Chain Gang News

January, 2010

Although the weather was a bit naff the turnout for the annual general meeting was very disappointing. A larger room at the Black Horse public house was acquired in anticipation of a large attendance; it also serves a good pint, which is a bonus. Unfortunately there was a problem with the heating which meant we had to sit with our coats on. Only 21 members attended (27 last year, with far fewer members), thanks go to them for making the effort. It was a pleasure to see new faces being elected on to the committee.
    The elected officials are: president elect - Trevor Page; chairman - Mike Deamon; secretary - Barry Fryer; treasurer - Norman Stacey; press secretary - Tim Ellershaw; clothing secretary - Joules Reed; equipment secretary - Steve Radmall; cyclo-cross secretary - Les Hoare; Tuesday 10s secretary - Roger Towe; claims secretary - Paul Sidwell; develop-ment secretary - John Gabriel; senior representatives - Mick Wills, Colin Whitford, Eleanor Mather, and Marc Lee; junior representatives - Clair Parfrey and Kelvin Southan.
    It was a lively meeting, proposals were made and accepted, they are in more detail in this newsletter, be sure to read them.
    Thanks go to Richard Gamble for taking the minutes.

PRIZE PRESENTATION EVENING
The prize presentation evening is the social highlight of the club’s year, but it didn’t reflect on the numbers attending. As far as I’m aware there haven’t been any complaints, so I assume everyone must have enjoyed themselves. The Meeting Centre is by far the nicest venue we’ve had and every effort is made to keep the ticket price as low as possible, so I’m baffled as to why more members don’t attend (if you have a reason or suggestion, please let me know). I feel for the prize winners who do not get the applause from their contemporaries in recognising their success as they deserve.
    Congratulations to all the prize winners and thanks to Trevor Page for presenting the prizes, also thanks to Paul Chilton for taking the winners’ photos.
    Date and venue for this year’s presentation evening will be decided by the committee and in due course put on the club’s website.

BOXING DAY 10
Considering that this morning was probably the best for a week or more the number turning up to ride was a little disappointing. There wasn’t much of a wind and it wasn’t too cold either, not cold enough to make the helpers shiver, I can vouch for that. Out of the 22 riders, nine were guests, one riding for the first time. The overall winner was Mike Wheeler of Lutterworth Cycles in 24.38; Kelvin Southan was the club’s fastest in 25.57. Special thanks go to Kay Fryer and Trevor Page for giving up their morning doing what they do every Tuesday evening, and thanks also to Barry Hodgkinson and Dick Lovell for marshalling.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
You will see that the enclosed membership form is a change from that which has been used in the past. There are two specific changes to the subscriptions that were passed at the AGM, and they are: family membership which consists of: two adults; 17 and under must include both parents/guardians; all must reside at the same address; under 12s taking part in the GoRide scheme have free membership and require a separate consent form.
    If you are applying for a family membership please return any unused membership forms with your completed forms.
    An early return of your subs makes life a lot easier for me and the treasurer; your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
   
REAR LIGHTS
Safety for our events are paramount and after a couple of evenings last year when the light gave out on us and with some riders finishing their race in very poor light, it was decided at the AGM that it will now be compulsory to have a rear light. No rear light, no ride.This will also apply to guest riders. Riders are also to seriously consider using a front light. Lights these days are small, light and very efficient; they certainly won’t slow you down and affect your times.

TUESDAY 10s
At the AGM it was decided that the entry fee for our 10s will be increased to £2 for members and second-claim members, and £3 for guest riders.
    Another AGM decision was that no longer will riders be starting off at 30 seconds intervals, all events will start at one minute. If the light is poor on the night a decision will be made as to how many riders will be allowed to start, no matter how many are in the field, priority will be given to club members. The only exception might be those that can prove they have a sufficient front light (remember rear lights are now compulsory).
    The first of the 10s will be on 6th April and the last on 14th September, the first three and the last three will have a 6.30 pm start, those in between will start at 7 pm, making a total of 24 weeks.
    On the final evening we generally gather in the Axe for a meal, in order that the recorder and time-keeper (who are always last to return to the field) are able to get a meal at a reasonable time, the field will be restricted to 30 riders, members only.
    Once again we are fortunate to be able to use the field behind the Axe & Compass for our headquarters; it is up to us to treat the area and the toilets with the greatest respect so that we may continue to benefit from Bob Jones’s (owner of the Axe) generosity. Without the use of this field we would be unable to cater for the numbers that we have turning up for a ride.
    A reminder that if, for whatever reason, you are unable to start or finish, be sure to inform the time-keeper. Also do not warm-up past the start and when returning from your ride, do not ride two abreast past the start if riders are still being sent off.
    When the time comes, please be sure to make a note of the date when you are required to take your turn on the 10s rota. Failing to turn up to take your turn causes major problems. One being that the police require us to provide a marshal at the turn wearing a reflective jacket, if that person does not turn up to take his turn he puts the events in jeopardy.

CHAMPIONSHIP 25
The date for our championship 25 will be Sunday, 6th June, and will be held on what has become our regular course. It may not be regarded as the easiest of courses but being of two laps it does mean that if you run into trouble it’s not that far back to the headquarters (if you do have to quit, be sure to inform the time-keeper that you’ve done so). This event is not just about winning but about taking part, it is put on for your benefit and your support it required for it to be a success.
    If you don’t intend to ride this event then please consider offering your help for marshalling duties.

OPEN EVENTS
Sunday, 9th May - a two-up 25 mile time trial, also for tandems. To be held on our course with a 9 am start. Mick Wills is the organiser. Entry forms are required for this event.

Saturday, 26th June - a 10 mile time trial, also for tandems. To be held on our course with a 2 pm start. Tim Ellershaw is the organiser. Entry forms are required for this event.

Sunday, 27th June - a 25 mile time trial, also for tandems. To be held on our course with a 9 am start. Tim Ellershaw is the organiser. Entry forms are required for this event.

SOCIAL EVENINGS
Towards the end of the 10s I was asked if we did anything through the winter. The idea was put before the committee and a short programme was set out, and for it to continue of a Tuesday evening. The first was a quiz night, purely for fun, and was supported by a mere 13 people, two of which were the compilers, but it was good fun, which was what it was meant to be. The next evening was about organising winter training and given by John Gabriel, only 16 turned up and this included John’s wife who had chauffeured him because he was on crutches. I suppose it’s gratifying to know that the vast number of the membership have got their winter training sorted and don’t need expert advice.
    The next evening on the programme is on Tuesday, 17th January, a talk on energy drinks, given by Lucozade. This will be held at The Black Horse, Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, 7.30 for an 8 pm start. It is hoped that this will be better supported.
    Following this on Tuesday, 9th February, will be a talk and demonstration by Polar on heart monitors. This again will be held at The Black Horse, Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, 7.30 for an 8 pm start. This also needs to be well supported.
    Finally on Tuesday, 9th March, the last evening on our programme, will be a talk on energy foods. The guest speaker has yet to confirm. Venue and times will be the same as the previous two; if the attendance for them is poor this will be cancelled.

CLOTHING
For this season you will be able to ride CTT (Cycling Time Trials) open events in either the sponsored or new tops (if competing in a team time trial, all must be wearing same design). For BC (British Cycling) events you will be required to ride in the sponsored kit.
    Our clothing secretary, Joules Reed, has a quantity of the new kit in stock.

For more information or suggestions, contact:
Barry R Fryer, 9 Edale Green, Burbage, Leics, LE10 2RP or 01455 613082