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NATIONAL CLARION MEMBERSHIP
Use your benefits!
15% DISCOUNT AT 40+ COTSWOLD OUTDOOR
Stores across the UK and online Quote ‘AF-NATC-99' at the store
till and show your National membership card.
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 at www.inmotionproducts.com.
Clarion
See www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
for your nearest store.
10% DISCOUNT ON
‘IN MOTION’ PRODUCTS, Big discounts on cycling clothing, accessories, tyres, tubes and sundries. Just select ‘Clarion Cycling Club’
btinternet.com
OR you can join direct at https://www.cte.org.uk/ join-membership/setup/AFMI At the bottom of the form it will ask for your club membership number which is 9114156
ANNUAL 3RD PARTY
INSURANCE
(via the CTC, up to £10m) for just £24 protects your personal wealth if you have a claim against you while cycling. For more details, contact
Peter Roscoe: peterroscoe80@
IT'S WORTH IT!
For the £8 National Clarion membership fee you get a lot of potential discount for little investment. Make sure you make the most of your
membership!
National Clarion 2016 events
Saturday 26.03.16/ Sunday 27.03.16 EASTER MEET YOUTH 2 DAY Yarborough Circuit, Lincoln.
Organiser: Steve Clarke Email racing@ fenlandclarion.co.uk Tel: 07951 666331.
See BC for entry details. 1.00pm-5.00pm
Youth Cats: A/B/C Senior Racing.
Sunday 27.03.16 EASTER MEET
25 MILE TT
C25/3 HQ: Harby, Nr Lincoln 8.00am Organiser: Steve Clarke. Enter: Email racing@ fenlandclarion.co.uk Tel: 07951 666331
Monday 28.03.16
10 MILE TT
CLARION CHAMPS C10/17 HQ: Harby, Nr Lincoln 10.00am Organiser: Steve Clarke Enter: email racing@ fenlandclarion.co.uk Tel: 07951 666331
Sunday 29.05.16
25 MILE TT
CARION CHAMPS (West Lothian)
(SC/BC govern TT's in Scotland and helmet is required.)
Enter: bit.ly/IRyu6ak
Sunday 05.06.16
50 MILE TT CHAMPS (Nottingham)
Organiser: Martin Knight 01159 313668
2|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
See CTT Handbook or Saturday 10.09.16/
website for entry Sunday 11.09.16
details. (May be one day only TBC)
Sunday 10.07.16 TRACK CHAMPS
25 MILE 3 UP TEAM DERBY VELODROME
TIME TRIAL (Tuxford) Youths A/B/C Seniors/
Organiser: lan Clarke Juniors/Vets/Women
Email: Organiser: Steve Clarke
bike@clarioncc.org Email racing@
Tel 01777 872097 fenlandclarion.co.uk Tel: 07951 666331.
Saturday 06.08.16 See BC for entry details.
CIRCUIT RACE
CLARION CHAMPS Sunday 16.10.16
Harvey Hadden Circuit, HILL CLIMB CHAMPS
Nottingham at Autumn Meet,
Youths A/B/C Seniors/ lronbridge.
Juniors/Vets/Women (Details TBA)
Organiser: Steve Clarke
Email racing@ TBA
fenlandclarion.co.uk CYCLO CROSS
Tel: 07951 666331.See CHAMPS
BC for entry details. (Sunderland).
President KEN HEMSLEY
Vice President KATH LEESE (Heanor)
Chairman DAVE BISSET (Bolton) davidbisset55@hotmail.co.uk
National Secretary
IAN CLARKE (Fenland)
Markham Cottage, Low Street, East Marker, Newark NG22 00Q Tel: 01777 872097 bike@clarioncc.org
Membership Secretary MARTIN HICKMAN (North. Cheshire) Sumners Farm Cottage, Windmill Lane, Preston on the Hill, Warrington. WA4 4AZ. Tel: 01928 712475 memberships@clarionoc.org Treasurer
JACKIE HICKMAN (North Cheshire)
Racing Secretary STEVE CLARKE (Fenland) Tel: 01733 706498
racing@fenlandclarion.co.uk
Assistant Secretary ALEX SOUTHERN (London) alex.southern.as@gmail.com
iam Standing Orders Secretary BOB HARBER (Brighton)
Points Competition CHRIS GOODE (Yorkshire Coast)
twenty twowheels@hotmail.com
Website Manager ALAN KIDDLE (London)
National Clarion: www.clarionce.or www.clarionce. org.
BOOTSG@SPURS
Editors Matthew Ball and Kirsty Ball (mball@matthewball.co.uk)
Cover Illustration Garry Marshall Printed by prprint.co.uk
Submissions Contributions to the magazine may be edited or omitted if there are space constraints.
On-bike social networking
s the Clarion coming of age? Is it maturing with its years? Is it moving with the times? To my mind, it’s probably the right amount of all three.
With an eye and an ear on our past heritage, our founding principles and our past role in a changing society, we haven’t forgotten our identity. Indeed the words ‘Fellowship is Life’ still sit comfortably in the saddle of any club run. But with the current vision of the committee and the driving forces in our sections, we are not stuck in the past, not one of those cliquey old cycling clubs that don’t welcome new people,
new types of cycling and new methods of communication.
We look forward, we embrace cycling as it is developing and hopefully provide a club that today’s cyclists are looking for.
That said, let’s forget about the past and the future for now and live for the moment. After all, that’s what cycling is all about: the feeling of freedom awheel, the exhilaration of sprinting down a hill, the masochistic pleasure of legs tired and cold enough to feel somewhat intrepid, yet knowing you are healthy enough to get home and really appreciate that cup of tea and warm shower more than any of our non-cycling friends will ever do.
Riding with friends, or club mates who will become longstanding friends, increases the pleasure, reduces the labour and improves our quality of life ina way that we usually take for granted.
Life in the Clarion is ‘Fellowship’, not just within each bike club, but extending further afield, from section to section. We all, as individuals, become part of this national movement that cannot be rivalled by any other organisation, anywhere. IAN CLARKE, National Secretary
THE ORIGIN OF ‘BOOTS’ AND ‘SPURS’
sure his listeners were still awake, the storyteller would shout out ‘Boots!’ and those who were still listening would reply
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
‘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.
WINTER 2015/16 BOOTS&SPURS 3
NEWS
In detail: 2015 MEMBERSHIP BY SECTION
SECTION JUNIOR TOTAL 2014 NEW TO THE CLARION membershi p Barnoldswick aL 46 30 18 The total number of 2015 Blackpool 2 56 14 42 members was 101 more than in Saar 6 60 2014; there were 445 (25%) new and returning members islet J cule but 344 (21%) members leftthe BYty 3 acre Coes Clarion. Calder 10 120 111 34 Total membership increased Central 1 46 47 a by 6%, areduction from recent Clitheroe 0 16 19 years where we have had Coatbridge 4 74 60 27 increases of more than 10%: Crewe 0 4 0 this is due to loss of members. Fane 38 179 ier }38 Since 2008, youth Cosson membership has increased H leanor from 17 to 226 members, avery positive increase in which the future of the club lies. London 643 960 1459 ~—«(1708 Malmesbury 2 69 180 226 North Cheshire
vw 6 97 198 Saddleworth
908 1129
i ship sa Ses
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP IN RED ‘Member:
BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
Clarion Sections around the country
he National Clarion Cycling Club formed in 1895 and has some 30 member sections throughout the UK, from the West of Scotland down to Brighton Hove.
The Clarion cycling club began after a group of likeminded individuals got together in Birminghamin 1894. It took the Clarion name from Robert Blatchford's socialist newspaper.
The National Clarion cycling club grew during the early 1900s, with 8000+ members at one time and with sections all over the UK. Working class people were getting their freedom on bikes in the countryside and the Clarion was spreading the word, and the newspaper, industrial towns and villages. In those days, before most people could own acar, the bike gave freedom and fellowship... the Clarion thrived.
Cycling’s recent popularity has reversed a long time decline in membership with membership trippling, and the number of sections rising from 23 to 30.
The three largest sections West Lothian (277), North Cheshire (259), and Fenland (179) now have more members than the total 2008 National Clarion membership.
BARNOLDSWICK
Contact Colin Urmston
email colinurmston@hotmail.co.uk 07947 185137
BLACKPOOL
Contact Mike Ryan
email mj_ryan@outlook.com
01253 471839 www.blackpoolclarion.webs.com/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling twitter.com/blackpoolccc
BOLTON
Contact Mike Singleton
07703 629123
email singl@o2.co.uk www.boltonclarion.co.uk/
Search on Facebook, British Cycling twitter.com/BoltonClarion
BRIGHTON AND HOVE Contact lan Bullock
01273 682133
email i.bullock@ntlworld.com
Search on Facebook
BURY Contact Peter Roscce 0161 761 6856 email peterroscoe80@btinternet.com www.buryclarion.co.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava, twitter.com/BuryClarion Bury Clarion has been promoting cycling for over 100 years. Bury Clarion has a long history and a proud tradition of supporting cycling in and around the town. Our recent members have included neo pros Adam and Simon Yates, who began cycling with Bury Clarion at 12. There are club rides on Saturdays and Sundays, and the club also arranges regular training sessions at Manchester Velodrome. Members of the club ride on the road, the track
and off-road, and compete in all disciplines. We have season long championships for all disciplines and also compete in all the National Clarion events held throughout the UK. For details of club championships and National Clarion Championships see the web site www.buryclarion.org.
New members are always welcome and potential new members are welcome to join us on aride or two before committing to joining the club. New members should complete the membership form available on the website. Club members often arrange leisure rides, both on-road and mountain biking, and details of the latest rides can be found on the home page.
CALDER
Contact Andrew Spittlehouse 01226 709436
email wakefieldblade@webtribe.net www.calder-clarion.co.uk/
Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava, twitter.com/CalderClarion
Calder Clarion is an evolving club welcoming new members of all abilities. The club now has qualified Go Ride coaches and has recently encouraged Go Ride kids into competitive cyclocross and track racing for the first time.
The weekly TT remains a big attraction throughout the summer months, with growing fields from both within the club and other clubs in the local area. There are club runs or training rides held 5 days a week all year round, and our members. regularly take part in Audax and other organised rides. Sunday rides suit a range of abilities and a great deal of information is available on our website.
WINTER 2015/16 |BOOTS&SPURS|5
CLUB CO TS
CLITHEROE
Contact Martin Catlow
01200 425852
email robinhatherell@btinternet.com
COATBRIDGE
Contact John Gormlie
01236 424346
email john.gormlie@blueyonder.co.uk www.coatbridgeclarioncycleclub.com/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava, Youtube, twitter.com/ CoatbridgeCCC
CREWE
Contact Andrew Grace
01270 841836
email andrew.grace@ dicksonssolicitors.co.uk www.creweclarionwheelers.org/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava
FENLAND
Contact Nicki Clarke
07934 915519
email robinson.jamesS@sky.com www.fenlandclarion.co.uk/site/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling twitter.com/FenlandClarion
GOSPORT
Contact Paul Knight
07780 956 391
email pknight193@btinternet.com Search on Facebook, Strava, www.flickr.com
HEANOR
Contact Bob Howe 07838 597970 email rob.howey.howe@gmail.com heanorclarion.org.uk/
Search on Facebook, British Cycling,
HEREFORD Contact Alan Smith 01568 770327 email alvin.smith@btinternet.com
IRONBRIDGE
Neil Grove 07743 866726
email info@ironbridge-clarion.cc www.ironbridge-clarion.cc/ Search on Facebook
ITALIAN
Contact Julian Mortel
email info@italianclarion.com www.italianclarion.com Search on Facebook italianclarionce.blogspot.co.uk/
LONDON
Contact Martin Perfect 01892 523927 email mjperfect@gmail.com www.londonclarion.org.uk/
Search on Facebook
MALMESBURY
Contact Howard Sprange
01666 823476
email howard.sprange@btinternet. com malmesburyclarion.weebly.com/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava twitter.com/MalmesburyCCC
NORTH CHESHIRE Contact Andrew Williams
01606 853575
email secretary@ www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling twitter.com/northcheshire
North Cheshire Clarion is a Warrington based cycling club, run by local cyclists for local cyclists looking to develop their abilities, skills and interests in the company of others. Our aim is simple—to enjoy a full spectrum of cycling activities, from recreational to competitive, both
on and off the road.
If, like us, you want a balance of enjoyment and competition without the pressure of a pure ‘racing’ club, then North Cheshire Clarion is for you. We are located in Warrington in the North West of England, but focus on the whole of the North Cheshire area, including Widnes and Runcorn to the west, the suburbs of south west Manchester to the east and the areas south of Wigan.
Our members comprise men, women and children of all ages,
5 BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
interests and levels of fitness. We share our interests, knowledge and experience for the benefit of all those in the club. We don't have entry requirements and welcome riders of all abilities to the club. Our mantra is “We never leave a rider behind!”
NOTTINGHAM
Contact Richard Hill 07973 377192 email gsnottsclarion@gmail.com www.nottinghamclarion.co.uk Search on Facebook, British Cycling Nottingham Clarion is a friendly club, open to all ages and all types of cyclist, from beginners to racers, mountain bikers, leisure riders and families. It is an organisation run by volunteers to support the interests of cyclists, whatever their ability. We have a wide range of events, including club runs, club racing events, Go-Ride for kids, velodrome days and social meetings. New and prospective members are always welcome.
You can come along and see us at the Lime Kiln Inn, Kinoulton Road, Cropwell Bishop, Nottingham NG12 3BH, April to August every Thursday evening from 7pm onwards. You could also come along to meet us at one of our weekly Go-Ride sessions which start at 7pm at the Main Building, Holme Pierrepont in the summer, or, same time same place for the Evening Rides in Winter. Or meet us for one of our club runs or at one of the many other club events throughout the year.
SADDLEWORTH Contact Chris Moreman
0788 1717804
email chrismoreman@gmail.com www.saddleworthclarion.co.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava
Saddleworth Clarion has 50+ members from Oldham, Tameside, Kirklees and the Saddleworth villages. It is run by local cyclists for those looking to develop their own abilities, skills and interests in the company of others.
With experienced cyclists and newcomers alike, we share our interests, knowledge and experience for the benefit of all those in the club. We don't have entry requirements and welcome riders of all abilities.
We run long A rides, shorter B rides and introductory C rides to suit all abilities, and also have members participating in road racing, track racing, cyclocross and mountain biking. We are keen to welcome new members and run monthly Saturday social rides via the GoSkyRide scheme www.goskyride.com. Our club is always open to you, so please get in touch and come for a ride.
SHEFFIELD Jeff Carroll 07772 374 759 email jeff@presspics.fsnet.co.uk
STOCKPORT
Contact Duncan McLaren
0161 487 4828
email dunchewitt@hotmail.com www.stockport-clarion.org.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling
SUNDERLAND
Contact Tony Gibson 0191 5130519 email info@sunderlandclarion.org.uk www.sunderlandclarion.org.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling
Our club is the oldest cycling club in the Sunderland area, with roots going back into the late 1800s when we formed a section of the National Clarion Cycling Club. We have a long and successful tradition of sport and leisure cycling both of which we continue today with members competing in both road/crit racing and time trials.
We are predominantly a road cycling club, but many of us head off-road for leisure and racing. New members are always welcome. Please have a look at the Club Runs and Training pages on our website.
The forum is always a good place to start we really do encourage you to sign up and have a good read.
Keep an eye out for a ride you like the sound of and come along and introduce yourself! Join now to take advantage of great discounts from Cycleworld Sundertand, Cycleworld Chester-le-Street and Cyclefix Washington.
TEESIDE
Contact Colin Armstrong
01947 880177
email armstrongchristian@hotmail.com Search on British Cycling
TUXFORD
Contact lan Clarke 01777 872097 email bike@clarioncc.org tuxfordclarion.com/
Search on Facebook. British Cycling Tuxford Clarion Cycling Club is based in the village of Tuxford in North Nottinghamshire, and is a section of the National Clarion Cycling Club. It was set up in 2012, by local cycling enthusiasts.
While we are a young and enthusiastic club, being part of the National Clarion (founded in 1895) gives us the chance to ride and compete with 30-plus sections and 1700 other members. We offer local cyclists from Tuxford and surrounding villages access to club cycling with a community feel.
Riders can join us for the occasional Sunday 40-mile ride, or join the club and develop their cycling to amore serious level, including sportives, time trialling, track and road racing.
The club has a wealth of experience and always makes sure new riders are looked after on their first few rides. We pride ourselves in riding in a disciplined and safe manner, and respect our fellow road users. For example, we acknowledge cars that wait and pass us safely, we single file when safe and appropriate to do so.
We also slow down for horses and chat to them as we pass so as not to startle them.
If you want to join us, you'll be
welcomed on three rides before you need to join us and pay your subs. Our Saturday social rides and Sunday Brides are an easy way to acquaint yourself with group riding,
WEST LOTHIAN
Contact Kevin O'Hara 07725 991692 email secretary@westlothianclarion. co.uk
www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/ Search on Facebook, British Cycling, Strava, twitter.com/wtclarion
The West Lothian Clarion cycling club formed in 2008 as a result of like-minded local cyclists looking for a way of developing their own ability in the company of others.
The aim of the club is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from, fellow club members and coaches.
We encourage all aspect of cycling, with many members taking part in our club events and open events like sportives, road racing, time trials, Audax, track and cyclocross. There is a thriving club scene, with over 280 members (more than 40 of which are women) participating in club racing, coaching, socials and club runs. We have a well established youth section with 9 level 2 coaches developing young riders for track, road, cyclocross and mountain biking.
Youth coaching sessions run from March to December. On Saturdays we have club runs leaving from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and the East Calder Sports Centre
WEST SCOTLAND Contact Jim Harris 01236 730157 email jimharris35@yahoo.co.uk
YORKSHIRE COAST Contact Chris Goode Search on Strava
email twentytwowheels@hotmail.com
PRIVATE
Contact Martin Hickman email martin.hickman935@gmail.
WINTER 2015/16 BOOTS&SPURS
ASTER MEET IN LINCOLN
Friday 25th to Monday 28th March 2016
HE 2016 National Clarion Easter Meet is being held in the historic city of Lincoln and it promises to be an extra special Clarion weekend. An ideal destination for a break, Lincoln offers a rich history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture, and a wealth of
TO SECUR A ROOM
places to eat and drink. main shopping and tourist area Our base for the weekend will stretches from St Marks
be the well-appointed Shopping centre in the south to Charlotte House Hotel, with the Cathedral Quarter, known special rates also being given locally as ‘Uphill’.
at the nearby Bail House Hotel Steep Hill, voted Britain's Great and associated self catering Street in 2012, connects accommodation (details ‘downhill’ and ‘uphill’ Lincoln. below). Yes itis steep as its name
The city is easily walkable for suggests, but well worth the visitors with good mobility—the walk!
TO SUNDAY: £50 Adults, £25 Children (under 16), SATURDAY ONLY: £25, £13 Children (under 16), m SUNDAY ONLY: £30, £15 Children (under 16), Please send your completed form to: Mrs Marion Royle. 24 Cartmel Way. Eye. Peterborough. PEG 7XA CHEQUES PAYABLE CLARION CC
2016 LINCOLN EASTER MEET
EASTER MEET PROGRAMME
ACTIVITIES
Good Friday 25 March
4.30pm 7.30pm National Conference at the Charlotte
House Hotel, Lincoln
Saturday 26 March
10.00am: Club Ride (longer shorter options}
1.00pm 5.00pm: Lincoln Youth 2 Day Circuit Racing. Cats A, B, C. Prologue TT Stage 1 (Team Crit) Race for 2/3 Cats
7.30pm: Buffet in the Orangery at the Charlotte House Hotel. PLUS: Roller Racing Tyre Changing Competition
Sunday 27 March
8.00am: Kenneth Humphries 25 Mile TT
10.00am: Club Ride (longer shorter options)
1.00pm 5.00pm: Lincotn Youth 2 Day. Circuit Racing Cats A, B, C. 2nd Day Stage 2 (Crit) Races for 4 Cats Women
7.30pm: Annual Dinner Prize Presentationin the Orangery at the Charlotte House Hotel
Monday 28 March
10.00am National Clarion 10 Mile TT Championship C10/17 HQ: Harby, approx 8 miles West of Lincoln (A57)
Programme subject to change. Finalised programme and timings will be posted on the National Clarion CC website www.clarioncc.org before the weekend.
Photographic Competition. Enter your favourite Clarion photos into the competion and you may win the Brian Braithwaite Trophy. The competition this year will be judged from photos (Easter 2015 to Easter 2016) posted on our Facebook page. The best images will be displayed at Lincoln for attending members to vote on.
WHERE TO STAY VENUE Hotels and accomodation: wwwwisitlincoln.com/stay/
CHARLOTTE HOUSE HOTEL The Lawns, Union Rd, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 Tel 01522 541000 (select option 1) Email events@ charlottehouselincoln.com Web http://www. charlottehouselincoln.com Rates per room, per night: Breakfast £5 pppn.
Standard double £88.40 (normally £156 43% discount). Superior or Twin Suite £95.20 (normally £176 46% discount). Luxury Suite £115.60 (normally £196 41% discount). Two Bed apartment £142.80 (normally £216 34% discount).
BAIL HOUSE HOTEL:
Bail House Hotel from £74:25 to £146:25 per night (25% reduction). They also have 5-bed accommodation with locks on each bedroom at £250 per night.
Two-bed self-catering accommodation is also available.
WINTER 2015/16 BOOTS&SPURS |9
A wheel for half a day
By Chris Goode YORKSHIRE COAST reparations for my debut 12 hour race began over two years ago, when I marshalled at the event in July 2013. The following year, I rode the 50 TT on the same course, and early July 2014 saw my first 100 TT, witha respectable 4:27mins. Ruth Crossley and Andy Fisher gave great assistance, handing up drinks and bananas. They felt a ‘12’ was areal possibility.
In preparation for the 100,
I did a couple of longer rides over 100 miles, one of which took in the top section of the first Tour de France stage (Wensleydale and Swaledale). It was a flat stage so just 9,000 feet of climbing. What was flat was the topography of the twelve circuit, with just 1500 feet of climbing.
Over the winter I increased the distance covered, varying the routes to maintain interest. On New Year’s Eve I dove-tailed the ride to incorporate a visit to Pete Dunn’s cycle shop, near Hull.
This took in part of the under-
rated Yorkshire Wolds. Some of you may have experienced this perfect cycling terrain at the 2014 Easter Meet.
Into 2015 and my time in the saddle increased, with 106, 120 and 131 mile rides.
In the latter, I rode the course, having ridden from
Scarborough to Stamford Bridge, scene of King Harold’s victory over Harald Hardraada. The course is south of the York to Beverley road, in the Vale of York.
I was good for the first six hours, then slower as the hills took their toll.
May saw two contrasting 50 TT performances. The first was 4 seconds from my personal best, at 2:04:40.
In the second, a forecast of heavy rain encouraged me to use my training bike, with mudguards and standard kit. The result? A runaway personal worst by over 14 minutes. Nevertheless,
it was solid training and gained me five points for Yorkshire Coast in the Points competition.
I did few races in June due to organising a number of events, including our second open of the year. Great to see that Tuxford were wellrepresented, with Ian and Jack making the trip north. What was vital was the final long ride, five weeks before the big day. There was some ingenuity with this one, starting with a train journey to Northallerton, to take in some different scenery. The
The strategy
was to divide the race into three sections 2lmph, 20mph and 19mph
10 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
aim was to do 9.5 to 10 hours, with minimal stops, which
I managed, with 14 minutes off the bike in 9 hours 50 minutes. I was confident that a 200 miles plus performance was achievable. Both calves suffered in the last ten miles, reminding me to have tonic water in the drinks mix on race day. I tried out different foods on these longer rides.
In early July, the build-up intensified with the Stockton Wheelers 100 TT. Again, I had superb support from Andy and Ruth. Andy won the Breckland 12 hour in the mid-1980s and was in many team wins for the rapid Team Mirage, alongside Chris Shorter, Derek Roe, Greg Kinsell, lan Turton and Dave Elvin. The first half of the race was quite quick, in 2:05, but I hada tricky third quarter, nearly cramping at times. I improved in the last 10 miles to finish in 4:16:20. It was a very good day, so good that the Competition Record had been blown apart, with Richard Bideau’s 3:18:54. This was after a 47 minute 25 TT the night before.
The event was now approaching. The bike was checked, a new seat post fitted to dampen the road buzz, drinks bottles ordered. and food prepared. Ruth made some egg torpedoes, trusty fig rolls were at hand, plus Andy’s flapjack and the ubiquitous bananas. Peaches,
Chris Goode during his 12 hour time trial
and Eccles cake, and a ham sandwich were also deployed to propel number 21 towards the chequered flag.
The race began at 06.21, with Jimmy Trevor being my minute man and Andy Askwith from Bridlington CC six minutes back. There were 38 entrants, 5 non-starters and 8 DNFs. Conditions were good until early afternoon. The aim was to do the first 100 miles in 4:50, which I did with two minutes to spare. I had also decided to keep the gears low, to maintain average speeds of 19 to 22 mph.
The strategy was to divide the race into three sections with speeds decreasing from 21mph to 20 mph to 19mph. After six hours I was 0.1 mph down and thereafter, with the onset of rain and rising winds (plus some fatigue) the pace dropped such that the average
fell below the magic evens
(20 mph). The rice pudding became very popular as the race wore on; easily digestible! Some riders climbed off at the 8 hour point. The excellent support from Ruth and Andy spurred me on, alongside
the motivation of raising money for Cancer Research, in memory of Lil Fisher who died just after Easter.
I was determined to finish. My veteran standard to beat was 201 miles and I needed 222 miles to geta BBAR certificate. The toughest part was the last 90 minutes my calves were heavy and I had been out of the aero position for four hours. The top riders maintained their tuck throughout. The winner was Mark Nulty (Glossop Kinder Velo) with an inspiring 270.4 miles.
The last 30 miles were on
the 12 miles finishing circuit which was bumpy in places. Five timekeepers were placed at almost equal distances.
I got to one of them with 11 hours and 59 minutes on the clock, which meant an extra two miles could be done. This was challenging knowing that the 12 hour had virtually been achieved. Not surprisingly, it was a pleasure to see the next official and know that I had completed “the twelve”.
Jimmy Trevor did 247.7 miles, Andy Askwith 256.2 miles, Carl Saint 261.2 miles and Doug Hart 266.3 miles, in his first twelve. I finished with 229.16 miles. It was a challenge and careful preparation was required. Many thanks to Ruth and Andy, Adam Hardy, Mick Storey, Barrie Cappleman, Big Bear Bikes Pickering, the race organiser Keith Lawton and his team plus my good friends Dave Elvin, Steve Ward and Derek Roe.
Asa footnote: the Stockton Wheelers event in July was declared a short course so it was as well that I rode the Yorkshire Cycling Federation 100 in August, finishing in amore modest 4:31:01. September saw a purple patch with two PBs at 25 miles and an improved 50 TT in 2:00:37. As yet, the final BBAR placings are not confirmed but I managed an average speed of 22.036 mph. Adam Topham was a worthy winner and his book Flying Through the Pain Barrier is very informative.
WINTER 2015/6 BOOTS&SPURS 11
West Lothian’s women brave the Scottish ‘summer’ together
100 kilometer grins
By Michelle Gregory WEST LOTHIAN housands of women around the world rode 100km, as part of the Rapha Women’s 100 on Sunday 26th July 2015, including 11 riders from West Lothian Clarion. Gilets and arm warmers were the order of the day as it was a decidedly cool summer’s day in Scotland. Riders ranged from seasoned athletes, through weekend warriors to busy mums who fit in rides when they can. In true Clarion spirit we rode as one group, although the group was obviously split into two, with the range of fitness levels. Skirting the Scottish Borders we had the obligatory
café stop at Biggar. Warmed up after coffee and hot food it was a bit of shock to step out into below average summer temperatures. Still, a bit of banter and another set of hills meant we soon forgot the chill and enjoyed being on the bikes. Our final test for the day was the infamous Lang Wang. With mighty views of the Pentlands it certainly was a test for some who had weary legs. But with some coaching from Di, we used the group dynamics to crest the final ascent. Our reward downhill bias for the last 12 miles. With grins on our faces we arrived back after just over 6 hours, 63.5 miles, 3,000 ft of ascent, with an average pace of 14 mph.
12|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
The original and still the best
By Jim Macdonald
WEST LOTHIAN
he Etape du Tour, for a newcomer like me, is an eye opener. This is one serious event. Professional riders do it by the hundred. Support teams and private feed stations cater for those looking for a time. It is televised. For most, just finishing is a monumental challenge. Your entry pack
includes a proper “road book”
anda sticker for your stem setting out the cols and distances, provided that you adopt the pro approach of having a14omm stem. Mine went on my top tube.
There are, however, some insider tips that I wish I had known beforehand. The official feed stations, albeit well supplied, are utter chaos. They draw you in like a trap and you can’t get out without wrestling people out the way. And then there’s elimination avery real threat in this event. Indeed, if you start towards the back, a place on the broom wagon (actually a fleet of buses with a police escort) is reserved for you. You need to be at certain points on the course by the published times. This drives the pace of the event. The times get harder to achieve
Jim finds some much-needed space in second wheel
as the day goes on, and are enforced mercilessly. We had two major delays caused by crashes, adding at least 30 minutes to the ride time. Did they move the elimination time to compensate?
Mais non.
2015's edition was a preview of Stage 19 of the Tour de France, starting at St Jean de Maurienne and taking in the Cols du Chaussy, Glandon, Croix de Fer, Mollard, and a mountain top finish at La Toussuire. 4450 metres of climbing in 138km, and with the exception of 20km before the Glandon, there was no flat. Out of 13000 starters, 9400 finished.
Thad trained like I have never trained. A Mallorca trip, months of long solo training runs and more repeats of the Crow Road than I care to remember. I was down to a weight I have not been since my early twenties. There was however one issue
which British people cannot 8 train for the heat.
The UK had had dreadful summer, but the Alps
5 experienced a “canicule”
(heatwave). Forty degree heat was common and Etape day was no exception. On the infernal, exposed 18km climb to La Toussuire, riders dropped like flies, vomiting, shaking, or just unconscious. Some decided to walk the whole way. I opted to stop for a breather, or three.
The first col (Chaussy), 5km from the start, was a 15km climb at 6.8% (deceptive because of a descent in the middle it rarely was below 8%). The views from the top down the Maurienne valley were stunning, as was the rock overhang that the road went through. The villagers were out en masse, some adopting the Tour custom of running beside the riders wearing only their pants. Coming so near the start, the road was packed. Getting boxed in was a major issue. realised that it didn’t matter how quickly I could climb because you climbed at the pace of others. Still,
I managed the ascent in 80 mins without going into the red: no broom wagon in sight.
The descent was equally busy with twitchy Etappers not helped by an emergency stop within minutes. An accident was inevitable on the narrow, technical road with really far too many people on it all at once. We waited, and
You need to
make time checks, which are enforced mercilessly
we waited. Then we walked, slowly. Once we eventually got going, it was a technical plunge to La Chambre. It was nervy but I relaxed a little towards the bottom. I’m not sure how safe closed road events really are, with the volumes of cyclists we had.
After that it was the “flat” section up and back down the valley. Nerves were still jangling, and everyone wanted to get ahead of the masses. The pace went up. I was in a group of about 100, and we were flying. It was getting hot. Then another crash and another prolonged stop. So much for getting to the foot of the Glandon ina good position everyone was there at the same time!
The Glandon is over 20km long. The second half, which follows a flat section at St Columban exactly halfway up, is far harder. I did not enjoy the first half I felt claustrophobic. I was glad to get to the feed station where one of the workers (a Dundonian) lamented my “macho” gearing of 34 x 28. A 32 sprocket is necessary for the Glandon, he said. As useless advice goes, this was areal nugget. I don’t know about you, but I generally don’t carry a chain whip and spare cassette in my pocket.
The second half was tough. The last 2 km of the climb rear up to an average of 13%. A Team Wiggins rider was struggling. There were more walkers than riders near the top. I was still on the bike, but
WINTER 2015/6 BOOTS&SPURS 13
my cadence has never been so low. I had to do an emergency stop when the guy in front fell off, and couldn’t get clipped in again until near the summit. The Tour fans were in situ, in prime vantage points in their motorhomes, offering loud encouragement and a hosing down. The water was cold enough to induce shock.
From there it’s a short climb at 6% to the Croix de Fer “Iron Cross” and then the glorious but brief descent to St Sorlin. But the turn off for the Mollard (and more climbing) arrived all too quickly.
The 6km Mollard is easily underestimated. It isn’t too steep, and certainly not long by Alpine standards. But it is south facing and the tarmac was melting. I could hear the crowd at the summit from a long way back encouragement enough to keep the pedals turning although I nearly ran out of water. The word “brutal” was being used frequently to describe the parcours.
Before the final climb, there was the small matter of the 17km Mollard descent; blind bends, broken surface, gravel, dappled lighting through trees, 20-odd hairpins, and a constant 10% gradient that makes even the lightest rider drop like a stone. I had a close encounter
Iwas still on
the bike but my cadence had never been so low
with a group of tourers and nearly overcooked a hairpin. Braking meant overheating.
however reached the final climb, well ahead of elimination. There was a big crowd of British supporters at the foot of the climb near the “Opinel” roundabout with its big penknife sculpture (hereafter known as “chib corner”).
The climb to La Toussuire starts steeply for the first 5km. I started strongly, but 30 minutes in felt light headed and had to stop in some shade. From there it was a case of going from bend to bend. I needed to stop much more than I would have wanted. I reached the famous corner at Le Corbier where Froome attacked Wiggins in 2012. I stopped there too. Once out of le Corbier though you can see the summit that was all I needed. The rest, even the horrible left turn just before the finish, took care of itself, in a total of 10 hours and 26 minutes. My ride time was under 9 hours. That shows just how much time was lost to incidents, feed stations and admittedly, breathers.
Five days later, Nibali won the stage in less than half the time it had taken me. That’s not really the point though. For all the years I have ridden bikes, never before has anything taken me to my absolute limit. I can also tell myself that Stage 19 was ona much cooler day, and that the pros don’t have to queue at feed stations or toilets!
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Matthew at Meadowbank
Continuing the tradition
est Lothian’s Matthew Devlin started cycling seriously in December 2014, when he
switched sports from competitive handball to track
cycling. He threw himself into training and learning as much as he could about his new passion. It’s been a joy to see him progress from novice to track assassin, picking up a few podiums along the way, including National Clarion Youth A track champion, and Scottish madison silver medalist. This letter was written by his great aunt, and connects past and present ina cycling family tree.
Dear Matthew Your Great Grandfather Patrick Devlin, born 14th April 1915, was a keen cyclist. He was a member of the Monklands Wheelers Cycling Club (M.W.C.C.) in his youth and followed cycling news and events all his life. He
Great Grandfather Patrick Devlin’s medals
never did learn to drive and still cycled to and from work, at Stewart on Lloyds Calder Works in Coatbridge, until he was in his mid fifties.
Cycling brought great opportunities for his generation to travel: this was the 1930s when life and society were so very different. I loved to listen to him speak of his adventures and of the friends he made ona, by modern standards, very basic bicycle. His first serious road bike was a “Wasp”, which his mother (Rose) saved up to buy.
Our Dad, your Papa’s and mine, was a very modest man and, apart from his family, he was most proud of the cycling medals he won. The medals ona chain were hung around the neck at formal occasions in the club and prior to
competitions. I have been custodian of these medals since he died and now want to pass them on to you, the 4th generation of cycling Devlins. The medals themselves do not have any great monetary value, but are priceless in
our family history; please treasure them. Unfortunately I do not know the dates when he won them and have been unable to find any records of the M.W.C.C. on the internet. The local history section of Airdrie library may have some records, the silver hallmarks may also provide some clues.
Thave been watching your progress with great interest and pride and wish you every success in the future.
(Great) Aunt Anne Marie
Leicester, September 2015
Tracking Will’s progress
By lan Clarke TUXFORD ill Perrett (19) joined Heanor Clarion when he was 14, after pestering his dad to build him road bike and find hima club to join. Having tried cyclocross, road racing and time trialling, he has found track racing to be his passion. Following a disappointing final year as a junior due to illness, he has bounced back this year, finishing in 12th place in the National 20k Championship at Manchester, and being selected to ride the under-23 Madison at the London 6 before securing the track league title at Derby. Inbetween all his cycling commitments, Will is studying for a Geography degree at Derby University (near the new velodrome!).
Will wins Derby track league
WINTER 2015/6 BOOTS&SPURS 15
A summer’s day in London
Why I love the Clarion
By Amy Ogden TUXFORD joined Tuxford in 2014 because I wanted to meet new people and train regularly with better cyclists.
It immediately opened up opportunities that have enhanced my cycling and enabled me to meet a network of new friends. The club runs are always fun, inclusive and no one gets left behind.
The A ride pushes people to go faster and further, while the B ride is slower and ensures that everybody can be included.
Tattended my first Easter meet in 2015 in Llangollen and absolutely loved the opportunity to ride with new people in new places. The fact that the Clarion has branches all over the country means that you are truly part ofa wider community.
The Autumn meet in Ironbridge was also a great success, with miles of riding in the late summer sunshine and watching the ‘future Clarionista’ wreak havoc in the youth hostel!
Since joining the Clarion Thave also ridden in 10, 25, 50 and 100 mile time trails and recorded a good time in the Clarion hill climb championships.
By Alison Bryce WEST LOTHIAN was delighted to get selected to be on the Scottish team to compete in the Ride London Prudential Grand Prix on August 1st, 2015.
We caught an early train to London from Glasgow Central.The journey felt short and most of us slept. On arrival, our taxi was caught up in traffic so we had to get the Tube into Green Park. I had never been in London before and getting the Tube was fun but a bit squashed.
As I stepped out of the underground station I saw big Prudential banners and loads of spectators. We walked to the van where the bikes were, signed on and got our new jerseys. We got a quick photo of them and then I put on my Scottish Jersey to warm up.
T queued ina small pen full of riders, all of us waiting for a spin of the course. After the elite women flew past us we were let loose. The route went up “The Mall” and beside Buckingham Palace.
16 BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
It took us to Birdcage Walk then a few left turns and we was back on the finishing straight. I squeezed another lap in before the commissaire stopped us for a race briefing.
I was setting my Garmin up when I heard the motorbike rev up. I quickly set it and flung it in my pocket, clipped in, put my hands on the drops, and we were off!
I swiftly placed myself in the middle of the group near the back and I barely felt any wind resistance. I tried my best to hold my position. With 10 minutes to go I could see the Youth As were sprinting out of the corners with their big gears, and as one of only four B girls in the whole race, Icouldn’t keep up.
stayed with another Youth Band at the last moment the peloton came up behind and lapped us. Overall I came 54th out of 57 but I technically came 3rd for my category!
I was really proud of my performance and especially keeping with the bunch for so long. Next time I will be ina bigger gear!
Alison warming up and competing in London
A true clubman and a grafter
By Ian Clarke TUXFORD rancis Grafton has been on the National Committee for many years, but last year he stood down from the role of Racing Secretary (while keeping the Records Secretary role). He has done a sterling job making sure that all of our championship events took place, keeping a keen eye on the rules of racing as well as organising the medals and ceremony for the annual prize presentation. But Francis is also a long time Nottingham Clarion member and official, as well as one of the club’s top time triallists. Having joined in the late 60s, Francis is at heart a man of racing. He has some great results in time trialling, from days before carbon this,
aero that and low profile the other. Francis knocked out 55 minute 25s and 1.53 for TT. How many of our current crop of UK testers could do that ona steel road bike?
Not happy just to take pleasure from cycling, Francis has a respectable pedigree of organisation and officiating, running many a Clarion time trial, including Nottingham’s Goose Fair 25. But Francis also ran the National 100 mile championships for the CTT in 1999. Today, Francis still stands on the CTT Central district committee and isa recognised course measurer.
You'll still see him riding his bike: it’ll be steel, probably with mudguards and often with a saddlebag... the sign of a true clubman and a true Clarion man.
A tough act to follow
By Ian Clarke
TUXFORD
onald Lever will be a tough act to follow as National Membership Secretary. He has made it an essential part of the Clarion’s administration.
Without his careful and accurate organisation of our memberships, the club would have ceased to operate. This challenge increased in the last five years as the membership trebled. Not only that, but our ‘churn’ today is as big as our membership was in 2010.
Donald’s father signed him up in 1946, before he could walk much, let along cycle. A Bury Clarion man through and through witha good Lancastrian accent and sense of humour, Donald was also Bury Clarion Secretary from 1981 to 1997 and some Bury members believe that without Donald the Bury club would have folded long ago.
Donald has served us well for many years, and I’m sure he'll help us in years to come, too.
WINTER 2015/6 BOOTS&SPURS 17
RIONETTES AT THE
A view from Jenny’s Chariot
By Jenny Clarke
TUXFORD he van was packed and mum, dad, Monty and I (and I’m 3) were on our way to stay in Ironbridge for the ‘October Meet’. I told dad that non of us should have any of ‘that’ on account that we're all vegetarian. That’s when mum and dad explained that a ‘meet’ was when friends got together for fun and fellowship. I asked if there’d be some children to play with and was pleased to hear that lots of North Cheshire Clarion youngsters were going to be there, and they’d all have their bikes.
I must have fallen asleep during the drive because suddenly we'd arrived and dad was unloading the van. Monty said it was Coalport Youth Hostel, and that he’d helped dad to find it in the dark. An orange light, like the glowing face of a Halloween pumpkin, streamed through the open door, and friendly faces from Ironbridge Clarion were saying, “come in, come in!”. I was pulling mum’s arm to come exploring with me, but she had so many ‘hellos’ to say. Then there was much chatter about the ‘superb location’ and how great it was to see old friends.
Finally, after much tugging of mum’s coat sleeve, I got to see our room It was cosy and had more beds to choose from
18 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
than the 3 Bears’ cottage. Like Goldilocks, I eventually settled on the bed of my dreams and was soon fast asleep. The next thing I knew, we were all up and dressed and following dad’s nose to
the dining room for breakfast.
My big brother Monty had taken dad’s advice and was munching through croissant and three Weetabix, as he was going to be cycling quite a distance on the ‘Family Ride’ that day. Not yet pedaling for any great distances myself (and still very attached to my balance bike), I opted for the ‘Chariot’, or rather, to be pulled along in the trailer behind mum.
Dad was right, there were lots of friendly children from North Cheshire Clarion, all brilliant on their bikes. There was Adam Ollie, Adam, Hannah Gareth, Tom Anna, Seb Lizzy, Sim Lottie, Lachlan Euan, and Dan his sister Sophie, who learned to ride her bike at the Meet! They were all looking so colourful in their cycling kit, and they were talking about the ‘epic’ rides they were going to be doing that day.
The adults were doing
The adults were
all busy with their end favourite hobby drinking tea and eating cakes
way too much talking, so
we all got on our bikes and started to ride round ona little circuit we'd invented. The big girls and boys helped me get around safely.
When the clock struck 10, it was time to set off. It was fortunate that mum put me into the trailer because my legs were tired from all the whooshing around on my balance bike. From the Chariot, I had a clear view of Monty and dad on their bikes, and my new friend Daisy on her bike. But the best bit was whenever Daisy’s mum and dad, Sarah and Pete, cycled by on their ‘Triple’.
Pete and Sarah, of Ironbridge Clarion, were in charge of where we were going on the Family Ride. Most importantly though, Sarah was in charge of the biggest sweetie bag ever, which helped Daisy and Monty to keep pedalling when they were feeling a bit weak. I did my bit to help Sarah empty her bag of treats too because I didn’t want her to feel she hadn’t helped each and every one of us!
We cycled along the riverside trail to Bridgenorth, where a train track had once been. You could even see an old station with its platform overgrown with grass. The Chariot bounced up and down over the bumps and troughs, and mum kept muttering about wishing
she’d bought Monty a proper pair of padded cycling shorts.
Anyway, I must have drifted off because the next thing I remember was lots of cheering and congratulations because Daisy and Monty had completed their first 7 mile bike ride.. We'd arrived in Bridgenorth for a lunch stop. We had a very yummy meal and completed our visit to Bridgenorth with a little trip on its funicular railway before getting back on our bikes.
It took a few more sweets from Sarah’s bag, but eventually we all got back to the Youth Hostel, and Daisy and Monty had both ridden total of 14 miles... “and they’re both only 5!” the grownups kept saying. Anyway, I really don’t know what all the fuss was about because I didn’t have any problem at all doing that distance, and I even managed a little nap on the final leg home.
Back at the Youth Hostel, everyone had returned from their rides. Also, the two Adams, Lachlan and Euan
had ridden 50 miles! This seemed to me like avery long way for kids to cycle, even if they did look like giants. Anyway, no one seemed one bit tired; only full of excitement and stories. Monty beamed with pride as the big boys patted him on the back and congratulated him on how far he’d pedaled.
Daisy and I had an icecream and coloured ina Halloween picture for the very nice lady who looked after the Youth Hostel. In the mean time, mum and dad and all the other adults were busy with their second favourite hobby drinking tea, eating cakes and nattering!
Afterwards, Amy, from Tuxford Clarion, helped me make a giant-sized smileyface picture on the pavement, using all the crisp, rubyred Autumn leaves on the ground. That was fun!
Our October Meet kept
on getting better, because instead of having to go to bed at the usual boring time, we found ourselves heading to the dining room for a barbecue! I watched all the happy grown ups; plates empty and tummy’s full, eyes sparkling with friendship, cheeks rosy from fresh air and beer...1 knew then what dad had meant when he talked about fun and fellowship with the Clarion. Then dad told us about the film! Cool... a film for us to watch, in the room they’d turned into a cinema! We hoped for something as funny and exciting as, ‘The Minions’. Dad said it was all about riding in the Paris Roubaix in the 70s! Yeah!! Anyway, it was taking a long time to get to the funny bits and I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, I was curled up with Penguin, dreaming about my feet on the pedals of a pink bicycle; Daisy and Monty at my side, cyling 50 miles with the kids of North Cheshire Clarion!
WINTER 2015/6 |BOOTS&SPURS 19
NEW:
CTC THIRD PARTY INSURANCE
Membership of the National Clarion means that you can become an affiliate member of CTC and benefit from its third party insurance cover for up to £10m for cycling related activity except racing. (Sportives are covered). There is also a solicitor service for those seeking redress in case of injury or damage (there is a percentage of damages received fee for the legal action involved, the figure agreed before CTC will proceed).
If you wish to take advantage of this service, join online:
CLARION PODCAST
We are looking for someone who can interview, record,
and package up 3 half -hour podcasts. The first would include our oldest members’ stories about cycling with the Clarion in the 50s 60s, the second about the Club today. Then, thirdly, interviews with section and national officers who are trying to shape the future
of the club. If you can help, please email me at bike@clarioncc. org (lan Clarke).
https://www.ctc.org.uk/ join-membership/setup/AFMI
The club membership number is 9114156,
Those applying for membership should also send the National Clarion registration form to the Clarion CTC affiliate membership secretary:
Peter Roscoe
6 Horncastle Close
BURY
BL8 1XE.
This is available on the National Clarion Website and can be returned by email to peterroscoe80@ btinternet.com.
The current fee is
DIARY DATES
AUTUMN MEET 2016 lronbridge Clarion wil be organising the 2016 Autumn Meet so put a date in your diary for 14-16th October.
CENTRAL SCOTLAND CLOSED ROAD SPORTIVE 17th April 2016
Sign up at www.
standrewshospicefundraising.
com/Cyclesportive/
The St Andrew's Hospice Sportive is an 80-mile (127km) fully closed road sportive. There is also a50-mile option. The challenging and scenic route takes in some of the classic West of Scotland roads
20|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
£24.00 for one year from the date of joining.
Itis possible to join by post to:
CTC Membership Dept.
Parklands
Railton Road
Guildford
GU2
State your National Clarion membership number, postal address and enclose your cheque for £24.00 made payable to CTC.
CTC provide quarterly information on National Clarion CTC affiliates to the National Clarion affiliate membership secretary for checking.
and climbs as well as some less well known back roads and Lanes in Lanarkshire. The route passes through Lennoxtown, climbs over the classic Crow Road, meanders along the Carron Valley before plummeting down the Tak ma Doon Road into Kilsyth. Continuing towards Longriggend, Shotts and Allanton before turning back up to Jersay and Kirk O'Shotts, for the most part on quiet lanes and minor roads. Riders will then continue through Plains, Greengairs and on to the new finish at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld.
Bumper year for points competition
FINAL RESULT COMMENT Chris Goode YORKSHIRE COAST ixteen sections and 108 riders took part in this year’s competition. Nottingham came out on top, beating Tuxford into second place by a mere 13 points. North Cheshire, Fenland and Calder filled the next three places some keen racing which augers well for 2016. Awards will be presented at Lincoln on 27th March.
Lindsay Clarke (Fenland Clarion) proved the worthy winner of the Women’s points competition, with the runner up being the swift, queen of the mountains, Amy Ogden. The margin was 40 points. Consistency and the number of races completed laid the foundations for victory. There is no stopping Lindsay as her cyclocross season is now in full flow.
The Men’s competition was anail-biter, with the final result resting on the cyclocross at Nottingham. Martin Knight regains top spot with some great performances and despite a puncture in the 50 Championship. Andrew Martin and Ade Hughes made Martin work hard for his win.
Well done to all and we hope to see you at the events in 2016. Many thanks to all the organisers, marshals and officials who make this annual competition a success.
Section positions:
Nottingham Clarion 231 points Tuxford 218 N. Cheshire 201 Fenland 197 Calder 160 Bury 118 Saddleworth 96 Heanor 90 Yorkshire Coast 57 Sunderland 53 Stockport 39 West Lothian 30 London 29 Brighton Hove 7 Bolton 14 Crewe 5 Women's Competition:
Lindsay Clarke Fenland 190 points Amy Ogden Tuxford 150 Hannah Bayes Yorkshire Coast 50 Jess Beyer-Lyons Nottingham 50 Jenny Muston Calder 50 Georgina Jennings Fenland 30 Gemma Lumb Calder 30 Jayne Clarke Tuxford 20 Men's Competition:
M. Knight Nottingham 131 points A. Hughes North Cheshire 117 A. Martin Tuxford 15 P. Lunn Fenland 90 S. Hancock Calder 80 M. Jacklin Fenland 57 Clarke Tuxford 51 D. Brindley N. Cheshire 50 K. Howarth Nottingham 50 J. Hughes Nottingham 50 K. Manchester Saddleworth 50 D. Norman Fenland 50 W. Perrett Heanor 50 J. Clarke Fenland 46 S, Kaye Fenland 48 J. Levick Tuxford 45 J. Cadwallader Bury 42 D. Stammers Bury 4 K. Adlington Sunderland 40 W. Beech Nottingham 40 L. Hortesen Calder 40 P. Hurst Nottingham 40 D. Langlands Fenland 40 R. Mallinson Calder 40 M. Smith Tuxford 40 P. Williamson N. Cheshire 40 P. Armstrong Bury 35 M. Ball West Lothian 30 G. Burgess Stockport 30 S. Gregory Nottingham 30 C. Howe Heanor 30 J. Longworth Bury 30 D. Thorold Fenland 30 R. Whatmough Bury 30 D. Brady Bury 23 C. Goode Yorkshire Coast 29
S. Hope Fenland
D. Norman Fenland
G. Tait Bury
S. Cullen Saddleworth
C. Luxley N. Cheshire
M, Cheetham Saddleworth M. Hacker N. Cheshire
P. Kilpatrick Tuxford T.McRoyall N, Cheshire J. Norman Fenland
D. Thorold Fenland
N. Warner Saddleworth M, Gradwell Saddleworth A.Brooks Bury
J. Royle Fenland
P. Merritt Fenland
D. Mitchell N. Cheshire
J. Croston Calder
M. Ingham Fenland
M. Perfect London AWilliams Bury
M. Love Tuxford
B, McCaulder N. Cheshire M, Burton Calder
A. Horner Bury
M. Perrett Heanor
M. Barry Brighton Hove A. Callaghan Calder
S. Clarke Fenland
T. Coughlan Stockport
G. Davies Bury
L. Hacker N. Cheshire
C. Shaw Fenland
Bradley Heanor
M. Burgess Bury
G.Cook Tuxford
A. Fisher Yorks, Coast
B. Harber Brighton Hove S. Marsh Heanor
P. Barett Sunderland
P. Campbell Heanor
A. Hodginson N. Cheshire B, Marsh Heanor
M, O'Rorke London
P. Albiez Bury
L. Audain Calder
N. Grotz Sunderland
M. Holden Calder C,Moreman Saddleworth S. Nuttall Calder
J. Roberts N. Cheshire Nigel Wilson Tuxford
J. Clifton Calder
A. Southern London
H. Dhanji Fenland
G, Fenwick London
N. Hodginson N. Cheshire D. Jackson Sunderland P. Morphet Crewe
J. Norman Fenland
Shapiro Heanor
S. Sherwen N. Cheshire J. Fell Fenland
S. Walter Fenland
WINTER 2015/16 |BOOTS&SPURS 21
2015 Hill Climb Championships
Peter Roscoe BURY
quote from third place
rider Jon Longworth, “In
the words of the great
philosophers Wallace and Gromit it was a grand day out”. Many years ago just four members competed for the National Clarion hill climb championship, and they just rode an open event somewhere in Yorkshire. We had four guest riders and 29 Clarion entries compared with the ‘open’ West Pennine RC event of the previous week when only 16 competed.
The presence of Adam Yates to present the prizes added considerable lustre to the event especially as Adam is such a personable character and made our members who came in contact with him feel good.
When approached from the west there is grandeur about the Pennines and the road up Blackstone Edge with its hairpin bends.
This was especially so on
the glorious sunny day of our event. It is nothing like the mountain climbs of the continent but when you think this has been the training ground for the Yates twins since their teenage days
it did give a certain feel of anticipation for what is about to take place. And so it was with the storming ride of winner Keiran Manchester. Even Adam was astounded
with the performance. The team competition was very keen, with Saddleworth just 17.8 seconds ahead of second placed Bury. The joy of the Saddleworth team was evident as they were photographed with Adam this was so with all the prizewinners. I regretted not arranging certificates for the junior finishers so they too would have had the joy of shaking hands with Adam who, with his brother Simon, are Bury’s honorary members.
Amy Ogden was the only lady to ride but she was a worthy recipient of her prize with her 11th place. The junior competition was tricky, with the disparity of ages, but it is shown separately below along with the result of the team competition, which shows how keen this competition was.
Thanks to Bob Duckworth and his wife for organising this Bury Clarion promoted event on behalf of the National Clarion.Thank also to timekeeper Roger Winstanley who has timed Bury’s event for many years. Roger is very thorough and so too is the assistant timekeeper on the day ‘Jools’ Levick.
I first rode with Bury Clarion in 1949 and first raced in 1950, and, along with my wife Sylvia, had a grand Clarion day out.
NATIONAL CYCLIING CLUB HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP October 2015, Blackstone Edge. Event Secretary: Bob Duckworth, Promoting: Section Bury
Kieran Manchester Saddleworth 83.2 Andrew Martin Tuxford 850.0 3 John Longworth Bury 904.1 4 Declan Brady Bury 964 5 David Stammers Bury 9121 7 Joe Cadwallader Bury 915.2 8 Graham Tait Bury 9255 9 Simon Cullen Saddleworth 9268 10 Chris Luxley North Cheshire 930.5 11 Amy Ogden Tuxford 9311
12 Matthew Cheetham Saddleworth 9 34.8
13 Matt Hacker North Cheshire 935.5 14 Neil Warner Saddleworth 9471 15 Mike Gradwell Saddleworth 949.1 16 Peter Armstrong Bury 109.2 17 Adrian Brooks Bury 1019.0 18 lan Clarke Tuxford 1032.4 19 Jack Levick Tuxford 1033.8 20 Dave Owen Bolton 10375 21 Chris Goode Yorkshire Coast 1039.1 22 Andrew Williams Bury 10408
23 Ben McCaulder North Cheshire 10 41.0 24 Andy Horner Bury 1042.9 25 Lachlan Hacker North Cheshire 1111.5 26 Andy Fisher Yorkshire Coast 1128.2 27 Adam Hodginson North Cheshire 11 28,7 28 Philip Albiez Bury 1129.3 29 Nigel Hodginson North Cheshire 1214.2
Teams
1 Saddleworth: Kieran Manchester, Simon Cullen Saddleworth, Matthew Cheetham Saddleworth
Bury: John Longworth, Declan Brady, David Stammers
3 North Cheshire: Ade Hughes, Chris Luxley, Matt Hacker
4 Andrew Martin Tuxford 850.0
Amy Ogden Tuxford 931.1
lan Clarke Tuxford 10 32.4 28.53.5
Junior Prizes and Youth
1 Jack Levick Tuxford
2 Lachlan Hacker North Cheshire 3 Adam Hodginson North Cheshire
Women Amy Ogden Tuxford
f
Meet up on Facebook
Join the National Clarion group (Search ‘National Clarion’)
2015 CLARION HILL CLIMB Ex Bury member Adam Yates (left) now a professional rider
CHAMPS with Orica Greenedge kindly came along to present the prizes
IN PHOTOS
WINTER 2015/16 BOOTS&SPURS 23
2015 CLARION ROAD CHAMPS IN PHOTOS
BY KATE HUGHES
24 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
1
ENTER THE 2016 CHAMPS
SEE PAGE 2
WINTER 2015/16 |BOOTS&SPURS 25
National Clarion Circuit Race Championships 2015 York. Saturday, 08 Aug 2015
Women
1. Jenni Muston Calder 2. Lindsay Clarke Fenland 3. Gemma Lumb Calder
Men
1 David Grindley North Cheshire 2. Paul Wilkinson North Cheshire 3. Ryan Whatmough Bury
4, Thomas McRoyall North Cheshire 5, Peter Armstrong Bury
6. Joseph Cadwallader Bury
7. Adrian Hughes North Cheshire 8, Andrew Martin Tuxford
9. David Stammers Bury
10. Jonny Croston
U16 Boys 1. David Norman Fentand
U16 Girls 1. Hannah Bayes Yorkshire Coast
U14 Boys
1. Will Beech Nottingham 2. Carter Howe Heanor 3. James Clifton Calder
U12 boys 1. Sam Marsh Heanor 2. Louis Audain Calder
U10 Boys 1. Ben Marsh Heanor CC
National Clarion Track Championship (Omnium) Derby. Sunday, 12 Sep 2015
Omnium A
1. William Perrett Heanor 2. Martin Smith Tuxford
3, Joe Clarke Fenland
4. Philip Kilpatrick Tuxford 5, Mark Love Tuxford
6. Martin Perrett Heanor 7, lan Clarke Tuxford
8. Guy Cook Tuxford
9. Peter Campbell Heanor 10. James Roberts North Cheshire 11. lan Shapiro Heanor
Omnium B
1, John Hughes Nottingham
2. Ryan Mallinson Calder
3, Steve Hancock Calder
4, Lindsay Clarke Fenland
5, Chris Moreman Saddleworth 6. Paul Morphet Crewe
26 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/16
National Clarion Youth Track Championship (Omnium) Derby, Sunday, 13 Sep 2015
1. Matthew Devlin West Lothian
2. David Norman Fenland
3. Joseph Kidd Heanor
4, Helen Osguthorpe North Cheshire
Youth B
Finn Mansfield Nottingham Christopher Hordon West Lothian Alexander Ball West Lothian
Will Beech Nottingham
Carter Howe Heanor
Cameron Neilson Fenland
Mia Purnell Fenland
Oliver Cole Nottingham
Youth C
1. Eilidh Shaw Coatbridge
2. Lachlan Hacker North Cheshire 3. Lotta Mansfield Nottingham
4, Lewis McCondochie West Lothian
SECTIONEWS
BARNOLDSWICK
he club has had quite a
few new members join
this year from Barlick Fell Runners, who have wanted to take advantage of the local time trials they have helped to bolster the falling numbers. Dave Poole managed a second place in the hill climb run by Nelson Wheelers and, two hours later, the event by Pendle Forest C.C. Well done! Some of them went on to tackle The Three Peaks Cyclo Cross, all turning in respectable times. The club would like to offer them all a warm welcome.
The Tour of Britain passed
through Barnoldswick and Earby in July ona superb day. Member Tony Tomlinson and Margaret Brown put together a history of the local Clarion in St. Peter’s Church, Earby. We have had some great rides in the Dales this year with lots of climbing and pretty decent weather too, The Saturday group have had very good turn outs ranging from 50 to 90+ miles. We now have a C group cycling up to 40 miles, taking advantage of the superb and varied cafes in the area. We have up to six women riding with us regularly, and we had a rider from Ballymena road club Northern island a few weeks ago. Mick Meath
BOLTON write this with the end of the year just over a week away, and apart from the mainly disappointing weather, what a year we’ve had at Bolton Clarion: quite a few members spent a week/10 days cycling in Majorca in April and this was followed by many of the membership leading the cavalcade of vehicles (for the 2nd consecutive year) to Lymm for their annual festival of transport.
During the height of summer we trialled two new Reliability rides the 150km to Ilkley was challenging but very rewarding while the 200km to Neston (north east of Chester) was one of the most enjoyable rides of the year.
Four members enjoyed a scintillating 9-day tour of the Swiss Alps during
Barnoldswick arrive in Haworth ahead of the Tour of Britain
August and seven completed the very challenging Wild Wales Challenge a couple
of weeks later (where the alpine training came in very handy). The onset of autumn saw Dave Owen win our annual hill climb competition and just recently he also won our annual down-
hill competition. Staying
on the competitive front, Dave has also completed in TTs and cyclocross events, along with a handful of our other members: William Cocker, Dave Bissett, Mark Ainsworth, Tony Bowles, Nick Hockenhull and Ian Humphreys.
The downhill challenge was followed by a Christmas meal at a local pub where over 40 members tucked into a delicious 3-course meal, washed down witha drink or two. We also managed to raise £111 for Bolton Hospice
WINTER 2015/6 BOOTS&SPURS 27
while raffling off prizes donated by members and Geoff Smith (LBS).
All the above was of course interspersed with our weekly ‘A’ and ‘B’ rides, where we’ve clocked up many thousands of miles between us the leader of the pack though is Paul Hackin who has accumulated over 10,000 miles and he’s only ‘semi’ retired.
Mike Singleton
BRIGHTON HOVE
t’s over a year since we last
reported, so there is a lot
to say. We continue to ride every fortnight, and turnouts average around 10 but have been as high as 18 that’s 40% of our membership of 44. Our gender ratio remains balanced at exactly 50:50.
Geographically speaking, we go all over East and West Sussex, and occasionally bits of Surrey and Kent, and even London, usually assisted by train to get us through the Downs, though east-west coastal rides tend to start at the Pier. Some rides have themes or special features, such as our “Easter bonnet” ride last year, and a visit to Oldland windmill in May, when we were able to go inside and have a guided tour of this restored, working mill. Full reports, with pictures, can be found at https:// brightonandhoveclarion. wordpress.com/category/ ride-report/. We're aware that our
activities differ markedly
from most of those we read about from other sections’ reports, and that many Clarion members like to
ride fast and competitively. We don’t. We don’t see this approach as any better or worse, just different. We like to cycle in the countryside and to look at the views, interesting buildings, and flora and fauna as we go.
I think our philosophy
can be summed up best
by the author of one of our ride reports from back in February; after the group had been advised by the leader not to stop too often (so as to get back before the coming rain), she countered: “How can you not want to stop and stare at a field blanketed with snowdrops?”
Disobeying the leader’s advice is not just a habit with us, it’s pretty much part of the culture. Our esteemed Secretary Ian Bullock has described the attempt to lead such an unruly mob as “herding cats”, and it’s a good metaphor. On a ride in April, some of the group got in front of the leader and decided to plough on at junction where they should have turned left. By the time they had been spotted by the rest of us they were just specks in the
Brighton Hove
28 BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
distance. We had to resort to asking a speedy looking fellow in Lycra to send them back when he caught up with them, which he duly did. We like to meet up with other Clarion sections when we can. A few years back, we met the Dorset section in the New Forest, and more recently we have had several get-togethers with our nearest neighbours, London, including a lovely joint ride in January when a15-strong group drawn from both sections rode up to Greenwich from Norwood along NCN21, after which the Londoners took over us on a guided exploration of the Thames Path, with lots of fascinating stories from local history, including that of Edwardian medical philanthropist and socialist Dr Alfred Salter, whose statue we passed. Ian, though he missed the ride, was able to give us a lot more information on Salter, who had featured in his research into the history of the Independent Labour Party. Some of us met the Londoners again, together with Clarionettes from other sections, on the annual “Dieppe Raid” in June. Jim Grozier
BURY CLARION s we come to the year-end we have 113 members. While this is only one more than at the end of 2014, it is 13 more than the total of 100 members in 1954, so Bury
‘10 under the Ben’ success
Clarion is responding to
the increased interest in
our great pastime. Another pointer to our success is that 37 attended our Billie Fleming Celebratory ride. In 1938, Billie Fleming rode 28609 miles in one year a record for a woman that still stands today.
Alas, although we did our best to recruit female riders only two turned out on the day. Joanne Cebrat was the organiser of these rides and she did the ride of 86 miles, which included the Trough of Bowland. She continued to include Heywood as this was where Billie road on the same date in 1938. Cath Skinner volunteered to lead a short ride, which also includes part of Billie Fleming’s route. Unfortunately, no one came along to support Cath. Two exceptional rides that are worthy of recognition are those of John Bunting and Bob Harbin, who did the Lands End to John 0 Groats ride. John, with the Deloitte organised ride, and Bob on his own ride to celebrate his retirement. Our contributions to the cycling world include the annual Crit at Salt Ayre
Podium places for Coatbridge’s Des, Martin and Dougie
near Lancaster, our Annual Hill Climb in Cycling Week which attracted over 70 riders and the National Clarion Hill climb mentioned in another report. We are now moving forward with our satellite GoRide clubs for juveniles and juniors. This year we have had an even spread of Club Championship winners, with Andy Horner winning the Tens and Time Trial Championships, Joe Cadwallader the Hill Climb and Points competition, Nick Hall the 50 championship, John Bunting the 25 championship and Phil Shaw the Handicap Championship. Peter Roscoe
COATBRIDGEC e had many noteworthy highlights in the second half of 2015 to be proud of. Four of our riders Aaron Harrison, Alan Anderson, Kate Fairley and Phil Brady put in a fantastic effort to ride from London to Paris in four days, raising thousands for local charity St Andrews Hospice.
Well done to our junior rider Eilidh Shaw, who showed her class at the National Clarion Track Championships in Derby. Look out for Eilidh and little brother Struan in the future.
In June several of our
WINTER 2015/6] BOOTS&SPURS 29
riders did a Club Everest Challenge. Non-stop repeat ascents of a local 1,000 feet climb saw our riders amass a total of 120,000 feet over an 8 hour period. This equates to four ascents of Mount Everest.
That weekend, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Dougie Muirhead, Calum Muirhead and Davy Allan took third place on the podium in the team event of the “Ten Under The Ben” ten hour mountain bike race. In August, our riders Des Grant, Martin Gordon, Dougie Muirhead, Stevie Doherty, Brian Main, Colin Devlin and Chris Ward represented the club in the Enable Scotland 24 hour race at Knockhill Racing Circuit. We had two teams, each consisting of three riders in the team event, plus Chris riding solo. Our boys fought through the pain barrier with a podium place and medals for Des, Martin and Dougie, who were pipped at the post by two teams of four. Our second team of Stevie, Brian and Dev earned an excellent 6th place, with another hard fought battle against larger teams. Chris finished strongly to take an impressive 7th place in the individual race.
Also in August, we headed away on the annual President’s Run 25 riders plus support vehicles, conquering some of the biggest hill climbs in the UK to reach the highest road in Scotland. Our first year of Club TT series proved a
30 |BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2013
big success, with 22 riders and many helpers involved. Special mention to one of our honorary members, Arthur “Acky” McCann, who marshalled the turn in all weathers. Alan MacIntyre and Liz Hunt took the individual titles. In the handicapped team races
we saw John Gordon and Colin Devlin snatch victory in the 2-up event. Brian Main, Michael McDonald and Robert Smith put ina real team performance to take the 3-up event. Finally, congratulations from all of our club members to our Honorary President George Allen, who celebrated his 89th birthday, along with his lovely wife Sadie at the Clubhouse Hogmanay Party. George was an active Clarion rider decades ago and still looks forward to reading the latest edition of Boots and Spurs with Sadie when it arrives.
John Gormlie
Italian Clarion's Caetano, Giovanni and Julian
SECTION NEWS
ITALIAN
t was a quiet year in 2015
in terms of cycling. In July,
new member Caetano Augusto Santoro, from Brazil, ripped his Achilles tendon (playing football), in August Giovanni and Sue Bazzoni had their first child Emily and in September Lorraine and Julian had their second, Sophia. Congrats to all, as Caetano will be more or less fully recovered by the time we all read this.
Other notable events in no particular order of importance were; the passing of the Giro ‘Italia in May; Lorraine being rescued in the Alps by helicopter in February; the Milano Torino classic in October; the first GranFondo Torino in September a beautiful 165 kms through the local hills of Le Langhe, Monferrato Torinese; the MTB singlespeed championships in September. This autumn, it has
been spectacular to see the changing colours of the leaves and vines, and the changing colours and textures of the fields around the Po plains as the harvest comes in and the fields are ploughed. A dry and calm autumn means the leaves have stayed for longer and the changing colours have been incredible. By November the Alps usually start to turn white, but we’ve seen no snow so far this winter.
Seasons greetings anda Happy 2016 from Italy. Julian Mortel
MALMESBURY embership continues to rise steadily.
The club has a
busy schedule with rides
every Wednesday evening,
Thursday lunchtime,
Saturday morning and once
a month on a Sunday. Route-
Master Howard Sprange
devises a long and a short
route to the Saturday coffee stops. This allows members to cycle at a pace they feel comfortable with and still socialise together.
Our annual trip to the seaside in August was well attended and despite the early heavy rain, was still success. A buffet lunch was kindly provided by Tim Hibbert’s mum. The day ended with a mealat a local restaurant. Our thanks go to Tim, for making all of the arrangements.
Sadly, in September, Paul Hadley was struck by a
Finn and Lotta Mansfield won the U14B and U12G at Mallory Park Road Race League in 2015
SUMMER 2013 |BOOTS&SPURS
motor car whilst cycling to the start of a club ride and sustained a fractured pelvis. We all wish him a speedy return.
Dyson is a big employer in the town and attracts people from afar. We're delighted to have Karine Degrendele join us from France.
Mike Greer rode to Rosyth and back again via Barrow. He’s also completed a number of 200km Audax events, as well as his first 300km.
Peter Cattermole, whilst rarely missing a club ride, has also ridden lots of local sportives.
New member and climbing specialist Simon Sparkes has taken root at the top of our Strava club and will take some shifting.
Triathlete Malc Shipton has been training hard and performing well.
Weare due to hold our first AGM in February 2016.
NORTH CHESHIRE o15 has beena tremendous year for the go-ride section of North Cheshire Clarion.
Joining a select group of cycling clubs across the country, the club was extremely proud to receive Clubmark accreditation this year, recognising our high standards in welfare, equity, coaching and club management.
The club was officially presented with its Clubmark certification at Warrington’s Cycle Festival by Paralympic
BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2013
Malmesbury beside the sea
athlete Adrian Derbyshire and British Cycling Go-Ride coach and former European and World BMX Champion Dylan Clayton.
Prior to this season, the club had an extremely small core of young riders participating in cycle racing. Focused coaching sessions and support has been provided to encourage those riders who might want to experience racing, with specific skills coaching delivered throughout the season in road, track, cyclocross and most recently, mountain biking. This has seen racing participation increase significantly, with a substantial NCC ‘race team’ now competing in the first three disciplines. The growth in girl participation has been especially encouraging, with an increase from one regular girl racer to four this season.
However, the most rewarding outcome of the growth in racing participation has been the camaraderie and team spirit that has developed, including inter-club friendships.
Meeting cycling heroes: from track to road, the kids have had amazing opportunities this year to
meet their cycling heroes. Some lucky riders were coached by Sir Chris Hoy and Jess Varnish at the British Cycling/Hoy bikes collaboration launch, while others got up close and personal with Team Sky Tour de France cycling stars, such as Luke Rowe and
the Maillot Jaune winner himself! Five NCC Juniors were ushered into the VIP area of the team bus to speak with Chris Froome!
The biggest success of the year has been the amazing growth in the junior club’s cycling community. Junior club riders and their families have enjoyed weekends away at the Tour de Yorkshire and the National Clarion Autumn Meet in Coalport, where there was a bit of an NCC Junior takeover! Social rides are becoming the norm; with treasure hunt rides, sportives, such as the Evans Cheshire ‘Ride-It’, NCC’s own Wizard and Llama audax, and themed rides, such as our spooky fancy dress Halloween ride.
Lies] Hacker
SADDLEWORTH
015 has been a year
of progress for
Saddleworth Clarion with the establishment of two new club runs. The C ride has become a mainstay of the weekend for club members who can ride at a slower pace than the faster Sunday rides. Our Saturday Social rides have been advertised via the GoSkyRide website and have
NORTH CHESHIRE IN PICTURES
Owen Woolland (age 9)
Meadow Whitehead with Sir Chris Hoy
NCC Juniors with Luke Rowe. From L-R Adam McClorey (age 12), Gareth and Hannah McClorey (age 10), Lachlan Hacker (age 12) and Euan Hacker (age 10)
At the Clarion’s Autumn Meet in Coalport, lronbridge
SUMMER 2013 |BOOTS&SPURS 2
been well attended by people new to the sport and club riding. As a consequence of these two very popular rides, we have welcomed a number of new members to the club and we hope to continue this trend in 2016.
Special mention has to go to Louise Harrott and Andy King who joined this year and have taken it upon themselves to run the C rides, and Nephi Alty for leading the Saturday Social events.
On the competitive front our major success this year has been hill climbing.
In particular we are now proud holders of the Clarion Hill Climb team prize. We fielded a strong team who rode brilliantly but it has to be said that our star rider, Kieran Manchester stole the show for us and took away the individual prize. Thanks to Bury for organising the hill climb and getting Adam Yates to present the prizes.
In addition, the club has also been represented competitively on the road, track and cyclocross scenes this year.
Our mountain bike riders continue to make their mark on the bridleways and moors in the area and organised a fun downhill event leading up to Christmas. More on that in the next edition of Boots and Spurs.
In other membership news, at a chance meeting (and after getting him in a corner where he couldn’t get away) we welcomed Jens Voigt to our club. Though he has
yet to turn out in claret and green, we hope to entice him over to sunny Saddleworth sometime in the near future. As for 2016, our club is planning to organise more events. We held a successful charity sportive in the summer as well as our ever popular Audax events and we have taken over the running of the Oldham Mountain Time Trial. This will be known as the Saddleworth Clarion Mountain Time Trial and will run, as ever, ona killer course that includes Wessenden Head. It goes without saying that we hope to see other sections represented at this event. Finally, the club was nicely represented at the National Clarion Autum Meeting at Ironbridge. This was an absolutely fantastic weekend and we hope to be there in greater numbers next year. Well done Ironbridge for doing such a brilliant job of organising and catering for all abilities. Chris Moreman
STOCKPORT. aul Whittaker and Maggie McPhillips both finished 3rd in their category at the Cyrmu 5 day MTB race.
Thanks to Phil Dilkes’s contacts we were invited to be in Cycling Weekly in August this year. We had a good ride out with many of the club attending (see picture).
We have had two successful YHA weekends away, both on and off road,
34|BOOTS&SPURS| WINTER 2015/6
a trip around the hills of Wrexham for the MTB and aroad ride to Lincoln. On the Lincoln ride we made a stop off at Tuxford Clarion. Tan Clarke laid on cake (well Jayne did that) and coffee.
We were then taken ona nice quiet route into Lincoln by members from Tuxford.
We have 12 members going ona training week to Majorca next April.
Five members rode the Paris Roubaix Sportive. Duncan Mclaren
SUNDERLAND
ngrid Shepherd continued
her strong season with a
seventh place finish in the Women’s RTTC National 50 TT championship. It followed yet another regional victory the previous weekend at Allen Valley Mountain Time Trial.
Shepherd clocked a time of 2:01:31 on the rolling A road course in Shropshire; she was just over 8 minutes behind overall winner Julia Shaw (www.drag2zero. com)1:53:09, who finished ahead of Team Velosport’s Hayley Simmonds (1:54:22) with the final step of the podium taken by Gateshead based rider Angela Hibbs of Team Wattcycle who stopped the clock at 1:58:27.
The previous weekend, Shepherd continued her dominance of regional time trials with a victory ina shortened Allen Valley Mountain Time Trial, ina time of 32:14. Steve Gordon took the honours in the over
Stockport get club of the week in Cycling Weekly
40s veteran category as well as 5th overall with a time of 30:03, as Adept Precision RT’s Shaun Tyson took
the overall victory with an impressive time of 29 minutes dead. Ilkley CC’s Ewan Farrow finished 2nd with 29:39, ahead of the Cestria CC pair of Michael Openshaw (29:44) and Dean Penfold (29:53), times which helped Cestria CC take the team prize. The second Clarion rider on the day was Kris Adlington in 12th with a time of 31:17, with Matt France
Ingrid in action
in 41st (34:53) and Tom Guy 43rd (35:08).
Steve Gordon meanwhile continued to show good form clocking 53:45 to finish 18th in the Adept Precision RT 25 TT on Saturday in North Yorkshire. The event was won by Michael Ellerton of Team Swift in a time of 50:40, 10 seconds ahead of Mark Thaxter (HD Revolutions), with the host’s Shaun Tyson clocking 50:54 to round out the podium.
On the road racing circuit, Michael Sloanes looks to be
rediscovering his form after a strong performance in
the Peter Taylor Memorial Road Race on Humberside, which saw him finish 4th despite a late puncture. Sloanes attacked two laps out on a downhill section, which saw him and one other rider get away, later joined by three others. In the end the puncture with just over a mile to go saw Sloanes’ sprint hampered and he missed out on the podium behind eventual winner Richard Moore (Squadra RT), who took the win ahead of Alexander Simmons (BowlPhish BONTRAGER Racing) and Paul Rymer (Wilsons Wheels Race Team).
Meanwhile Paul Cottrell finished 7th at the Prissick race circuit on Thursday in the 3rd and 4th category race, narrowly pipped to the line by Houghton CC’s Chris Ranson, in a race won by SCOTT Racing’s Matthew Worton.
Matthew France
Sunderland Clarion riders headed into the sun
WINTER 2015/6| BOOTS&SPURS 35
Tuxford and Stockport meet up
TUXFORD s we draw to the end of another cycling year we have seen our membership numbers continue to increase, hitting 55 recently, with 21 new to the club this year.
It’s also been great to see lots of riders get involved with either representing the Tuxford section this year or coming along to have a go at our local time trial. On the racing front, our Junior rising star Jack Levick keeps going from strength to strength, taking the National Junior Clarion record this year in 20:41, while Amy Ogden continues to astound us with her speed and form. Our racing performances have put Tuxford second in the Clarion racing league this year which makes us all very proud and determined to go one better in 2016.
On our local time trial
course we have seen record numbers participating and it’s been great to see folks battle with themselves on the ‘contre la montre’. We have also seen some great performances by Martin Smith and Mark Love at the Clarion national track championships at Derby velodrome this year.
As with most sections, our Sunday club runisa focal point of most members cycling week and this is what makes the club most enjoyable, catching up on chat, honing new skills and seeing each other improve as the year goes on. We’re always grateful to our ‘clubman of the year’ Dave Shaw for keeping our routes varied and organised. We even managed to get a chain gang ride going in the late summer which we will look to continue next year.
We now look forward to
36 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
the close of 2015 with good spirits and wish all fellow Clarion members a safe cycling winter.
Andrew Martin
WEST LOTHIAN
he Autumn brought
a good turn out of
members at our club events. 100 riders of all ages took part in our club hill climb champs, and over 70 attended the Champion’s Dinner (organised by Stephen Henley) where John Glass was awardedClub Member of the Year after participating in every club activity (and winning many) over the last two years, as well as volunteering.
The Santa Cyclocross (organised by Ewen Fulton) attracted another bumper turnout, with Jamie O’Kane and Ailsa Curtis taking the honours on a very muddy circuit. The success of
WEST LOTHIAN CLARION IN PICTURES
Eilidh, Leah, Scotland’s Louise Haston, and Abbie
Hardy club 10 riders ay,
4
WINTER 2015/6] BOOTS&SPURS
NEWS
combined adult and youth events is a formula we plan to try to repeat more often.
Kevin O’Hara took over as Secretary at the AGM in September.
2016 will be dominated by the efforts of many in the club to see a proposed 1km traffic free cycle circuit built in Linlithgow. A business plan has been published and as we go to press a public consultation is taking place and funding applications are being submitted. If all goes to plan, construction is due to start in December 2016. However, a great deal of work must be done before then.
Matthew Devlin came second in the Scottish youth Madison championships with team mate Jonathan Hillbourne (from the Glasgow Riderz). In less than a year, Matthew has gone from a handball player to an accomplished track cyclist.
Max Guthrie was awared most improved boy and Katie Galloway most improved girl, while Alex Ball was awarded rider of the year at the Youth Awards, with special guest, Commonwealth Games cyclist, Louise Haston.
The Youth Section has just completed a development plan which will see nine new coaches trained up so that the
waiting list of 90 riders can be reduced.
In January, Alan Massey managed a host of volunteers when he organised a very successful youth and women’s cyclocross race, with 200 riders taking part, including 50 women who completed a coaching session prior to the race event.
Matthew Ball
YORKSHIRE COAST
here has been success
for Hannah Bayes,
representing the club at the National Clarion Criterium at York. She also rode strongly in the National Hill climb at Jackson’s Bridge, riding for Scarborough Paragon. Richard Cullen had a good racing debut in a 2-up time trial with Chris Goode; Andy Fisher also impressed in September, in the City RC (Hull) 2-up.
Terry Lynch journeyed
to see his brother in Canada over the summer and also went to Cuba. A slide show is due to take place imminently. His work asa Bikeability instructor, with other trainers, has helped 384 youngsters to be more confident on the roads. One of the high points was the boosted self-esteem of two previous non-riders.
Also on the other side of the pond, Karen Melcher has been fine tuning her cycling on the tandem.
Stuart Walsh continues his excellent work publicising the International Brigade Memorial Trust and the Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War.
Two of our members, Margaret Hunt and Greystone Small, are recovering from a broken hip and a collision with an Eddie Stobbart lorry respectively. Greystone has shown great fortitude after his broken collar bone, ribs and damaged shoulder. He is making a good recovery and Margaret is up and about.
One of our newest members is Steve Ward who is the UK agent for Biemme quality clothing. Jerseys and shorts can be customised in club colours and the prices are extremely reasonable. Please have a look at www. creazzo.co.uk
It is blowing a gale outside and we look forward to the spring and meeting up with other Clarion sections at Easter. Andy Fisher and the section invite you to our Open 25, north of Beverley in April. Keep those wheels turning.
Chris Goode
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: mball@matthewball.co.uk DEADLINE: May 31, 2016. The SUMMER issue will be out in July 2016.
38|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2015/6
BOOTS&SPURS BooTs#sGma BOOTS&SPURS Garry Marshall's
FUDD AE HONOR SEEN CARO CC artwork has appeared in magazines like Rolling Stone, and he is also a successful film maker and animator. Boots Spurs Winter 2012 issue was awarded Scotland's Cover
of the Decade.
BOOTS@SPURS
‘THENATTONAL CLARION CYCLING CLUS MEMBER MAGAZINE. ee UINLERISPRING 2012,
HOUR RECORD BROKEN BUXTON EASTER MEET SURVIVING WINTER CLARION KIDS RACE ROUND-UP SECTION NEWS ARCHIVE STORES.
BOOTS&SPURS
WINTER 2015/6] BOOTS&SPURS 39
No words could be read on this page.