Magazine of the National Clarion Cycling Club
In this issue Easter Meet 2010
From the National Secretary
Points Competition A Weekend in Gent
Membership matters
SECTION SECRETARIES
Barnoldswick Clarion
John Idle Tel: 07773 722224
email: john@idle2.orangehome.co.uk 20 Millbeck Lane, Kelbrook, Barnoldswick BB18 6SL Bolton Clarion
Peter Moore Tel.:0161 790 9771 email: m739735@aol.com
2 Windmill Road, Worsley, Manchester. M28 3RP. Brighton Clarion
lan Bullock Tel: 01273 682133
email: ibullock@ntlworld.com
104 Bonchurch Road, Brighton BN2 3PH
Bury Clarion
Peter Roscoe Tel: 0161 7616856
email: peterroscoe80@btinternet.com
6 Horncastle Close, Bury, Lancashire BL8 1XE
Calder Clarion
Andrew Spittlehouse Tel: 01226 709436 wakefieldblade@webtribe.net12
email:
Hardwick Close, Ryhill, Wakefield,
West Yorkshire WF4 2PR
Central Section
Ann Burchell Tel: 01404 891507
3 Kennedy Way, Dunkeswell, Honiton, Devon EX14 4XG
Cambridge Clarion
Tan McNally Tel: 01223 264078 email: imenally@idnet.com
12 St Thomas Close, Comberton, Cambridge CB23 7DN Clitheroe Clarion
Martin Catlow Tel: 01200 425852
email: martinhilcat@aol.com
41 Henthorne Road, Clitheroe BB7 2LD
Crewe Clarion Wheelers
Andrew Grace Tel: 01270 841836
email: ruthhydes@btopenworld.com 7 Artlebrook Cottages, Audlem Road, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7QT
Dorset Clarion
William Edgington Tel: 07840 403200
email: dorsetclarion@live.co.uk Flat 6, 3 Charmouth Grove, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 OLP
Fenland Clarion
Paul Frost Tel: 07785 332708
email: paul@fenlandclarion.co.uk Gwynedd Clarion
Robin Hartley Tel: 07771 602514
email: green_boy@yahoo.co.uk
5 Tandderwen, Rachub, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HD Heanor Clarion
John Gott Tel: 01773 769781
65 Old Coppice Side, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7DJ
Hereford Clarion
Alvin Smith Tel: 01568 770327
email: alvin.smith@btinternet.com Castle Cottage, Castle Street, Wigmore, Herefordshire HR6 9UA
London Clarion
Martin Perfect Tel: 01892 523927
email: mjperfect@gmail.com
7 Cambridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4SJ Manchester Stretford
Christopher Goode Tel: 01723 341050
email: twentytwowheels@hotmail.com 56 Raleigh Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 7LQ North Cheshire Clarion
Giles Perkins Tel: 01925 576572
email: northcheshire@btinternet.com 22 Spires Gardens, Winwick, Warrington
Cheshire WA2 8WB
Nottingham Clarion
Paul Harwood Tel: 0115 9118183
email: p.harwood@ntlworld.com Pump Station House, Daleside Road,
Nottingham NG2 4DH
Stockport Clarion
Duncan Hewitt Tel: 07725 341334
email: dunchewitt@hotmail.com
3 Winifred Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6HF Sunderland Clarion
Allan Smith Tel: 0191 584 8948 email: allan.smith@tiscali.co.uk
5 St Aidan’s Terrace, New Herrington, Houghton-le-Spring DH4 4LZ
Teeside Clarion
Colin Armstrong Tel: 01947 880488
2 Eden Lea, Mount Pleasant, Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, N. Yorks YO22 4RE
West Lothian Clarion
Matthew Ball: Tel: 07989 597175
email: mattyball@blueyonder.co.uk 106 Avontoun Park, Linlithgow, West Lothian Scotland EH49 6QQ
West Scotland Clarion
John Harris Tel: 01236 730157
20 Lomond View, Condorrat, Cumbernauld, Scotland G67 4JR
Willenhall Clarion
Jeremy Burns Tel: 01902 630084
11 Victoria Street, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1DR
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Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
President Ken Hemsley
Vice President Kath Leese 38 Nook End Road, Heanor DE75 7QQ
Treasurer Peter Roscoe 6 Horncastle Close, Bury, Lancs BL8 1XE Standing Orders Sec.
Racing Secretary
Membership Secretary Donald Lever
Minute Secretary dayne Clarke
Social Secretary Vacant
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Boots Spurs Editor
CURRENT CLARION OFFICIALS
117 Southcliffe Road, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 1ES
Chairman Dave Bisset 10 Vale Street, Turton, Bolton BL7 0EB Secretary Tan Clarke
Bob Harber 10 Windmill Close, Upper Beeding, Steyning BN44 3JP
Francis Grafton 29 Cyril Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5JW
14 Mosley Avenue, Ramsbottom, Bury BLO 9UH
Richard Newcombe 67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RA
Aeeaeres oa 01159 873118
Markham Cottage, Low Street, East Markham, Newark, Notts. NG220QQ 07775 846603
ppeterroscoe80@btinternet.com
peas Le BERS 01617 616856
Ganteeena 01903 879598
SuGdnanNeneapooRTerEE 01204 883584
Chris Goode, 56 Raleigh Street, Scarborough YO12 7LQ twentytwowheels@hotmail.com Richard Newcombe, 67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RA .01733 706498
sierayen ok 01733 706498
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
By Donald Lever National Membership Secretary
In 2009 the National Clarion membership increased to 643, significantly reversing the trend of the recent years. Whilst the largest section is Fenland with 114 members there has been a dramatic increase in members in Scotland. Membership of West Lothian Clarion has through the foresight and hard work of Matthew Ball,
Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
reached 68 making West Lothian Clarion the second largest section.
The rules have been updated since my previous article, for new members who join after 31st August membership runs until 31st December the following year. Similarly renewals received after
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31st August 2009 will be for 2010. The 2010 membership cards are printed on both sides allowing the section name to return to the face of the cards.
Please inform me if you change your address to ensure continuing delivery of Boots Spurs. Either email me at memberships@clarioncc.org or write to me, my address is on the contacts page and please include your membership number. Section secretaries are busy people who do not
always pass changes of address on to me in time before the labels are printed for the magazine, so direct contact will ensure you don’t miss your copy. The label now indicates the number of magazines to be stuffed in the envelope so those of you with multiple members at one address will receive multiple copies unless you have informed me to the contrary. As always the status quo will be preserved so if you a currently receiving the correct number of magazines you need do nothing.
National Clarion Membership per Section at 31st August 2009
Section Senior Junior Life Total Gained or Lost on 2008 1 Barnoldswick 14 14 +3 2 Bolton 42 1 1 44 -12 3 Brighton Hove 39 39 +4 4 Bury 31 4 6 43 -2 5 Calder 41 8 49 +4 6 Cambridge 5 5 New section +5 7 Central 41 5 11 57 +5 8 Clitheroe 18 5 23 +2 9 Crewe 8 8 +1 10 Dorset 3 3 11 Fenland 96 10 8 114 -2 12 Gwynedd 5 5 +3 13. Heanor 14 2 16 +1 14 Hereford 16 16 15 London 10 1 11 -2 16 Lowestoft 1 1 17. Manchester Stretford 12 5 17 +1 18 Nottingham 23 24 +3 19 Stockport 33 1 4 38 +4 20 Sunderland 28 3 31 +6 Teesside 12 12 22 West Lothian 67 1 68 +56 23 West Scotland 4 1 5 Totals 556 22 56 634 +64
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National Clarion 50 mile TT
National Clarion 50 mile Championship Result
Ist Matthew Ball West Lothian Clarion 2.05.16 2nd Duncan McLaren Stockport Clarion 2.05.35 3rd Andy Horner Bury Clarion 2.08.23 4th Ian Clarke Fenland Clarion 2.11.40
It was an eventful or even arguably a survival of the fittest Clarion 50 champs in Cheshire on the 18th of July.
Far from summer weather the forecast predicted dry, but like many forecasts on the edge of the Pennines, it was wrong.
A dry and sunny evening saw Derek Hodgins confined to marshalling duties following an accident. But four Clarion riders from four different sections took part.
Matthew Ball (West Lothian), was first of out of the four, and started badly with a wrong turn and subsequent crashing and ripping of his new skin suit, yet continued on comfortably. Ian Clarke (Fenland) followed some 20 minutes later and due to poor marshalling went straight on at the second roundabout. Ian slogged on relentlessly trying to conserve what little form he had, yet
cramped up at 45 miles despite excess of fluid and gels. Andy Horner (Bury) rode a solid race and again cramped up at half distance. At the tail end of the field Duncan McLaren (nee Hewitt) of Stockport stormed the first two laps yet suffered a bad back and broken tri bar arm support. Stormed was the word of the day, most riders got wet at some stage and only Matthew avoided the torrential downpour that happened at around 7.30pm.
All riders turned out impressive times despite the conditions, but Matthew Ball's ripped skinsuit was not in vain as he finished a slim 20 seconds ahead of 2nd placed Hewitt. Only next year, with the hope of an uneventful ride could prove if the tables could have been turned.
Yours in cycling fellowship.
lan Clarke
10% for National Clarion Members In Motion Products Ltd. (Mike Dyason.com)
Cycling accessories, clothing and components since 1964 A6 Business Centre, Telford Way, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN16 8UN Tel: 01536 525223 Fax: 01536 411420 Email: general@inmotionproducts.com Web: inmotionproducts.com
Go online for the latest catalogue
Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
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The Clarion Easter Hill
Climb at Ramsbottom
Thankfully the hill climb at Ramsbottom wasn't on the Rake on that chilly but dry Saturday morning, and thankfully the ride was before breakfast, otherwise I don't think I'd have been able to cope.
Most entrants rode the long way round to the start, in order to avoid the Rake, it was a purposeful hill, some would call it a short roadman's hill climb, a steady gradient, ideal for fixed I thought after seeing Matthew and Jez of the West Lothian Clarion, with Matthew actually with mudguards too. Now Matthew might be a bit Delgado-esque in stature but he hasn't been racing this year and he'd ridden 260+ miles to get to Ramsbottom so though I might get close to him. Alas this Fen-Tiger in me is more of a Big Mag(nus Backsted) build and not suited to even these less challenging Hills.
We all tried out the hill for size, gears and a warm up, with Andy Horner feeling super twitchy and super competitive as always. Of course, come the off, it doesn't matter how steep a hill climb is they all hurt because a 3 to 4 minute effort is that awful duration that doesn't allow for any pacing or recovery, unless of course you are one of those two riders I mentioned earlier.
My ride was blunted by a confused and lightheaded mistake that made me think, wow, all that effort and only 20 seconds have passed, so I settled down for the next 20 seconds, at which point I realised, my computer was set to distance and not time and 40 seconds was actually 0.40 of amile which ona 1km ride is two thirds of the hill gone. A huge amount of cheering from big chested David Bisset who obviously practices his cheering at the Bolton Wanderers games, followed by Jayne's enthusiastic bouncing up and down cheery cheering. Then, as quick as it started the chequered flag passed and it was too late to improve on my time.
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But less about me, he best thing about hill climbs is finishing and watching everyone else suffering, some more or less than each other.
Matthew Ball had already posted a good time of some 2m 38 sec, with me 14 seconds behind. After me came in Manchester Stretford Clarion's Andy Fisher to get into second place so far, followed by his tandem partner Chris Goode who was riding his euro-style tourer and looking comfortable. Steve Hope of Fenland cruised in on his retro style 80's bike and matching or unmatching colour sheme, followed by Andy Horner who was looking powerful on his new Trek Madone (pron' Mad-1). Whilst we waited for Martin Perfect to come in, a glance at the timekeepers board showed Andy Horner of Bury Clarion to have tied with Matthew Ball and no one left to know them off the joint leader's board. But then in true Clarion tradition, all riders gathered round the finish line to cheer on the youngsters, some of whom were officially on the start sheet such as Megan Hastings (WLC) who finished earlier on the finish sheet recording first lady at 13 years old. But her younger sister Morwena with dad in close proximity shielding her and encouraging her in an unofficial ride at the end of the field came in with a storming ride to beat her older sister with a superb ride for an 11 year old.
As Joint winner Andy Horner headed off to ride 10 mile TT that afternoon (and recorded a 22m), the rest of us skitted down the Rake (a 1 in 4 hill) back to the hotel for a well earned breakfast. It was a great start to the morning and our first ride together for the weekend which had us blessed with great weather, great rides and entertaining company.
Tan Clarke
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The Scottish Easter
Meet experience
On Wednesday 8th of April, Jez and I set off on our three day trek to the Clarion's Easter Meet in Ramsbottom, Lancashire. Our plan was to bring home the Clarion's milage trophy, awarded to the section with the highest aggregate miles cycled and we won it! 244 miles each.
We split the journey into three stages, Linlithgow to Lockerbie on the first day, Lockerbie to Kendal on the second and Kendal to Ramsbottom on the third. The trip was a little more challenging than usual because we rode the whole way on 67" fixed wheels, which meant only one gear and no freewheeling for 240-odd miles!
On the eve of the ride, fuelled by strong coffee and dram or three, Jez furiously penned a West Lothian Clarion club song, called Ye Cranks and Stays which was put to a Scottish folk tune by Kirsty. This paean to our club is so catchy that it stayed with me throughout the ride and kept me going when my legs were tired.
Linlithgow Lockerbie
The ride got going once we passed through West Calder and set off for Carnwath. The rain eased and the sun started to shine, as we jinxed around the south Lanarkshire potholes. We stopped for lunch in Biggar at The Olive Tree Deli and Cafe which serves good strong coffee and descent cake.
From Biggar, the B7016 to Broughton and A701 are two of the most perfect cycling roads. Our spirits rose as the countryside opened up to reveal rolling lanes and green pastures.
We passed by the CTC hut, now run by the Bothy Association, it looked a comfy place to bunk for the night but it came too early in the day for us. As we began the ascent of the The Devil's Beef Tub the cloud closed in and visibility deteriorated. The climb isn't steep and we rode side by side all the way up, keeping a steady rhythm up to the 407m summit, the highest point of our tour.
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The descent to Moffat was long and straight, we were spinning out on the fixed wheels and it felt tougher than climbing up the other side. Jez, 'the patron of the road’, blasted passed me to win the 30-sprint with a text book example of high cadence riding.
We met up with the Hastings family for a quick cuppa before the final leg to Lockerbie. When we set off again, a slight tail wind swept us along tree lined roads through lush green Meadows to our destination: The Manor Country House Hotel in Torthorwald. The hotel is about 10 miles west of Lockerbie and was a perfect rest stop, wwner Ken Hutchinson couldn't have been more hospitable, both families made plans to visit again.
Lockerbie to Kendal
I managed to reduce Jez's lead in the the sprints by beating him to the Gretna 30-sign. I'd taken advantage of the patron's caffeine withdrawl. In Gretna he desperately seeked out a hit of the black juice in the town's seedy back streets.
The only cafe we could find was a throw back to the 1950s, the atmosphere was thick with tobacco smoke, a couple looked keen to leave, a portrait of George V hung on the wall above a bric-a-brac stall and easy listening hits floated from a tape player in the corner. We were served chicory coffee by an old lady with a voice that sounded like she had a 40-a-day Capstan habit. We quickly got back on the road and headed south. Progress was slow and our knees started to creak as we pushed gears that were a little on the large side for the increasingly robust head wind. At Carlisle the traffic was at a standstill, the town blighted by too many cars. We pushed on, not wanting to stay around and took the A6 to Penrith for our rendezvous with the Hastings Family in the No. 15 Cafe, where they serve a great coffee with free fill ups and delicious cakes and sandwiches. After a hearty refuelling we began the ascent of Shap. The wind started gusting dramatically so we decided to take shelter in a sheep pen while
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the storm blew over. Shap summit isn't high at 309m, but on fixed wheels and in strong winds it was heavy going.
The last challenge of the day was the ride up the side of Whinfell Beacon. The climb along the A685 can be seen from the M6 by Tebay. The road gradually gets steeper as it reaches the 301m summit, after 150 miles riding 67" gears it was a struggle to make it over the top. The final 10 miles to Kendal were a mix of ups and downs and Jez had obviously been saving himself on the climbs because he steamed past to reach the home of the mint cake first.
Kendal Ramsbottom
Weary legs and stiff knees meant we took the first 18 miles to Lancaster at a steady pace. We popped into see Tim Norton, our most southerly member, for a quadruple espresso each and thick slices of cake. Next stop, the Priory cafe in Scorton, where the local cyclists sit amongst paintings of Merckx, Anquetil and Hinault.
From Scorton we made our way along b-roads
through longridge, Ribchester, Salsbury, Wilpshire and Rishton. By now we were knackered and our minds were wandering we wanted to get to the Easter Meet as soon as possible but first we had to bypass Blackburn. While the patron relieved himself studied the OS map and announced my genius in finding a short cut that would avoid the heavy traffic. We were in high spirits as we began the new route, on more than one occasion Jez proclaimed my brilliance. Things were going well and we were nearing our destination, until the road suddenly transformed into a farm track and our wheels sunk deeper and deeper into black oozing gloop. We ended up carrying our bikes across fields and over barbed wire fences, it felt like a scene from the film Withnail and I.
The final miles are a blur, we cracked on through the rain and over the steep Lancashire hills. The patron again outwitted me in the final sprint of the three days. We rode down the infamous Rake and into the weekend HQ to claim the milage trophy for the West Lothian Section!
New Clarion Jersey
S,M (tight)
Matthew Ball of the West Lothian Clarion was asked to design the new National Clarion jersey and we think youll like the finished article.
The jerseys are now in stock and have been made by Endura who make jerseys for many of the UK top racing teams.
In stock (at time of going to press) we have:
Road Jersey, short sleeve with full length zip £36.00 XS, S,M, L, XL ref: 4005 Road Jersey, long sleeve (pictured) full zip £38.00 XS, S,M, L, XL ref: 4006
Pro Road Jersey, short sleeve, with full zip £59.00 S,M,L 5 ref: 4065 Pro Gillet with full zip (snug fit for the size) £35.00
ref: 4032P
Please add £5 per order for post and packing.
If you want to see the size range then visit www.endura.co.uk or call lan Clarke 07775 846603 or bike@clarioncc.org
Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
Advice from an expert
Sharron Smith IHBCD dip BSY (sp.M) Sports Massage Therapist
It never fails to surprise me how the athletes I meet take their sport so seriously, they will spend their very last penny on the latest carbon appendage to shave off that crucial few seconds. They will be clad in the tightest skin suits with overshoes and aero helmets for aerodynamics. The need for speed is paramount! But what is iti dont see? Apart from the odd (meaning not many, not odd odd) few taking in a recovery drink at the end of an event, everyone is just standing around. No stretching, no cooling down, no leg rubbing, no one seeming to care that the one major component, the one thing that can gain them the speed they need for no cost at all, their muscles, are being ignored and are stiffening up.
Our bodies are the most magnificent machines, designed to work to perfection for our every need, but talk about being taken for granted. How often do you spare a thought for the amazing chemical reactions that are taking place within the micro fibres of each and every muscle you have just to keep you upright, let alone to make you travel at 25mph on two wheels, day after day, week after week?
Ok I’ve had my rant, now for the serious stuff. I’m sure many of you don’t need me to tell you about the training methods of overcompensation (while the body is recovering from overload as a result of exercise the body overcompensates to increase its power of resistance next time) and this is widely used along with ‘banging in the miles’. But each of these methods along with all the others, cause differing amounts of damage to the micro-fibres within your muscles. Hopefully the body does a great job and repairs these fibres, but, sometimes it doesn’t get a chance to repair quickly enough. And then as you push it more and more, the scar tissue builds creating a blockage in the muscle, plugging up what should be a good flow of blood with nutrients and oxygen and waste removal. It is then the muscle cannot function properly, and what happens to a machine that cannot function properly? It loses power!
I hope you are all getting where I’m going with this.
As a Sports Massage Therapist, see the damage and the injuries, that could have been prevented, but all arise from the fact that we take our muscles for granted, and then blame them when they break. Using a good routine of stretching at least twice a day, we can lengthen our muscles and improve our flexibility. This enables them to contract and relax efficiently and allows a good circulation, reducing all of the problems I’ve mentioned above. It doesn’t take long, 10 mins in the morning when you wake up and 10 min in the eve after your shower, that’s all it takes.
Stretching before an event is still controversial, and I believe it’s not good right before the event, its best to do a good warm up, increasing the circulation and getting the muscles warm. But after a 10 min warm down it is a good idea to stretch out the major, muscles you have used, this will help prevent blood pooling and accumulating waste can be removed to ease soreness.
And finally what sort of therapist would I be if didn’t boast the huge advantages of having regular sports massage. Manipulation promotes physical, physiological, neurological and psychological changes that aid performance and recovery. So don't think it’s for just for when you’ve hurt yourself it really can make all the difference in your performance.
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FENLAND CLARION
CELEBRATE 75 YEARS
APRIL saw 60 Fenland Clarion members celebrate their 75th Anniversary at Elton, near Peterborough. In a fun packed day members young and old rode, raced and socialised together in true Clarion spirit.
The day started off with a 14 mile 2 Up team trial on a route that took in the local lanes and riders were seeded into a fast half and
slower half and pairings were drawn from the hat, to produce some interesting combinations.
Fastest duo were junior Simon Jacklin and Jayne Clarke, who sped round the route in 39.36 to beat their nearest challengers Phil Ackerman and Danny Corr by 40 seconds, while in third place were Lindsay Clarke and
Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
Andy Pitchford in 42.07.
After the race members relaxed with tea and cakes at Elton Village Hall before 50 riders embarked on two club runs both ending up at the top of Elton Hill (where the Fenland were formed in 1934) to toast the club.
Afterwards there was a buffet tea at the village hall to round a perfect day off.
Fenland are still the largest of the Clarion sections with around 120 members (all National members too) and they run a full programme of races, club runs and social events.
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In addition to the Annual Club Dinner and prize presentation, which is the highlight of our year, te annuall visit to the Mildenhall Cycle Rally is very popular. 2009 saw over thirty members camp for the weekend and numerous others came for a day. The grass track racing was keenly supported and several of the Fenland riders participated. Clarion members from other sections have joined us from time to time and it would be good to see more. Mildenhall is a long way from the majority of Clarion Sections but it would be well worth the visit. Every bit as good as the York Rally and in a lot of ways better.
Maybe we will see some of you this year
A WORD FROM THE
NATIONAL SECRETARY
Boots!
When I call fellow members "Clarionettes", I often get corrected, but I stand by this. Anyone on the committee during our past Secretary, Marion Lamb's time would remember her using the same term. Not "Clarionists" or "Clarionistas", but "Clarionettes". Say it fast enough and we sound quite musical! Now Marion served for 25 years as Secretary and served us well, as without her, I doubt the Clarion would be the same. Another thing she phrased, was a moving away from our motto under the Walter Crane logo (Angel) to something less controversial, and that was..."The Club for Wise Cyclists". Not quite as buzzy as you'd get from a leading marketing agency from London, but it seems to do what it says on the tin. I remember the meeting well, was in my early twenties and we were in the ladies reading room at Wortley Hall, at a
commissioned (begged!) their designer, Matthew Ball, to do a National jersey. In fact, by the time you read this, we should have our first stock order on delivery. You'll find a picture somewhere in this mag' or on the web: www.clarioncc.org.
After following Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins on Twitter, we decided to post up a twittering thing at www.twitter.com/clarioncc so if you have the technology, take a look. For those dozen or so regular followers, you may even have witnessed lap by lap twittering during the track
committee meeting, a place where her picture still hangs today. If you get the chance, pop in and see it.
We've had our moments, the Clarion, but right now I reckon we've got the biggest buzz for many a year. The highest membership, boosted by new sections such as West Lothian and Cambridge, but also strengthened by members rejoining established sections after a break away for one reason or another. Welcome and welcome back Clarionettes! At the time of writing this our membership is around 650 throughout the UK and I've just heard we have a new Section North Cheshire Clarion, joining with 3 members and a bundle of enthusiasm.
We've also tried to look a bit better...after seeing the West Lothian Clarion's jerseys, we
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champs, right in the middle of the solo pursuit between Paul Lilley (Fenland) and Duncan McLaren (Stockport). We've even set up a facebook page that you can find easily. Now if anyone wants to take over this stuff before, I explode or stop riding my bike, please
send me a_ message somehow...racing pigeon would be handy.
But we're not all about shallow, technical, gimmicks. We're still the same, friendly, sociable bunch of bikies who like nothing more than a ride and a cuppa or a few beers at the campsite. And that's exactly what we did at the York Rally, signing up loads of new members. We met members from Bury, Fenland, Gwnned, Calder and others and enjoyed beer and barbeques, plus a bit of riding.
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This season's Clarion Champion should have been decided by the time you read this, and that will be from the best 4 rides within the Clarion events throughout the year. Pretty much all events have been well attended, especially the 10m TT and the 25m TT, followed by the track champs at Manchester, which has proven to be a great place to run such a special event for this worthy club of ours.
The Clarion only comes into itself when section members bump into other sections at events,
rides, or dinners around the country. Get to know your fellow members, enter events, race or just ride. Try organising a youth hostel or camping weekend with nearby sections and make the most of being Clarionettes!
We could even call it ‘on-bike social networking'...whilst think this might be too much for Walter Crane, I am sure Marion Lamb would have approved.
Tan Clarke (secretary@clarioncc.org)
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: only £6/year
Join both a local and national club £6 membership to National Clarion Plus local section's fees
Cycle with clubmates throughout the UK 2 magazines per year
Annual Easter Meet, Dinner, Prize Presentation, Race Ride
Race Competitions, TTs, road, track, cyclo-x
Season long point competition
Central members can race
under the Clarion name
Social events, twice a year
10% discount from Cotswold Outdoors 10% discount from In Motion Products 20+ sections throughout the UK
Established since 1895 Come and ride with us and be welcomed into the Clarion Astaa
we'll be riding with you.
Peter Shepherdly 15th June 1930 to 27th September 2009
Itis with great sadness that I have heard of Peter Shepherdly passing away. Peter will be remembered by all those who attended Easter Meets and the Wortley Hall. Whilst Peter was often found quietly in the background of events, in recent years he became legendary for those regular to Wortley Hall for his quizzes which covered history, cycling and general knowledge. These quizzes gave an insight to Peter's cycling tours for example along the route of the Danube which had stimulated his interest in the
Boots Spurs Winter 2009/10
Habsburg Empire. Peter Shepherdly embodied the spirit of fellowship and was a true Clarion clubman, his love of the Clarion, cycling and Europe showed us all how easy it was to lead an interesting and fascinating life without the baggage of modern material wealth. Those of us who knew him will hold him forever in our memory and take plenty of inspiration for our own lives ahead and awheel.
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Fenland’s weekend in Gent
Organising the logistics of getting us all to Gent took some doing, but Friday saw John Royle, Ed, Me and Steve leaving Helpston bang on time at 5am not even a last minute oil check and top up slowed us down and we arrived at the Tunnel with an hour to spare which actually is unheard of at the Clarke residence. Breakfast baps were bought but these took so long to arrive that we had to make a quick dash to departures luckily the baps were kept vaguely warm in useful tinfoil lined bags.
Texts from Michelle and Steve and forecasts from Ed and John assured us that the weather would be good and indeed blue skies and light breezes greeted us in Calais. However by Ostende things had changed, the sea was boiling, the heavens opened and when Dave got out of the car, the gales force winds practically ripped the BMW’s door off. With Dave, Ian and Steve skittering about in their lycra and shoeplates, trying not to be blown away, the decision was made to ride to Gent from Brugge instead.
However the weather calmed down just on the outskirts of Ostende so we parked up and mounted our bikes. lan’s precycle toilet break led to an encounter with a large pile of dog poo that smeared itself liberally over Ian’s hands, legs and overshoe but undaunted we set off at a spanking pace with the wind behind us. It began to sleet just outside Brugge so all but Dave who had spared no expense on Assos kit, donned capes, and shower caps and proceeded damply. Dave and Ian setting a challenging pace which proved slightly too challenging on some of the climbs. Michelle and Steve cheered us on through Knesselare(we were too cold and wet to chat) Spray and grit were also taking their toll and a small kerb brought Ed to an abrupt stop when we had to slow for a party of school children. He executed a perfect tuck and roll and remounted instantly which was lucky as Dave deemed the incident only worthy of a? mile an hour reduction
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in tempo. A final surge into Gent saw me and Dave hit the deck on tram lines and so we arrived soaking, battered and gritty at the Ibis Hotel (but in record time!).
Showered and shiny we met Paul, Shirley and James Frost and Birgit and Ian Waddilove in the hotel reception, we also met Martin Roach from the Delaune CC who was a Champion rider in his day, Ian had only recently read a book about legends of cycling and Martin Roach had been featured in it, so Ian was able to conduct an informed chat with him.
We wandered into town, stopped momentarily for a sandwich, Steves consisted of pink paste, small onions and gerkins, we hit the Beer House next to the Canal for our first encounter this trip with Belgium beer. Dave and Steve tested out a Gin bar and had an encounter with the bottle wielding Gent virgin who tried to arrange a date with them for the following evening and the rest of us headed for food at theTex Mex restaurant, we all ended up with the wrong meal but it was tasty and gave us enough energy and thirst to visit the Students bar for more beer. We finally rolled up at the velodrome around 11pm and settled down to some exciting, if predictable racing.
Breakfast the next morning was the usual feast we've come to enjoy at the Ibis we chatted over coffee and pastries and made our plans for the day. The Frosts and Waddiloves went to Brugges for the Christmas markets (which unfortunately weren't going to happen until the following weekend!) while the rest of us headed over the snow to Plums cycle shop for oil and undervests. Whilst looking at Plums cycle museum Ian and Jayne bumped into some friends and after a pleasant chin wag we all nipped across the road for a hot chocolate/juice.
Next stop Gent Castle, impressive weapons and gruesome torture implements, including
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Madame Le Guillotine, left us with a raging thirst so we hot footed it to Old Loui’s Jazz Bar for food and drink. Ian had a slight problem with his vegi meal and Steve had a quick nap. With each of us refreshed in our own way we made our way to Dulle Griet (another beer house) Jayne, Richard and I decided to forgo the pleasure of yet more ale and headed out to do a spot of shopping. On our return we discussed Daves sunny compassionate disposition when forced to ride with mere mortals, John gave Dave the benefit of his agricultural knowledge and experience as Dave divulged his garden plans and we talked about hair cuts Daves mullet and Chief Commisaire Trevor Reade’s retro look.
Back to the Hotel for a quick change before our evening meal at an Italian. Ian and Anita Todd were already there and lingered over their coffee to join us for a quick pint at Ilio Kesse’s fathers bar. Arriving at the track a little earlier than the previous evening, we met up with Michelle and Steve who managed to avoid the security to sit near us in the stands. Ian and Jayne took James Frost down to the track centre to do some autograph hunting and the rest of us participated in an entire crowd Mexican wave. Once again the racing was fast and furious with the crowd going wild when Ilio Kesse won, which he did all the while!
Steve and I finally got to bed at about lam. Dave, lan and Jayne and Michelle and Steve all partied till 3am in the students bar.
Ian decided on Sunday that the freezing conditions were a bit too dangerous to risk riding home, after last years shoulder injuries he couldn't afford another fall. So just five of us left
the Ibis on bicycles, the only really dodgy spot was on a bridge but we all gingerly made it across without mishap. Dave rode steadily and we all followed happily until Brugge when once again the weather changed. The playful back wind veered around 18Q0degrees and flurries of hail and snow started to buffet us, we closed ranks and with Dave as the arrow head we proceeded in echelon left shoulders towards the wind along the canal. As the gale strengthened Dave increased his speed and we hurtled towards Ostende with the snow piercing our eye sockets and numbing our skin. With the end almost in sight we decided to ignore the newly constructed cycle route in favour of a less sheltered more “off road” route which finally petered out into a swamp come nature reserve. We turned around and headed once again towards Gent, the mood of the party was souring slightly and Dave started to look distinctly nervous (the alternative route was his idea) fortunately an industrial estate finally led us to the main road and eventually our cars.
Ian and Jayne were already there parked and waiting for us, so we had a quick rub down and changed into dryish clothes and headed back steaming slightly towards the chunnel. The weather was hot on our wheels and at one point the motorway was down to one lane with snow falling thick and fast, but we were able to make it back alright, unlike Michelle and Steve who were held up by several hours.
So another Fenland section annual Gent trip was over, this one had been quite adventurous what with the weather, crashes and route detour, looking forward to November and the next one.
Lindsay Clarke
Clarion Clubhouse at Menston nr Otley in Yorkshire
The committee of the above are currently trying to update their records of names and
addresses of shareholders.
If you own a Share or know of anyone who might have Shares please contact Mr Richard Wilson Tel: 01274 666794
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HARDEST EVENT IN
THE CALENDAR
Some say it’s the Paris-Roubaix, others the Alpe d'Huez. Forget these. The hardest event of the year is the Kilhope Grimpeur, run across the Wear Valley in March. This is an Audax UK 100km bike ride organised by Houghton Cycling Club in Durham. The audax starts at a reasonable 9.00 am, but this is the only concession the organisers make to a rider’s sensibilities. Thereafter participants are subjected to extreme cold, rain, unrelenting high winds and climbs that follow the roman road principles of taking the most direct route.
After leaving the pleasant Norman village of Lanchester the route climbs to 2000 feet. Lanchester is only half a mile from the roman fort of Longovicium, built to guard the road between York and Hadrian’s Wall. (Many riders say the Kilhope Grimpeur is an event only suitable for those with the mentality and physique of a Roman Legionnaire.)
After five miles there is a sharp descent through woodland, involving a steep hairpin hidden amongst the trees, followed by a short, brutal climb up to Muggleswick. The wind at this stage is nearly blizzard level, certainly strong enough to reduce the strongest riders to no more than 5 mph. Even the descent into Edmundbyers demands stiff pedalling, before rising to the reservoirs of Derwentside. Next comes the almost vertical wall out of the charming estate village of Blanchland. At the top there is a strong sense of riding across the roof of the world, along the summit paths of high bare hills that roll into the far distance against wild grey skies. At either side are remnants of the old limestone industry, small quarries and ruined kilns.
There follows a stretch which this year convinced two competitors that it was time to turn back. A steady climb of five miles up to
16
Allenheads is attempted in the face of a wind that makes forward progress almost impossible. Even the steep drop through the forest into Allenheads is a struggle, not least when hairpin bends change the wind direction to make all steering a pretence.
After this the road could actually be quite pleasant. 50mph descents through the upper Wear valley are the norm; whistling past the old lead mine of Kilhope and leading to unspoilt villages such as Cowshill, St. John’s and Brotherlee. Most competitors know however they are just marking time before the final hurdle, the innocuously named Crawleyside Bank (bank in the northern sense, meaning hill, not in the southern sense, meaning bill). Almost too steep to climb on a good day, only the most skilful rider can stay on the bike in the gusting wind. Like the stretch to Allenheads, Crawleyside Bank turns mere men into iron men. Or destroys them forever.
Once at the top however, the virtuous are finally rewarded for their labours. The strains of earlier toil are forgotten as the wind now becomes a tail wind of such force that the finishing line is reached seemingly in minutes, in parts the descent joyfully retracing the ground that proved such a challenge only hours or was it days?) before.
The organisers, who have done a superb job all day and could have been good Centurions in the Roman Emperor’s army, now come into their own. In the homely surroundings of the Lanchester community hall they offer riders a warm welcome, shelter and the best cup of tea they’ve ever tasted. Now fully initiated as paid up legionnaires, participants are asked the key question. Will you come back next year?
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THE CLARION CLUBHOUSES 24
HOUR RELIABILITY TRIAL 1926
The following was written by Wilf Lever of Bury Clarion in 1971 about a ride round five Clarion Clubhouses in northern England in 1926. Wilf joined the Clarion in the 1920s and was a member until his death in 1991. He was the father of our current membership secretary Donald Lever. Although not stated in the article a study of the route shows that they must have covered a good 180 miles. In addition the Bury group would have ridden 20 miles to Handforth for the start probably after finishing work on Saturday at lunchtime and 20 miles home again on Sunday evening as they would have to be at work early on Mondey morning. Through the towns they would have ridden on setts which were flat topped cobblestones with pitch poured between them creating a hardwearing and waterproof surface which was not only slippery (especially when wet), but also notorious for loosening all the nuts on the cycles. They also encountered hazards such as tramlines for many miles. Whether the rural roads were
metalled or not we can only conjecture.
What wonderful happy memories old photographs can revive! It was at Bury Section’s 70th anniversary re-union that amongst the nostalgic display I spotted a photograph taken on the lawn at Handforth Club House in 1926. It was the occasion of the first round the Clarion Clubhouses’ reliability trial. Not many present members remember that we had clubhouses at Handforth, Tottington, Ribchester, Chevin End, Otley, Dore Moor (Sheffield) and also at Birmingham. Manchester Union decided to organize a 24-hour ride round the first five, starting and finishing at Handforth.
Four of us from Bury rode to Handforth Club House on the Saturday and joined fifty Clarionettes from other sections for a 5pm start. Amongst the older stalwarts were Pa Deveney, Tom White, Colin Coats leading the way back to Bury and up the steep climb to Tottington Club House for a half hour tea break and then on through Darwen and Blackburn, where a pile up in the tram lines near Salesbury caused the younger end to keep a wary eye on ‘digging in’ on back wheels!
Darkness came and oil and acetylene lamps were lit as after an hour’s meal stop we left Ribble Clubhouse for Whalley and a combined push (afoot) up Sawley Brow. Moonlight shone through the trees as we left Gisburn, a puncture at Broughton where we four from Bury got left whilst we repaired it (very few drop out fork ends in
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those days). On to Skipton where we lost the bunch and scorched like mad through Ilkley to the clubhouse at Chevin End to find that we were the first to arrive!
A four hand on the pocket sized billiard table was in full progress when the remainder arrived and we had to take ‘wigging’ from Tom White for not following them round Bolton Abbey! Dawn was breaking as we passed through Leeds and the market sweepers were busy at Barnsley. From here the young bloods began to ‘pull on the bit’. After Pa Deveney and Colin Coates had called the whole lot together with orders to keep together, a more orderly group climbed out of Sheffield to Dore Moor clubhouse. Another meal and roll call and away again up Mam Tor, through Whaley Bridge, to Handforth before 5pm. Photographs taken and a promise of a certificate ended a ride to remember for many years.
THE 2009 EASTER MEET
AT RAMSBOTTOM
Splendid weather, splendid location and splendid hotel not grand, just splendid with its swimming pool, jacuzzi and adequate facilities. Most of all the splendid camaraderie of Clarion company the bottom line in the success of any Easter Meet. Bob Duckworth and myself as joint organisers could not go wrong in maintaining the high standard of past Easter meets.
We will all have our special memories and mine are the presence of the West Lothian contingent comprising the Ball and Hastings families. They entertained at the Friday night social with a song written when Matthew and Jez were
bounderising (for those of you not familiar with Clarion lingo it means the heightened sense of socialising when imbibing one’s favourite tipple). Saturday morning they were out on the hill climb with father Matthew tying with Andy Horner for first place and father Jez winning first handicap. Twelve-year-old Morwena Hastings competed in
the event and was not far adrift from her dad in the handicap section. Seven year old Alex Ball, eight year old Jimmy Hastings and eleven year old Megan Hastings alas were not allowed, to compete being under 12 years of age but they enjoyed the cheers of the spectators as they rode up the hill.
I was delighted to watch the vigour of the dancers on Saturday evening at the ceilidh and again it was the West Lothian children who attracted my attention. On Sunday they were again playing their part in the success of the Meet with mother Tink Hastings timing the Sportive and then all the family organising a grandstand finish at the Clarion Clubhouse. Cross toasting at the annual dinner is a great tradition considerably enhanced for me when seven year old Alex stood on a chair and asked for a toast with coke.
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Jez and Matthew rode 260 miles from Linlithgow on fixed wheel and won the mileage trophy for the aggregate mileage of a section.
Others will have memories of the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury bounderising with Dave Bisset at the Friday social and then the climb up Peel Tower with lies on top of nearby Holcombe hill on Saturday morning. Peel [7 tower by the way is a monument to the memory of Robert Peel one of England’s most famous prime ministers. Robert Peel Glanville Blatchford, the founder of the Clarion Newspaper was named after him. Some enjoyed the local steam railway either travelling to Bury to see claimed to be ‘World Famous Market’ with its renowned Bury Black pudding stall alas closed for Easter. Other railway enthusiasts took the trip up to Rawtenstall to visit the last ‘temperance bar in the U.K. There were also the bike rides Tony Bowles (Bolton Clarion) leading ride on Friday and on Sunday to meet up with the finishers in the Sportive and Stuart Walsh (Manchester Stretford) leading the Saturday ride to Bacup to see the annual festival of the Morris Dancers on their tour of local hostelries. Ramsbottom is an ancient township which owes its development to the industrial revolution which added considerably to the interest of the heritage walk on Saturday afternoon.
I had enjoyed designing the Sportive course and I hope that the participants thought ‘this is really something’ after climbing Waddington Fell and then seeing the splendour of Bowland Country followed by Pendle Hill as the ride continued to the Clarion Clubhouse at Roughlee. Again West Lothian members played a big part in the day’s event with mother Tink Hasting timing and all the family looking after the riders at the finish as something of a grandstand finish emerged. Paul
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ing ator the start ‘of the Easter Sportif
Mitchell, Lanterne Rouge related how the ride was the best of everything, spectacular scenery, brilliant sunshine and good fellowship. How the tail enders formed a happy group at the back of the field: Jayne, Val, Sandra, Roy, Ken and Naill with Paul determined to remain LR. Paul went on to explain that Val had only started cycling 6 months ago (no doubt influenced by daughter dayne Clarke) hence a certificate for her merited ride to Slaidburn. Paul thanks the young lad who first offered him a mini Easter egg before asking for his number.
Seventy seven Clarion people sat down for the annual dinner and prize presentation. joined in the traditional cross toasting but haven't a clue what the subject of mine or anyone else’s cross toasting was anyone else that is apart from seven years old Alex Ball cross toasting with anyone who would rise to drink coke with him.
Myself and Donald Lever, membership secretary counted 100 Clarion members and adherents who attended at least one or more of the weekend events there may have been more. So with that endorsement those of you who have not attended before or for some years might think about Eastbourne next year or Gilsland Spar the year after.
Peter Roscoe.
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Eastbourne Easter Meet Fri 2 Mon 5 April 2010
Eastbourne is possibly the best kept large English seaside town; in a perfect position on the South Coast, sitting at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex.
The Cumberland Hotel, www.hotelcumberland.co.uk, with a sense of classic elegance, has a wonderful position on the seafront overlooking the Promenade and the Bandstand. Spacious sea view rooms are guaranteed to early Clarion bookers. Bob and Colette have confirmed the Hotel’s claim to excellent cuisine and friendly, helpful, efficient staff.
Clive, the manager is a Crawley CC road-racer and is very keen to ensure the Eastbourne Clarion Meet will be memorable.
BOOKINGS: (Best rooms go to early bookers.)
The Cumberland Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YT Tel: 01323 730342 Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@hotelcumberland.co.uk" Price per person per night £48.00 (includes breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea)
Clarion Cycling and Social Activities include:
Leisure Ride 25 miles on Sustrans trail Club ride over the famed Beachy Head (bus alternative!) Audax ride 110km (70 miles) or 70km (44 miles) 23 mile 2-up TT (East Sussex Cycling Association)
Social Events Annual Dinner and Prize presentation and much more.
Annual General Meeting all members welcome