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Boots and Spurs
Winter 2018/19
(interim edition – for a new beginning)
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Boots
Let’s get this newsletter on the road, my feet are getting cold, LOL. Editors: Andrew Livesey (AL) – Andrew@Livesey.US 07944 996 998 London Clarion CC – previously Burnley Clarion CC and North Lancashire Clarion C&AC. “The Clarion led me out of my backyard in Burnley into the big wide world where I could ride and socialise with people like myself.” Edward Gilder (EG) – edwardgilder@yahoo.co.uk Private Clarion Member - Cycle tourist and Audax rider from Norfolk.
“The Clarion provided me with a home while the CTC was tearing itself apart over the name change to Cycling UK. I have got over it now!”
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From the Editors This edition of Boots and Spurs is being assembled jointly by your new editors. We have never met and so far, only briefly spoken on the phone. We have ideas about where Boots and Spurs might go in the future. We hope we manage to agree as the partnership progresses. We are both aware of its long and illustrious heritage and also that it is a members’ magazine. Without you, the members, all you will have is the opinions of the editors, ably assisted by the committee and after a while you will tire of our points of view. We rely not only on Section reports to update us all on what you have been doing, but also news of what you have planned for the future. Social rides, competitive rides, members tours, outrageous Audax rides, winter quizzes: they are all part of club life. Tell us about them. Many of you have responded at short notice to our call for copy for this our first edition and we thank you for that. We hope we have put together something which is worthy of the title and look forward to receiving future copy and meeting some of you in the forthcoming year.
Merry Christmas and All the best for 2019
Andrew and Edward
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Contents 3. From the Editors 5. Obituary of Dennis Pye – Author of “Fellowship is Life” and long time Clarion Member. 7. It’s All About the Numbers – some thoughts from Mike Patterson 8. Custom Bike Award 11. Book of the Month – Fellowship is Life 11. Mileage – A World Record – How Many Have You Ridden? 12. Clarion Track Championships - Derby Sunday 3rd February 2019 36. Clarion Sunday – 9th June 2019 - A call to Nelson
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Denis Pye Born on 8th May 1947 and passed away on the 9th of March 2018 Denis was a major player in the Clarion movement, so sadly we start this newsletter with his obituary; but in reality, it is a life that we are celebrating – hopefully more members will follow in his passion for socialism and cycling. Editor Denis Pye died in March 2018. He was husband to Wendy and father to John, Jennie and Mark; also, grandfather to Sam, Robbie, Laura and Christopher. His life was devoted to his family, teaching, history, political causes and cycling. Denis was born in Bolton in April 1935 to Lily and Harry Pye. He started life at Iona Place and Florence Avenue, Tonge Moor. He attended Church Road Primary school and his Mother helped instigate Denis’s love of books and reading, whilst his Dad influenced his commitment to Socialist principles as well as his Grandfather who was a full-time trade union worker for the Weavers’ Association. Denis did well at school and got a scholarship to attend Bolton School. Again, he did well and then he went onto to study history and politics at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Prior to this, Denis did his national service in the Royal Artillery. He hated everything about the army, consequently becoming a lifelong pacifist. Throughout his career Denis was active in union affairs and was teacher representative on Bolton Education Committee. Importantly the year after, Denis and Wendy got married at the Victoria Hall Methodist Church which is where they first met, in the youth club. Whilst doing his first teaching post Denis agreed to stand as a labour candidate in the local election – a strong Tory seat. Amazingly and after three recounts he was elected by about 40
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votes. Denis was the only councillor to vote for free fire grate bottoms for pensioners. Denis moved into teacher training at Manchester Polytechnic where he was a star, so much so that one of the youngsters at one school thought he was Ken Dodd. He retired from the Poly in 1986. A former pupil commented on his skills as a form teacher and kindness, at a special evening in honour of Denis at Bolton Socialist club, on 27th April. Denis was always firm to his beliefs whether this was defending peace, supporting the miners or a myriad of local issues, in Lancashire. Two of his proudest achievements, with Wendy, were the re-emergence of Bolton Clarion CC and his involvement with Bolton Socialist Club. The former happened after a chance meeting, having parked the tandem outside the town hall and then being invited for a cup of tea to Frank Horwood’s house. At that time there were only a few older members; Denis and Wendy helped revitalise the Clarion section. At one stage the club on Wood Street looked likely to close, however Denis had other ideas and his determination and that of others means that it continues to celebrate socialist values, co-operation and the defence of equality and people’s rights. Denis was a key member of Bolton Clarion Choir and Margaret Jepson is keen to stress what a beautiful tenor voice he had. Sadly, Denis and Wendy lost their son Mark, when he was 22, in a road traffic accident near their home in Halliwell; however, in true Pye style, they set up the Bolton section of The Compassionate Friends helping bereaved parents and relatives. This was a great comfort to many parents and family members in the Bolton area. Denis was a very caring, patient and thoughtful man. Denis was on the National Clarion Cycling Club committee for many years working with Marion and Harold Lamb, Merlin Evans, Charles Jepson and other stalwarts of the Clarion movement. The first photo is taken on the steps of Menston Clarion Club House, near Otley. It is now a private house and the Clarion name remains above the doorway. The other is of Denis, in 2008, recuperating after a double hip operation. Many Clarionettes will know of Denis as a result of his unique and thorough development of the story of the Clarion Cycling Club from the 1890s to the present day. Fellowship is Life is not just the title of the book
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but a motto for the Clarion movement and distinctly illustrates how Denis lived his life, with the loving and devoted support of Wendy and his family. Writing this book was a great achievement and it is still available from David Bisset and London Clarion. It was an honour to work with Denis on the latest edition that came out in 2014. Denis had a steely, yet modest, confidence and was always polite, friendly, approachable with insightful intelligence – a great friend to many and a superb husband, father and grand-father. The warm tributes paid at Denis’s funeral (and at the celebration of Denis’s life, at Bolton Socialist Club) by his family and friends reflect the love and respect which we all share for Denis who will be missed enormously. Chris Goode Yorkshire Coast Clarion July 2018 It’s All About the Numbers. The last time I entered an open time trial was 26 September 1993, by coincidence this was also a Clarion event in the form of the Calder Clarion 2-up 10 on the O10/2. In those days cycling was much more straightforward. You got on your bike and pedaled as hard as possible until the finish line passed beneath your wheels. You might have known your speed, and maybe cadence if you were at the cutting edge of technology. A six-speed block, maybe seven, was your limit. Twenty-five years later and there are even more numbers to deal with. Some are higher some are lower. Fewer kilograms on my bike, more kilograms on me. The seven gears are now eleven. The 18-tooth large sprocket is now a 32. The 42/52 chain rings give way to 34/50. Despite riding at (181), and when spurred on by spectators, above (189) my maximum heart rate, I was never going to threaten the leaderboard. My power output can be no more than half of what it once was.
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How do these numbers translate to my overall result? They all add up to a big number, which, when represented in seconds, results in a time that gave me the lanterne rouge position. I was in the prizes! This is a story of numbers and lasts. 25 years since I last did something like this, possibly the last time I will be doing anything like that. Last place was inevitable. Mike Patterson Interesting article Mike for all of us of a certain age – the last hill climb I rode I finished up walking part of it - AL
CUSTOM BIKE AWARD
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Eleanor’s Ride A special bike ride for a bike for a young club member. Saturday 21st July 2018, saw 11 club cyclists, including two 13-year olds, Ben and Lewis, take on the coast to coast challenge, Whitehaven to Sunderland. With support from their back up team Ian Smith, Sandie Wood, Stephen Plumstead, Casey and mascot Ollie the dog, they cycled over 130 Miles in one day. Splitting into two groups, Jason Grove, Pete Roberts, Mark Holden, Tom Penty, Jason Atardo along with teenagers Ben and Lewis came in under 9 hours. Fran Smith, Clare Plumstead, Ian Hoyle and Lorien James completed the challenge in 12 hours. The challenge was the idea of Ian Smith. As club mechanic, Ian is used to adjusting bikes for club members. Ian had been asked if a standard road bike could be adapted to a flat bars with a simple gear set up for Eleanor. What made this tricky is Eleanor has disabilities that affect her right-hand side, making gear changes difficult. Hoods and drop bars were out of the question, so the best plan was to have a flat bar set up. Eleanor’s disabilities include epilepsy and cerebral palsy, she struggles with mobility, requiring a wheelchair for any long distances of walking, along with the issue of seizures brought on by over-exertion. She has had a dislocated knee for over 4 years requiring operations. After learning to ride through specialist physiotherapist lessons, cycling has become a passion for Eleanor, giving her a sense of speed and freedom. It has been a huge challenge for her to learn to ride a standard bike and joining Calder Clarion go-ride with use of an enclosed track has given her somewhere she can fit in and ride with like minded people. Understanding Eleanor’s needs, Ian along with Dan Haigh, owner of a
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local bike shop Cycle Technology, set about adapting the bike – a Specialized Dolce. They wanted to make the bike something Eleanor would want and be able to comfortably ride, it was agreed the best option would be for the bike to be fitted with electronic shifting. Hence, the coast to coast. Ian secretly organised a team within the club, together they set about raising sponsorship for what would become ‘Eleanor’s Ride’. It was a real club effort, from organising vans for support teams, (kindly donated by Euramax Solutions and Arrow Self Drive), to taking on the ride, organising sponsorship, and rebuilding the bike to a high specification including respray, design and print of the decal, the refit of the components which includes internally routed Shimano Diore XT Di2 group set, a 11/46 cassette, Ritchie headset and colour changing pedals, and it even has Calder Clarion club logos on - the bike is truly unique to Eleanor. They raised in excess of £1800 towards the bike fund. Using money left over, they donated to Wakefield Hospice, a local Hospice dear to many members, and also St Leonard’s Hospice, a charity Clare Plumstead was also riding for in memory of her friend and work colleague. Eleanor’s was presented with her new bike on Sunday 14 October, she is extremely happy and took for a test ride straight away. Eleanor’s parents say “For the club to undertake this huge cycling challenge, and creating this special bike by truly understanding Eleanor and her passion for cycling whilst facing her own daily challenges is amazing and inspiring. It will make such a difference to Eleanor’s riding, enabling her to take her cycling to the next level. Our club is much more than riding a bike, it’s about being there and looking out for each other, we’re so proud to know these wonderful people, we will be forever grateful for their generosity”.
PLEASE SEND A PHOTO OF YOUR SPECIAL
BIKE AND A TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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BOOK OF THE MONTH As a writer I’m often cynical and critical of other books and authors, I usually pick up a few books when I’m on long-haul flights, turn a few pages and leave them in the magazine pocket. Fellowship is Life by Denis Pye is a pot boiler. I’d seen it advertised for years, and cynically never bought it. On learning of his passing – reported elsewhere in this magazine – and seeing it advertised on the London Clarion website, I bought a copy. I opened it to read a few pages before going to sleep – I finished if at 2am. If you’ve not read, it I suggest that you buy a copy, it’s £7-50 post free from the London Clarion web site. It does exactly what it says on the cover – it tells the story of the National Clarion Cycling Club from 1895 to the 1990s. AL.
MILEAGE
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In 2017 Amanda Coker rode 86,500 miles. She rode for about 13 hours each day around a park in Tampa, Florida, giving her the world record. For the next issue it would be good to have some mileage figures from sections and individuals. AL is riding about 200 miles a month, it used to be that mileage on a weekend. Cycling is about getting out on the road, so let’s see who is actually riding. EG has so far this year clocked up just over 1500 miles – it would be more but he is stuck inside typing.
Clarion Track Championships – Derby Sunday 3rd February 2019 Venue – Derby Arena Time – 12:00 to 18:00 It’s a great way to spend a cold winter’s day, either watching, helping or riding in the National Clarion Track Champs. This year again it will be organised by Steve Clarke, Clarion National Racing Secretary, who will need some helpers to volunteer. Please contact Steve if you can give up some time to help sign-on, ring the bell, be riders whip or some other job. Once again at the fabulous Derby Arena, central for many sections in the UK. If you want to ride, you will need to have proven accreditation at one of the UK’s indoor wooden tracks to be able to race. The programme will include several Clarion Championships as well as the Omnium championships for the Dove Track Trophy: - Sprint Championships – for the Mackay Pollock Trophy - Solo Pursuit Championships - Adam Hill Cup - Team Pursuit Champs – for the Czech Trophy - Youth Omnium – Handforth Cup - Senior 5-mile Champs – 5-mile Cup - Senior Omnium – Dove Cup
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A full programme of Youth Races will also be organised for the day as well as senior races. Senior, Vets and Ladies races will be structured depending on riders to give everyone a good chance of good racing. This year for the first time we will present engraved medals on the day with a podium celebration for all medallists. So, whether you plan to race or spectate, please come along and support this excellent championship event. Entry details from Steve Clarke – Racing Secretary Tel: 01733 706498 or email racing@fenlandclarion.co.uk Edward will be there to cover this event – Andrew will be walking the Cornish Coastal Path.
On and off the Avenue Verte: Brexit-Breaking Bravado
from Brighton to Bray Nice bit of alliteration, Jim. It was interesting to read in Boots & Spurs (Autumn 2017) of the Cowling brothers’ trip on the Avenue Verte from Dieppe to Paris and back. It reminded me of a trip by a small group of Brighton section members in September of that year. There is a full report of that ride on our website; but for the casual reader wondering whether the Avenue is their sort of thing, I’m giving a flavour of it here. Don’t be put off by the mention of “climbs” in Michael’s report. As he says, the Avenue itself is unbelievably flat, at least in those sections that follow the route of the old railway line; but even if one strays off the path – as we did on the way back, never liking to retrace our steps – the gradients are not too challenging. My co-rider, Angela, had assured me of this before we
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set off, but I was still concerned about all the contours on the map. Not only did this turn out to be a needless worry; the country lanes are also incredibly quiet. And the countryside is beautiful. I am including here some photos we took which will hopefully give you a flavour of it. Angela and I did not get any further south than Forges-les-Eaux, which was Michael and Nigel’s first stopping place. However, the third member of our party, Ivor, had ambitions for a longer haul, to which end he had brought a tent. Waving goodbye to us south-east of Forges, he followed the western arm of the Avenue to Giverny and Vernon, then back up to Rouen, from which he caught the train back to Dieppe. As Michael points out, the Avenue Verte “can be ridden from London”. We know this section as NCN21, which snakes its way from Greenwich to Eastbourne via Crawley, East Grinstead and Eridge (although the “official” Avenue Verte follows NCN20 from the London Eye to Redhill). The Brighton section has ridden almost all of it in recent years, including a memorable ride with the London section at the northern end of this route – known as the Waterlink Way – in 2015. Jim Grozier Brighton & Hove Clarion
The Béthune valley
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The “village museum” at Bray, near Sommery
The chateau at Mesnières-en-Bray
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The open road
La Ferté-St-Samson
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Some sections of the railway have been left in place The National Clarion 50 TT – June 3rd 2018 The National Clarion 50 TT championship was once again promoted as part of the Nottingham Clarion Cycling Club Open 50 on 03rd June. For Nottingham Clarion member Jessica Beyer-Lyons it was the first time she had promoted an Open, having actively supported her Clarion’s event previously. “It is surprising the intricacies involved in organising an open TT”, she said. “The huge amount of support I received from long-standing members of Nottingham Clarion that can draw on years of experience in preparation for this TT is invaluable. And on the day members of Nottingham Clarion ensured that everything went really well.” The Open 50 is run on the A50/5, a sporting course on largely quiet roads in the picturesque Vale of Belvoir. Even the weather played its part making it a good day of racing for everyone involved. “The competitors were very complimentary about the event which had attracted 65 riders.” Mike Cooke from Nottingham Clarion secured the title of the National Clarion Champion.
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For 2019 Nottingham Clarion are again promoting the National Clarion 50 TT championship as part of the Nottingham Clarion CC Open 50. The race will be on Sunday, 02nd June. Details will be on the CTT website and in the CTT handbook. Results Mike Cooke / Nottingham Clarion CC 01:51:51 Ian Clarke / Tuxford Clarion CC 02:06:03 Sarah Pichford / Fenland Clarion CC 01:55:45 Paul Lunn / Fenland Clarion CC 01:54:05 S Harrison / Tuxford Clarion 02:04:31 Simon Cooper / Nottingham Clarion CC 02:01:07 P. Lilley / Fenland Clarion CC 01:46:54
News from our Sections Stockport Clarion It’s been a record-breaking year for Stockport. Duncan McLaren broke the club 25-mile TT with a 53.19, only to be bettered by Rod Mason a few months later with a 51.57. Rod has had a great year also breaking the club 50 record with a 1.44.18 and also his first open TT win. Andy Lindley continues to perform well taking bronze at the MTB National Champs in the Masters category. Stockport also held an MTB event at Clayton Vale in July. Thanks to Mark McPhillips for setting up such a great course, many riders thanking him for his efforts. 12 members enjoyed a week’s training in Majorca. Mr consistent Paul Whittaker has won the club hill climb and club 10-mile TT series.
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5 Stockport members took part in this years Fred Whitton in the Lake District. Anthony Jevons and Lee Crowther took part in the Manx 100 MTB on the Isle of Man. The weather to say the least was horrendous. Epic day out!!!! See Lees write up on our website. I should mention a get well soon to new member Steve Clayton who has crashed on his MTB and broken his Pelvis, hope you have a speedy recovery... Dunc. McLaren Stockport Clarion Yorkshire Coast Clarion
Since the last report our members have met a number of impressive challenges, the longest of which was Stuart Walsh's ride from Dunkirk to Berlin. Andy Fisher, our Racing Secretary, walked the Wolds Way from the Humber Bridge to Filey and Richard and Natalie Cullen's daughter, Hollie, is regularly riding in Daley Forest, plus riding home from school. Well done. Club runs are picking up with the regulars being Brendan, Hannah, Terry, Richard, Tony and Chris. Greystone had a short tour in the northern Pennines and is regaining his fitness. On the racing front, Andrea and Frank Vaughan have been successful in a number of triathlons due to their thorough training. Andrea's best result was in the Castle Howard triathlon where she won her age category and was seventh overall. Next year she is stepping up to competing in the Welsh Ironman event in September. Frank has had some podium places in his age category. Hannah Bayes rides in the National Hill climb on Pea Royd Lane, her third national in four years. On Flixton hill, a gentle 20 per cent, she recently set a course record by twenty seconds. Earlier in the year Hannah excelled in the London nocturne and Otley Town Centre
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criteriums. She has made rapid progress this year, riding for Liv Awol, and has a promising future ahead of her. Aidan Ogle is one of our new members this year and he specialises in audax rides, including the longer ones! Alongside Martin and Alison Purser, he guided Chris to an improvement in the National 24-hour race, in July. He recorded 352 miles, 27 miles better than 2017. Well done to Dave Brown (Tuxford) 418 miles and Simon Cullen (Saddleworth) 426 miles who both beat Ken Clarke's longstanding Clarion record of 415 miles. Remarkable debuts. Terry Lynch continues his good work training youngsters to ride safely with North Yorkshire bike ability team. Chris has also encouraged and ridden with two groups of students who completed their level three training, in July and October. We are looking forward to a ride to the Wintringham War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday and our AGM and end of year social celebration, in December. Good luck to Paul Anderson on his retirement and keep those wheels turning. Chris Goode Yorkshire Coast Clarion Coatbridge Clarion Section Winter Update The members of Coatbridge section will be delighted to see that we have the Boot & Spurs back. Thanks to Andrew Livesey for stepping up to take on the role of Editor. It has been an eventful year for Coatbridge Clarion so far with high and lows experienced. It came as a complete shock to the club when one of our members Arthur McCann died suddenly and unexpectedly in March this year. Arthur was known as “Acky” in local cycling circles was well liked by all who knew him. He was a member of the club for many years in its original era and was delighted to re-join when the club was re-born several years ago. Acky absolutely loved his cycling and even at the age of 78 years old had his bike on the turbo permanently in
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the kitchen at home. He never missed a Club TT where he was always first to volunteer helping to keep us all safe by marshalling the turn in his high viz jacket. At his funeral his family made frequent references in his eulogy to the importance of cycling and being part of the Clarion in his life. Acky will be sadly missed but we will ensure that he is not forgotten by the club as we move forward. At the end of March this year we had a good-sized group away to Majorca for a fantastic cycle trip. A great time was had by all and as always, our riders were a credit to the club wearing the colours with pride. We have Club trips planned for Majorca in March and April next year. We had Heather Manson absolutely smashing it in Iron Man challenges in the U.K. and abroad. As well as achieving lifetime goals she raised significant sums for charity including the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. Superb Heather!
Heather Manson Triathlete We had Robert Smith representing us with pride as our only competitor at numerous Cyclocross & Triathlon events. Great effort Robert. We had riders such as Brian Main, John Burns, Felix Gibson, David Feeney, Davy Armour and Bill Clelland riding in numerous tough Sportives at the same time raising funds for a number of deserving charities. Bill Clelland deserves special mention as he has performed amazingly in the Sportives and in club training in all weathers this year. Bill is 77 years of age but you would never know that as he seems to get faster each year. May saw some of our strongest riders namely Calum Muirhead, Dougie Muirhead, Jim Reilly, Martin Gordon, Des Grant, Aaron Harrison, Alan MacIntyre and Alan Anderson take on the North
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Coast 500 route to raise funds for St Andrews Hospice and the Catherine McEwan Foundation. It was quite simply brutal as they did it in four days covering over 520 miles and climbing over 32,000 feet regularly hitting steep gradients of 20 to 30 per cent. The weather was awful with headwinds and cold driving rain which made it even worse. They performed magnificently and overcame some dark moments to raise several thousands of pounds. Thanks also go the families of the riders and club members Liz Hunt and Lorraine Muirhead who provided support along with club members John and Phil in the Velo Scotland Team Support Car. Chapeau to you all folks! June saw the club join forces with two other local clubs to organise for the second year in a row, the St Andrews Hospice Sportive. On open roads with two routes over 100km or 100 miles we raised thousands once again for a great charity. Thanks very much to Liz Hunt and Cath Walsh for giving up their day to crew our Club’s roadside food stop supplied from the club members food donations. 100% of all monies raised went to the charity. The Club Time Trial Series over the summer saw Alan MacIntyre once again reign supreme as Club Champion for the second year in arrow. Des Grant gave a good showing in second place with some strong performances. Liz Hunt took the top spot for the women’s trophy for the second year running. A wee mention for some of our newer riders like James Cluckie and David Kellett who embraced the challenge of theTimeTrials by entering Club and Open TT races. Both riders did themselves and the club proud with their efforts. Well done chaps!
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Bill and Felix Majorca We can never forget our hardy mountain bike racers, including Dougie Muirhead, David Allan, Des Grant and Alan MacIntyre who raced the very tough Tour De Ben Nevis in September. The boys performed well and represented the club making us all proud once again. Last words of this club update go to Ruth McLaughlin who was amazing this year. Trying to balance work and family commitments Ruth undertook a series of extreme challenges to raise money and awareness for charity. This would push her to the limits. Overcoming serious injury during these challenges she bounced back to achieve her targets. As I write this update
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at the end of October she has just completed the Dublin Marathon. Absolutely awesome Ruth! Here’s to a winter of hard training ahead as we all look to improve next year in whatever challenges lie ahead.
Submitted by John Gormlie (Club Secretary) West Lothian Clarion – Scottish Cycling Club of the Year 2018 In February of this year, West Lothian Clarion were delighted to have been awarded Club of the Year in Scottish Cycling’s all-star roll of Honour ceremony. Fantastic recognition of the growth and diversity of the club in what is our 10-year anniversary since forming the club in 2008. The club now has 217 adult members (including 50 women) and 83 youth members (including 25 girls) – and is the 6th largest British Cycling membership club in Scotland. We’re also pleased to have 24 coaches in place as well as 2 commissaries in our membership supporting events across the country. The club of the year recognition came as a result of our varied events and partnerships that we support. Our club-confined youth 5-race series is a secure introduction to racing for younger members and where we can, it’s extended to adult members and parents of youth members to encourage those new to the sport. We’ve got a strong link with the Linlithgow Community Development Trust as we’re a key stakeholder in the plans to build a West Lothian Cycle Circuit which now has planning permission. The target is to secure full funding by the end of 2018 with construction from April to September 2019. The club have been key to fund-raising activities for the circuit promoting a #rollerchallenge and selling a
2018 cycle calendar which promoted the club through social media and being published in the Daily Record and Scotsman newspapers.
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More recently the club held our AGM and voted in our first female president, Diane Clayton-Chisholm who is a long-standing club member and coach in our youth section. We also have a women’s secretary on our committee and a goal of reaching a 50/50 boy/girl ratio as part of our youth coaching. Photo Competition Winner 2018
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It was a successful year for West Lothian Youth Section. We have completed coaching blocks on road cycling and MTB, as well as a few weeks of grass track cycling, and have just delivered our cyclo-cross block to finish the year. By the time you read this we’ll have completed our race series for section members. The road race was held this year at the new Fife Cycle Circuit at Lochgelly, and was followed by an MTB race on our local trails, a grass track race and the club hill climb championships, where for the first time two of our section members beat the best adult time on the night (and were just a second off the club record). The final cyclo-cross round is always decisive for final standings in most categories. Members have also been active in open races in track, road, MTB (crosscountry and downhill) and cyclo-cross, with much experience gained and some fantastic results achieved. Our MTB trips have again been a great success, with trips to a variety of trails throughout the year, and a return visit to the Downhill World Cup at Fort William. Alex Ball and George Freeman were selected to act as a “race team” as a trial to help prepare the way for running a team in the Junior category in future, and took part in a wide variety of events, as well as having some special opportunities, such as training with the Israeli team in the run-up to the Glasgow European Championships! West Lothian Youth Section decided to try something new in May 2018 - a "Junior Club Run" to round off our road coaching block. For safety and insurance reasons, involving youth members in club runs or similar rides is often difficult, and they can only take part in club activities on open roads from 14 years old in most cases, but we found a solution to this by utilising a stretch of NCN route 75. Older youth riders covered approximately 17 miles (out and back to our starting point) in about 80 minutes, with younger groups doing less distance. The weather co-operated and we even had a modern day "drum up", all of which helped achieve a fantastic turnout of
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around 80 youth members, along with coaches, assistants and a number of parents. The ride was a resounding success and created a great deal of enthusiasm in the young and not-so-young alike, with comments like "one of the best evenings I've had on a bike" being heard afterwards. We're sure this event will be repeated - and there is even talk of plans being hatched for an afternoon ride taking in a longer section of the route, with different groups joining at points along the route.
Barnoldswick Clarion
2018 has been a good year for Barnoldswick Clarion. The club's membership has increased towards the 50 mark recently with good turn outs both on our Saturday and our newly introduced Wednesday rides. These leave from the Coop car park 9am in summer and 9.30am after the clocks go back.
Six of our members had a great week in Majorca, enjoying the sunshine and the smooth roads, and 12 members have just returned from a successful Hostel weekend to Arnside organised by Dave Sherwood.
On the racing front Mick Kruppa has organised a points series event incorporating 3 local 10mile Time Trial courses and Dave Poole finished a credible 62nd in this year’s 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross race.
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Members continue to challenge themselves with ever greater feats of endurance, with Mick Meath clocking up 70mls @ 70 with 7000ft. ascent in 7hrs and Colin Urmston completing another epic 180ml ride to the top of Great Dun Fell and back in the day.
In June the club took part in the 'POP' Harry Hill's Memorial Ride to the bench, incorporating the Nat. Clarion meet at Clarion House. An event attended both by a number of local Clarion clubs and Clarion riders from London. “POP” is fondly remembered for reforming the club in 1923 following disbandment due to the first world war, during which many members lost their lives.
Later in July Matt Hargreaves, Melvyn Thistlethwaite and Mike Rutter completed the Petite Depart sportive.
We are grateful to Mike and Kath Rutter who organised this year's summer social, raising £80 for Pendle Hospice.
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Club members enjoying the Majorca sunshine Bolton Clarion
Bolton Clarion enjoyed a trip to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
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Some also enjoyed the Mediterranean sunshine
North Cheshire Clarion
North Cheshire have had a really great year with membership up to 270 members including 64 juniors. The junior section have a developed a really great community spirit; with great participation in the coaching with great development through to racing on the road, track, BMX, Speedway and CX. We have also had some promising juniors stepping up to regional and national level. The adults have also been busy with 10 regular racers, competing from Cat 2 to cat 4. CX has continued its resurgence with all abilities participating, with NCC hosting the 2017 Clarion Championships in Dec 2017. Audax has also continued to grow in
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popularity, with us hosting 2 of our own events, 3 riders completed their Super Randonneur series (including Neil Shand and David Mason completing the 1000km with 15000m climbing Mille Cymru event). Club rides have continued their popularity, with a club ride every Saturday and Sunday as well as our “Intro” rides for those new to group riding or just wanting a shorter ride. We have also introduced a Club Rides Points award, with the leader so far racking up nearly 3000miles on club rides alone up to November! Highlights of the racing year include Matt Hacker taking the win with a solo victory at round 2 of the Litherland series and Dave Grindley taking round 18. Paul Wilkinson also won the Clarion Championships in Wakefield at the end of the season. Currently we have 3, 4th Cat riders (2 new to racing), 10 in the 3rd cat and 1 in 2nd cat. Hopefully we can persuade some more for next year! Off roading activities continue to grow at NCC, including Cyclocross, MTB and even Audax. Back in June 2 riders took on the on/off road Audax (TINTA), choosing the 300km/5500m route around mid-Wales. A massive challenge taking on the “Devils Staircase”, long gravel roads, technical climbs and descents, and riding long into the night. Although club mountain bikes rides are few and far between, representation has been strong at local level (Midweek Madness) – with a top 11 position in the Senior/Vet Race Category, top five in the Juvenile Male and a WIN for the Juvenile Female. Additionally, there has been some great results at the Northwest Crank It races, and some of the juniors venturing further afield with National series, we expect more entries next year at this level. As we enter in to the end of 2018, NCC is proving dominant in Junior Cyclocross (local wins in many of the Junior races), and representation from the very youngest to seniors, vets, and super vets – proving CX to be a very inclusive sport. Each event is a great turn out for NCC, the support and encouragement being the highlight! As the Juniors develop many are moving to compete at National level, going from strength to strength – watch this space for National Junior Wins soon! We also have 7 juniors and 2 seniors competing in the track leagues at Manchester and even riders involved in cycle speedway. Finally, its not all about competing and racing, On Sunday 27th Oct the Juniors got on their MTBs and CX bikes, added their lights, and scariest outfits, in preparation for the their annual Halloween MTB ride at Delamere, a cycling scare fest for riders and their families!!!
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A date for your diary –Sunday 24th February 2019 - Mere Audax.200k and 160k events around the (mostly flat) Cheshire and Shropshire countryside. More details on the Audax UK website calendar of events.
Gosport Clarion A social cycling club seemingly dedicated to eating their way around Hampshire and tackling big climbs in France EG
We enjoyed an epic 100-mile Social ride from Fareham and around the New Forest. 10 Clarions set out. Our first stop was Bucklers Hard for the Shipbuilding Museum. This is where Ships for Nelson’s Fleet at Trafalgar were built. We took lunch at the Buttery in Brockenhurst and then stopped off later in the afternoon for ice cream. Our last stop was at The Otter Pub in Otterbourne near Eastleigh for a swift shandy and snacks. Everyone got back safely and in record time, 105 Miles in 8 hour 8 mins.
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Col des Arenne
Above Alpduez
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We also enjoyed a summer adventure holiday riding “La Marmotte” the toughest Sportive in France. 16000 FT of Climbing up legendary climbs such as Col de Glandon, Col de Galibier, Col De Telegraph and Alpe D’huez.
Easter Meets
There will be two Easter Meets in 2019. They will have different themes – you can see them on the two websites. Both take place over the Easter weekend Friday 19th to Monday 22nd of April.
The National Clarion Easter Meet will take place in York, concentrating on events around the York Sports Village.
The London Clarion Easter Meet in conjunction with The National Clarion 1895 is based in Bradford with an emphasis on social activities.
Going back in history, there have been previous years where there have been two Easter Meets, and years with more than one National event – please see the post about Clarion Sunday.
I suggest that you look at the two websites and make your own choice. AL
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In previous issues we have published lists of sections and secretaries. This information is available on the various websites.
There is however a need to get more members involved at National level. Currently there is only a small number of people doing all the work. Membership is growing – l am sure that many of the new members have skills to help manage the Clarion at national level. With the help of technology time input is very small – few phone calls, emails and let us know what is wanted.
One essential post – immediately vacant – is for a Membership Officer.
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CLARION SUNDAY
BOOTS – This is a call to all Clarion members past and present to gather at the Nelson Independent Labour Party Clarion Tearoom on Sunday, June 9th
2019. The idea of this meet of Clarion Cycling Clubs is an attempt to resurrect the historic concept of 'Clarion Sunday' when hundreds of Clarion cyclists would converge on at a location for fellowship and tea. This has been going on for over 120 years informally. Last year over 100 cyclists met at the Clarion ILP Tea-rooms at Newchurch in Pendle. As there is now an increasing number of Clarion Cycling Clubs within cycling distance of The Nelson Clarion House and their attendance would bring much needed funds to this historic institution which has served cyclists and walkers every single Sunday since 1913. Clarion House will be open on the day from 10.30am until 4pm although the normal closing time of 4pm can be extended. The plan is simply for Clarion and former Clarion cyclists to arrive and depart at will, the main objective is simply to share a pint pot of Clarion tea (price 55p) with like-minded folk and listen to a Clarion Choir. The address of Clarion House is: Jinney Lane, Newchurch in Pendle. BB12 9LL Grid reference: 832396 (OS sheet 103). Also see: www.clarionhouse.org.uk Location wise it is about 10 minutes off the M65, located between Burnley and Nelson. As I used to go there with Burnley Clarion, I’ll be driving up from London with my Collection of Hill Special cycles. It would be good if you could attend on a vintage bike, and in vintage dress. Any era of vintage. If I can get a good number of confirmed attendees, I’ll organise a ride out and prizes. Vintage motorcycles are welcome too. Email me Andrew@Livesey.US – put Nelson Clarion in the subject line. It would be brilliant to put Clarion Sunday to your Section’s runs list for 2019.