No words could be read on this page.
Your National Clarion jerseys available now
Why not get the National Clarion kit to supplement that of your local section?
Made by Endura in the UK, men's, women’s and youth kit is available at reasonable prices in a variety of cycle wear.
Contact National Secretary Ian Clarke for more details at bike@clarioncc.org
2|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Use your benefits! 15% DISCOUNTAT ANNUAL 3RD 40+ COTSWOLD PARTY OUTDOOR INSURANCE Stores across theUK (via the CTC, up and online. Quote to £10m) ‘AF-NATC-99' at the for just £15 store till and show protects your your National Clarion personal wealth if membership card. you have a claim See www. against you while cotswoldoutdoor.com cycling. For more for your nearest store. details, contact Peter Roscoe: 10% DISCOUNT ON _peterroscoe80@ ‘IN MOTION’ btinternet.com PRODUCTS Big discounts on PLUS cycling clothing, Many sections have
accessories, tyres, tubes and sundries. Just select ‘Clarion Cycling Club’
in the drop down options for ‘How did you hear about
us' at payment, and add your membership number in the ‘Other information’ box. Buy online at www. inmotionproducts. com.
discounts with local bike shops. See your local section for details.
IT’S WORTH IT!
For the £6 National Clarion membership fee you get a lot of potential discount for little investment. Make sure you make the most of your membership!
Buy aclub cap £10 only!
Fetching black, red and gold Clarion caps are available from Stockport Clarion.
Email Duncan McLaren on: secretary@stockport-clarion.org.uk
GET IN TOUCH
President KEN HEMSLEY (Fenland)
Tel: 01159 873118
J DAVE BISSET (Bolton) Tel: 01204 853127
davidbisset55@hotmail.co.uk
(Fenland) Markham Cottage, Low Street, East
Markham, Newark NG220QQ Tel: 01777 872097
bike@clarionce.org
Membership Secretary
DONALD LEVER (Bury) Mosley Ave,
Ramsbottom BLO SUH.
Tel: 01204 883584 memberships@clarioncc.org i FRANCIS GRAFTON (Nottingham)
Tel: 0115 9819817 frank.grafton@tiscali.co.uk Secretary
2 BOB HARBER
(Brighton) Tel: 01903 879598 bikerider@phonecoop.coop
Vice President KATHLEESE (Heanor)
Treasurer
National Secretary
Racing Secretary
Standing Orders
Committee Member
MATTHEW BALL
(W. Lothian) secretary @westlothianclarion.co.uk ia CHRIS GOODE (Yorkshire Coast)
Tel: 01723 341050 twenty twowheels@hotmail.com
Committee Member
National Clarion online: www.clarionce.org
BOOTS&SPURS
Editors Matthew Ball and Kirsty Ball (secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk) Design Matthew Ball and Andrew Scholes
Printed by Key Print. Contributions to the magazine may be edited or omitted if there are space constraints.
Aview from the road
hose who have seen my uncyclist like physique may marvel that I started life as a caver and climber. One wet weekend in 1988, a caving companion persuaded me to get a mountain bike, for the days when the caves were flooded, and so I started cycling. A few years later at work John Martin overheard me talking about it and suggested I should try some proper cycling.
And so it was that I joined Bolton Clarion in summer 1994, and my first rides were on a mountain bike with my rucksack on my back, much to the amusement of fellow club members.
When I joined I thought a couple of hours ona bike was a long ride; I had much to learn, and good people to learn from. It will be 18 years soon, years of club runs, cycle tours, Easter Meets, YHA weekends, Audaxes, Sportives, time trials, and evena few sessions on the track. None of this would have happened if not for the invitation to join Bolton Clarion, and through it the National Clarion Cycling Club. Right from the start I felt at home in the Clarion, and I have met so many friends I would never have come across in my sheltered work life. It is true that fellowship is life, and the National Clarion Cycling Club is filled with good fellowship. DAVID BISSET (TREASURER)
Cover illustration by: Garry Marshall
++THIS JUST IN++ MEMBERSHIP TOPS 1000 Some years ago Ian Clarke issued a challenge to the Clarion can we achieve a membership total of one thousand members before 2020? In 2008, membership reached its lowest at just under 600 members. As the National Membership Secretary, I can now announce that Clarion membership has exceeded one thousand, eight years before the deadline set by Ian Donald Lever
ig CLARION FACT
THE ORIGIN OF ‘BOOTS’ AND ‘SPURS’
Have you ever wondered where this unusual saying originates? Traditionally, Clarion riders greet each other by saying ‘Boots!’ and respond by saying ‘Spurs!’ It comes from when the Clarion
newspaper editor Robert Blatchford used to sit in the barracks late at night exchanging stories with his friends. To make sure his listeners were still awake, the storyteller would shout out ‘Boots!’ and
those who were still listening would reply ‘Spurs!’. Then the story could continue. ‘Boots and Spurs’ continues to be the Clarion’s call to this day.
Try it out next time you're on the road kids especially love it.
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 3
4|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER2012
DO ONE THING
Raceina time trial
By Michelle Gregory WEST LOTHIAN ast Summer I rode my first TT, with the view of riding one at least once in my life and to see what sort of time I could get. While my time didn’t break any records, I found that I enjoyed the discipline of pushing myself constantly for 30 minutes. Asa long distance rider I am used to ‘pacing’ myself to ensure that Ican sustain the distance. So it was quite a challenge, mentally, not to hold back. The atmosphere is really friendly it is fantastic when the faster riders shout out encouragement as they go past. It is also great to be able to chat to riders at the start and finish who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity/speed to ride with on a club run. Anyway, I found myself drawn back to improve on my time, so it looks like I'll be hanging around road lay-bys a lot more. I would encourage people to give it a go because you might find itis, strangely, enjoyable.
Photograph by Jon Hardman You can see more of Jon's photos on his blog: http://jonathanhardman. blogspot.com/
SUMMER 2012 |BOOTS&SPURS 5
CLUB NEWS I
Club man of the year Nick Hall, club woman of the year Kirsty Ball; (right) North Cheshire's Giles
Perkins is handed the most meritorious section award by Mayor of the High Peak David Lomax
This year’s award winners
very year the National
Clarion pays tribute to
its outstanding athletes and volunteers by awarding the prestigious club woman, club man, most meritorious section, novice of the year and meritorious junior awards.
Sections and members
nominate exceptional individuals and the Committee vote on the final winners.
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR: NICK HALL Nick is a very encouraging influence on his Clarion club mates and has attended many Clarion events, from the Easter Meet to the Track Champs. He has organised two major championship events for NCCC: The Track Championships at Manchester and The Road Race Championships at Darley Moor. Both events showed our club off well. Also shortlisted: Martin Piggott (Stockport), Giles Perkins (North Cheshire) Steve McCaw (West Lothian)
6|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
CLUB WOMAN OF THE YEAR: KIRSTY BALL Kirsty put an immense amount of effort into organising the Stirling Easter Meet, making sure the hotel and catering ran smoothly and keeping everyone on their toes.
Kirsty regularly volunteers for the West Lothian section and is very supportive to the club as a whole.
Also shortlisted: Carolyn
West Lothian’s Ryan Ewing is meritorious junior and dad Mark is novice of the year
Hume (Stockport), Lindsey Williams (Bury), Julie Dominguez (West Lothian)
MERITORIOUS JUNIOR: RYAN EWING
Ryan has a very high attendance rate at West Lothian’s kids club and is very supportive of his fellow club members.
He is an enthusiastic competitor and has participated in a number of races and events across Scotland, in cyclo-cross and road.
Ryan suffered a bad crash last year, breaking his arm mountain biking, but has recovered well and returned to competitive events.
He is a team player and shows great spirit and determination to improve his skills as a rider, giving 100% to any session and the wide variety of events he attends.
He is passionate about cycling and is a great role model for his club mates.
Also shortlisted: Cameron Mason, Alex Ball, Jamie Mason
Financial report for 2011
NOVICE OF THE YEAR: MARK EWING Mark is one of West Lothian’s level 2 coaches. He took up time trialing this year and entered his first open events. In his first 25TT ona road bike with no tribars he clocked 1:00:01, just missing getting under the hour. In his first 50TT he clocked 2:03:21. By the end of the season he had bought a TT bike and raced to an amazing 21:28 in the last Scottish 10TT of the year, coming 14th overall. Mark shows great enthusiasm for the sport and supports other riders efforts. Also shortlisted: Justin Dowling (Stockport)
MOST MERITORIOUS SECTION: NORTH CHESHIRE In its short existence North Cheshire has grown from an initial 3 founding members (September 2009) to 163 in 2012. The club’s key message to ‘never leave a rider behind’ has encouraged riders who might otherwise have been intimidated
by traditional clubs.
It runs Saturday beginner club runs, longer, more traditional Sunday runs, regular skill sessions and mountain bike rides, and has a growing women’s membership and kids club. It held its first Audax in September 2011, and regularly supports other Clarion section events, plus Clarion meet-ups for training on the track and road.
Also shortlisted:
Stockport, West Lothian
By Peter Roscoe BURY
t the year end,
accumulated.
funds amounted to £11,241 (£9840). In addition, there were ring fenced funds of £1000 for GoRide club grants and £1000 that was donated on the winding up of the Yorkshire Clarion Clubhouse. Deposits at bank of £12,652 (£8930) accounted for the major part of these funds. The Income and Expenditure Account reveals total income of £5469 (£4562) and expenditure of £3510 (£2767) resulting ina surplus of £1959 (£1795). The major parts of expenses were:
administrative £1075 (£786); racing costs £476 (£369); medals and engraving £430 (£462) and Boots Spurs £1215 (£930). The following points should be noted: (i) not all committee expenses were claimed (ii) the cost of Boots Spurs increased as a result of the increased membership. This cost will increase in 2012 as we plan to pay for the packing and postage of the magazine rather than have a volunteer do this demanding and time consuming job. Figures in brackets are for 2010 Further information
For a copy of the accounts: email peterroscoe80@ btinternet.com
THIRD PARTY INSURANCE
By Peter Roscoe
BURY
Clarion’‘members can become affiliated members of the CTC, so that they have acover of £10m for claims against them for negligence while riding their bicycles. Many others will be covered as full members of the CTC or BCF. These members also enjoy the benefit of legal assistance if they need to make aclaim as a result of
the negligence of another road user. The alternative for Clarion members is a specialist claims solicitor. The Affiliated Membership Scheme runs from October 1st each year and costs £15. Join now for £8-for the period up to 30 September. Find out more Contact Peter Roscoe on 0161 761 6856/peterroscoe80@ btinternet.com
DAVID BISSET has moved from Chairman of the National Clarion to Treasurer, which means the club is now looking for a new Chairperson.
To volunteer email Ian Clarke at bike@clarioncc.org
SUMMER 2012 |BOOTS&SPURS 7
On the house
By Jack Burrows
first joined the National
Clarion CC Nelson Section
in 1939, asection which in the late 40s had over 200 members. During the following years I have visited and stayed at numerous Clarion Houses throughout the country. And now all are gone, except that is for the Nelson I.L.P. Clarion House, Jinny Lane, Nr Newchurch and Nelson. Grid Ref SD 832.396.
‘We are open every
Sunday and some Bank Holidays, where a variety of confectionary is available, or bring your own packed lunch and enjoy the
JERSEY WIN!
Nottingham's Chris Sanderson won last issue's prize draw for anew National Clarion jersey.
8|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Enjoy a bit of Clarion History with your pint of tea in Nelson
August when beverages will be on the house. We would love to welcome you on this
celebrated Clarion tea. The house is situated in its own grounds, with magnificent
views and surrounded day or any other Sunday. well worth visiting. Clarion House on TV
In April 2012, the Clarion House featured on the BBC's Countryfile programme.
This year is our centenary and we will be celebrating the event on Sunday 11
CLARION CAMPING
In May, West Lothian’s Andy Richards toured The Highlands by bicycle. Can you beat this camp fire feast he cooked up? Send your touring photos to the editor secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk
WEST LOTHIAN
By Matthew Ball WEST LOTHIAN nour second year of coaching under-15s the club has gathered together a good team of dedicted volunteers who have gained in confidence and picked up new skills along the way.
Notable successes this year have been our special one off events, such as the Mountain bike BBQ at a local country park, and the club confined 5-race series which introduced crit, MTB, cyclocross, hill climb and grass track racing to over 40 riders, with half going on to compete in open events.
The season ended with our annual Santa Cyclo Cross race, where our youngsters tested themselves against one of the UK’s best pro cyclists.
James McCallum from
Rapha-Condor-Sharp was the guest of honour and even joined in and raced against the Clarion’s kids.
James, a commonwealth bronze medalist, handed out prizes for the Cyclo Cross race and club five race series before taking part ina Q&A session with the children about his racing career, and of course crashes!
He says, “It was a pleasure
Garmin jerseys, Santa (Jim Harris), and Rapha Condor Sharp's James McCallum at West Lothian’s Santa CX
to get invited along and it was good to see so many local kids riding their bikes, the riders were great and it looks like
all the club’s hard work is paying off.”
Christmas came early for all the members, when they each received a cool replica cycling jersey donated by Tour de France team Garmin-Cervélo. A raffle of the team’s 2012 kit raised over £500, with proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice in Linlithgow.
Kids club president David Mason says, “You could see a big improvement in the kids’ bike skills and fitness. The coaching team have put in a massive effort to develop our riders and I could seea marked improvement from last year’s event.”
WINTER 2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 9
Help Nick's charity ride
ury’s Nick Hall is
riding from Lands End
to John O’Groats in September to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The ride is in memory of Charlotte, a family friend who died of Cystic Fibrosis a few days before her 16th birthday.
Nick says, ‘You might think someone born with such a debilitating condition would let it affect her daily life but Charlotte would have nothing of it. Intelligent, witty, full of the joys of life, she was aware she would not have a long life and lived every day to the full. The way she coped with her illness was an inspiration to us all.
‘T’m looking fora sponsorship partner but all donations will be gratefully received. The event should generate some great PR for this fantastic charity.’
Howto sponsor Nick Please go to: wwwvirginmoneygiving. com/nickhall3
10|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
THE CLARION TANDEM PROJECT
A few years ago Ann Burchell, secretary of the Central section, donated the tandem that she and her husband Brian had used for touring around Europe. Tan Clarke is pleased to announce that it’s been repaired and serviced with new chains, tyres, seatpins and saddles, and is now available on loan to Clarion members. Ithas a beautiful blue Roberts frame which is
Scotland's Graeme Obree is famous for using parts
of a washing machine to build “Old faithful’, his hour record breaking bike.
West Lothian’s Billy Minto continued the Scottish tradition of using domestic appliances to build bikes by constructing a flying gate frame from an old rotary clothes line. Billy says, ‘Tused the main tube for the frame and the arms for tribars;
as good as any recent custom built frames and is ideal for touring, racing, or just short leisure rides.
To borrow the tandem Email Ian on bike@clarioncc.org
MEMBERS’ BICYCLES
it's surprisingly light and stiff.’ The clothes line's tubes are bonded to aretro steel Vitoria frame using old tights. A third place in the club TT proves the bike's credentials!
http://www. skidmarksonthesemmits. blogspot.co.uk/
Albert Winstanley (1917-201e)
By Tim Dawson
Ibert Winstanley, who has died aged 95, evoked his lifelong love of touring on his bicycle ina series of articles that stand comparison with the very best writing about the outdoors. Collections of his works appeared in 1985 (The Golden Wheels of Albert Winstanley) and 1991 (Golden Days Awheel). In these he captured a sense of wonder and delight at discovering the world on two wheels that won him many fans, of whom I was one. He rode his bicycle from his mid-teens until he was 92. When, reluctantly, he was forced to give up riding, he described himself as feeling like ‘a fish out of water’. Typically his rides took him into the Yorkshire Dales, the Trough of Bowland or the Lake District. He would often plan his routes as a quest to find an intriguing feature that he had spotted on a map, or to sit where a famous line of verse had been composed. Retold as stories in cycling magazines, his adventures took on a magical quality that made them a delight to read. Alas, he had few competitors when it came to relating his cycle tours although he followed in the tradition of the great cycling writers of the interwar years such as Kuklos, Wayfarer and Ragged Staff. He once wrote, ‘To mea
Albert was a member of Bolton Clarion and rode his bike until the age of 92
bicycle is a machine of magic taking me on to the ways of satisfied happiness; giving to me the good friendship I enjoy with others, and to share with me the delights and ecstasies of the outdoors. It gives to me the pleasures of mingling the past with the present always discovering always learning. Above all it gives to me also, memories to cherish and store inwardly, as I wheel my ways on joyous days... such a day has been today,’ Born in Bolton, Albert would remain in Lancashire for his entire life save for service during the second world war when, as Sergeant Winstanley, he took part in the landings in North Africa.
It was there that he met his future wife, Kathleen, herself undertaking war duties
as nurse. They married and, once back in Bolton,
had a daughter, Ann.
Albert spent his working life as an aircraft technical clerk, but he lived to cycle and would often take off straight from work on a Friday night for a weekend on the road. As well as writing up his experiences of touring all over the UK, Ireland and the
European continent, Albert also gave famed slideshows about his tours, accompanied by classical music, and appeared on Radio Manchester. Also a keen gardener, he delighted in feeding his grandchildren from
his annual harvest.
Kathleen died in 1993. Albert remained in his own home until his final year and was cheering on his beloved Bolton Wanderers (outside whose stadium he is commemorated on the Spirit of Sport monument) until the very last weeks of his life. He is survived by Ann, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
About the author
Tim Dawson is The Sunday Times cycling columnist and edits http://cycling-books.com/ Article first published in
The Guardian
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 11
What's umique to your section?
Whatis your section known for? Find ways to catch the eye of local cyclists
hile we are often
being urged to move
with the times, the Clarion enjoys its long practised traditions. So why not create some section traditions of your own? Having something you are known for, or that’s a bit different will help your club to stand out from other clubs in your area, and, hopefully, attract new members.
Below are some of the things Clarion sections are already doing:
Brighton and Hove club runs are known for their social paceandinteresting puband café stops, and often begin witha train journey. Calder runsa regular fixed wheel club run, and also
North Cheshire searching for the rough stuff
produces a quarterly magazine which offers an alternative to the info produced on its website. Bury established a Come and Try Hill Climb oncea year, to attract newcomers tothe sport.
North Cheshire is building up a catalogue of pavé routes for its club runs inventory; and runs regular skills sessions. Barnoldswick has founda
weekly pub social night is
popular among its members. Fenland’s Sunday club runs
NEW GO-RIDE FOR WAKEFIELD
Calder will begin Thursday evening Go-Ride sessions on 14th June at Thomas a Beckett College in Sandal. Calder’s team includes qualified coaches Tom Butler and Rob Hudson who will design and lead the sessions, for 8- to 16-year-olds. They are supported by Corinne Pickard, the Go-Ride contact responsible for liaison with schools and youth organisations, and Susan
12 BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Hancock, Calder Clarion’s Child Welfare Officer.
Also involved are the cycle club's Bikability Tutors Steve Ward and Chris Nickerson. Calder is also providing asteady guided cycle ride for parents on the
adjacent Trans Pennine Trail
cycle route to nearby country parks to run concurrently with the youngsters’ sessions, arriving back intime for the completion of the evenings.
are renowned for their variety and visits to great cafés. Stockport hasa successful MTB group that rides all year round, using lights inthe
winter.
Blackpoolis establishing shorter summer evening rides, which are proving a hit. West Lothian has attracted competition between its members with several selftimed place-to-place competitions and its map of the local climbs is popular: http://tinyurl.com/bug8gsk Bolton’s winter club nights, with tech talk and refreshments have kept members in touch during the colder months.
What’ s unique to your club? Let Boots Spurs know of any other traditions you've established in your section so we can spread the word.
Corinne Pickard with her boys Jack, Harry George
BARRY DYKE
‘VENTS GUIDE
NATIONAL CLARION
25TT CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday 4 August
Section Fenland
Course N1/25C
Contact Chris Rimes (chris.
rimes@infomix.co.uk) Pre-entry CTT event.
BURY CLARION S0KM SPORTIVE
Sunday 19 August (£5) Contact Peter Roscoe (peterroscoe80@btinternet. com)
short but demanding course with 5 major peaks including Owd Betts, Blackstone Edge, Burnley Summit and Edenfield. All finishers who enter by 6 August will receive a “gold” medal. Surplus funds donated to the British Paralympic Association.
NATIONAL CLARION ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday 1 September (£TBC) Venue Darley Moor (Derbyshire) Contact Francis Grafton (frank.grafton@tiscali.co.uk) Tel: 0115 981 9817 Pre-entry TLI event. Youth and senior riders welcome.
WIZARD LLAMAS Audax 115km Sunday 2 September (£6) Section North Cheshire Contact: Andrew Williams (audax@ northcheshireclarion.co.uk) Cycle through rural
Closed roads at Darley Moor
Cheshire lanes and pretty villages to The Wizard Tea Room prior to some stiff climbing on the edge of the Peak District National Park around the Llamaload Reservoir.
THREE GLENSEXPLORER Audax 164km
Sunday 30 September (£7) Section West Lothian Contact neil fraser@ blueyonder.co.uk
KINGSCAVIL HILL CLIMB Sunday 14th October Section West Lothian Cost £10 +BC licence Contact paul@ thehammonds.erg.uk) Closed road 0.9km hillclimb for adults/youths. AUTUMN RIDE OUT October (Date TBC) Contact Ian Clarke {clarion@clarkeyweb.co.uk) Traditional YHA weekend in the Derbyshire countryside.
NATIONAL CLARION CYCLO CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 17 November
Section Nottingham
Details www.ndext.org.uk
LETTERS
INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP Just to say many thanks for all your work on a great edition of the Clarion mag for winter 2011/2012. It’s very much appreciated, even from all the way over here in New Jersey. Keep up the good work. Boots! Doug Clark (Stockport)
SCOTS’ SOCIALISM
Re the photo sent in by Jim Harris (West of Scotland Clarion) in the the last issue, featuring Jack Taylor, who was leading the BBAR in 1939 when the war intervened, readers might be interested to know a little more about Jack and his brother Alex, who was National Racing Secretary before and after the war.
Both were members of the Springburn (Glasgow Section) and in 1939 both contributed to a Clarion National Bike Week publication under the heading The Clarion At Speed. Jack wrote, ‘I am proud to ride for the Clarion because I believe that the propagation of Socialism should still be the main object of the Club, especially in these days of crisis, when the weaknesses of our present capitalistic system are becoming so glaringly apparent.’
Best wishes for your editorship of Boots Spurs. Denis Pye
Getincontact Email the editors at: secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 13
HEALTH WELLBEING
I found freedom
West Lothian's Debbie Pollard explains how cycling has helped her tackle depression.
have always enjoyed riding my bike, but I had no idea how important cycling would become to me or that it would play a large part in coping with, and controlling, a serious illness.
My illness is depression, and although it can be well hidden (I have been an expert at this) it is a devastating condition that can affect every aspect of daily life.
I was diagnosed in 2008, having suffered silently and privately for a number of years. I do not know how many years. It sneaks up on you, gradually enveloping you in sadness. You feel apart from everyone, almost ina dream-like state. It becomes difficult to plan ahead, almost impossible to make decisions. Causes can be many and complex. I do not know when depression caught me, but I do know that it was related to the suspicion, denial, diagnosis and manifestations of my precious son’s autism.
Matthew, now almost 10, is a beautiful, happy, loving wee boy. He has the cognition of, perhaps, a four-year-old, and communication skills of a younger child. I won’t detail the years of denial, despair
14| BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
and finally acceptance. I won’t list the difficulties we have faced on a daily and hourly basis. Suffice to say that in 2008 I “woke up” and found that I was very unwell. I owe the initial recognition and treatment of my depression to having to take Matthew to see our GP that summer. The doctor recognised that I was ill and told me to come back and see him myself. Sol began treatment. But something else happened that autumn which would also prove significant. a small write-up about anew club, the West Lothian Clarion, in a local paper. Iread through the article a couple of times. There was an email address and a website. I could check them out and make contact without picking up the phone. I emailed the club secretary Matthew Ball and arranged to meet up the following Sunday for a club run. When I arrived I knew I had made a mistake. There they all were, skinny guys on skinny bikes with curly handlebars, head to toe Lycra and funny shoes. There I was
Anamazing
amount of frustration can be worked out on a few steep hills
on my Raleigh Metro, with my one pair of cycling shorts and an old pair of trainers. I nearly fled. I was making a complete fool of myself. Who was I to think I could ride alongside these guys? If the club secretary and everyone else I spoke to that morning had not been so welcoming, I would have turned tail and ran. But I was persuaded to ride a few miles with them.
As we set off, the clicking of cleats into pedals nearly made me change my mind again. But the guys politely rode at my pace while I sat about a foot higher than everyone else, puffing and red faced as we climbed out of Linlithgow. I felt foolish and out of place, but I also felt something else inspiration. Thad something to aim for, something that had nothing to do with autism or depression. While I struggled to my car, and home to nurse my aching legs, the Clarion guys were off on a 60-mile jaunt through Fife in the crisp autumn sun. Did I want to join in? Just a wee bit!
I needed a better bike that much was clear -and I needed to improve my fitness. Thad time during the day while the children were at school so I began riding more, planning routes that took me further from home. When I felt a bit fitter, I gota
Debbie progressed from novice to club champion
new bike, a fast hybrid. No, I wasn’t ready for those curly handlebars yet I seriously doubted that I could ride such a bike. But I went back to the club about a year after I had initially made contact. Stilla bit slow, still feeling out of place, but I joined this time.
oining West Lothian Clarion has been wonderful for me. Ihave met lots of new people: people who don’t know me first as the struggling mum of an autistic child, as the mum who avoids speaking to people, unable to say much for fear of tears. My club mates know me primarily as someone who rides a bike.
As my cycling fitness improved, so did my mental health. I began to feel happier, made better use of my free time to fit in the cycling, and had a hobby that
could take my mind off things, or give me the opportunity to think things through. An amazing amount of frustration can be worked out on a few steep hills. Taking in the fresh air and the views always puts a smile on my face. The rush of speeding down a hill at 30+ miles per hour for someone who is not a born thrillseeker is just amazing. The wind in my hair and face. The heightened senses as I watch the tarmac roll beneath my wheel, hanging on tight, scanning for potholes, ever alert to the presence of traffic. Struggling up a steep hill with horizontal rain in my face and the huge sense of achievement when I finally reach the top. Getting home and warmed up after a cold winter ride. Chatting with club mates. Working ina chain-gang to eat up the miles ona fast road. Café stops for
cake. I love it all.
But the feel-good factor lasts longer than the ride itself. When I know that I have a stressful time ahead, I do my best to get some decent riding beforehand, as it sets me up for the challenge and gives me the strength to face whatever comes next.
And I have got myself one of those fancy curly-handled bikes. I tap-tap along in my funny shoes and click in as I set off. Top to toe Lycra is the order of the day. These things make me faster and more comfortable as I spin round the countryside of the Lothians, Lanarkshire and surrounding areas. I have entered a few races, and this year I hope to break the 30 minute barrier for 10 miles. Ok, Victoria Pendleton has nothing to fear, but I take huge satisfaction in how I have progressed. New ladies joining the club come to me for advice, which also makes me feel great.
Everyone must find their own path, their own coping mechanisms. Cycling isn’t for everybody. But if I was to give one piece of advice to anyone who finds themselves struggling mentally, unable to cope, it would be this: find a hobby that you love, make time for it, and reap the rewards.
Debbie originally wrote this blog for Act Now For Autism: http://autismcampaigners. blogspot.co.uk/
SUMMER 2012| BOOTS&SPURS 15
117TH EASTER MEET
Brilhant Buxton!
FANCY A TROPHY?!
THE CZECH TROPHY
TAN SHAPIRO ON THE ld RACES
HILL CLIMB START LINE PRIZE WINNERS A
DEREK HODGKINSON: MARSHALL AND PRIZE, PRESENTER)
BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
This year's Easter Meet returned to the Peak District for the first time since 1965. Duncan McLaren and his team from Stockport Clarion organised an excellent series of events, including the popular kids’ crit races, a testing hill climb, both road and MTB club runs and amemorable awards dinner with guests the Mayor of the Peaks and cyclist Andy Wilkinson.
EAT MY HAT:
PRINCESS FIONA, SHREK AND ‘A FEW HOTE! a
THE NATIONAL, CLARION CHAMPIONS.
INOTINGHAM'S
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 17
117TH EASTER MEET: THE ANDY WILKINSON INTERVIEW
Go with the flow
Easter Meet's guest of honour Andy Wilkinson discusses his cycling philosophy, and gives rare insight into the perils of long distance racing
ndy Wilkinson started cycling asa schoolboy in 1976, when he used his bike to get around and visit friends. He joined the Port Sunlight Wheelers in 1977 and has ridden with them ever since. He is the current 24-hour TT champion and record holder (obtained in 2011) with a distance of 541 miles, and also holds the Lands End to John O’Groats record ona faired recumbent bicycle of 41:4:22 (obtained in 1996). He held the solo end-to-end record in 1990 with a time of just over 45 hours, and the national 12-hour record of 312 miles between 1996 and 2011. He is also the current holder, with Lyn Taylor, of the mixed tandem end-to-end record.
18|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Andy (far right) gets ready for the Sunday clubrun
Are you looking to reclaim your 12-hr record?
It has crossed my mind but I have no current plans, as my wife Jill has various cycling plans for this year. I held the record from 1996 to 2011, so it would be nice to get it back, but maybe I’m too old!
How can you ride a mountain bike and yet still beat us by 10 minutes in a 25TT?
Sorry! My bike choice does confuse people, but there is a logic to it. It’s not really an MTB. I have a steel frame, V-brakes and a triple chain set. I ride one bike
throughout the year, for
mountain biking, commuting and all the other stuff because I discovered that I’m hopeless at changing position and changing bike so it’s easiest to have one bike. It’s also a bit of a project, my “little thing”. It’s a challenge to have one bike that can do everything, even break records, but I find that rewarding.
Would you consider doing an MTB long distance record attempt, like the Pennine Bridleway? Laughter. I wasn’t aware there were records for these things. Maybe when my TT career is over. I’ve met a lot of Clarion riders in the past when I’ve been riding offroad in the winter.
What's the history of the Port Sunlight Wheelers?
It was formed in 1948 at the Port Sunlight Works for the workers. I joined in 1977 and never left. I have lots of friends there and in the last 10 years, we’ve got lots of new members, younger riders in their 30s who are very keen and full of good ideas, which is great.
Which record are you most proud of and why?
I don’t think about this very often. Last year’s (2011) record achievement was great, as I’m not as young as
I was. The 24-hour is a really big project and I had “made my bed” and so had to focus on it for the whole season. There could be no second place. Getting to the finish line is in itself a big achievement, so to get the competition record too was great. But it was a team effort. Thad a lot of support from my wife and my team mates, soa big thanks goes to them.
PREVIOUS PAGE: ALEX BALL, MATT BALL, JON HARDMAN
WWW.KIMROYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Would you ever become a cycling coach?
Iam already, on an unofficial basis. I run a bike-fit service, getting people’s bikes to fit them perfectly. [have alot people coming in with no background in cycling so it’s really important to get them set up properly. The bike-fit kind of blurs into an element of coaching. I’m not a fan of coaching fads, like giving out schedules. Training depends ona million factors: how you feel at the time, how your body is, your work hours and so on. I try to get people to understand what training is about, what youareaiming to do. [like to give them a philosophy, then they can go away and train for themselves.
Andy's steed: steel frame, V-brakes and a triple chain set
Is it true you've discussed saddles with the Queen? Yes. I was invited to Buckingham Palace after the BARR in 2006. I fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition of getting off the train into a taxi and saying, ‘Take me to the Palace’. I spent the afternoon there, people spotting and drinking champagne. I was talking to the sports commentator Pat Eddery and the Scottish Curling Team when a chap came over and told me the Queen wanted a chat. When I told her what I did, she said, ‘You need a tough backside,’ and added. “We know all about saddles, don’t we Pat?’
For your 45-hour recumbent ride, how did you cope with
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 19
things like eating, and the call of nature?
We spent years preparing for it. [had to go to the toilet on the move. We tested out a contraption similar to something bedridden patients use in hospital. There was a pipe which we stuck through a hole drilled in the side, and I tried it downhill, going at 76mph. The water went out, imploded onto the fairing and atomised. It was evil smelling and quite warm! We redesigned it after
that, with a longer pipe that
went out the back.
How do you mentally prepare?
Good question. Success is all about mental preparation. I try not to think too much
about the size of the challenge
and concentrate instead on the actual structure of the event, like the nutritional strategy or the course route. I don’t think too much about pacing or speed, or use power meters, I just use my experience. The road is your
manager. You need to do
what it tells you and go with the flow, be smooth, so that you don’t waste a second. A long distance ride is the most technical thing you can do, because you can’t stop thinking, even for 10 mins. Interviewed at Easter Meet Questions were provided by attendees at the champion’s dinner, and the interview was
conducted by Ian Clarke. Write-up by Kirsty Ball.
FROM THE ARCHIV.
Team Clarion ride the 1998 Ras
By Julian Mortel ITALIAN n June of 1997, Graham Pearce, the Stockport Clarion race guru, came back from that year’s Ras telling us all of the great experience. He was leading a team from its support vehicle. It sounded ridiculously hard and insane, but also like the nearest an amateur could get toa true tour experience. Over 30 teams, 9 days of racing, over 100 miles each day, 170 riders, team support vehicles, racing around Ireland. The guru wanted us to enter in 1998, and it was going to be something we'd never forget. Hamrag laid things on the line, laughing as he did, in his way of relating how impossible this race was.
The support team and riders.
There was the cost we'd need sponsors, vehicles, a support team. We'd also need to be more disciplined (no more beery nights out kebabs.) This was a real challenge. Even so, we had a year to get it sorted. We'd done 3-day stage racing before in Ireland and Wales, but at 2nd CAT level. Nine days of elite racing was another world. In September we met up
SCOTTISH CLARION B.A.R. CHAMP
In 1950 (a year after winning the National Clarion BAR) Willie Shewan of the Coatbridge Clarion was one of only two Clarion riders to to win the Scottish BAR, writes Jim Harris.
1949 he was amember of the Clarion team who were first in the Scottish BAR. Willie was amember of Coatbridge (reformed this year) but raced under the banner of the West of Scotland Clarion
20 |BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
C&AC which embraced all section members in Glasgow and district, causing some ill feeling with rival clubs.
Willie moved to Dundee in 1959 joining Dundee Thistle, and laterly Dundee RC.
Asamember of the SVTTA he went on to win vet championships and collected age
records. He rode the LVRC world TT at Papwich in the Dales in 1991, coming first in his age group at 66.
with a sports scientist. The team had three committed riders (Duncan Hewitt, Will Sanderson and me) and others who could not commit at this stage. Graham Pearce was team manager, with Andy Magee as mechanic and Dave Armstrong as soigneur.
We all worked full time, Duncan at Gardner Merchant in Salford and Will at Royal Sun Alliance in Manchester, and I was about to start work in Stockport, meaning we could feasibly get out on the bikes each evening together. Learning to ride together, knowing each others’ strengths and weaknesses, was important. We would have to suffer together.
TREASURE IN MY ATTIC
James Wiley, formerly of Paisley Clarion, sent us some sterling silver Clarion medals with impressive results engraved on the back.
2:17:38 for a SOTT 1948 a 4:49:23 fora 1OOTT also 1948. He also recorded a BAR average of 22:380 mph.
SWIFTSURE REMEMBERED
By Ian Clarke
NATIONAL SECRETARY (FENLAND)
I was pleased to be asked if I wanted to look after some old programmes from previous Easter Meets by Susan Hancock, whose great-grandfather Fred Leeming was the Cycling Correspondent for the Clarion Newspaper.
Fred wrote under the pen name of ‘Swiftsure’ and was arguably one of the key people behind the Clarion Cycling Club. To extracta quotation from him in Denis Pye's book Fellowship is Life, he said in 1894, ‘a Woman dressed in “rationals” has been seen astride a machine in the Preston district. She only appeared in the dusk of the evening when all small boys should be asleep. Was the daring fair cyclist on her way to be photographed?’
Michael and Bob get to work on the Spring clean
Clarion seat gets a tidy up
wo members of
Barnoldswick Clarion
have given a memorial to the club’s founders ‘Pop’ Harry Hill and his son Bill much needed facelift.
Club secretary Bob Jackson and member Michael Meath put their gardening tools to good use to ensure the seat, covered in ivy and with grass and weeds obscuring much of the base, is again available to those who wish to sit awhile and enjoy the views.
The Barnoldswick club was formed in 1923 in the house adjoining Harry’s clog shop at No. 2 Manchester Road. Harry was keen cyclist and rode with the Clarion until his untimely death following a collision with a milk lorry at Higher Hodder Bridge.
The club’s members erected the seat near Bracewell at a spot where Harry often stopped for a “pipe” on his way back from club runs. An inscription read: ‘Friend of Man.
Benjamin Hirst on the pristene seat
Friend of Truth. Friend of Age and Guide of Youth.’ Harry’s son, nicknamed “Little Willy” as he was the youngest of the six founder members and then latterly known as “Owd Bill” as he became the only survivor of the early days, went on to ride a tandem with his wife for some 50 years. His father bought him his first bike in 1915 aged 11 and he often recalled learning to ride it on what was then the only tarmac stretch of road, the level section between Langroyd and Langroyd Hall in Colne. Notably, Bill was a competitor in the 1928 Workers’ Olympiad in Moscow representing the British Workers’ Sports Federation. When Bill died his name was added to the inscription on the seat. Harry’s grandson Melvyn Hirst supplied the photo.
CLARION HIST!
War changes all
Part two of the Clarion’s fascinating history
Chris Goode YORKSHIRE COAST
ycling was behind football, the pub and the music hall in popularity before the First World War. People would have been more familiar with Marie Lloyd than Robert Blatchford, the Editor of The Clarion newspaper (founded in 1891).
In the last issue of Boots Spurs we learnt about the strength and diversity of the Clarion movement and its contribution to the development of the political left in Britain. This was before the First World War, at a time when the Liberal Chancellor David Lloyd George was initiating the state pension, National Insurance and the building of more dreadnought battleships, in competition with the German navy. The Edwardian age marked a decline in Britain’s powers, as it was overtaken industrially by the United States, Germany and Japan.
Robert Blatchford hada military background and these instincts were deeprooted. His loyalty to his country proved stronger than his left-wing principles.
Inset: Blatchford had a military background
22 |BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Judging from Blatchford’s work from the early 1890s to 1911, it can be argued that he was astrong proponent of the socialist cause. He is best known for Merrie England, direct and hard-hitting book. It sold two million copies and was produced in nine European languages, including Norwegian And Welsh, but not Greek. Clearly this led to many conversions to “Clarionism” and a burgeoning National Clarion Cycling Club. The Editor’s views, rather than those of The Clarion staff, dominated and could be inconsistent. There were also differences between The Clarion and the Independent Labour Party; Blatchford had little time for politicians or parliament, whereas Keir Hardie (the ILP leader) saw the need for co-operation with other parties. It was largely Blatchford’s imperialism that affected The Clarion’s political position and its demise. Despite the political impact of the Clarion movement lessening, it must not be forgotten that many Clarion cyclists took to the road to promote socialism, aiming for a fairer society, and helped change people’s lives for the better. Not even a world war can stop clarionettes from turning a wheel in the pursuit of happiness.
‘CYCLO-PHOBIA’
“Swiftsure” ran The Clarion's Cycling Notes, in the early days of the club. In this extract from 1894, he identifies an unfortunate mental condition which will be all too familiar to readers of today’s local paper correspondents:
‘Cyclo-phobia is avery prevalent complaint in these trying days; whilst very noticeable in yelping dogs and cap-throwing boys, it reaches its highest development in some magistrates.”
Well, at least we don't experience too much trouble from cap-throwing boys these days. But Swiftsure's point on ‘rules of the road’ will have more contemporary relevance.
‘If cyclists only observed these rules there would be less reason for the present outcry against them and the risk of an accident to themselves or others would be greatly diminished.’
IAN BULLOCK (BRIGHTON HOVE)
READ ON
Buy Denis Pye's excellent Fellowship is Life, the National Clarion Cycling Club 1895-1995 FELLOWS priced at £4.95, Order now
Email Ian Clarke at bike@clarioncc.org
SECTIORNE WS
BARNOLDSWICK
Inthe year of the London Olympics and with a strong British presence in the 2012 Tour de France, it’s fitting to mention the achievements of two Barnoldswick members. Mark Brown represented GB in three Paralympic Games. he won bronze, in the 2004 Sydney marathon the silver, and he took fifth in Athens in 2004 in the 5000 metres.
Sue Gornall rode the female Tour de France four times and also represented GB. Sue now mentors young riders in the area along with her husband, Alan, who won a Commonwealth Games gold cycling medal. Sue’s daughter Amy took part in the School Olympics in the Olympic Velodrome in May.
The Saturday morning rides have been going well and the Clarion ethos attracts new members of all abilities. When the weather has been cold and icy we have had mountain bike rides and local walks, again proving popular and getting people out.
Hopefully we will have a long awaited great summer and write about all our groups’ rides in the next issue of Boots Spurs.
BOLTON We received the sad news that Albert Winstanley had died
Scottish MTB XC Champs:
Jamie (2nd), Cameron, Ross and 1st place Sam
an
peacefully in his sleep; he was 95. See obituary on page 11.
The section continues to grow: this year we have 13 new members with some lapsed members rejoining, giving us our highest membership for several years.
Club rides have been well supported despite the appalling weather earlier this year; both A and B Sunday rides go from strength to strength. The Wednesday ride is now firmly established.
The club nights in winter have been wellattended, with enjoyable presentations; attending for the teaanda chat is well worth it.
Our Presentation Night held jointly with Bury Clarion was a great success, a formula which we plan to repeat next year. Awards were presented by former Bolton member Dave Heald.
This year has seen many riders out wearing the newly designed kit and the design
has been well received.
Two of our new members, Mark Ainsworth and Chris Roach, who are both new to cycling and racing, took partin1oTTs, acquitting themselves very well for inexperienced riders.
Mark has now set off onan extended Spanish tour, riding solo across Spain from Santander. Follow his progress on his blog, the photos are super: twowheelsandawalkingstick. blogspot.com
BURY Hello Playmates! You wouldn’t believe what a lovely time the boys and girls of Bury Clarion have been having. Some of us have actually been riding our velocipedes, and notjust once or twice, we’ve been out more than three times! Absolutely lovely darlings!
Nick Hall, having organised last year’s track champs and the exciting circuit race at Darley Moor, has again run the 2012 track champs at Manchester, with good attendance.
We hada great turn out for the early season NLTTA 10TT (three of us). The other riders constantly extracted the michael out of my clapped out time trial bike, so I’ve bought anew one. Those bullies won't dare kick sand in my face again.
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 23
This year, we are latching onto the Southport CC weekly 10s for our 10s championship, the best three rides to count.
Twins Simon and Adam Yates go from strength to strength. Adam teamed up with Mark Christian in the National Madison Championship. They controlled the race to win in acommanding style. Adam is racing in France, where he recently won a first prize, his weight in Champagne! Simon is on the Olympic Training Plan and going strong.
Nick Hall will be riding from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in September in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. Nick and five others recently went to Spain for a week’s training ina very mountainous area, during which they climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest.
Tuesday evening training rides continue apace (sucha pace that I stay at home). Nunquam Velox.
CALDER New activities: Tom Butler and Rob Hudson completed BC level 2 coaching course. The Go-Ride Sessions began again in June. And Jonny Croston and Martin Price started road racing. Jonny scored placing points and also came ‘off’ in the Thameside Circuit race.
Carl Lindop rode from London to Bradford, raising £11,000 for Save the Children Fund. And in April, 18 Calder members rode leg of the Yorkshire Parkinson’s
|BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
Calder Clarion members with TV Presenter Gaynor Barnes after their Wakefield-Leeds leg of the Parkinson’s Disease
Awareness Relay from Wakefield to Leeds. Michael Vennard, Jonny Croston, Tom Butler and Ian Steeper rode the Tour of Flanders Sportive. Audax Activity: Nick Firth completed a Super Randonee by May, riding five 200ks, And James Colley completed aiookm, 200km, 300km and 400km by May.
TT News: The summer evening 10TT series has started. In the first four events, numbers were up 20% on previous years. Jennie Latham (Calder) broke the course record with 26:41. Other News: Four
Calder cyclists attended Saddleworth’s LEnfer
Du Norde tribute to Paris Roubaix, enjoying the ride and superb hospitality. Eight Calder Members attended the Easter Meet at Buxton. Thanks to Stockport Clarion for a great weekend. DeathsChairman Cliff Kettlewell died on 3 May. The previous evening he pushed riders off in the club 10, characteristically joking with riders and officials. (see obituary on page 9).
FENLAND It was early evening on the 27 April as we approached Sutton Bank on the Western Edge of the North Yorkshire Moors for a weekend at Helmsley Youth Hostel.
“We're not riding up that, are we?’ someone asked. ‘No, we're riding down it, but we are riding up Blakey Bank, Rosedale Chimney Bank, White Horse Bank and Sneck Yate Bank.’ Get the picture?
It was spitting rain as we left the youth hostel on the Saturday, turning left and straight into the first hill up Bransdale; a lovely ride along the dale, through the hamlet of Cockayne and across the moorland down to Gillamoor. We swept left up Farndale, through Low Mill and on to our first coffee stop at the wonderful Daffy Café in Church Houses.
That was the “calm before the storm” as we turned out of the village and up the 25% Blakey Bank, complete with snow by the roadside! We all just about made it up (with minimal walking...) and straight into a howling headwind as we crested
Blakey Ridge. Some took the long and fast descent down the ridge to the delightful village of Hutton-le-Hole (and straight into the tea shop!) while the rest of us battled the headwind along the exposed ridge, past the Lion Inn, before turning down the east side of Rosedale into Rosedale Abbey (a brilliant descent!).
From here it was straight into the 33% Rosedale Chimney Bank; thankfully there was a back wind but it took enormous effort to force the pedals round and stay upright, especially around the hairpins. Over the top and superb descent with 54 mph being clocked by the fastest of the group and into Hutton-le- Hole to join the others. From there, it was back up into Gillamoor and then (nearly) a dip in the ford at Kirkdale.
On Sunday it poured, but we rode round the Hambleton Hills and up White Horse Bank into a fierce headwind, past the gliding club and into the visitor centre at Sutton Bank. Warmand dry respite! But the rain was getting worse, so we decided to cut the ride short. We'll be back to re-do day two and complete the hurtle down Sutton Bank, the grind up Sneck Yate Bank, and the vicious hills around Boltby!
ITALIAN The ‘Castelnuovo Don Bosco to Albugnano’ cronoscalata (hill climb) was held on 2 June in rather hot weather.The unbelievable winning time
was 11:33, nearly breaking the record. The Clarion came in in 29th spot at 15:13, leaving Julian realising how off form he is. Even so, he came 4thin the senior category, and was invited to the next event on the same hill on Oct 20.
We have finalised our kit design and have placed our first order which we are looking forward to receiving.
Clarion riders have taken advantage of staying with us and riding through this beautiful area of Piemonte on the roads. However we are now also offering guided cross country MTB rides thanks to our friend Massimo Alfero, who will be teaming up with us later this summer.
A group from Stockport Section are coming over in September to see the pros riding the Giro de Lombardia and experience the roads they race on. We'll take on the muro di Sormano, which is not for the faint hearted. When mentioned it to the Italians, they queried my sanity. We'll also take in the famed climb of the Ghissalo and the Madonna diGhissalo, the church dedicated to cycling and cyclists, a mustsee if you’re near Como.
STOCKPORT Road Races: Geoff Burgess has recently won his first road race/crit at the Tameside circuit. He had been close
to winning the week before, but had a blow out on the
last corner. Geoff won with ease on what is a short,
narrow, fast circuit. Mark McPhillips has also been close to winning at Tameside. Stockport runs the series along with other local clubs, and has had a strong showing this season.
MTB: Ona very cold February morning a total of11 Stockport members took part in the Hit the North MTB/Cyclocross race. Temperatures never got above -3. With 275 starters it was always going to bea tough two hours. Mark McPhillips was
25th, Phil Dilkes 33rd, and Geoff Burgess 41st, giving Stockport the award for
3rd fastest team.
Easter Meet: Thanks to all the helpers from Stockport Clarion, and Ian Clarke, who made the Easter Meet possible. A lot of planning was needed for what packed weekend. All events were well attended and ran smoothly, finishing with a great Champions’ night on Sunday. Thanks again to guest Andy Wilkinson.
NORTH CHESHIRE North Cheshire Clarion held its Annual Dinner in January, with Simon Richardson MBE, double gold medal paralympian at Beijing,
as guest of honour. Eighty members and family attended and heard of Simon’s training regime and his comeback plans following a recent traffic accident. The raffle raised funds for the Kids Club, allowing another coach
to be put through training, with prizes kindly donated by Simon, Onix Bikes, CNP, Scott and Polocini sportives.
The section continues to grow, with 150 riders ranging from 6 to late 60s forming the diverse membership.
Our Kids Clubis once again in full swing, with members taking advantage of British Cycling programmes at the Manchester Velodrome and BMxX track, as well as the Saturday sessions.
The Saturday ride programme has been expanded and anew “Cappucino” family ride runs on the first Sunday of every month. The inaugural run attracted 24 members, friends and family.
Members are entering Audax, TT, Sportive and Road Race events. North Cheshire Clarion has been aregular at the Tameside Tuesday Crit series, with Matt Hacker progressing into the 3rd category ranks with other riders hot on his heels. The mid-week TT is another big draw, with numerous riders competing in the points based competition.
3 NEW SECTIONS!
Coatbridge Clarion near Glasgow has reformed after 40 years with an influx of 23 new members. Sheffield Clarion is a new section with a website at http:// sheffieldclarion.org/ Malmesbury in Wiltshire has launched with eight members.
SEC’ NEWS
Tackling the climbs on the L’enfer du Saddleworth
SADDLEWORTH Another successful few months for Saddleworth Clarion! First off, congratulations to Wednesday Night MTBer Matt Downey on his forthcoming fatherhood, and to both Rachel and Tim on the safe arrival of Orla Louise, who is now our youngest member.
Membership continues to grow and another club kit order has been placed.
The racing members of the club have been putting in the miles: notably winning the team prize at the Oldham Mountain Time Trail and picking up race points at the Tameside Crit circuit.
The introduction ofa social evening has pleased most members of the club, especially those who are fully committed to the “Ullrich training plan”, although he did stop eating and drinking at the end of the winter something most of us here could heed.
Also introduced recently and proving a success is the separate A and Brides each Sunday. The B rides are following a continental format with the café stop at
the end, allowing those who are pushed for time to get home a little earlier.
Once again, we extend an invite to all Clarion members to come along and ride with us on our flat clubruns. Many thanks to Calder Clarion who came across and, no doubt, enjoyed this years ‘Lenfer du Saddleworth’.
SUNDERLAND It’s been a busy time here on Wearside, with the main event on the calendar being our return to organising road races. A series of closed circuit races were put on at Hetton Lyons in conjunction with CDNE. It wasa great opportunity for the club’s riders to race, but also allowed members new and old to get together on three Saturdays in May. The racing saw some strong results, notably from newcomer Tony Dickinson, who got his 3rd cat licence with two third places in the 4th cat races. Tony’s performances, along with those of 12 others, have seen the club become one of the strongest in the region, a big contrast to only a few years ago. The group trains on Sundays and Thursday nights. Thursday nights providea chance for the club’s racers to meet up with other members coastal circuit. Alongside this the club run remains popular ona Sunday. As usual, one of the highlights of the early season was the Kilhope Grimpeur event, organised by our neighbours
Houghton CC. It providesa good test of legs, with a lumpy ride around County Durham and the Pennines, and luckily this year the weather gods were with the riders. Another great day out was the club’s trip to the Manchester Velodrome, which saw a great mix of riders enjoying themselves on the boards.
YORKSHIRE COAST section, we are meeting more regularly, and enjoyed arecent trip to Flamborough Lighthouse and North Landing. Plans are afoot to head further south to the coastal resort of Hornsea, at the eastern end of the Transpennine cycle route, and passing close to Wortley Hall.
We would like to wish Ian Turton a speedy recovery after an accident in Holland in which he broke his pelvis. Tan is aiming to be back on his bike in August. We will be thinking of him.
Thanks are due to Stockport Clarion fora good Easter Meet witha wide-ranging programme of events. I was impressed with young Alex Ball’s climbing ability, the choice of venue for the youth races and the wisdom of our guest of honour Andy Wilkinson.
Greystone Small has been
our most active participant in local races, with, to date for 2012, a silver medal the 55+ age group in the Yorkshire TT Champs. He has also competed in two medium gear events and TTs, recording two 62-minute rides. In the Mike Dixie Memorial TT, Andy Fisher and Greystone rode at an average speed of 28mph, in 21:25. Chris Goode and Jayne Graves (Scarborough Paragon) recorded a PB of 24:18. We would also like to wish Andrea Vaughan well in her second triathlon, at Ellesmere (Cheshire), in June. Enjoy the rest of the season and hope to see you soon.
WEST LOTHIAN Our first Burn’s Supper was organised by Stephen Henley in January. Neil Greer’s Address to the Haggis was a triumph and who can forget Louise Rattrey’s Reply to the Toast to the Lassies?
In March, our Seven Castles of West Lothian reliability trial saw participation increase, and again the Greer household played host to the riders half way round the route.
The Lang Whang 30-mile Hilly TT was anew open event that also took place in March. The weather was superb and the rolling route
attracted a good quality field.
Our weekly 10 TT series began in May. Poor weather hasn’t deterred the hardy riders, with the start sheet in double figures each week. InJune, our open10TT produced fast times, with Jenny Taylor breaking the women’s club10TT record. Mark Ewing broke the club’s 5o0TT record at the Scottish Championships the day after competing at the Clarion’s Manchester track meet!
June 9 we helda special five-year anniversary club run. The club began in 2007 when Sadiq Mir started thread on BikeRadar looking for “West Lothian Roadies”. Forty past, present and future members participated.
The youth section resumed in March: two stages of the club’s six-race series have already taken place, witha handful of riders going on to compete in open events. Most notably, Sam Chisholm won the Under-8s Scottish MTB XC championships and
Cameron Mason came home
with silver in the Under-12s.
The club has produced skills booklet so riders can tick off skills when mastered and the coaches can note members’ progress.
Diane Clayton and Ewen Fulton joined the coaching staff after completeing their Go-ride training.
Boots Spurs is a great way to show how busy you and your section have been. Send your news, photos and section round-ups to us at the email below. We want to include something from EVERY section in the next edition: secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk DEADLINE: November 30, 2012. The Winter issue will be out in January 2013.
SUMMER 2012 |BOOTS&SPURS 27
BIG RID
Crossing Britain
By Richard Hancock CALDER
artin Price
claimed to have
arranged fora
fair easterly wind to help the Calder annual C2C ride from Sunderland to Whitehaven.
The riders Tom Butler, Jonny Croston, Matt Dodsworth, Martin Price, Michael Vennard and Kevin Watson were happy with Martin’s choice of start, which apart from the favourable wind, meant that most of the hills would climb up the less steep eastern slopes.
The group were in good spirits at Waskerley Cafe, the first scheduled stop, having made a good pace through the urban route out of Sunderland and the tough climb over Stanhope Common, legendary amongst older cyclists as the climb used in the now defunct Vaux Star Trophy Cycle Classic.
Leaving Waskerley in the rain, there was the steep descent into Stanhope before a series of remorseless climbs over the Northern Pennines, starting with Allenheads and culminating in the long exposed climb of Hartside, which is overlooked by England’s highest point outside the Lake District, Cross Fell. It was mid May yet Cross Fell was covered in
28 BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2011
Finishing C2C Sunderland: Kevin Watson, Matt Dodsworth, Martin Price, Jonny Croston, Tom Butler, Michael Vennard
snow. The temperature was just two degrees!
Michael had pressed on alone on this climb, knowing that the summit cafe was the next scheduled stop. Matt wasn’t far behind, followed by Kevin and Tom. Further back, Jonny was going through a bad patch with Martin nursing him up to the cafe, where they arrived a couple of minutes behind.
At Hartside summit you can see the Lakeland Peaks and the Solway Forth and Irish Sea, but today there were only occasional hints of Blencathra’s bulk through gaps in the lowcloud.
started the long fast drop to Penrith together with Tom clocking speeds of almost 6omph at times. Jonny began to feel better and the good progress continued through Keswick
and Skiddaw to Braithwaite where they started up the final obstacle, Whinlatter Pass. The last scheduled stop was early on the climb overlooking Bassenthwaite through the trees.
Near the top, Martin punctured, but rejoined the group down the other side of Whinlatter and into delightful Cumbrian lanes in the sunshine towards the coast. Here Matt began to feel the effect of hunger knock, but he hung on to finish with the others on the harbour at Whitehaven.
They arrived just after 6pm, toa welcome beer and then the drive home. Kevin was recording the European Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea and went to great lengths to prevent anyone from revealing the result.
At home he settled down to watch the match when disaster struck -as the TV came on, it was The News airing pictures of a jubilant Roman Abramovich!
Times Arrow
By Neil Fraser WEST LOTHIAN
he Arrow is arare
and odd audax. It’sa
team event (between
three and five bikes) and you pick your own route, but have to complete it ina set time, normally 24 hours. The only big UKArrow event is the Easter Arrow to York. Teams start from all over the UK on Easter Friday and aim to meet in a pub in York on the Saturday morning.
This year, there was only one Scottish team, five strong, known as “The Keepers of the Key” because a couple of the riders like tocarry RADAR disabled toilet keys. They can be very handy if you need some shelter ina small town in the middle of the night!
started in Musselburgh at 9.15am and managed to stay dry for about 10 minutes. It rained for at least 20 of the next 24 hours, but mostly just cold drizzle rather than anything torrential. The first leg was about 7okm to Abington Services on the M74. It was surprisingly slow going but the GPS did show a fair amount of climbing. After, we had a short climb to Beattock Summit then picked up the pace on the descent and long flat road to Carlisle.
After along rest and some food in the Carlisle Truck Stop we carried.on south on
the old A6, with the lights going on just before Penrith. By Shap it was fully dark and raining heavily. Nearing the top of the climb I got out of the saddle totry to catch the others and heard a loud twang. I stopped at the side of the road and, sure enough, one of my drive side spokes had gone and my back wheel was about an inch out of true. [had to disconnect the back brake to stop it rubbing, then had an “interesting” 4omph descent into Kendal. Nothing like a lack of brakes to make you focus on the road ahead.
We hit Kendal at 11pm and had over ten hours left to do the last 100 miles to York. This seemed like way too much time, as there wasn’t going to be anywhere after Kendal to get indoors. So we founda Chinese restaurant. One beer, one hot sour soup and one chow mein and we were ready to head offagain.
The bit of road after Kendal was the only part of the route that noneofus had ridden before. To say it came as an unpleasant surprise is an understatement. The last thing I ever want to see
Neil: ‘There's nothing like lack of brakes to make you focus on the road ahead.’
after a big dinner isa sign saying ‘18%’! The climb up to Sedbergh seemed endless. Once we dropped into Wensleydale I was expecting it to get easier but the road was aroller-coaster. Usually Ican keep my average speed up by descending quickly but with one brake, a twisty road and pitch darkness I wasn’t feeling too brave.
We pressed on and reached Leyburn just as the dawn was breaking. After a 10 minute nap ina bus stop, it was a joy to experience some flat roads to Northallerton, where we turned south for York.
About this point I started realising why Arrows are so difficult. To finish in 24 hours we needed to do the last bit at 27kmh. But one of the guys was knackered and we were only doing about 23kmh. It looked like we were going to miss our target. Some food froma petrol station helped and within a few minutes it was obvious the team was feeling stronger. Getting to York on time became faint possibility. With 10 miles to gol got on the drops TT’d it into town. We hit 400km (our target distance) at 9.12am and arrived at a petrol station in York a few minutes later. The receipts we got showed that we’d arrived 24hrs and 2 minutes after leaving. Result! After a brief rest there we headed into the city centre and met most of the other teams in the Punch Bowl Pub. Full cooked breakfast anda pint then it was time to catcha leisurely train ride home.
SUMMER 2012 BOOTS&SPURS 29
POINTS COMPETITION
INDIVIDUAL AFTER 4 ROUNDS
1S. Gregory (Nottingham) 130points 25S. Dale (Nottingham) 100 3 I. Shapiro (Stockport) 75 4N. Hall (Bury) 70
5D. McClaren (Stockport) 50
6 A. Horner (Bury) 30 6 P. Hurst (Nottingham) 30 6 G. Perkins (North Cheshire) 30 9 R. Birkin (Nottingham) 2910 D. Kerry (Nottingham) 20
11 R. Brown (Stockport) 19 11 N. Clayton (Bury) 19 13 M. Hacker (North Cheshire) 18 14 F. Grafton (Nottingham) 17
15 A. Hughes (North Cheshire) 14
16 D. Grindley (North Cheshire) 13
17 M. Ellis (North Cheshire) 11
18 S. Side (Bury) 10 19 P, Ball (Bury) 9 19K. Watson (Calder) 9 21 I. Clarke (Fenland) 8 21 N. Kirby (Bury) 8
21 Sarah Smith (North Cheshire) 8
24 D. Woods (Bury) 7 25 C. Goode (Yorkshire Coast) 6 25 M. Kelly (Nottingham) 6 25 J. Yates (Bury) 6 28 C. Adams (Cambridge) 5
28 A. Ball (West Lothian) 5
30 I. McNally (Cambridge) 2.
SECTIONS AFTER 4 ROUNDS
1 Nottingham (160 points) 2 Stockport (144) 3 Bury (129) 4 North Cheshire (62) 5 Calder (9) 6 Fenland (8) 7 Cambridge (7) 8 Yorkshire Coast (6)
9 West Lothian (5)
HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP
EasterSunday 8 April, Course J9/17 1 Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) 5:39:6 2 David Mitchell (North Cheshire) 6:20:2 3 Ian Shapiro (Stockport) 6:39:3
4 Nick Hall (Bury) 6:52:2
5 Andy Horner (Bury) 7:21:8
6 Richard Brown (Stockport) 7:26:3
7 Neil Kirby (Bury) 7:28:9
8 Nigel Clayton (Bury) 8:05:0
9 Chris Goode (Yorkshire Coast) 8:30:8
BUXTON CC 33
Good Friday 6th April
Simon Dale (Nottingham) 01:34:52
2 Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) 01:38:09 3 Duncan McLaren (Stockport) 01:53:00 Shapiro (Stockport) 01:54:02
5 Richard Birkin (Nottingham) 02:00:17 6 Richard Brown (Stockport) 02:00:55
30 |BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2012
10 TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday 14 April, Bolton
1= Nick Hall (Bury) 23:37
1= Duncan McLaren (Stockport) 23:37 3 Giles Perkins (North Cheshire) 24:19 4 Andy Horner (Bury) 24:48
5 Matt Hacker (North Cheshire) 25:27 6 Francis Grafton (Nottingham) 25:29 7 Richard Birkin (Nottingham) 25:31
8 Ian Shapiro (Stockport) 25:42
9 Adrian Hughes (North Cheshire) 26:14 10 David Grindley (North Cheshire) 26:37 11 Matt Ellis (North Cheshire) 27:22
12 Stephen Side (Bury) 29:02
13 Philip Ball (Bury) 29:20
14 Sarah Smith (North Cheshire) 30:16 15 David Woods (Bury) 30:36
16 John Yates (Bury) 30:39
17 Chris Roach (Bolton) 33:40
50 TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday 3 June, Nottingham
1 Simon Dale (Nottingham) 1:55:03
2 Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) 2:03:46 3 Phil Hurst (Nottingham) 2:04:15
4 Darren Kerry (Nottingham) 2:10:07
5 K. Watson (Calder) 2:15:44
6 Ian Clarke (Fenland) 2:17:35
7 Richard Birkin (Nottingham) 2:18:53 8M. Kelly (Nottingham) 2:27:31
9 Chris Adams (Cambridge) 2:39:28
50 TT Champion Simon Dale explains how he trains
Idoa maximum three to four sessions week, amounting to about 10 to 12 hours. I worked up to that from December to March, aiming to finish training prior to the Gordon Arms Hilly TT in Scotland and then ride the early season hillies and Sunday events before a mid-summer break. (I doa bit of active recovery between sessions, just 45 mins easy cycling to get the blood flowing to my battered muscles.)
Two of the sessions will be interval sessions, either 6 x 3min on 3min off at about 125-115% of threshold, or 3x 8min on Smin off at 115-110% of threshold. These are followed by 15 minutes at threshold.
The 3rd session will be a TT of one to two hours —I
have various training courses for this but I used the Buxton Hilly course near the end. It's important to get used to handling a TT bike in hilly terrain.
Tallow 48 hours recovery between each of these but then the day after the TT Ido an endurance ride of around four hours in hilly terrain.
Every fourth week I try to have at least four days off, and I always have Monday and Tuesday off and don't train until Wednesday eve at the earliest. This gives at least 72 hours off each week which is crucial for recovery.
I tend to cross train a bit by hill walking in the winter. I also try to rock climb once a week at the climbing wall.
The four sessions won't quite fit ina week with the 72 hours rest so you just have to schedule it based on that model but drop one of the sessions, based on what your focusing on i.e. drop the TT if focusing on intervals to increase your threshold power, or drop the endurance ride towards the end when you want to fine tune your speed before your target period.
Not everyone will want to buy a power meter so a cheaper option is to fit a rear wheel bike computer (£8 from Halfords!) then, on the turbo, use average speed as a proxy for power; just make sure your tyre and drum pressure are consistent each session.
My early mistake with interval training was to go too hard in the first few so that my performance dropped off drastically towards the end. I now balance it so that my final one shouldn't be much more than 10% less than my peak one.
Thaven't had a coach but I asked about for advice and did a lot of research on the internet to arrive at this. Four sessions of intensity is borderline for me at my age and sometimes I have to wave the white flag and miss a session, but it's important for me that this is based on data not on just feeling a bit pooped, e.g. if I can’t hit my power or heart rate zones for example.
I did a training block in March where I went out four days put of five, did a lot of endurance stuff and some intervals, based in the North Pennines. I admit when I got out of the van at Rothbury and it was about 3C I wondered whether Tenerife would have been a better!
I've being lucky with health/ injury and working hard in all weather is the key for me.
BARNOLDSWICK
Bob Jackson, 01282 817017 fred@alpineoverland.co.uk
BLACKPOOL Ei www.blackpoolclarion.webs.com Chris Smith, 07885 650426 blackpoolclarion@hotmail.co.uk BOLTON Ei www.boltonclarion.co.uk
Peter Moore, 0161 790 9771 m739735@aol.com
BRIGHTON HOVE Ei brightonandhoveclarion.wordpress.com Tan Bullock, 01273 682133 i.bullock@ntlword.com
BURY Ei buryclarion.myzen.co.uk
Peter Roscoe
0161 761 6856 peterroscoe80@btinternet.com @CALDER www.calder-clarion.co.uk Andrew Spittlehouse,
01226 709436 wakefieldblade@webtribe.net CAMBRIDGE www.cambridgeclarion.org
Tan McNally, 01223 264078 imenally@idnet.com
CLITHEROE
Martin Catlow, 01200 425852 martinhilcat@aol.com
COATBRIDGE
John Gormlie, 01236 424346 johngormlie@blueyonder.co.uk CREWE www.creweclarionwheelers.org Andrew Grace, 01270 841836 andrew.grace@ dicksonssolicitors.co.uk
DORSET
Bill Edgington
07840 403200
@FENLAND www.fenlandclarion.co.uk Martin Jones, 01733 319486 martin@fenlandclarion.co.uk @GWYNEDD
Robin Hartley, 01248 605424 green_buoy@yahoo.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH bike@clarioncc.org (National Secretary Tan Clarke)
HEANOR Ei heanorclarion.org.uk
John Gott, 01773 769781 john@gott98.freeserve.co.uk HEREFORD
Alvin Smith, 01568 770327 alvin.smith@btinternet.com
Julian Mortel info@italianclarion.com @LONDON
Martin Perfect, 01892 523927 mjperfect@gmail.com
MALMESBURY
Howard Sprange, 01666 823476 howard.sprange@btinternet.com NORTH CHESHIRE Ei www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk Giles Perkins, 01925 576572 secretary@north cheshireclarion.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM www.nottinghamelarion.co.uk Paul Harwood, 0115 911 8183 p.harwood@ntlworld.com
SECTION CON’
SADDLEWORTH saddleworthclarion.webs.com Tim Mitchell, 01457 837532 stonedrose89@hotmail.com SHEFFIELD
Jeff Carroll, 01909 564210 jeff@presspics.fsnet.co.uk STOCKPORT Ei www.stockport-clarion.org.uk Duncan McLaren,
0161 487 4828 dunchewitt@hotmail.com
SUNDERLAND Ei www.sunderlandclarion.org.uk Allan Smith, 0191 584 8948 allan.smith@live.co.uk
TEESSIDE
Colin Armstrong, 01947 880488 WEST LOTHIAN Ei www.westlothianclarion.co.uk Matthew Ball, 07989 597175 secretary@westlothianclarion. co.uk
WEST SCOTLAND
John Harris, 01236 730157 jimharris35@yahoo.co.uk
YORKSHIRE COAST Chris Goode, 01723 341050 twentytwowheels@hotmail.com CENTRAL
Ann Burchell, 01404 891507 PRIVATE
Donald Lever memberships@clarioncc.org
CLUBS ON TWITTER @boltonclarionce @calderclarion @ClarionCC @CoatbridgeCCC @fenlandClarion @HeanorClarionCC @italianclarion @LondonClarion @northcheshire @nottmelarionce @sunderlandcce @wilelarion
SUMMER 2012|BOOTS&SPURS 31
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