned in a ride of considerable quality to round off
4
perfect evening's riding. For the record Sally Roy. 26.00. Frank Myers. 25.15. 23.25, Andy Skinner 25.22.
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Widdop Moor 15". 04. i
You could almost have called it ladies day as we had the pleasure of the company of three lady members. If anyone thought it would be an easy day would be very disappointed as the three ladies concerned are three of the ablest riders.
We had very good weather and a tail wind as well as we headed for Sainsbury's at Burnley for more of that well known Atkins diet. From Burnley we tackled the very long climb toward Widdop Moor. From the top we can see what looks like a ferocious climb across the valley, the sight of it stalls Sally and she declares the sight of it making her ill. Calm down Sally, it's only a commercial. After being persuaded that it is an optical illusion due to looking at the hill head on, Sally decides to carry on.
The optical illusion turns out to be every bit as steep as it looked from the other side and soon three pairs of feet are trudging upward, Dave Bisset, Sally and myself. Just think, I have rode up here on fix gear and here I am walking with a granny ring on board. Dave Bisset is breaking in his new set of grannie's and is reluctant to wear them out too soon. Sally is back on the bike in no time at all leaving Dave and myself with a bit more walking before remounting.
Once at the top Sally regains her composure and is soon pedalling with her usual gusto and after a while declares she is glad she carried on. The ride across the moor is a real pleasure. one of the nicest areas around. Next comes the downhill section all the way into Hebden Bridge, what a superb drop with the industrial town on the left at the bottom of Harcastle Crags.
On reaching Hebden I dashed into the cafe before all the apple pie was sold and ordered a large portion with two scoops of ice cream. More members quickly followed, and it seemed odd that four, who had been a little late arriving seemed reluctant to seek refreshment while lounging on the car park wall. It turned out that they thought that we were behind while we tucked in to pie and ice cream across the road. Eventually the peni.v dropped and they joined us for junch Bacup Hil! wast nowever
oF some. not so good for others of a terrific riage down tc i was only 5pm. Not bad going
osen route pack to Bolton. alright vec the noi climb and had the benefit ing pack in Bolton was surprised io see
a
Trough and Southport. 22”. Aug. 04.
No we did not do both rides as one group but as am reduced to writing about the long ride without having done it I'll kill two birds with one stone and report on both. Amy was not too well so stood in to lead the 'B' ride. arrived on the town hal! square in time to inform the members on the A ride that unfortunate! would not be accompanying them, and the reason of course. Fourteen set off for the trough on what seemed like a promising day weatherwise. one of the few of late. heading for Waddington cafe as the first stop. Paul Hackin was revelling in the role of leader and subsequent!y chose the Waddington Fell route to Dunsop Bridge. not for
20 tne faint hearted this road. After negotiating the Trough. Pau! then put them through i: again by choosing Harris Fell End instead of dropping easiix into Scorton. Saliy however decided that Scorton was where she wanted to be and bade goodbye. Apart from knowing the next stop was Higher Walton I know little else other than a few tired legs were glad to get back to Bolton.
The ride to Southport went quite well also, a little group of five making the trip.
What was interesting was a new guy, prospective member Peter Moore, came along to see how he could manage the mileage. Peter wants to ride one of the big charity rides next year in support of Christie's hospital, as a former patient he want's to put something back in. Another member to ride was Ken Halo, just back from South Africa, looking to 'stretch' himself on his bike. Steve Garthwright managed a ride in between his ‘horrible' shifts, first time we've seen Steve in many a week. Making up the quintet was Maurice the ‘elder’, a_leisurely ride was in prospect.
Apart from Steve being let down by front and back wheel punctures, both at the same time. things went well. A nice tail wind across Burscough moss made it easier to get to Southport than ever. The nice lady at the Coronet Cafe gave us our usual discount on our all day breakfasts after which we, me and Steve. enjoyed ice cream cornets on the promenade.
Peter Moore was delighted with the ride as was Ken, who could not believe we had ridden into Southport on quiet lanes.
After a short ride up the main road out of Southport toward Preston we were again on a quiet lane across open farmland to Sollom. The rickety bridge on route to Croston was a novelty to those unaware of it's existence, half a dozen bikes certainly make a racket as we cross in line. We did not stop at Croston for a pot of tea, as we usually do, but continued on to the diving centre up Tannersmith Lane. As it was still very good weather we sat outside and watched the bubbles rising to the surface of the flooded quarry, divers were about somewhere but none surfaced while we were there. We will have to try this place again.
Back on the road to Bolton again, still on quiet Janes, and bzfore long Adlington was reached. Ken was beginning to feel a bit tired after covering more miles than he had done for many a month while Peter was still going strong after his longest ride. Peter though gets out regular on a thirty mile loop so he was well prepared for today's ride, looks like we have
another new member.
Manchester Tour 30" August 2004.
The hardest ride I have ever done. Fred Smith asked me if I fancied having a go at the 110kms distance. (there was also 80 and a 50 kms options). Fred got the form for me and duly filled it in and sent it off with a cheque for £15 without a second thought. The route map
arrived after a iew days. That was when read what it said on the form ‘endurance route
2]
110kms’: ‘sport route 80kms’ and a ‘fun route 50 kms’. The word ‘endurance’ made
me wonder what I was in for!!
Fred, Mark (from Bury Clarion) and I rode to Manchester too Sportcity for the start, we arrived around 8-20a.m. We where delayed a bit Fred had a puncture on the way there. We where expecting to start the ride at 8-30a.m., however we could see a mile long queue to get a transponder fitted to our bikes before we set off. Consequently we didn’t set of till after 10
o'clock. By then we where trozen to the bone after all it was August!
We set off and Fred started going like the clappers down the road with Mark in hot pursuit. With me trying to keep up. I soon started to realise what the word endurance actually meant. Fred doesn’t know what the words ’take it easy’ mean. A lad who came up from London to do the race latched onto Fred and they disappeared up the road. Mark stayed with me for a good few miles. We where going up one of the long hills when we came across Fred and his friend from London. Fred had punctured again. thought if Fred punctures two or three more times might get to the finish at the same time as him. No such luck. When Mark and I got to Holme firth there was a feed station. There was one after about 25 miles we didn’t bother with that one. Fred was there of course. All you got was a banana and a bottle of Lucozade. We set off again after about 5 minutes. I took one bottle of liquid which was not enough and
ate one banana and two energy bars and a free Lucozade bottle. I didn’t see Fred, Mark or
the lad from London again till I got back to Sportcity.
The endurance route was Sportcity, Woodhouses,Lees, Mossley, Dobcross, Greenfield, Meltam, Honley, Holmefirth, Holmebridge, Holmemoss, Hollingworth, Staylibridge, Ashton
Under Lyne, too finish at Sportcity.
On the way home from Manchester Fred said ‘are you going out for your ride around Rottenstall tomorrow? I think he was joking. I could barely stand up when I got off my bike.
I have never been over as many hills in one ride ever.
PS.
There was a bloke taking photographs as you got to the top of Holmes Moss. Fred said they
might be on the Internet.
P.P.S
As you finished the race it came over the loud speaker to go to the big marquee and reserve a ‘goody bag’. I thought ‘great’. Inside the bag was Manchester Evening News and two bottles of Lucozade!
Yours Sincerely, Frank Myers.
Thanks Frank, glad vou enjoyed it.
No words could be read on this page.
Track Night.
OK, I know the sun is shining and everyone is riding in shorts it's July as I write) but if we want to use the Velodrome this winter we have to plan ahead. There are so many events and fixtures scheduled for the Velodrome in the coming months that there will be a lot of dis-appointed clubs. I have managed to book two evenings to date with negotiations for a further two in the new year
ongoing.
Two dates confirmed are October 16". and November 20". Both nights are Saturday nights at 8 pm until 10pm. Price per sessions are £6.50. for Seniors, £3.00. for Juniors. Cycle hire is £7.00. I would appreciate it if intended riders would let me know in plenty of time particularly if a track bike is required.
Fred Smith... 01204 792924.
Thanks Fred, don't let Fred down folks, book early with Tony, Sally or Fred.
Piste-Cycleable No, the above is not a ski slope you can ride down on your bike, but it's the sign used to denote a cycle ~m the Haute Savoie region of France. Annecy and it's lake lies at the center, surrounded by alpine peaks. Tremendous efforts have been made to make the area attractive to cyclists. For example, starting in Annecy there is a cycle path constructed on the site of a disused railway running down the shore of the lake. The path is not your usual barrow loads of shale rolled but a fully metalled road exclusive for cyclists and in-Line skaters only. At present the length is 32 kms long including one of the old railway tunnels, very shortly the length will be doubled with the completion of an underpass where a main road is crossed. Imagine you could have a club run from end to end of 120 kms. with no hills or cars. In addition the regional tourist board has produced a SSpage-booklet with a map showing 100 graded and sign posted routes. The routes are graded family, moderate, difficult and alpine circuits.- so you potter along or emulate your.tour heroes by riding the various cols. Another attraction of the region is the profusion of cycle sportives taking place and this year a Tour stage finish at Grand Bornand just40 kms- from Annecy _"The- Grand Bo", is the title-of a cycle sportive that starts and finishes in Grand Hornand, the route covering the final portion of the Tour stage including the climb of the Col du Croix Fry.
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Having obtained an entry I lined up on a bright sunny
morning with around 500 riders,. all bar two being rather younger than me. on the car park outside the sports halle in Grand Hornand. The village is at the foot of the Col de la Colombiere, by the foot I mean you ride up the main street for around 100 metres turn right and you are climbing, 1613 metres and 14kms-long..1 have rode in quite a few bunches in my time but none quite like this lot, usually the bunch smells of embrocation sweat and a few other distinct odours, but not this group the smell of for men toiletries was overpowering. After a few kilometers of steady climbing the aroma returned to normal. An exhilarating descent is immediately followed by the next climb, Mont -Saxonnex only 1.000 metres high but the catch is it achieves the height in only 5 kilometres, at
the top there is a large sign Prudence- Dangerous- Descent they are not kidding more switchbacks than a roller coaster. The route now follows a steady gradual drag for about 25 kms, a little like- Chorley New road but longer, the next Summit is St. Jean de Sixt ,1000 metres, this is followed by a swift not.. too twisty plunge into the valley, a quick sprint through the village of Thones and it's on to the last climb of the day~the Cot de la Croix Fry, 1.467metres up and 13 kms. long with steepest bits around 11 After watching Floyd Landis lead Armstrong, Ullrich and Kloden up here one can only wonder how they do it, suffice to say I was a little slower. Once over the top there is a great 14km. descent to the finish where all the riders get their little piece of fame as the announcer reads out your number, name and time as you swoop under the ‘arrivee' banner. Later in the day everyone assembles in the sports hail for a meal and prize presentation including a draw with every ones number in a giant basket and just to round off a great day yours truly got first prize in the draw.
Yours in cycling Fred Smith.
Thanks for an informative read Fred, well done, but what was the first prize?
Clarion Track Champs.
The championships this year were very well supported with a fair number of sections represented. Charles Jepson had gone a long way to ensuring that the event was not only for the 'elite' with a fair programme for the 'B' riders. A very entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by those doing the riding but one has to sympathise with those with the duties of organising. The big hitters performed to their usual standards with Stockport and Fenland dominating the championship events, though even here surprises took vlace. Julian Mortel. (Stocknor) decame ‘Sprint Champion’ in a rather >izarve but brilliant final.
Likewise the 'Five Mile' championship was won in surprising style by Will Sanderson of Stockport. Will took every one by surprise on the very first lap sprinting away before others realised what was happening. In no time at all Will had gained a lap on all riders and
defended his lead by nullifying all attempts to regain a lap. Great stuff. Simon Lawman was Bolton's best rider managing to reach the sprint semi finals and
challenging all the way in the five miler. The afternoon was not long enough for all events scheduled to be completed but then again
the number of members participating took all by surprise. On this basis it can only be regarded a successful event.
WAS MORE
Thank you for taking the trouble to
read our newsletter, now put it away and read it again, don't forget the track nights, please.
Editor's note.
No words could be read on this page.