BOOTSGSPURS
NATIONAL CLARION CYCLING CLUB MEMBER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2012s
CLUB KIT
Your National Clarion jerseys available now
Why not get the National Clarion kit to supplement that of your local section?
Made by Endura in the UK, men's, women’s and youth kit is available at reasonable prices in a variety of cycle wear.
Contact National Secretary Ian Clarke for more details at bike@clarioncc.org
2|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Take atrip with the Italian Clarion
We have updated our list of events for 2012. Fancy coming over for some early season training 10th to 18th March 2012? The 11th March sees the end of Paris-Nice and the 17th March is the Milan-SanRemo. Can Cav make it a memorable win in the rainbow jersey? Stay with us for just over a week and enjoy both. For a large group we can offer affordable accommodation in Liguria.
What about the Giro in 2012 (Sth to 27th May)?
We are privileged to have the Giro pass by our doorstep again in 2012. This time on Stage 13 14 onits way from Savona up to the mountaintop
finish at Cervinia. On the 18th May we'll see the sprinters finish at Cervere, perhaps Cav's last stage if he's riding. Cervere is only a 60km ride away through some beautiful vineyards. Enough time to work up a thirst/appetite while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the Giro.
On 19th May, the race passes by Gios-Torino in Volpiano, Italian bike manufacturer Marco Gios has suggested we join him and Aldo for this spectacle outside their premises. This is a 40km ride, again through beautiful scenery.
Give us a call or email, it'd be great to show you what we have here.
Telephone: +44 161 408 1965 Website: http://italianclarion.com/ email: info@italianclarion.com
GET IN TOUCH
President fg KEN HEMSLEY (Fenland)
Tel: 01159 873118
Vice President KATH LEESE (Heanor)
Chairman
DAVE BISSET (Bolton) Tel: 01204 853127 davidbisset55@hotmail.co.uk
we
National Secretary
m (Fenland) Markham Cottage, Low Street, East Markham, Newark NG22 00Q Tel: 01777 872097 bike@clarioncc.org
Membership Secretary
DONALD LEVER (Bury) 14 Mosley Ave’,
Ramsbottom, BLO SUH.
Tel: 01204 883584
Racing Secretary FRANCIS GRAFTON (Nottingham)
Tel: 0115 981 9817 frank.grafton@tiscali.co.uk
Standing Orders Secretary BOB HARBER
(Brighton) Tel: 01903 879598 bikerider@phonecoop.coop
Committee Member MATTHEW BALL
(W. Lothian) secretary @westlothianclarion.co.uk
Committee Member CHRIS GOODE (Yorkshire Coast)
Tel: 01723 341050 twenty twowheels@hotmail.com
ad
National Clarion online www.clarioncc.org
BOOTS&SPURS
Editors Matthew Ball and Kirsty Ball (secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk) Design Matthew Ball Printed by Key Print. Contributions to the magazine may be edited or ommited if there are space constraints.
Plan your Clarion year now!
oots! Riding in the winter is enjoyable, not in the way a summer evening is, but crisp, bright, low sun and weather that wakens every sense. The new season is not far from our minds, whether we are planning a tour, Sunday club runs, or a racing season with those results we didn’t quite manage last year.
Whata year of Clarion races we have had. Starting with that lung bursting hill climb up the Wallace Monument hill, the Clarion 10 champs with a3 mile uphill, and ending with the track champs, where we rode with Olympic Champion Rebecca Romero. Only one Clarion rider beat her in the 2km pursuit, my nephew Joe, track virgin from Fenland. If that wasn’t enough, we even had ‘The Hutch’ enter the 25 TT champs. He caught me for nine minutes and was long gone by the time I went over the line.
My year starts with the Easter Meet at Buxton. Our last time was 1965, when we had 1000 members. We finished 2011 with 960 members; wouldn't it be great to get back to that magic 1000 by this April?
I hope that you'll be renewing your subs in time, and that you'll come to the Peaks and ride with us. See you there! Spurs! IAN CLARKE, NATIONAL SECRETARY
Giles Perkins has stepped down as editor; many thanks for all his hard work. Matthew Kirsty Ball are the new editors.
BOOTS&SPURS
Cover illustration
by: Garry Marshall
Tf you would Like a signed limited edition, full colour A3 print of the cover (priced £25), email the editor.
o
We finished 2011 with 960 members; wouldn't it be great to get back to that magic 1000?
WIN A SHORT SLEEVED NCCC JERSEY
Answer the following question correctly to be entered into the draw: What year did
question: What types of Clarion events would you like to
see more of?
the Clarion last hold Send your answer its Easter Meet at to bike@clarioncc.org Buxton? with your name and
Then answer the following survey
address, and jersey size, or by post to the
address below: Tan Clarke, Markham Cottage, Low Street, East Markham, Newark NG22 0QQ. The draw will be made at the end of March.
WINTER 2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 3
2011 MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
Membership still climbing
New clubs help contribute to a bumper year for members
By Donald Lever MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (BURY) emberships at the end of August 2011 (the membership recruitment year runs from September to August) reached 960, the highest in recent years and probably since the 1960s. There are 150 more members than at the end of 2010, in fact 300 new members joined the Clarion during the year.
Two new sections were formed in 2011: Blackpool with five members and Cumbria with three, and because our solo member in Lowestoft agreed to transfer to the Central section there are now 27 sections. Two of last year’s new sections North Cheshire and Saddleworth are both thriving with healthy increases in membership,
ARE YOU INSURE
Third party insurance is something every keen cyclist should consider. While I know of only one case recently where someone had to pay out £200, a silly mistake (which we are all capable of) could lead to an incident where £m are involved. Even if
70 and 20 new members respectively. West Lothian recruited the most members with 86 but lost 39, giving an overall gain of 47; and continues to be the largest section with 181, followed by Fenland and North Cheshire, each with 124 members. There are 69 junior members, 50 of them are in West Lothian, with seven in North Cheshire, six in Fenland, fourin Bury, one in Central and one in Brighton. Calder has ten life members who account for quarter ofits members; a quarter of Clitheroe members are also life members. Looking at the ratio of men to women, Fenland has the most women with 24, but Brighton Hove section is the most equitable with 22 men and 22 women. The juniors
D?
blame, you will be very uncomfortable with a claim against you. If you have any wealth, even if it is tied up in your house, it is worth having cover. It is provided if you are a full member of the CTC or silver level member of BCF. Our National Club is affiliated
there is doubt about the
to CTC which means our
4|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
comprise 44 boys and 25 girls. Our youngest member, who
joined the day he was born,
is Monty, the 18-month old
son of Jayne and Ian Clarke,
our national secretary. Of
our current members Albert
Winstanley of Bolton Clarion
is the oldest at 95. He joined
1932 and so will have
been a Clarion member
for 80 years in 2012.
To ensure you continue to receive Boots Spurs in the event
that you change
address, contact
the National
Membership Secretary in writing or by email tomemberships@ clarioncc.org, quoting your membership number and your old address and new address. Informing your section secretary only may not ensure that your details are updated in time.
members can have the affiliate membership for £15 per annum and third party cover of £10m. (Doesn't include legal assistance if you wish to make a claim against someone who's action has led to injury to you or damage to your bicycle.)
PETER ROSCOE (BURY)
2011 SECTIONS IN NUMBERS Use your BARNOLDSWICK benefits!
2010:15 (+3) Regeosion 15% DISCOUNT AT 40+
ss COTSWOLD OUTDOOR Stores across the UK and online. Quote ‘AF-NATC-99' at the store till and show your National Clarion membership card. 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’ in the drop down options for ‘How did you hear about
us’ at payment, and add your GWYNEDD membership number in the ‘Other information’ box.
Buy online at www. inmotionproducts.com.
2010:17 (-8)
al ITALIAN ANNUAL 3RD
PARTY INSURANCE
(via the CTC, up to £10m) for just £15 protects your personal wealth if you have a
NORTH CHESHIRE claim against you while cycling. 2010:64 (+60) For more details contact Peter Roscoe: peterroscoe80@ btinternet.co FEMALE Sceceimaeee PLUS 2010:41 (+9) Many sections have discounts Y UNDER18 with local bike shops. See your MEMBERS PER local section for details. 'S (SECTION Wesactie@es T'S WORTH IT! New sectio For the £6 National Clarion membership fee you get a lot of WA Z potential discount for little
investment. Make sure you make the most of your membership!
WINTER 2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 5
NEWS
Your club needs you!
he National Clarion
is still looking to get
a volunteer to step into Peter Roscoe’s shoes as Treasurer.
Neil Greer offered to take on the role but work and family commitments meant he had to step aside.
We would welcome volunteers for the role a Clarion member with a solid understanding of and, preferably, practical experience of accounting who can provide the dedication necessary to take over this important function.
Please contact the National Secretary Ian Clarke for further details.
Make a date...
Jim Grozier BRIGHTON HOVE n November, 11 members of Brighton Hove section left the train at Clapham Junction for a tour of London parks (Battersea, St James’s, Green, Hyde, Kensington and Holland) and other tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace. At the start, we met up with Richard, who had left his bike at home and hired a ‘Boris Bike’ for the day. Whatever you may think about Boris and the bank
that sponsored the scheme
THE
OUR Bors
WE'RE IN THE MOVIES!
We spotted a poster advertising the Clarion newpaper in the 1981 Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. The scene, towards the end of the film, takes place in 1924 and shows the triumphant athletes returning from the Paris Olympics.
The Clarion was also
with Route
Richard from Brighton test rides a ‘Boris Bike’
(probably unprintable at
the moment) we agreed that this wasa very good idea. Extended, it could overcome the difficulties we often encounter when trying to take our bikes on trains. The cost
5|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
mentioned in an episode of On Your Bike on Radio 4 (http://tinyurl.com/74npz4j) and on The Guardian's biking blog (http://tinyurl. com/Swpznhs).
Have you spotted The Clarion in the media? Email details to secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk
seemed reasonable too.
But it isn’t just the bikes. London is now criss-crossed by anetwork of Cycling Superhighways. These are very wide, smooth, bright blue cycle lanes, which feel very safe compared to what we are used toin Brighton, which are usually bedevilled by pedestrians and parked cars. With the cycle routes in the parks, and the Mall carfree ona Sunday, it’s possible todoa very pleasant London ride without risking your life.
*To be sung to the tune of “Route 66”.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
When men wore wool
ob Jackson from our
Barnoldswick section
sent these classic photos from the 1950s. The group photo was taken about 1952, from left to right: Jim France, Trevor Peel, Les Pullan, David Wilkinson, Harry Mitchell (President), Gilbert Starbuck and Horace Stead. We’re not sure of the name of the chap on the end.
The lad in the photograph
to the right was Horace Stead.
History repeated
n August Bank
Holiday Sunday,
Bolton invited North Cheshire members to help re-enact an old photograph taken in Lymm in 1929. The ride was a huge success. The two Clarion
Can anyone explain why there are chains on his rear wheel?
Jim France’s daughter Nora Bardwell loaned the photos to the club.
WAR GETS IN THE WAY
Jim Harris of the West of Scotland Clarion found this fascinating photograph, which shows Jack Taylor, John Waterson, Ronnie Scott and Bill Mowat at the Donnington Motor Circuit in 1939 for the British Championship Race
Jack Taylor was Leading the British Best All Rounder with one 50TT event to go when war was declared in 1939 and the competition was abandoned.
sections together totalled 50 riders, who gathered at the monument before heading off for refreshments.
WINTER2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS
CLARION KIDS
The kids are all right
The Clarion’s youth membership is booming. West Lothian established
its kids club in 2010 with North Cheshire launching its in 2011. Fenland is also on the British Cycling Go Ride programme with more sections soon to follow. Here, the two largest sections review their progress so far
NORTH CHESHIRE
By Geoff Prince NORTH CHESHIRE he North Cheshire Clarion Kids Club was launched in June 2011 at Great Sankey Leisure Centre, Warrington. At our first séssion we had 12 very enthusiastic riders and three very nervous newly qualified coaches. In our first year of the kids club we had an average of 15 riders learning how to develop bike handling skills and learning about different types of competition.
In September, we held our first Go Ride Race and had numerous riders competing ona grass track oval. The
races included a time trial, a match sprint, a keirin and a devil race. The racing was close and all riders showed true Clarion spirit in supporting everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Our sessions ended in October with a surprise trip to the National BMX Centre for the riders, where all riders got a taste of the jumps and berms that Team GB practice on. During the year we have been very lucky to be involved with the Go Ride Manchester District, which has meant that our over-nine riders have had
We have
fantastic young riders and support from the club
the opportunity to ride on the Velodrome. Three riders took part and the feedback was that they really enjoyed it and are looking forward to another session.
None of this would be possible without generous funding from Birchwood. MEPC and Warrington Borough Council. A huge thank you to our members, who gave a tremendous amount of funds to put the coaches through their coaching sessions. We have fantastic young riders and fantastic support within the club. So from all the coaches and the Go Ride team, a big thank you to all who helped get the kids club started as well as all our young riders who make the sessions a very enjoyable day.
North Cheshire coaching sessions have attracted a good pack of enthusiastic riders
8 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
WEST LOTHIAN
By Matthew Ball WEST LOTHIAN nour second year of coaching under-15s the club has gathered together a good team of dedicted volunteers who have gained in confidence and picked up new skills along the way.
Notable successes this year have been our special one off events, such as the Mountain bike BBQ at a local country park, and the club confined 5-race series which introduced crit, MTB, cyclocross, hill climb and grass track racing to over 40 riders, with half going on to compete in open events.
The season ended with our annual Santa Cyclo Cross race, where our youngsters tested themselves against one of the UK’s best pro cyclists.
James McCallum from
Rapha-Condor-Sharp was the guest of honour and even joined in-and raced against the Clarion’s kids.
James, a commonwealth bronze medalist, handed out prizes for the Cyclo Cross race and club five race series before taking part ina Q&A session with the children about his racing career, and of course crashes!
He says, “It was a pleasure
Garmin jerseys, Santa (Jim Harris), and Rapha Condor Sharp’s James McCallum at West Lothian’s Santa CX
to get invited along and it was good to see so many local kids riding their bikes, the riders were great and it looks like all the club’s hard work is paying off.”
Christmas came early for all the members, when they each received a cool replica cycling jersey donated by Tour de France team Garmin-Cervélo. A raffle of the team’s 2012 kit raised over £500, with proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice in Linlithgow.
Kids club president David Mason says, “You could see a big improvement in the kids’ bike skills and fitness. The coaching team have put ina massive effort to develop our riders and I could see a marked improvement from last year’s event.”
WINTER2011/12 |BOOTS&SPURS 9
NEWS
British track records tumble
Careful planning, generous volunteers and a head for pain led to Steve's triumph
By Owen Philipson STIRLING BIKE CLUB
teve McCaw of West
Lothian Clarion has
setanew VTTA outdoor hour record of 42.822km, a UK-wide Vets’ hour record. Set on oth August at a blustery Meadowbank Velodrome, it broke the previous outdoor age group record of 40.86km or 25.4 miles.
Steve has twice held a Scottish hour record: “I broke the record in 1980 when I was a junior, with 42km. I was the Scottish Junior TT champion that year and had used a track bike to set a number of Junior TT records. After that I was selected for the British Track Team squad and rode the Junior World Track champs for GB. In 1982, I raised the Scottish hour record to 45km, and although that mark has been passed now, it’s still the furthest ridden on traditional equipment of spoked wheels and dropped handlebars.” During last winter’s big
freeze, Steve was inspired by YouTube footage of riders of
the past attacking the record: Merckx, Ritter, Boardman and Obree. After discovering that there was a British age group hour record he hatched a plan. Anyone familiar with the Obree and Boardman records will be aware of
the huge physical cost of
‘the hour’ and Steve knew how tough this was from
his junior days, so why put himself through that again?
“Tt was about a fresh challenge and the record was due a bit of updating, being from 1999. Someone will do the same to my record some day, and to be honest, it’s not as good a record as it should be, the wind was just too strong for that. Allister Watson reminded me that back in 1982 I said I would never do this again it’s just as well I’d forgotten how much it hurts.”
The build up to Steve’s record attempt took in the British Masters Track championships, and weekly track sessions and hard club rides with the West Lothian Clarion.
been training for the British Masters Pursuit (3000m) in July so [after that] I needed to concentrate on more aerobic work for the hour: 2 hour rides, threshold efforts of 20-40 mins. I kept
|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
At half way
it was really starting to hurt, way worse thanaTT
my hand in at the track once a week if it didn’t rain.” Weather is a major factor, and with the Meadowbank velodrome in Edinburgh being open-air any attempt is at the mercy of the skies.
The strategy was to make the attempt in the evening when the wind was dropping. Getting all the officials in place was also a challenge. Steve was aided by Tom Beattie of WLC, dealing with the red tape and bureaucracy on his behalf. They tried and failed to book the track for and of August but were short of one track timekeeper. That day, the wind had dropped
completely and it was warm ideal conditions, but it was not to be. This left Steve with a balancing act to hold his form and keep the legs sharp, while remaining fresh in case an opportunity at short notice came up. Another attempt was mooted for Friday 5th but was cancelled due to the track officials’ workload for the upcoming Scottish championships. Finally, on Tuesday 9th
Hoy senior is in the booth: officials are an integral part of any record attempt
August, after the track league meeting, Steve was able to go ahead.
“T set off at around 8.45pm. Ialso planned to try to break the 5,10 and 20km records as well as the 5, 10 and 25 mile records so I started out quite fast, as this was needed to achieve the shorter track
WINTER2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 11
records. I settled down into a rhythm of around 100rpm. I was getting good time checks from my support team as well as a speed readout. My speed was around 43.9km/h but I felt I could not hold that so backed off a bit. The wind was really difficult
in the back straight but at least on a small track (250m) the straights are short.
heard the commentator say I had broken one of the short records so knew things were going well. After 25 minutes I was breathing hard and knew the second half was going to hurt, but the speed was still around 43.5 km/h so going to plan. Fortunately, the wind started to drop a bit so I was able maintain a more even pace.
“Finally, I got the sign of 30 mins so knew I was half way, but it was really starting to hurt, way worse than a time trial, as you have to constantly steer the bends and resist the 1.7g thrust of
the banking at the same time.
Everything hurt: my back, my arms and shoulders, oh and the legs were in the mix too, but I just kept trying to steer the bends and relax in the tailwind. At 40 mins the speed dropped to 43.3km/h but I couldn’t do anything about it, just kept the pedals turning and focused on the bends. Sweat was pouring down my face and into my eyes making it difficult to see and my shoulders and arms were numb making it hard to steer I just wanted
It was dark and
steering the bends had become almost impossible
to stop but knew I could do the hour record the signs from the board said so, so no choice but to do what I could. “Ten minutes to go and my speed was 43.1km/h. I couldn’t lift it now, and was just trying to control the drop off in pace to a minimum and not hit one of the sandbags, which would have been disaster. Briefly, I wondered about a puncture, but put the thought out of my mind. People started cheering me on from the trackside; I think they could tell I was in trouble but I had nothing left to give, I just knew I needed to make the end now. At last I saw three minutes and 43.0km, so I put in my last effort, although it was dark and steering the bends had become almost impossible. Finally the bell sounded 21 seconds of effort and a pistol shot indicated it was all over. A few laps of slowing down
Steve sets off at the Clarion track championships
12| BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
and I collapsed on the grass by the trackside. 42.8km, or 26.6 miles in old money.” lasked Steve how he came back down to earth after that? “Getting to sleep was a problem, I had to eat something and try and get hydrated again. Moving about took three times as long as normal as I had cramps in so many muscles. Once I got home I just surfed the net for a bit and had a glass of wine to try and help me feel sleepy.” With the VTTA record under his belt, Steve is now considering the European indoor vets record in 2012, with the Chris Hoy velodrome offering the perfect venue.
PHOTO GILES PERKINS
INDOOR RECORDS Iwas happy to hear Steve went on to break the indoor Vets’ 5,10and 20km, and 5 and 10 mile records in Manchester on17th September. 2 Sessions on the boards are at a premium in Manchester, 5 and there wasn’t a lot of track 3 time available, otherwise 5 he would have gone for the indoor hour too. Given that his 3 Meadowbank hour included 8 the outdoor Vets’ 5,10, 20km 3 and 5, and 10 mile records en 5 route, I’m sure he would have set a new indoor record too. Steve gave me some more info on his indoor 2 attempt, and as for the ride at Meadowbank, arranging 2 the small details was a challenge, but he had help
ANDY SHAW Ft
from some of the staff at the Manchester track.
“It all ran like clockwork on the night, with electronic timing and a ‘gate’ start. Tom Beattie was a stalwart again, doing all the coordination, and the National Clarion donated some track time from their track championships for me to make the attempt.
“I made a slow start and only got the 5km record by 2.seconds but managed to run to schedule all the way to the 10-mile mark and dropped off by a few seconds at 20km. Riding on the indoor track is so different to outdoors: you can ride a very even pace through the lap but also the steering in
STEVE’S PREVIOUS
1 HOUR RECORDS
1980 26 miles 98yds
Steve McCaw Scotia Sports/ Dales Cycles
1982 27miles 1681 yds Steve McCaw Roiseal CRT
the bends is much easier without any gusts of wind. “It got a bit hot near the end but the heat you experience indoors makes the air less dense which is one of the reasons it’s faster. If Lcould have booked some extra track time I would have loved to have tried for the indoor hour record, which stands to Kevin Gill at 43.7 km/h, but maybe that’s one for next year.” Here’s hoping Steve can get track time for a full scale indoor hour attempt soon. It would bea great way to christen the new velodrome in Glasgow!
171 laps in 60 mins, 21.05 seconds per lap or 42.822km/h average
Newindoor records
5k 6.39.5 (old rec 6.42.3)
10k 13.14.9 (old rec 13.32.3) 20k 26.387 (old rec 27.177) 5mile 10.39.9 (old rec 10.52) 10mile 21.25.1 (old rec 21.45) Previous records R.Caspell 1995) The drum up blog www.owenphilipson.com/blog
http://eddlestonviashiplaw. blogspot.com/
WINTER2011/12 |BOOTS&SPURS 13
Cycling when it’s grim outside
We ask four roadies how they get their cycling fix during the winter
RIDE THE HACK
Graeme Horne WEST LOTHIAN
cycling as a teenager I was guided by cyclists that had
honed their skills when bikes were made of steel and gears were fixed. I was encouraged to drop the gear ratios and pedal winter was a time to get ‘base miles’ in your legs. Rollers were seldom owned, turbos hadn’t been invented and spinning classes were still years away. Occasionally, we would attend oldfashioned circuit training and do weight training, but the modern idea of cross training was never discussed. After all, we were cyclists and cyclists ride bikes.
Winter therefore consisted of weekend rides of 60 to 70 miles at a pace that allowed conversations, only broken by the obligatory sprints for the 30 signs. These rides always had a cafe stop and did as much for team bonding as they did for individual fitness.
Some of the pros still mention ‘base miles’ and regular tweets make reference to three- or four-hour rides with their teams in damp and
cold conditions. Obviously, science in sport has meant improvements in training techniques and introduced to the proceedings, but I reckon there is no substitute for a good winter mileage.
Our winter bikes weren't the carbon equipped steeds of today but ‘hack’ bikes, heavy steel affairs with wide tyres that meant when you remounted the racing bike in spring, there was a perceived benefit. I regularly have the inner dialogue (battling head wind in cold and damp conditions) that every mile Ido in winter must be worth twice as many summer mile. I’ve no scientific evidence to back this up but it allows me to pay homage to the beliefs of the hard men of cycling who encouraged meas a youngster.
GET CROSS
Giles Perkins NORTH CHESHIRE What to do when the night’s draw in and the weather gets bad? The solution for me was to get out there and get muddy on the weekend! Cyclocross, I discovered, is perhaps the friendliest discipline in the cycling family. Itseems to be going througha boom time at the moment, with fields in our North West league
14|BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
bigger than ever. A few of us from North Cheshire Clarion have taken our first tentative steps into CX, nether world of dismounts, run-ups, hurdles, single track, mud and... more mud. It’sa far cry from riding on the road; bike handling and confidence rule the day.
Mike Plant from North Cheshire is a league rider, racing most weekends and more than holding his own in our Clarion colours. I’ve ridden handful events, using this season as preparation fora more planned onslaught in 2012. It’s great fun, it has races for all ages, and the crowds are hugely encouraging.
Readon http://twenty3c.wordpress.com/
SUFFER SAFELY
Michelle Gregory
WEST LOTHIAN
My legs and lungs are screaming
as I grind up yet another mountain pass trying to shake off my competitors. Even in my lightest summer kit, the sweat and heat is unbearable as I crave a break in the pace to get in some fluids. That break comes after another minute of intense effort. I turn down the pumping music pulsating through my headphones. On the descent, reality sinks in lam surrounded by summer and winter bikes, lawnmowers, spades and boxes. Outside it
is dark and icy, about as far removed from the summer Alps as is possible. The Sufferfest training video I
am using helps me put in
the hard work on the turbo during winter that will pay dividends in the summer. Being safely ensconced in the privacy of my garage, I can put in far harder efforts than I would on the road. I don’t have to worry about hazards, running out of strength part way up a hill or conserving energy to get home. While I would much rather be doing the real thing, I do love my midwinter sufferfests. Readon climbingqueen.blogspot.com/ www.thesufferfest.com/
ON THE BANKING
Tony Bowles BOLTON
It was with some
trepidation that I set
out for the first track a event of the winter season, and not without good reason. Advancing years plant a seed of doubt. Is it time to stop competing? But Ijust love the whole scene so much I have to continue.
This time I had stuck to astructured training plan, track type turbo sessions and hill sprints on the road; the turbo sessions were more and better structured.
The newly enlarged velodrome is amazing: a bike shop now adorns the front and the new BMX building is complete. Fantastic.
First race up is my favourite, the Devil. Just getting in the way of others ensures I survive quite well but I must say I felt my moments of extreme discomfort on the turbo trainer were paying off. The real test would come in the scratch and points races. Surprisingly, I survive quite well, finish all the races in the same lap as the winners and manage the surges and changes in pace without too much difficulty.
So what of the evening? Well, it was good to see the Clarion so well represented, Fenland, Bury, Crewe, and Stockport and Bolton. I felt so satisfied, I decided to celebrate with fish and chips.
Friday 6th April to Monday 9th April 2012
Book now for the Buxton Easter Meet Bonanza
You're invited to the Spa Town of Buxton in the High Peak District for our 117th Easter Meet PRALACE
hy Buxton? We were your bottles for free!) first in Buxton in There are many great
1912 so this will be cycling routes in the area, the 100th Anniversary. We from the challenging Winnats
were last in Buxton 47 ee Pass, Cat
will be our BUXTON climbs to since 1912. ms ‘ormer Buxton has railway lines) of the
many great attractions, from Monsal and Tissington Trails. the Pavillion Gardens, Opera re
Famous climbs like House and Antiques Fair, to Find out more about Buxton Winnats Pass Buxton Spring Water (fill up http://wwwyvisitbuxton.co.uk/
YOUTH CRIT RACES GROUP RIDES CLARION PARTY 2011 AWARDS NIGHT
16 BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
BOOK
MEET LEVY
Friday, Saturday and Sunday £42.00 (under 16 £21.00)
Sunday only £26.00 (under 16 £13.00)
ll Make cheques payable to ‘National Clarion’ and send (with name and address) to: Duncan McLaren, 3 Winifred Rd,
Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6HF Events for kids
2012 BUXTON EASTER MEET 4
EASTER MEET PROGRAMME“
HOTELS
The Meet will be split between the Pavillion Gardens and the
Palace Hotel
There are reduced rates for NCCC guests; quote ‘National Clarion’ when booking
Palace Hotel
Single room £60 pppn
Double £45 pppn.
Tel 01298 22001
All unsold bedrooms will be released on February 23
Alison Park Hotel Single or Double room £48 pppn. Tel 01298 22473
There are many more hotels in Buxton to choose from within minutes of both
venues
ACTIVITIES
Friday 6th April
Buxton Mountain Time Trial (fee extra)
Hotel check-in
Meet the Mayor of Buxton at the Pavillion Gardens
Saturday 7th April
Annual Conference at
the Palace Hotel
Club/social rides for all
Youth crit races (fee extra) Clarion party inc buffet and entertainment
Sunday 8th April
Club/social rides for all
National Clarion Hill Climb Champs (fee extra)
MTB/Cross uphill downhill skillz challenge
Watch Paris-Roubaix (live) National Clarion Champions Night inc guest speaker and raffle.
*PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME. SUBJECT TO CHANGE
HILL CLIMB MTB/CROSS SKILLZ CHALLENGE PARIS-ROUBAIX LIVE
WINTER 2011/12| BOOTS&SPURS 17
NA’
JAL CLARION RACES
The racing year
The second half of the Clarion’s racing season saw participation continue to rise in our national championships
TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
17 September, Manchester Velodrome
By Ian Clarke NATIONAL SECRETARY (FENLAND)
Three stars shone during the 2011 champs: Olympic star Rebecca Romero was there with us, sharing some of
our track time. Our Scottish star Steve McCaw rode supremely in most events, despite breaking the National Vets 20km record in the hour before the meeting started, and came out as Clarion Track Champion in 2011. And finally, rising star Joe Clarke of Fenland (National Secretary’s nephew) proved
Fenland’s winning team pursuit sqaud (Steve Clarke, Paul
to have inherited his mum’s and dad’s track genetics, being the only Clarion rider to beat Romero in the pursuit, and taking second in the track omnium for the day. Organiser Nick Hall (thanks Nick) took a credible 3rd to make the day enjoyable for him. Finally, Fenland’s three Clarkes and Paul Lilley won the coveted Czech Trophy in the Team Pursuit.
Track Results GUEST RIDERS NOT SHOWN
Omnium: 1 Steve McCaw (West Lothian) 26pts 2 Joe Clarke (Fenland) 20pts 3 Nick Hall (Bury) 17pts 4 Geoff Downs 10pts (Bury) =5 Nick Heap Spts (Bury) =5 Paul Lilley Spts (Fenland) =7 Steve Clarke 8pts (Fenland)
Tan Clarke 8pts (Fenland)
=7 Tony Coughlan 8pts (Stockport) =10 Matt Ball 7pts (West Lothian)
=10 Duncan McClaren 7pts (Stockport) =10 Tan Shapiro (Stockport) 7pts
Lilley, Joe Clarke and Ian Clarke) with Rebecca Romeo
BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
13 John Hughes 6pts (Nottingham) 13 Lindsay Clarke 6pts (Fenland) 200M Sprints: 1 Steve McCaw (12.98) 2. Nick Hall (13.16)
3 Geoff Downs (13.20)
Points Race:
Steve McCaw 2 Nick Hall
2km Pursuit: 1 Joe Clarke (2.27.82)
2 Paul Lilley (2.32.70) 3 Ian Clarke (2.36.93)
Scratch: 1 Steve McCaw 2 Joe Clarke 3 Nick Hall
Devil: 1 Steve McCaw 2 Joe Clarke
3 Nick Hall
Omnium: 1 Paul Morphet 18pts (Crewe) 2 Saskia Hook 15pts (Heanor) 3 Joe McQuade 14pts (Bury) 4 Giles Perkins 12pts (North Cheshire) 5 Chris Moreman 9pts (Saddleworth) =6 David Hardman 10pts (Bolton) =6 Julie Dominguez 10pts (West Lothian)
=8 John Yates 8pts (Bolton) =8 Bob Duckworth 8pts (Bury) 10 Peter Smith 7pts (Teeside)
200M Sprint: 1 Joe McQuade (13.11)
2 Julie Dominguez (13.69) 3 Peter Smith (13.75)
2km Pursuit: 1 Giles Perkins (2.54.20) 2 Dave Hardman (3.27.13)
Points: 1 Saskia Hook 2 Paul Morphet 3 Joe McQuade
Devil: 1 Paul Morphet 2 Saskia Hook
3 Chris Moreman
Scratch 1 Paul Morphet 2 Julie Dominguez 3 Saskia Hook
ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS
9 September, Darley Moor, Derbyshire
By Ian Clarke
NATIONAL SECRETARY (FENLAND) Despite being held ona closed motor racing circuit, this looked like the best ‘road’ champs in years, and included a worthy winner in Duncan McLaren, who looked like he had been pipped to the line by one of the ‘guest’ riders, only fora later review of video footage
How Close? Duncan Mclaren narowwly beats guest Andy Parr
to show he had won.
The racing was split into two; vets, who were handicapped, and the race proper, which started almost a full lap behind. Eventually the vets group was caught and much of the racing merged. However, strong winds and attacks blew out all but the hardest of riders. Despite numerous attacks, no-one stayed clear and by the last few laps, riders had resigned themselves to a sprint finish. Anyone who knows him would have seen it coming, but Duncan took yet another Clarion road victory home to Stockport.
Thanks to Matt Hall and Emma Emerton for their help judging, and Nick Hall for doing a great job organising.
Road Race Results GUEST RIDERS NOT SHOWN,
Under 16: 1 Sam Widdess (Fenland, 1st Clarion Junior) Over 50s: 1 Paul Morphett (Crewe) 2 John Yates (Bury) 3 John Gott (Heanor)
Clarion Champs: 1 Duncan McLaren (Stockport) 2 Geoff Burgess (Stockport) 3 Joe Clarke (Fenland)
4 John Hughes (Nottingham, 1st Vet) 5 Richard Tayles (Saddleworth) 6 Paul Lilley (Fenland) 7 Mark McCartney (Nottingham) 8 Nick Hall (Bury)
9 Lindsay Clarke (Fenland, 1st woman) 10 Steve Clarke (Fenland) 11 Ian Shapiro (Stockport) 12 Andy Horner (Bury) 13 Tim Mitchell (Saddleworth) 14 Chris Cullen (Saddleworth)
25 TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
6th August Glatton, Cambridgeshire (N1/25C)
By Matthew Ball WEST LOTHIAN There aren’t many sports where you can compete against the best. Time trialing is an exception. It’s humbling to see how fast the best riders are close up. British TT champ Michael Hutchinson was last man at the Clarion’s 25TT champs hosted by Fenland, so it was a great chance to find out how slow we actually are!
The course wasa tricky loop, ridden twice, which meant 13 roundabouts and
lumpy quiet roads inbetween. The circuit didn’t seem to bother Dr. Hutch; he sped by in the opposite direction, and tweeted later about havinga bad day. (#me too!)
The post race grub hit the spot and the catch-up (and beer) afterwards was worth the train trip. Many thanks to the organiser Chris Rimes and his team of volunteers.
25 TT Results GUEST RIDERS NOT SHOWN
Michael Hutchinson (In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp Rt) 0:51:17
1 Paul Lunn (Fenland) 0:56:55 2 Martin Jones (Fenland) 0:57:03 3 Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) 0:58:37 4 Simon Pitchford (Fenland) 0:59:15 5 Matthew Ball (West Lothian) 0:59:37 6 Nick Hall (Bury) 1:00:04 7 Male Jacklin (Fenland) 1:01:19 8 Ian Clarke (Fenland) 1:02:11 9 John Royle (Fenland) 1:03:23 10 Steven Walters (Fenland) 1:03:36 11 Lindsay Clarke (Fenland) 1:06:00 12 Christopher Goode (Mcr Stretford) 1:06:14 13 Sean Beard (Fenland) 1:06:29 14 Amos Robert (Fenland) 1:07:50 15 Philip Merritt (Fenland) 1:09:32 16 Bill Law (Fenland) 1:10:32 17 Annette Wyld (Fenland) 1:14:04 18 Georgina Jennings (Fenland) 1:14:35 19 Keith Kinsey (Fenland) 1:15:09 20 Martin Perfect (London) 1:20:54
POINTS COMPETITION
By Chris Goode
YORKSHIRE COAST
The Points competition was closely fought this year, with Lindsay Clarke and Nick Hall victorious, alongside Stockport Clarion with a late surge. Three other sections (Bury, Nottingham and Fenland) were separated by a handful of points, going into
WINTER 2011/12| BOOTS&SPURS 19
NATIONAL CLARION RACES
the cyclo-cross, the last event. The first counting event was the fabulous hill climb up to the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Matthew Ball took an early lead for West Lothian, with Nick Hall (Bury) in second. Martin Perfect had anine day warm up before tackling the climb, having ridden from Tunbridge Wells! There was, of course, a good turn out by West Lothian, including the youngsters, which is very encouraging. Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) had three excellent performances, winning the 10 Champs, coming second to teammate Simon Dale in the 50 Champs, and third in the 25 Champs. Stewart was in an overall lead by nine points in September. It was the last two events that were decisive. Steve McCaw (West Lothian) proved tobe the best on the track. Nick Hall also came to the fore at the track, and Duncan McLaren was placed second overall after the last event, due to his success in the Road Championship anda strong performance at the Track Champs. Joe Clarke from Fenland was second overall on the track and finished equal 6th, with two counting events. Also in sixth place is our National Secretary, Ian Clarke, who rode the most events five out of seven. The individual points are awarded for the best four counting events and then the highest placed top three members from each
section go towards the team competition.
Lindsay proved a worthy winner of the women’s competition, with Julie Dominguez and Diane Mackie of West Lothian in second and third. Lindsay proved the best on the track and fastest female in the 25, Championship. This was held near Sawtry, south of Peterborough, where Michael Hutchinson did an awesome ride of 51 minutes ona course with numerous roundabouts. Whois going to dip into their club funds to sign him in the forthcoming transfer window?
New sections competing for the first time were Saddleworth and North Cheshire. Calder was well-represented at the 10 Championship, organised by Greystone Small. A big thank you to all organisers, marshals and helpers without whom none of these events would have been possible.
Points competition results AFTER 7 ROUNDS
1 Nick Hall (Bury) 130 2 Duncan McClaren (Stockport) 129 3 Stewart Gregory (Nottingham) 120 =4 Geoff Burgess (Stockport) 90 =4 Matthew Ball (West Lothian) 90 =6 Ian Clarke (Fenland) 70 =6 Joe Clarke (Fenland) 70 =8 Simon Dale (Nottingham) 50 =8 Paul Lunn (Fenland) 50 =8 Steve McCaw (West Lothian) 50 11 Tony Coughlan (Stockport) 49 12 Andy Horner (Bury) 48 13 Ian Shapiro (Stockport) 42 =14 (1st woman) Lindsay Clarke (Fenland) 40 =14 Martin Jones (Fenland) 40 16 John Hughes (Nottingham) 36 =17 Chris Goode (Mcr Stretford) 34 =17 Steve Clarke (Fenland) 30 =17 Simon Fagan (West Lothian) 30 =17 Philip Hurst
(Nottingham) 30 21 Greystone Small (Mcr Stretford) 29 22 Geoff Downs (Bury) 24 =23 Nick Heap (Bury) 22
=23 S. Pitchford (Fenland) 22
=25 Stephen Darling (West Lothian) 20 =25 Stuart Pryce (Nottingham) 20 =25 Chris Riley (Heanor) 20 28 John Royle (Fenland) 17 =29 Matthew Dodsworth (Calder) 16 =29 Alistair Parker (Heanor) 16 =29 S. Walters (Fenland) 16 =32 Paul Morphet (Crewe) 14=32 Richard Tayles Saddleworth 14 =34 Bob Duckworth (Bury) 13 =34 Paul Lilley (Fenland) 13 =34 Michael Vinnard (Calder) 13 =37 Sean Beard (Fenland) 12 =37 Grant Craven (West Lothian) 12 =37 Mark Mc Cartney (Nottingham) 12 =37 Joe McQuade (Bury) 12 =37 Martin Perfect (London) 12 =42 R. Amos (Fenland) 11 =42 Giles Perkins North Cheshire 11 =42 Martin Price (Calder) 11=45 David Mason (West Lothian) 10 =45 P. Merritt (Fenland) 10 =45 Chris Moreman (Saddleworth) 10 =45 Digby Rusling (Calder) 10 =45 Nick Weatherall (Heanor) 10 =50 Julie Dominguez (West Lothian) 9 (2nd Woman) =50 Dave Hardman (Bolton) 9 =50 Bill Law (Fenland) 9 =50 Andrew Spittlehouse (Calder) 9 =54 Allen Armstrong Sunderland 8 =54 Diane Mackie (West Lothian) 8 (3rd woman) =54 Francis Grafton (Nottingham) 8 =54 T. Mitchell Saddleworth 8 =54 B. Wyld (Fenland) 8 =59 Jayne Clarke (Fenland) 7=59 Shona Greig (West Lothian) 7 =59 Malc Jacklin (Fenland) 7 =59 G. Jennings (Fenland) 7 =59 John Yates (Bury) 7 64 Keith Kinsey (Fenland) 6 =65 Chris Cullen Saddleworth 5 =65 Debbie Pollard (West Lothian) 5=65Pete Smith (Teesside) 5 =68 Richard Birkin (Nottingham) 2 =68 Robert Harber (Brighton) 2
Final Section Positions 1 Stockport 258 points
2 Nottingham 206
3 Bury 202
4Fenland 190
5 West Lothian 170
6 Manchester Stretford 63 7THeanor 46
8 Calder 40
9 Saddleworth 32
10 Crewe 14
11 London 12
12 North Cheshire 11
13 Bolton 9
14 Sunderland 8
15 Teesside 5
16 Brighton 2
SECTIONEWS
BARNOLDSWICK Our friendly little section is slowly growing and attracting riders ofall abilities. Our Saturday morning ride tends to be one hard and one easier ride toa local cafe, witha jointreturn home. We now havea weekly social evening ina great local pub. For 2012 we are planning a reliability ride and our harder riders will be riding several sportives.
BLACKPOOL Since our formation in May 2011 we have been growing steadily club. Our shorter evening rides in the summer proved popular until the dark evenings arrived. alternate Sunday morning rides havea small group of regular riders.
Itis hoped to increase our membership next year with an advertising campaign starting early in the New Year.
Finally, a big thank youto Emma
Joe Croston joins the Calder crew
Peasland, who was behind the starting of this section and unfortunately had to leave us in September due toa change in job location.
BOLTON The club has
continued to gain strength and prosper. Membership is atits highest fora number of years and our website has been updated by Dave Hardman: www. boltonclarion.co.uk.
Bolton Clarion is
also on Facebook, featuring ride reviews, notice of future events and plenty of gossip, and our quarterly newsletter provides hard copy news for members, with the Runs Lists, notice of future events and news updates.
The Sunday A and B rides always attract riders; the recently established Wednesday rides are becoming increasingly popular. We keep seeking out new destinations
with the necessary café stops. This year there has been two car-assisted rides setting offfrom Garstang, which have been well attended.
The Presentation evening arranged by Tony at Green Lane Cricket Club was again a success: a good buffet, and guest speaker Pete Graham was very entertaining.
Our popular club nights continued during the winter months, covering a range of topics from bike maintenance through toaQ&A witha registered chiropractor. Come for the free tea or coffee and a chat, followed by the quiz witha prize.
Both spring and autumn hostel weekends went well; Tony wrote that the Arnside weekend was one of the best, despite the heavy rain on the return leg.
Paul and Ian did the massive ‘Help the Heroes’ ride from Barcelona to Bolton, areal challenge, raising money for a worthwhile cause.
WINTER 2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 21
Fred’s track nights at the Velodrome remain popular the November event attracted 30 riders, including many first timers who reputedly hada great night out. Hopefully this ride will become as much asummer feature as the downhill is a winter feature.
In September, four Bride regulars undertook a sixday assisted tour through the Welsh Marches. A thought is that a tour should be introduced on the
BRIGHTON HOVE We continue with, as our club calling card says, ‘friendly leisure cycling’ every other Sunday. Mostly, we’re found in the lanes of East and West Sussex, sometimes in Surrey and occasionally Hampshire. Our spring weekend took us back to the New Forest. One unusual ride recently, organised by Angelika, one of our London-based members, visited many of the best known London Parks (see Jim’s report). We have two
Acold ride out for Brighton Hove
regular ‘socials’ each year, and try to do something a bit different each time. This summer, we had a Bank Holiday picnic ina Worthing park with boating lake, miniature railway and ponies not our usual style organised by Suzanne.
For Christmas, Jenny came up with something equally innovative. Hove Museum has a permanent exhibition based around ‘Toys, cinema, local history and fine art’ fascinating stuff -andin December aspecial exhibition ‘Robot Invasion’, a vast range of robots and space toys from the collection of Sussex artist Chris McEwan. Both were free. So we tooka
22 |BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
good look at them and. then had lunch (or tea for late arrivals) in the tearoom.
BURY In2011, we changed our BAR toasystem based on points.
We had a league table of 15 riders who competed ina variety of events, which meant a more true competition, with Nick Hall topping the table for the first time. Andy Horner has been our top trophy winner for many years
now but in 2011 he had to be satisfied with his handicap championship win. He will, though, be very pleased with his season, as he achieved a personal best 25 of 55:28. Nick also won the hillclimb and 25
championship. Adam Yates won his first club championship our season long 10s competition. Teenage members Joe MacQuade and Jordan Cottrel made their mark, with Joe’s performance in the National Clarion Track Champs and Jordan’s win in our annual ‘Come
Try It’ hill climb. This event had its best entry ever of 26. We welcomed
entrants from
Bolton and North Cheshire Sections. David Mitchell of
the latter section took the third place prize and another for beating the record for 49-year-olds. Two of our lady members, Lesley Davidson and Lindsey William, rode this event Lindsey on the back of Nick’s tandem. Lesley also competed inour club25 championship.
CALDER We have three new group rides:
Saturday ‘Fixie Revival’ ride (open to those with gears, prepared to restrict to one gear).
Saturday ‘Health Rides’ in conjunction with Wakefield
Cycling Forum, for novice riders.
Midweek rides of around 50 miles, Tuesday’s and Thursdays.
Participation in all these new rides is increasing steadily.
Inthe Spring, we willbegin weekly sessions for youngsters via British Cycling’s Go Ride scheme. Noteworthy Rides:
Rob Hydon completed Paris- Brest-Paris in 80 hours 34 minutes, a fantastic achievement!
Tom Butler climbed the iconic Pyreneean Plateau De Beille while on his family summer holiday (see photo).
Tim Moss climbed Mont Ventoux, ‘Giant of Provence’, from both sides.
Martin Price raised £1000 for completing 10 laps of a Peak District circuit
Tom Butler and Son Matthew relax in in Aux Le Thermes (Left). Calder invite Saddleworth to Manchester Velodrome (right)
including Winnats Pass, for the www. charlotteboothappeal. co.uk.
Audax Activity: A small group entered several rides, including the ‘Red Rose’, Three Bridges’ and, noteable because they became lost despite two garmin satnavs, the ‘Eureka’, resulting in them breakfasting in the ‘Elvis Café’.
TT News: The most exciting Calder Championship for years, with 73 riders anda total of 314 rides. Calder claimed seven wins.
Births: Jonny Croston and partner Becs recently celebrated the birth of Joe, youngest member of Calder Clarion.
Other News: Calder accepted an invitation from Saddleworth to attend a closed session at Manchester Velodrome (see photo below).
Also meeting socially at the Huddersfield SuperCross, where the legendary Saddleworth tweeter @emu of Toledo was present!
Members also rode to Ilam, taking part in the National Autumn rideout.
CAMBRIDGE Over recent weeks our section has more than doubled in size! We have riders who have ridden their first Audax this year and another who rode his first cyclocross event; both have subsequently joined the Clarion. Well done and welcome to Anne and Ed, and indeed to all of our new recruits.
We havea regular Sunday clubrun, where we ride anything between 4oand 70 miles.
Wealso have hada club kit produced, so with this striking new kit and regular club runs we anticipate that membership of Cambridge Clarion will rise further in the coming months. (Will it be our section that attracts the 1000th member?) We look forward to some cycling fellowship at the Easter Meet.
FENLAND
Two club team records have been broken this year the 10TT &15TT by
the same group
of riders (Martin Jones, Christopher Rimes and Simon Pitchford).
Also this year, Fenland Clarion supported a club rider with his charity 12-hour ride around our local 10TT course (Michael Shattock) to support brain damaged patients, following his wife’s heart attack which resulted in brain damage.
Our Go Ride section is well established now and going from strength to strengh, and this is all due to Malcom Jacklin’s efforts.
Fenland winners at their annual dinner
HEREFORD Hereford Clarion joined forces with the Hereford Section of the Veteran-Cycle Club and the National Cycle Museum
from Llandrindod Wells, as part of the Celebrating Cycling event promoted
by Transition Leominster. A day’s entertainment with information on the enjoyment to be
had and the health advantages of cycling was developed. Transition Leominster put ona number of displays while the Clarion and V-CC combined to put ona morning cycle ride of 25 miles, which returned to Leominster for lunch, after which revived and refreshed riders were ready for an afternoon of grass track racing on the town green withan Edwardian style cycle gymkhana
added for fun. Local cycle clubs and Tandem and Tricycle interests participated as well.
ITALIAN As 2011 draws to aclose, Italian Clarion reports
the club records in the10TT and hill climb remain intact, and membership remains at three. Itis complicated setting up club and attracting members
here, as cycling is considered a sport nota pastime, and there’s a lot of bureaucracy that goes with it. Therefore, we are offthe radar as an official club here. That doesn’t stop us getting out for rides with the local groups and clubs for road rides. Recently, we went down to Finale in Liguria for some MTB fun. Of the13 riders, 11 of us were on 29ers, which have really taken over here for CX rides.
We feel very privileged to live in sucha great area for mountainbiking and road riding. The Motovelodromo Fausto Coppiis back open and whata great place to ride track with seating to
NEW SECTION!
Chris Goode has announced the formation of anew section the Yorkshire Coast Clarion.
The section kicked off with 14 members ina catchment from Scarborough down to Withernsea (to the east of Hull)
with some inland members as well.
Chris says, ‘We aim to ride under NCCC colours in 2012 and may well create our own club kit for 2013’.
Geoff Manson takes over from Chris as secretary of the historic Manchester and Stretford Clarion.
accommodate 3000. The Milano-Torino road race finishes on the track in October 2012. Living in Italy, we miss the annual Clarion events and would like to stage something here any suggestions? Getin touch, it’d be fun.
MANCHESTER
AND STRETFORD Overall, it has been a good year for the members, particularly with James Fisher joining, the birth of Ellie and Kate Peaker, some good social occasions, the Easter Meet and the International Brigade ride. This was organised by Charles and took place in September and October, from Edinburgh to London via Ireland. Terry, Stuart and Ruth were part of this successful 700-mile trip. sadder note, Arthur Wroe, who joined the section in the 1930s, is no longer living at home but has moved toanursing home. Geoff Manson (nephew of the great Harold Lamb) secretary from Chris Goode. Some of the section members to the east of the
Pennines will be forming a new section on the Yorkshire coast. Chris says honour to keep the section going after the death of Harold Lamb, in 1997. Stuart and Denis Pye, along with Geoff, will form the backbone of the Manchester section. Andy Fisher and son James hada successful tandem debut in September, recording a 25-minute 10TT. Andrea Vaughan had her debut ina triathlon and did well. There were medals and age awards for Greystone, plus a National Veteran win for Andy and Chris on the tandem at ten miles. They also got anew veteran record at 25 miles and an outright record for 30 miles, with atime of 61:02. Stuart and Andy plan to ride the Manchester and District Christmas 10.
NORTH CHESHIRE
Now inits third year, North Cheshire has gone from strength tostrength, with over 160 paid up members at the end 2011. Club road rides are extremely
popular, with both Saturday and Sunday runs attracting large numbers of riders. The New Year will see an expansion of the clubrun programme, with longer Saturday and beginners Sunday rides planned. 2011 saw 25 members compete in cluband open TTs and numerous riders regularly taking part in Audaxes both near and far. September saw us stage our
first open event, the ‘Wizard and Llamas’ Audax, which attracted riders from as far away as Bristol toachallenging course out to the Peak District. The autumn has also seen some members competing in the North West
CX league, adding another discipline
to the club’s roster. Finally, our new
Kids Club has brought youngsters into the fold, with riders taking part in structured weekly
Saddleworth riders have tried new events
sessions with our three coaches,
as well as on the Velodrome and the new BMX facilityin Manchester.
SADDLEWORTH Our numbers continue to edge upwards with good numbers turning up for our weekly MTB and road rides.
began with us being invited to help warm up the crowds at the Halfords Town Centre series in Oldham. Competing against other local clubs we took the top three places on the 3-lap, closed road circuit. We enjoyed the chance to ride in front of the large crowds and using our local knowledge to avoid ‘crazy corner’ spillages which in fairness to the other clubs did seem to be amajor factor in our success.
We held our
inaugural club hill climb, piggy backing on the CTC’s Beard Cup and despite improved times all round we droppeda place from last year.
What has been fantastic is our interaction with other Clarion sections. We have ridden Audax rides with members from Calder and North Cheshire, competed in the National Clarion Road Race and Track Champsand havea team ready for the Cross Race, but most impressive has been the training sessions at the Tameside Crit track, organised by our social/ladies secretary.
Our Christmas Dinner and prize giving was on December 8th, and we hope to meet even more Clarion members at the 3rd Enfer Du Saddleworth. Feel free tojoin us ona Wednesday night on your MTB bike or come along on our famously flat road rides each Sunday.
STOCKPORT Paul Whittaker,
riding for Stockport Clarion, took overall victory in this year’s
WINTER2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS 25
MTBTrans Wales event in the Solo Veteran category.
The 7-day MTB stage race includes hundreds of riders from across the world and covers over 333 miles with 15,260m of climbing. It can be ridden solo or in pairs, and is split between marathonstyle stages and intense special stages.
The event involves packing all your stuff intoa kit bag which then gets transported by lorry to the next overnight camp. Riders carry enough food, water, clothes and spares to get through the day.
The event throws at the riders all the best terrain Wales has to offer from singletrack, fire roads, water hazards, rocky climbs and descents, and a nighttime stage.
Coming into the final day Paul and place by 1 second. After over 48 hours of riding Paul won bya
slim seconds!
Go to http://tinyurl. com/7netlmg to see Paul’s write-up.
August saw the wedding of Darren Reynolds and Natalie. Darren’s stag do was held in France to coincide with the Tour. We rode up the Col De Tourmalet to watch the race. After the finish, on our way back to the campsite, the Garmin team, including Hushovd and Millar, went past us on their way to their teambus. Obviously this was an opportunity not to be missed so we sat behind them ona small descent.
Daniel Moores set offin May for Australia, cycling 100 miles a day and arriving in July. Follow Daniel at http://danielmoores. wordpress.com/
SUNDERLAND It’s been another positive year for the club, with
BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
membership rising anda group of riders taking to the road and circuits to race. For a first season ina long time, the club had a group of riders gaining BCF points; the best performance overall was by our new club Road Race Champion Chris Barnard. Chris was one of three riders to gain a 3rd Cat license this year, along with Stuart Gray and Michael Sloanes. Michael and Chris also rounded out the podium for the club competition at our annual hill climb, the club trophy being won fora second time by Matt France. The overall event was won by Adam Martin. The other TT trophies were spread out among a number of riders, with 25TT trophies going to Iain Beveridge and Matt France, while the 10TT trophies went to Tim Jenkins and Allen Armstrong,
who also won the veteran’s trophy. Chris Barnard took the 9-mile TT series trophy.
The club hada successful annual hostel weekend at Once Brewed in Northumberland, with eight members taking part.
Our reliability ride this year took place in North Yorkshire on acold and miserable day we’re not sure how riders managed to pose for a photo on top of Tan Hill.
Elsewhere, Clive Surman-Wells has started acampaign to restore the disused Gypsies Green cycling track in South Shields.
WEST LOTHIAN Cameron Mason placed second in the Scottish CX champs. Simon Fagan won a Scottish Cycling quarterly coaching award and was also part of the coaching team at the UK School Games. Ryan Ewing was awarded kids club ‘rider of the year’ and Alex Ball and Leah Grant were the ‘most-improved’. Inthe senior section, Steve McCaw and Lynn Gow won the 25TT champions,
Michelle Gregory and Brian Mclellan won the season long 10TT series, with Duncan Ewing winning
the junior trophy. The TT series has seen participation increase by a third to over 60 riders.
Matthew Balland Diane Mackie won the men’s and women’s club hill climb, and Chris Downey is now the proud protector of the club’s freewheel trophy a massive cobble.
Brian Mclellan and John Michael Howison were crowned 2-UP10TT champions.
Stephen Darling set our 30 mile TT record (1.19.29). Sadiq Mir was crowned BAR champion and Steve McCaw was awarded Member of the Year.
Atthe AGM, Tom Beattie became our
4th president, with Duncan Harvie filling the new post of Welfare Officer.
The clubrun format has changed broader range of riders, with 12mph, ismph and an 18+mph groups; monthly group riding skills sessions have also been well attended.
Stephen Henley organised our best ever Champions dinner with over 60. attending to cheer on the trophy winners.
106 competitors entered the trafficfree open Kingscavil Hill Climb organsied by Angus Gallie, and itis now the most well-attended hill climb in Scotland.
Congratulations to the Harvies on the birth of Finlay Luke and to the Fosters on the birth of Claudia.
West Lothian’s group coaching session and Ewan Norton in Brazil
SECTIONS ONLINE
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Send your news, photos and section round-ups to us at the email below.
We want to include something from EVERY section in the next edition: secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk Deadline: May 30th 2012. The Summer issue will be out in July 2012.
WINTER2011/12| BOOTS&SPURS 27
BIG RIDE
Deloitte Ride Across Britain
Novice Graham Hilton takes ona challenge in tribute to his dad
first read about the Ride Across Britain (RAB), a charity ride from John O’Groats to Lands End organised by James Cracknell, in late 2009. As an occasional cyclist with a maximum ride of 12 miles under my belt, I quickly decided that solo riding almost 1000 miles in June 2010 was perhaps a little ambitious so made an entry to the 2011 event. I then set about finding three unsuspecting companions to share the ride. My goal was to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Charity, as my father, a keen cyclist, died of the disease five years ago. As the event finished on Fathers Day, I had rashly decided to ride his 45 year old Bob Jackson bike, in the colours of his old club Bury Clarion. It seemed a fitting tribute.
Fast forward to 10th of June 2011, and I and bike buddy Tony Haberfield-Smith were collecting the three other ‘cranks’ from Inverness after a two day drive from London. We stopped for dinner in the Lake District with former Clarion man Warren Elsby, aprimary school friend of Peter Roscoe. [had persuaded John Nangle, and Bob
Beatson, two old friends from the oil industry to join me. Unfortunately, our fourth man, Ben Curtis, injured his back and was forced to pull out (only after donating half his £900 entry fee to our charity fund), and we were lucky to have Henry Simpson asa last minute replacement. RABisa major logistical exercise, with 600 riders plus staff, safety escorts and sponsors accommodated in aseries of tented villages for nine nights. The marquees, tents, bike racks and Halfords mechanics areas made an impressive sight, perched on the tip of Scotland, with spectacular views of the
Orkneys in glorious sunshine.
With the tented kitchens serving up enormous quantities of good food, showers on site and a rousing pep talk from the organisers, all looked good for an early start on Saturday.
What followed was an incredible nine day experience. I was to ride the whole route, accompanied on each of the three daily stages by another ‘crank’, with Tony in the car with the luggage and non riders. Bob were piped away from John O’Groats at 7:30 on Saturday the 11th ofJune after our soon to be customary 5:30 wake-up music and headed south.
28 BOOTS&SPURS WINTER 2011/12
DAY ONE
JOHN O'GROATS BONAR BRIDGE (110 MILES)
Agentle start along the North coast of Scotland with spectacular views and sunshine, before turning South to Altnaharra and the hills (and rain) to our second tented village close to the Cromarty Firth.
DAY TWO:
BONAR BRIDGE FORT WILLIAM (99 MILES) Into the Highlands, climbing above the morning mist, with spectacular views and scary descents. A photo stop at the commando monument at Spean Bridge before riding into camp under the shadow of snow capped Ben Nevis.
DAY THREE
FORT WILLIAM GLASGOW (122 MILES) Set offin rain for the first time, for a50 mile stage through Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor. Lots of climbing, wind, rain and sleet, in June! The route is
Graham with finishing medal, 2nd from right
extended by seven miles due to road works, but at least the sun comes out, and we reach one third distance.
DAY FOUR
GLASGOW CARLISLE (103 MILES)
Billed asa ‘rest day’, we start with a long ride around the suburbs of Glasgow, before heading for the Border. Low flowing hills for 90 miles before our second taste of heavy traffic through Carlisle, to the tented village at Carlisle Racecourse. The food strangely deteriorates now there are proper kitchens.
DAY FIVE
CARLISLE HAYDOCK (108 MILES) Spectacular scenery as we skirt the Lake District and climb the famous Shap Fell, in the big ring, where the scenery is obscured by thick mist and constant drizzle. Then it’s on through heavy traffic in Preston and Wigan during rush hour.
DAY SIX
HAYDOCK LUDLOW (104 MILES) Skirting south of Manchester, we are soon in the lanes
of Cheshire, although it is sometimes hard to tell the lanes from the canals due
to torrential rain. Luckily it brightens up as we head into Shropshire and beautiful hilly countryside. Meeting coaches on steep single track descents becomes a regular hazard.
DAY SEVEN
LUDLOW BATH (91 MILES)
Another ‘rest day’ head-
ing south through Ludlow, Leominster and a host of pretty market towns to Ross on Wye. A surprising number of climbs into and across the Forest of Dean precede a spectacular descent into Chepstow and a windy ride across the old Severn Bridge. A sting in the tail comes after Bath witha steep climb, in torrential rain, to Bath racecourse. Things are made interesting by losing the bottom three gears for the last climbs, as the modern SRAM shifters start to fail, unlike the older components.
DAY EIGHT
BATH OKEHAMPTON (114 MILES)
The ride to date is we’re told just training for the last two days, and we are offtoa tough start into the centre of Bath, before the big
climb out the other
Enroute, Graham metupwithex Bury Clarion
Warren Elsby
side. Then it’s theMendips and North Devon, one steep climb after another, before a final 40 mile stage that seems to be all uphill into 30mph headwind. Many riders not home until after 8pm!
DAY NINE
OKEHAMPTON LANDS END (112 MILES)
A 4:30 wake up and full cooked breakfast from local volunteers/heroes before the final ‘short day’ to Lands End. A lovely blast along the Fowey River is the only respite from constant steep valleys that test brakes and legs. All four of us ride the final leg with fabulous views of St Michaels Mount before the final test, a4oom, 1in 4 climb through Newlyn, ten miles from the finish. We finally cross the line at 5:15pm, elated, relieved and in the company of several hundred beaming riders and support staff.
experience. It was uplifting and humbling, having ridden with Paralympics GB cycling team, Alan in his recumbent wheelchair, and George, setting a world record distance on an Elliptigo (a cross trainer on wheels).
Allinvolved were unfailingly helpful and cheerful, and the team spirit was unique. We have raised £5500 for The Prostate Cancer Charity for which I am immensely grateful to all who sponsored us, and to my fellow cranks, John, Boband Henry, and
our ever present
9 minder Tony.
x
A,
OPINION
Bravo for brevet cards
Tim Mitchell prefers
By Tim Mitchell SADDLEWORTH ugust Bank Holiday offered a start point in Bala, 75 miles, lots of hills, the coast, hospitality by Merseyside CTC well, why not? The Wild Wales challenge looked promising.
The day arrived withasam alarm call, Simon Pateman at the front door, Ella (the dog) wanting out what had done? I had to get up, meet Chris in Hyde, one of the other Simons was in Bala.
It wasn’t a sportive. It wasn’t an audax either, but it was one of the best days on abike you can have. Why? The answer is a great route, good company and excellent organisation. It did what it promised.
Itis oft discussed up here in Saddleworth the relative merits of sportives and Audax rides, but for either of them, one thing is certain, the roads have to be good. So, what was good? It wasn’t main roads, although they are sometimes necessary some sportives runaround our patch on roads that even if you have bonked you would take a longer way home to avoid. Trunk roads, lorries, not much space. No thank you.
This ride had lanes, great scenery, and tough climbs (for me, not everyone). In
30 |BOOTS&SPURS SUMMER 2011
Saddleworth in wild Wales
fairness, both types of ride can fail on the road front but lots of sportives seem to stick to main roads. It’s not about distance as some are smaller than bigger Audax rides. Here in the West Riding we also take a stubborn pride in frugality. Bleeding heck, I’ve got spokes from wheels I no longer own, just in case. £25 or £30 would be normal for asportive, maybe £60 with a free gillet that doesn’t even come (Etape Cymru anyone?). The Wild Wales was £12,a Wednesday ride from Marple run by Peak Audaxis £5, an extra £2 and havea nice medal. Audaxis clearly in the lead for value. Occasionally I have been forced to agree that price value are different. Some things are worth that bit extra because they are that much better. It has to be said that I have yet to ride a bad
Audax, although quality does vary. But a sportive can be truly awful. Bad to useless instructions, poor signage, little or no food.
Inan Audax, I expect to find my own way this is the main difference. It might be route sheet or a gpx file, but you find your own way and prove you did by completing the brevet card, although it’s rare that you have to. Fellowship isn’t confined to the Clarion. Catering can be excellent (top marks to NCC onthe cake front), or it might just be a buttie and acup of tea, but it meets my expectations. I know Iam not getting energy gel. Itake my own, it’s really that easy.
But don’t you needa Carradice saddlebag anda beard to ride Audax events? Not me, I’mall carbon fibre and shaved legs although if you want to wear sandles, why not? Don Black isa legend: slacks, jumper and the Paris- Brest-Paris chapeau! I bet he stopped for a pintin Brest.
So you don’t get an instant time in an Audax, but you do get your brevet back. I have most of mine ina box, along with other stuff like gig tickets.
wise man once opined that sportives are for people who think they are racing and Audax rides are for people who think they are not racing.
Isay bin your prejudices andhave a goat Audax it’s the new rock and roll.
PHOTO: GEORGE BURGESS PHOTOGRAPHY
An outdoor conference in 1895, Dove Dale, Ashbourne. Inset: Clarion founder Robert Blatchford
Fellowship is life
Part one of the Clarion’s fascinating history
Chris Goode YORKSHIRE COAST he Clarion newspaper, from which the Clarion Cycling Clubs evolved, was founded in December 1891 and the first cycling club in 1894. The following year the NCCC emerged. The Clarion cyclists were always social as well as many being political. One of the Clarion Cycling Club’s earliest rules was ‘mutual aid, good fellowship and the propagation of the principles of socialism’. The Clarion newspaper produced a proliferation of clubs, notjust ours, anda Clarion movement which had an impact on politics
predominantly before the First World War. Tom Groom’s definition ofa Clarion cyclist was ‘aman witha bicycle anda saddle bag full of Clarions’. Many Clarion cyclists, particularly in the Clarion Scouts and through work with the Clarion Van campaigns, promoted socialism and helped found Independent Labour Party branches and new Clarion clubs. However, this was not the sole purpose of the ¢@pf Clarion Cycling Clubs, because, for many, the recreational aims of the club were paramount improved health, an antidote to work and the polluted urban environment and freedom were vital. What also mattered was the esteem between members, the principles and aspirations held common.
For many, the
recreational aims of the club were paramount
Swiftsure commented in the pages of The Clarion, December 1895:
‘Ah! Ye who cycle not, ye know not, alas what lifeand freedomis....’
The range of thought across the Clarion movement incorporates utopian thinking, socialist ideals and enthusiastic optimism for the future. Cycling was the hub of this multi-faceted movement.
In the next issue of Boots and Spurs the changes brought about by the First World War will be discussed. The role of the editor, Robert Blatchford, was decisive. Denis Pye’s Fellowship is Life isa mustread and covers the history of our club and much more.
READ ON
Find out more about the history of our club. You can purchase Denis Pye's book Fellowship is Life, the National Clarion Cycling Club 1895-1995 priced at £4.95. Order now email Ian Clarke on bike@
WINTER2011/12 BOOTS&SPURS
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