In This Edition: e EASTER MEET e WORTL
HALL e GHOST STORY e MUCH MUCH MORE
LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SECRETARY
First and foremost on behalf of the National Committee, would like to wish you members out there a belated Happy and prosperous 2001 with plenty of safe and enjoyable cycling.
Performances on the road and track last season as always, were of a high standard, congratulations to:
THE SUNDERLAND EXPRESS
13 Year old Robert Coats, well done Robert, also Alan Armstrong three good rides for a total plus of 94-24.
FROM CREWE Good ride Nick (1-51-42) ablely backed up with good rides from Alf, Dave and Duncan.
STOCKPORT Well done Derek three super rides for a B.A.R of 23.231mph.
THE LADY FROM NOTTINGHAM Excellent rides of 1-05-52, 2-18-56 and 5-08-51 well done Cath.
THE MAN FROM FENLAND
That goe to another country (Wales) to ride the track excellent result’s Dave.
Once again to all you competitor’s out there “Remember” it’s all about your own personal competition against the watch as well as being the first across the line.
Wishing you all the good rides this season.
Sporting Regards
Frank Bibby
Page 2 Spring 2001
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
Hello... this is the last Boots
Spurs that I shall edit/write Hurrah I hear some of you cry! Due to a new job I no longer have the time to dedicate to it. My thanks go to all who sent me material for it and to those who help to prepare it for posting. In future all articles etc should be
directed to Frank Bibby, National Secretary, whose details are listed at the back of the magazine.
If don’t see you at Easter Meet, then I'll definitely see you are Wortley Hall.
Tracey Auty
Two new sections of the Clarion have been formed. The first is called Oakhill Clarion CC and hail from Whalley in Lancashire.
The secretary is Charles Jepson, ex Clithroe section and the members so far are as follows: Ivan Bland, Ruth Coates;
Harry Stephenson and of course Charles Jepson. The second is called Honiton Clarion, details of which may be obtained from either Kevin Hulbert or Brian Anne Birchall. Lets hope that they all join us at Easter Meet and we can welcome those that we do not know personally.
HRISTMAS GHOS OR
It was December 1944, and if there was one thing Peter was sure of, it was that he wanted a new bike for Christmas, a red, shiny racer.
The second thing that he was sure of, was that he had as much chance of getting it as he had of flying off under his own steam and beating Herr Hitler in single combat, over the roof tops of London.
To his way of thinking, life could not get much worse. Here he was, ten years old, his Dad missing in action and his Mum getting more and more careworn as the days went by, trying to make ends meet, working by day in a factory and at night in the pub, to keep food on the table for them both.
Peter tried to help he really worked hard at keeping his clothes clean and his shoes
polished, but somehow nails in fences always lurked right where he brushed against them, while stones positively leapt out of the gutter onto the tops of his boots, always scraping the leather or snapping the laces.
He wandered down the street, head down, toes scuffing in the wet leaves that lined the roadside. Perhaps he could get a job?
No sooner had the thought entered his head than he walked straight into a rather rotund middle, circled by a white apron covered in grease. Closer inspection revealed that the apron covered a pair of trousers and a shirt, all of which was topped by a frowning face supporting the biggest pair of moustaches that Peter had ever seen.
“Sorry, Mister!” Peter gasped out, spinning
Spring 2001 Page 3
on his heel and preparing to run, only to find himself caught fast by the scruff of his neck.
“Not so fast, my Duck” a deep voice rasped out. “I hear you’m looking for a job?”
“Yes, Mister” Peter gulped, not bothering to question how his un-known assailant had read his mind “I am”.
“Good!” the voice boomed, “because have a job for you.” The grip shifted from neck to ear, and Peter was hauled off protesting in the direction of a small lockup shop. A light from the open door cast a faint glow over the sign, hand lettered in gold, positioned proudly on the wall “Ivor Crank Bicycles”.
Bicycles! Hundreds of them or so it seemed to Peter. Red, green, blue, men’s,
ladies, children’s
hanging from the walls
and standing on every
available spare inch of 3
floor space. A counter
covered in parts, and
more parts stacked in boxes and drawers behind the counter itself.
need a boy, to sweep up and make tea. Think you could manage that?” the moustache was pushed into Peter's face and a quizzical eyebrow raised over a rheumy grey eye, light glinting off gold wire framed spectacles. “Just for an hour or so,
after school. Interested? If we suit, and you work hard, I'll give you two pennies a week.”
Peter gulped “Oh, yes, Mister. Can start now? Please, Mister?”
A deep laugh shook his unexpected benefactor. “Sooner the better for me, lad. Kettle is through there, mind yourself on the gas ring. Two sugars for me, ta much-
ly”.
Peter fled in the direction shown, not stopping to ask question nor to notice that the whole place looked as if it had not seen a customer in years. A thin film of dust covered everything, dulling the paintwork on the bicycles and surrounding the gas mantle like a halo.
For the next two weeks, as soon as school was out, Peter presented himself at the shop, sweeping, tidying the drawers of parts little screws, bolts, bells, pumps, tyres and listening to the tales of Mr Crank, who it seemed had been one of the founder members of the Nottingham Clarion cycling club. He told tales of how the Club had begun, and of their traditional greeting “Boots”, always to be responded to with “Spurs”. Peter loved it.
“My Dad were in that, he were a Clarionite” Peter told him one night, gulping slightly “He had a smashing bike, a Raleigh, like that one in the corner. Went for miles he did, and he were going to join me when was 12. Only don’t think he will now, coz he’s missing, see. But I'm going to get a bike and race it, you see if don’t.” This last was said with a mulish expression and an extended lower
lip.
Mr Crank ruffled his hair “I do not doubt it, my Duck, do not doubt it for one minute. Now, its Christmas Eve, so you get off home to your Mam and will see you in two days.” A bright silver three pence
Pag
Spring 2001
piece was pressed into Peter’s hand, and his garbled thanks waved away.
Peter ran home, his mind full of bicycles, spare parts and tales of the Clarion. He ate his tea in silence, barely noticing that it was only bread and lard, then kissed his mother goodnight and climbed the stairs and into bed.
He slept deeply, waking to a thin grey light creeping through the crack in the blackout curtain. His mother would have his guts for garters if she saw that, the ARP warden would be on her back again. He sighed and lowered his feet to the floor, wincing at the cold.
Next moment, his eyes flew open and he let out a shriek that brought his Mother flying to the door, her hair in curling papers and a shocked look on her face.
“Mam! Look, Mam!” Peter was almost incoherent, pointing and waving at a dark shape in the corner of the room “Oh, thank you, Mam, thank you!”
His mother followed the line of his finger, towards a brand new, shiny red bike propped in the corner. “Peter! Where did that come from? did not buy that where did you get it?”
Peter wriggled out from under her hand and threw on his clothes over his pyjamas. know know where it came from I'll just go and say thank you and then be back for breakfast.”
Peter caught hold of the bike and was gone down the stairs before his mother could say anything else, throwing his leg over the saddle and pedalling off down the yard as soon as he reached ground level.
Head down, he pedalled at breakneck speed all the way to the shop, pulled up at
the curb and prepared to leap off the bike. But something was wrong; there was no shop, just a forlorn pile of bricks, with a few weeds growing out of the cracks.
Peter spun round, had he got lost, was he on the right street? From the pavement, he saw a man in a cloth cap approaching. Peter ran to him, grasping his sleeve in his agitation. “Mister, mister, wheres the bike shop? Wheres Mr Crank?”
The man gently untangled Peter’s hand from his arm and pointed to the pile of rubble. “That’s it, lad. One of the first buildings in Nottingham to get it when Jerry started his raids. Shame about the old man, he were in it, fixing bikes. Nothing left to show for it now, but that pile of rubble and some weeds, been gone nigh on four year now.”
Peter stepped back, tears misting his eyes and watched as the man walked away. Slowly, he moved over to the rubble and sat down on a large stone, his eye on his bike.
A thin, watery sun began to rise and from the corner of his eye, Peter saw something glistening between two bricks. Slowly he bent and reached in, pulling out a pair of bent, wire framed spectacles, their glass long since shattered and missing.
A faint breeze ruffled through his hair and past his ear, like a moustache gently tickling. Soft as a whisper, he heard the words “Boots!” and almost so faint he had to strain to catch it, the answering “Spurs!”
Kim Mack Nottingham Section
Spring 2001 Page 5
EASTER MEET 2001 Liandudno North Wales
Well, it’s nearly Easter again and so I hope you are all booked in at Llandudno. If not, please book soon.
This year, we have all the usual exciting events lined up for you, starting at 8.00pm on Friday with a Civic Welcome in the Ocean Lounge at the Aberconwy Centre. The Betws yn Rhos Male Voice Choir have been booked to sing for us, and some free wine will be provided.
Saturday starts with the Conference, which will be held in Meeting Room 2 at 10.00am. Please make an effort to attend and have some say in the future of our Club.
On Saturday afternoon, the more energetic amongst us will be able to take part in the ‘Ride up the Great Orme’, and hope that every one else will take a Cable Car to the top to see who gets there first, before joining us all in the pub to enjoy a pint and the magnificent view.
Can William Sanderson of Stockport shrug off five years of serious beer drinking and be first
to the top again, or
will well honed Dave dice Langlands of Fenland pull it off this time? 7 Be there to see! Those
wishing to ride, meet on the Promenade at the end of the Pier at 2.00pm.
On Saturday evening, we have our usual Fancy Dress Disco. This will be held in the Ocean Lounge at Aberconwy Centre, commencing at 7.30pm.
On Sunday this year, there will be a cycle ride for the less energetic amongst us. Since we were last in Llandudno, a coastal cycle path has been opened which goes out of town the flat way! believe that the path goes to Prestatyn, but suggest that we meet at 10.00am in the Cafe at the Aberconwy Centre,
Page 6
and then amble along the path until we find a good pub for lunch, then amble back! (The fast lads can cycle the whole path if they like, and then join us for lunch afterwards).
Finals arrangements can be made when we get there, so let me know if you want to ride. On Sunday Evening, we are once again having the Club dinner which was popular last year. This will be in the Ocean Lounge, at 7.00pm for 7.30.
The meal will be followed by the Prize Presentation, a Disco, and of course, also the Raffle. As last with last year, the Chef requires some advanced information, so would be grateful if you could check with the members of your section, and fill in the menu sheet, and either send it back to me, or telephone and leave a message stating the section, numbers and menu requirements. Thanks.
As you will see, there is no racing this year. This is
because in recent years, the support for the racing has declined so much, that to win the team, you just have 4 to turn up. In fact, the Ladies team trophy, The Bert Brown, has not been
mo 8 contested since 1993.
The meet levy for this wonderful weekend has been set
a to £20.00, and includes the
meal, the Ribbon, and all the entertainment, please lel; make an effort to get there, and try to encourage the rest of your section to come along as well.
Bear in mind, that if no one volunteers to take
over the organisation for next year, this Easter Meet could be the last.
I hope to see you all at Llandudno. Merlin Evans.
National Clarion Cycling Club. Easter Meet Organiser.
EASTER MEET 2001 Liandudno North Wales
Programme
Friday 13th April: Civic Welcome by council leader Mrs C. Cooper (Liberal Democrats) Wine Snacks plus Welsh Choir.
Saturday 14th April: National Conference 10.00am 12 noon. Evening: Disco Fancy Dress 8.00 12.00am, Bar til 11.45pm.
Sunday 15th April: Afternoon ride to top of Great Orme with award to first to the top. Evening: Dinner prize presentation 7.00 for 7.30pm. Followed by Disco til 10.30pm.
For more information Contact: Easter meet organiser Merlin Evans 0161 442 8441. Contact Merlin to book numbers for Sunday Evening Dinner.
Menu National Clarion Easter Club Dinner, Sunday 15th April 2001.
Menu Options. Please indicate number required.
STARTERS No. Required
2) Teardrop of Salmon with Salad and Mayonaise. anette
MAIN COURSE
1) Leg of Welsh Lamb with Apricot and Walnut Stuffing.
2) Supreme of Chicken in Burgundy Sauce,
3) Stuffed Capsicum with Tomato and Basil Sauce haeeeeeteeteees Served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
DESSERTS 1) Apple Pie with Creme Anglais, cette 2) Forest Fruits Cheesecake with Berry Coulis, aaeeneeteteees
FOLLOWED BY Freshly Brewed Coffee and Mints.
Spring 2001 Page 7
OBITUARY
Harold William Hurling 1902-2000
Harold William Hurling, at 98 the oldest member of the Clarion. The following obituary is by his long time cycling friend Frank Rolfe.
have been given the privilege f paying tribute to my long-time friend Harold William Hurling who was born 21st October 1902. Inevitably, my mind goes back to the very first time met Harold. It was one Sunday morning in October 1940. was 17 years old and had, earlier that year honed the National Clarion Cycling Club, and whose motto was Fellowship is life. We used to assemble at the Manor House Gate, of Finsbury Park at 9:15 am prior to leaving for the day’s run at 9:30 am.
At that time, most young men in their 20's to mid 30's had been called into the three services, and our membership had been sadly depleted to such an extent, that only five members, all under 20, where there.
When, what appeared to us, an old man arrived on his bicycle; which wasn’t the most fashionable machine at the time, in cycling clothes that bore a strong resemblance to the fashion of the mid 20's.
This was Harold. It turned out that he was 38 had been a member for about 25 years, servicing as Secretary of the club, for many years in the 1920's and 30's and had been granted life membership.
To us youngsters 38 was old; and we wondered, if he would be able to keep up with, and whether we would have to wait for him on the hills. But to our astonishment, he showed us a thing or two, and game
more than a good account of himself, particularly on the hills.
Several months after that Harold and went our separate ways, into different trades in the RAF and lost contact until we were demobbed after the war. Over the years that followed, we got closer; finding we had much in common. In long conversations with him, listened to the story of his life thus far, and found that he was born in Lincolnshire, and had a wide knowledge of the countryside and it’s customs.
remember being fascinated by his graphic account of the hardships of his early life, the subsequent move to London and the influence of his father. We found out, that we went to the same school, albeit with a 20 year gap in our attendance. He went to Tollington Park Central school between 1913 to 1918 and between 1933 to 1938. The same syllabus with some different teachers, but, amazingly, some teachers that had taught him taught me! All that time later!
Both addicted to cycling, we had many a long chat regaling our exploits. Being 20 years older, he was very much more experienced than was and proved to be a mine of information. In 1924 Harold rode the fastest time for 50 miles. He had travelled by cycle, (and tandem with Lotte,) all over England and Wales; and suggested places, should and should not go and why!
But the most important influence he had on me was his philosophy of life. His down to earth approach to the true values. Not for him the materialistic society; full of plastic pleasure and cellophane seduction, realising it let to envy greed and, ultimate-
Page 8 Spring 2001
ly, dissatisfaction and discontent. He had no time for snobbery or delusions of grandeur and the artificial values of the
yuppies.
He dared to be different, confident that his way was right, never acting like a lamb following the herd. Never slavishly following any newspaper's opinion or fashion of the day. Harold was gifted with a large measure of common sense and was more than capable of working things out for himself. He was widely read and informed; and had an astonishing memory for facts and details on all manner of subjects. >From baking through farming to pharmacy.
He was a man of many parts; with varied
interests. He was a great committeeman chairing the meetings of he Manor House
Hospital, various churches and his cycling club.
An engineer by trade, he was never happier when making or repairing something in his garden workshop. sometimes wondered how he found the time and the energy for all these pursuits; particularly when you realise he never owned a car and was cycling, here and there until 3 years ago when he was 95!
If a man’s stature is measured by what he does with what he has then Harold’s stature stood very high indeed.
Looking through the photographs of this year’s fabulous cycling holiday in Northumberland the coast to coast using the Reivers route brought back a whole flood of happy, pleasant memories. Four members of Heanor Clarion Cycling Club John Leese, coincidentally the National Clarion President, Pete Roughton, Cliff Cutts, (my Husband) and I (Ros Cutts) set off on the Sunday up the M5 in torrential rain making towards the picturesque village of Caldbeck. This is just north of Penrith. We checked in to the “Odd Fellow’s Arms”, a lovely country pub where we spent the first two nights of our cross-country adventure.
Holiday Lakeland, the organisers of the holiday, which would take five days to complete, had arranged all our accommodation and would carry the luggage from one stop-over venue to the next.
After an enormous cooked breakfast on
the Monday morning, our bikes were placed carefully onto trailers and they and the ‘people’ were transported tot he start, at Workington. However, due to warnings of ‘quick sand’ we decided against dipping our bike wheels in the sea here! With some help from a friendly local cyclist we fund the good cycle track to start the journey to Cockermouth, where we aimed to have a lunch stop. When we reached there, other members of the party who had visited before directed us to a good ‘cob shop’ and we all sat on the bench outside the local Police Station to eat.
>From Cockermouth, we started the climb, following the route on the Reivers Cycle route map, which takes in the end of Bassenthwaite Lake and the lovely Cumbrian scenery. It did threaten to thunder and John did have a puncture. But, we did not get wet and quite amazingly, John’s puncture was our only one for the entire route!
Spring 2001 Page 9
We branched off at Uldale and climbed a ‘good un’ onto the moors around Longdale before dropping through wilderness with plenty of sheep and gated roads down to Caldbeck for hot showers and a pint or two of real ale before dinner. If the first day was anything to go by, the rest of the week would be spectacular.
Next day, after again a monster breakfast, we left Caldbeck following first the Reivers Route and then the faster, more direct ‘B’ road to Carlisle. Carlisle is fairly cyclist friendly, with routes on the pavement. When we visited there was a flower festival atmosphere in the town centre where we got our cards stamped at the Tourist Information Centre, drank Italian coffee outside in the sunshine, stocked up on food for the rest of the day and purchased insect repellent for the next day at Keilder Water.
It is fairly flat from Carlisle and we soon eat up the miles to arrive at our accommodation. But, this was not before an extra 16 miles detour through wild, desolate and beautiful countryside featuring The Beacon, Shopmoss Knowe and Grey Hill, plus ancient farms wit Peel Towers designed to protect their owners from the marauding Reivers!! Well, may be not so much now-a-days. Took lots of photos here, but they could not do the scenery full justice. Impossible.
Baily Mill was our overnight accommodation. It is a converted 18th Century Grain Mill set in lovely rolling countryside. We were quite tired and Cliff and had a lovely jacuzzi sharing with tow other members of the party and had a good laugh.
The evening meal was a huge, homecooked buffet and with 25 hungry cyclists this was soon devoured. The Holiday
Lakeland rep had organised a ‘Folk Night’
and he played the guitar and a few of us sang until late into the evening. A friendly atmosphere and everyone had a good time.
We set off again in brilliant sunshine to cross the border into Scotland and visit Newcastleton. Cliff and needed some cash and we looked for a bank, we had not seen much civilisation for the past two days, let alone a bank! However, the bank clerk would not let me have any money as only had a debit card with me. She needed a driving licence or other means of ID. This, thought slightly iron- IGseceas Still Cliff had his licence and all was resolved.
>From Newcastleton the road is quite quiet and again featured many sheep. So, we made Keilder Water about lunchtime and were glad to shelter from the heat by lunching in the café was this really England in August? It was a bit difficult to find the ‘off-road’ rout round Keilder, but we finally took a chance and found the route which runs the opposite side of the reservoir from the road. The views were lovely across the water. One of the members from the party actually put her bike on the ferry and floated to the other end, landing at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre.
After negotiating the dam at the far end of Keilder Water and being very glad we had smothered ourselves in insect repellent as the Keilder Mosquitoes call cyclists “‘Meals on Wheels’, we headed for Tower Knowe Visitor Centre for a welcome cuppa. We sat in the glorious summer afternoon taking in the views of shining blue water, the scurrying boats and bluegreen forests. Perfect.
When the time came to find our next accommodation, we set off back across the dam and followed the track to
Page 10 Spring 2001
Falstone. Her though, we mistakenly took part in a marathon three mile, near vertical, climb into the Forestry Commission area and got terribly, terribly lost! Very tired we turned back after reaching the tower fire watch area and had to bump our way back down a very rough track. The pint of beer at the pub didn’t touch the sides.....
Some of the party stayed at the pub, but we were billeted in a 16th Century Bastle farmhouse Ridgend Farm at Falstone. It was lovely. More sheep and our bikes were guarded by a jumping sheep dog. When John and Pete walked their bikes to the barn, the sheep dog jumped so high in his enclosure he nearly bumped John on the head and gave him quite a scare!
The accommodation was again really good. The farmer's wife was friendly and gave us a lovely breakfast. Her husband worked with the Forestry Commission as a ‘Logger’ as well as working the farm to give them a living. A sign of the times.
The penultimate day saw us leave Falstone with the trees just peeking out of the mist on a crisp, sunny morning. Our route was on very minor roads and Drovers tracks and was hilly. But, with views made the climbing worthwhile. We reached the lovely country town of Bellingham in time to stock up with food ready for the next stag f the journey. This was cross-country and no signs of civilisation were to be seen, except the odd farmhouse. There were plenty of sheep and a notice in one field ‘Beware of the Bull’.
We lunched near Hallington reservoir before following the rough track to Matfen and the ‘Black Bull’ Inn with its beautiful hanging baskets, the lovely views of the village green and again good
real ale. We all sat outside in the sunshine quaffing ale at about 4:00 pm normally a bit early even for Cliff!
We enjoyed the company of the local ‘Geordie’ lads in the bar and the food was tops, as The Black Bull is a Routier Inn.
How sad. Friday was the last day. We set off, just the four of us, wearing our Club clothing ready for the photos at Tyneside lighthouse. Other people in the party joined us on the way. We were pleased of the company as the final day's route gets complicated. For instance, we all followed one another and ended up cycling across a ripe cornfield, along the tractor tracks looking like ships floating across a golden lake. How wrong could we get? We then had to turn round and go all the way back again without doing any damage!
After much twisting and turning across the flat cycle paths near the coast, we reached Tyneside. Modern, wonderful landscaping and more cycle paths to direct us through the fish markets to the photo call and the end. We reached the ‘Bathie’ to have our cards stamped. Everyone felt sad the five days were over and people were quiet on the return journey to Caldbeck in the mini bus supplied by Holiday Lakeland.
At the ‘Odd Fellows Arms’ we had one last pint and a great meal and said goodbye to the many friends made during the week.
John and Peter had cycled the C2C route before and they thought the Reivers Route much harder and hillier. However, they Cliff and really enjoyed ourselves and can’t wait to go somewhere else next year.
Ros Cutts Heanor Clarion
Spring 2001 Page 11
END-to-END 1030 MILES
We had chatted about the End-to- End during the autumn of 1999 but never reached a firm decision. Early in the New Year we decided we would do it. David obtained the CTC information pack (very useful and recommended) and after digesting it we decided on the Youth Hostel Route with modifications. The route was based on 14/15 days but we would have to complete in 12 days, modifying the route was relatively easy. Unable to book YH for the full journey several B&B's were included. Strongly advise anyone considering this tour to book early, at least 6 months, especially to ensure suitable train bookings.
At last all the preparation complete and four weeks to go. Disaster! David falls off his mountain-bike breaking a bone in his left hand and another in his right wrist. David being David, what the hell, decided to have an extra strong cast fitted and swap his drop bars for straights. Hey Presto! He could ride his bike, we were definitely going.
The great day arrived Saturday 24th June and David’s wife Marie kindly drove us to Manchester for the traindirect train to Penzance very convenient. Our first night was at Land’s End YH situated 5 miles north of Land’s End on the west coast at St. Just and only an 8 mile ride from Penzance.
The great ride was to commence on Sunday 25th June and we were to
realise that the CTC mileage estimates were very conservative. Also, a group of Postal workers (14) were starting their End-to-End and would be following the same route for 9 days until at Wanlockhead, would separate as we were completing in 12 days they in 14 days.
Day One Land’s End to Golant (CTC estimate 65 miles, actual 74 miles) We set off arriving at Land’s End at about 8.00am, not a soul in sight, and dutifully took our photos at the famous post. Then we were off.
The weather was hot, sunny with a slight northerly wind and the terrain quite lumpy, but we’re used to hills coming from Bolton. At mid-day we arrive at the King Harry Ferry near Penpol and are ready for lunch. We cross on the ferry and climb the hill, spot a sign “Smugglers Rest” turn left. So we did, only to descend back to the river. Anyway we had lunch, at a very nice cafe, then carried on our journey eventually arriving at Golant YH, a beautiful, very large old residence and very civilised as you could have beer or wine with your meal.
Day Two Golant to Steps Bridge (CTC estimate 75 miles, actual 67 miles) Weather hot sunny and a light head wind.
We made our way to the Bodinnick Ferry to cross the river Fowey. Then headed for Torpoint crossing, on the ferry (free), the river Tamar to Plymouth. Stop and have lunch and do
Page 12 Spring 2001
our shopping at the local Safeway. Energy resources fully re-stored head for Dartmoor. Superb climb over Dartmoor stopping at Princetown for a cream-tea eventually arriving at Steps Bridge YH, a real YH hidden in the woods and very cosy. We’re both feeling OK and David's wrist is fine and confident that we will complete the tour.
Day Three Steps Bridge to Cheddar (CTC estimate 72 miles, actual 88 miles) Weather hot and sunny.
We set off early to avoid the worst of the early morning Exeter traffic (carel). On reaching Honiton we pass into the lanes-very lumpy!- to avoid the thundering A30 and A303, eventually arriving at Cheddar YH.
Day Four Cheddar to Leominster (CTC estimate 83 miles, actual 92 miles) Weather warm sunny with a strong headwind.
We were very fortunate that Jane (one of the Postal team) from Bristol provided excellent route instructions to cross Bristol. Crossing the Severn Bridge was exhilarating- quite a bounce in the middle. The ride from Chepstow to Leominster, along the Wye valley, was superb if a bit busy at times. We were staying at a B&B in Leominster which was luxury compared to a YH and we were lucky at all the B&Bs the landladies took pity on us and washed and dried our kit. We’re sure our natural charm and charisma had nothing to do with it.
Day Five Leominster to Chester (CTC estimate 80 miles, actual 92 miles) Weather fair light northerly
wind.
Very pleasant ride through the lanes, through Ludlow (beautiful town), passing to the east of Shrewsbury, through Wem, Whitchurch to arrive at Chester YH a fine large Victorian house close to the river.
Day Six Chester to Slaidburn (CTC estimate 80 miles, actual 85 miles) Weather hot and sunny.
This was an exceptional day for us as we were on home territory and we would meet with our wives in Bolton. David and Amy McLarty (B C club secretary) had arranged lunch at the Patagonia Cafe in Bolton town centre followed by a photo session for the Bolton Evening News. After a superb and morale boosting lunch we headed for Slaidburn, a destination we could find with our eyes shut, in the heart of the Trough of Bowland. Again we stayed at a lovely B&B and had our evening meal in the local pub Hark to Bounty where we met up with the Postal team. Day Seven Slaidburn to Mosedale
(CTC 80 miles, actual Weather hot and sunny. This was quite a tough day with the initial climbs over Tatham and Lamb fells; a stop at Windermere for lunch followed by the long climb from Grasmere and finishing at Mosedale. A hard ride but compensated by beautiful scenery. Staying at a lovely, homely B&B, the landlady waving us off the following day.
72 miles)
Day Eight Mosedale to Wanlockhead
(CTC estimate 80 miles, actual 90
Spring 2001 Page 13
miles) Weather fair but initial rain. Eager to start riding since we were now in the land of the “midge”. First rain of the journey requiring waterproofs, including David teasing his Marigold glove over his cast. Pass through Carlisle, Gretna (stop for photo), Dunfries to Wanlockhead- the highest village in Scotland 1141 ft. staying at the YH. The warden being a formidable adversary if you walked sheep droppings into the hostel but really as soft as putty with a heart of gold. She offered to drive us to the pub and did all the Postal teams washing, still with a load to dry the following morning.
Day Nine Wanlockhead to Crianlarich (CTC estimate 90 miles, actual 102 miles) Weather fair but cool.
Today was the last day we travelled the same route as the Postal team so we all said our good-byes.
Riding towards Crawfordjohn to join the B7078, the west bound carriageway now a cycleway,
we're amazed at the number of rabbits bobbing about including a few blacks ones presumably the result of a pet bunny distributing its genes. The ride to Glasgow was uneventful crossing the Clyde via the Victoria bridge, upriver of the Erskine bridge. We locate the Loch Lomond cycleway which initially uses the old railway tracks but has an annoying habit of disappearing at junctions even a supermarket carpark. Nevertheless we find the trail again and shortly we are riding along the “bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” which seems to go on forever. After a long day we arrive at Crianlarich YH a modern well appoint-
ed hostel.
Day Ten Crianlarich to Loch Ness (CTC estimate 95 miles, actual 95 miles) Weather cool with a moderate headwind.
This day was truly amazing passing through the spectacular scenery of the Highlands. A short steep climb led to Rannoch Moor. The descent through Glen Coe was superb, though a bit chilly, arriving at Fort William, nestled at the base of Ben Nevis, for lunch. After lunch we continue on the A82, stopping at Spean Bridge. to visit the Commando Memorial. And then on to Loch Ness YH, situated on the loch shore (no monsters seen). We rode a few miles along the Caledonian canal track but with hindsight best avoided on a fully laden touring bike.
Day Eleven Loch Ness to Culrain (CTC estimate 60 miles, actual 69 miles) Cold but dry.
To-day we took a minor diversion to visit David’s Great Uncle Hugh a grand old chap 93 years young and as fit as a fiddle who lives in Abriachan at the summit of the toughest hill we encounter on the whole journey- a hill to test Pantani’s resolve. After tea, biscuits and the essential photos David bids his farewell and we cruise down the farside of the hill to re-join the route. Arriving at Carbisdale Castle YH, a tremendous building and probably the poshest YH in the world, even has a night porter, “dinner” served from 6.30pm.
Culrain to John O’Groats
(CTC estimate 120 miles, actual 106 miles) Weather cold, wet and very windy, brightening up at mid-day.
Page 14 Spring 2001
The last day of our epic journey. The day’s ride was about 10 miles less than expected since a footbridge, attached to the railbridge crossing the Kyle of Sutherland, had recently been built. The ride was initially hard passing through quite bleak country. Does anyone know why Crask is famous? We reach Bettyhill on the Atlantic coast and stop for lunch at Elizabeth’s Cafe, it seems all End-to Enders stop here. Continue on our way stopping at Thurso for an ice-cream and arrive at John O’Groats at 5.25pm 6th July. DONE IT!
We re-trace our steps to the John O’Groats YH, the warden kindly presenting us both with a certificate.
Homeward Bound
The following morning we rode back to the John O’Groats Hotel to have our photos taken at the famous post by the official photographer. Then set off for Wick to meet David’s Uncle Donald, who owns the hotel in Wick. Following a pleasant family re-union, an excellent lunch at the hotel we catch the 4.30pm train from Wick to Inverness. At Inverness we board the Caledonian Sleeper to arrive in Preston 4.30am the following morning. There was a degree of anxiety whilst looking for our bikes since we placed them in the luggage carriage at the “end” of the train and they were not there, not realising
that the train had grown during the night, joining with the Aberdeen Sleeper; the bikes were now situated in the centre of the train and with a sigh of relief duly retrieved.
Bolton Clarion was undertaking its annual all night ride and we had been informed that the group would meet us at the station, however, no sign of them. We decide to ride to the cafe at Higher Walton anyway for breakfast and await their arrival. We arrive at 5.30am and enjoying a “big breakfast” when the boys arrive at 6.00am followed shortly by Amy and Jean who had ridden from Bolton to meet everyone. Everyone had a great breakfast and a good chat. We all depart for home, in the pouring rain, via the long climb through Abbey village. We arrive home shortly after 8.00am Saturday 8th July.
Do it again “yes”.
But allow more time, to reduce the daily mileage, allowing time for sightseeing. Maybe even ride backwards on fix-wheel.
David Bisset and John Martin Bolton Clarion
IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?
have received an email from Robin Hartley of Gwynedd Clarion.
Sadly the only correspondence that he has had is the Autumn newsletter and a renewal notice. This is despite trying letters, phone calls and emails. Come on
you lot out there lets support our far flung sections. He would also like to hear from whom ever is responsible for the Clarion website as he would like to correct some details on it.
Spring 2001 Page 15
OBITUA
Nancy Pollock 1924 2000
Nancy joined the Kelvingrove Section of the Clarion in early 1950s, but she could have been the only member who couldn’t actually ride a bike. This was an asset for back seat driver ona tandem and she was a back seat driver from then on. She was a great support for Bill (Willie) in other ways too throughout his active association with the National Committee.
Nancy was a regular attendee at Easter Meets right up to 1995, and Danny, Tom and Jane for many years thought Easter was a place!
Bill and Nancy also regarded the Wortley Hall weekend as a fixture in their calendar, travelling from Glasgow with Jean and Jack Kilpatrick to meet up with friends from across the UK.
The first Sunday in October was kept aside for the ‘Tour de Trossachs’ time trial, run by the West of Scotland Clarion.
In their early married life, Bill and Nancy progressed from a tandem, to add a sidecar and a child seat, but when Jane came along they bought their first car. If only they had kept the tandem!
Jane Renilson.
RACE EVENTS FOR 2001
Merlin Evans 13/14/15/16 April Ken Clarke 20 May Roger Shayes 10 June K. Humphries 24 June Steve Clarke 12 August Peter Roughton 13 October Peter Roscoe 7 October
Sporting Regards Frank Bibby
Fenland Birmingham Crewe Manchester Velodrome Fenland
Heanor
Wortley Hall
Page 16 Spring 2001
Wortley Hall are requesting that we book earlier this year as they are getting very busy and want to ensure that we get enough rooms. You will also note that the prices have gone up, particularly for single rooms and views of the garden.
The booking of accommodation at Wortley Hall is the same as last year i.e. It is up to each individual or nominated person in each Section to book their own rooms directly with Wortley Hall. There is one slight difference in that you need to specify whether you want an evening meal and Sunday lunch. The prices listed below are for bed and breakfast only and the price of each meal is shown separately. If you want an evening meal and Sunday lunch you need to add each meal price to your bed and breakfast cost.
Rooms may be booked via the telephone (0114) 2882100 or in writing Wortley Hall, Wortley, Nr Sheffield, Yorkshire, $35 7DB.
A non re-fundable deposit of £25.00 per person is required. Prior to leaving on the Sunday lunch time you will pay Wortley Hall direct.
Prices per person are for bed breakfast: Friday to Sunday Lunch
Sharing En-suite £56.00 Sharing Standard £39.00 Single En-Suite £56.00 Single Standard £39.00 Saturday to Sunday Lunch
Sharing En-suite £28.00 Sharing Standard £19.50 Single En-suite £28.00 Single Standard £19.50
Please note:
1. That there are only a limited amount of single rooms available. Should these all be full, the price increases to £39 per night for an en-suite room and £28 per night for a standard room.
2. Rooms with a view of the gardens are charged an additional £1 per night.
Friday Saturday 3 course evening Meal approx £9.75 per meal per person
Sunday Lunch approx £6.95 per person
The following information needs to be given to Wortley Hall when booking:
1. Whether you want one night or two (and which nights).
2. Whether you want any evening meals and Sunday lunch.
3. What kind of room you want i.e. single en-suite.
4. The names of the people and who is sharing a room with whom.
5. And obviously that you are with the Clarion.
Please note that all rooms reserved must be paid for unless at least seven days notice is given regarding changes/cancellation.
If you are unclear or have any questions regarding any of the above please do not hesitate to telephone me, (my details are on the last page).
Tracey Auty
Spring 2001 Page 17
RRENT CLARION OFFCIAL
Secretary Frank Bibby 130 Crompton Way, Bolton, BL2 2SB 2.6.2.0 ee 01204 393065
Minutes Secretary Antonia Whitaker The Hazels, Plumtree, Nottingham ............2 2.0200. eens 0115 937 2775
President John Leese 38 Nook End Road, Heanor, Derbys, DE75 7QQ
Vice President lan Clarke 31 Poppy Field, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8TU
Racing Secretary Frank Bibby 130 Crompton Way, Bolton, BL2 2SB............. 5-200 01204 393065
Easter Meet Committee Member Merlin Evans 3 Green Lane, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 3LE ............-2.. 0161 442 8441
Membership Secretary Committee Member Kevin Hulbert 1 Ferndale Court, Coventry Rd, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EZ 01675 464066
Records Secretary Audrey Waddilove 36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX ...........000200005 01270 761446
Wortley Hall Organiser -Tracey Auty 68 Park View Court, Bath St, Nottingham, NG1 1DE 0115 959 8093
Committee Member Graham Pearce
70 Springdale Gardens, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2SS_.........- 0161 448 1928 Treasurer Nick Biden 200.000 0161 4855437
50 Highfield Road, Cheadle-Hulme, Stockport
Committee Member Ken Hemsley 117 Southcliffe Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 1ES 0115 987 3118
Press Officer Peter Roscoe
SECTION INFORMATION
The following are names and telephone numbers of all Clarion sections throughout the country. Why not try to organise inter-section events, such as club runs, meeting half way between sections, or inter-club time trials. You may wish to invite them to your social events, club dinners etc.
Scotland
West of Scotland Clarion George Mackay Glasgow-ish 01389 874131 North-East
Sunderland Clarion Allan Smith Sunderland 0191 584 8948 Teeside Clarion Colin Armstrong Middlesborough 01947 880488 North-West (Cheshire Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion Amy McLarty Bolton 01204 491595 Bury Clarion Sylvia Roscoe Bury 0161 761 6856 Clitheroe Clarion Edward Ireland Clitheroe 01200 442609 Crewe Clarion Wheelers Andy Grace Crewe 01270 841836 Oakhill Clarion CC Charles Jepson Whalley 01254 51302 Stockport Clarion Julian Mortel Manchester 01625 575959 Wyre Clarion Carl Taylor Lancaster 01524 39453 Yorkshire
Calder Clarion Joan Milsom Wakefield 01924 274087 Leeds (Yorkshire) Clarion Dave Binns Huddersfield 01484 648144 York Clarion Angela Beardshall Wakefield 01924 264898 East Midlands
Heanor Clarion Anne Taylor Wilde Heanor 01773 761299 Nottingham Clarion Tim Fahy Nottingham 0115 9811938 South and East
Fenland Clarion Ken Clarke Peterborough 01733 562217 London Clarion Peter Shepherdly Hounslow 0181 572 9672 West Midlands
Birmingham Roger Shayes Solihull 0121 603 7536 Herefordshire Peter Cowan Kington 01544 340690 Wales
Gwynedd Robin Hartley Rachub 01248 605424 Central Section Brian Burchell Devon 01404 891740
If you know of people who are not near a local Clarion Section then we are always interested to help establish new sections. All we need are three founder members to begin anew section. For further information please ask them to contact the National Secretary.
Spring 2001 Page 19
EASTER MEET 2001
Liandudno North Wales, Programme
CLARION: CYCLING:
Friday 13th April:
Civic wecome by council leader Mrs C. Cooper (Liberal Democrats) Wine Snacks plus Welsh Choir.
Saturday 14th April:
National Conference 10.00am 12 noon. Evening: Disco Fancy Dress 8.00 12.00am, Bar til 11.45pm.
Sunday 15th April: Afternoon ride to top of Great Orme with award to first up Evening: Dinner prize presentation 7.00 for 7.30pm. Followed by Disco til 10.30pm.
For more information Contact: Easter meet organiser Merlin Evans 0161 442
8441. Contact Merlin to book numbers for Sunday Evening Dinner.