It was a pleasure to see so many past members joining us as we celebrated our 60th year as a cycling club at our annual prize presentation evening in November last. There were past members before my time and some during my time, and they must have enjoyed themselves as many have requested to be invited to our next presentation evening on Saturday, 22nd November, at the same venue. During the course of the evening we enjoyed a slide show of photos almost spanning the 60 years, this was set up by Tony Harris and he made an excellent job of it. Some of the photos shown caused some amusement amongst the attentive audience. Unfortunately there was one hiccup that I had no control over, for some reason a mistake was made in the number of seats set out, although this was put right at some member’s inconvenience I sincerely apologise to those who had to put up with alternative seating. The use of round tables made chatting a lot easier than sitting on long tables. The total number of tickets sold amounted to 139, not all of those attended, possibly about 136, but this amounted to the largest gathering at any of our presentation evenings. To ensure that everyone gets a seat next time the total number will be limited, probably to about 120. Photos of prize winners are on the website.
The road surface was wet but the weather was very good for the Boxing Day 10, a bit on the cold side for those that had to stand about and thanks go to Trevor, Kay, Roger, Dick Lovell and Tony Davis for giving up their time so that the event could go ahead. With the new road surface I had anticipated a large number turning up, more than the 30 of 2006, but only a total of 25 took part, of those only 13 were club members. Morgan, as always, did his bit on his trike; Dael and Paul Sidwell riding a tandem did the fastest time overall with 24.50; Roy Dayman was partnered on his tandem by Jayne Davis, her very first 10; Tom Dyson was the overall solo winner with a time of 24.58, taking the scalp of Planet X rider Hywel Davies. Three riders turned up in fancy dress, Martin Sharrocks and Scott Chaplin were dressed up as Father Christmas and Joe Murray as Superman with an Elvis hairdo (and his time was the slowest he has ever done for a 10). Lewis McLaren and Scott Chaplin were riding for the first time and both intend joining the club. The photos I took can be seen and downloaded from the club’s website.
By now you should have decided what your aims are for 2008. By looking through your handbook this should give you some idea of what trophies are on offer. One that hasn’t been presented for some time is the wrinklies trophy, this is for the over 50s, of which members we have a few, all they have to do is ride open 10, 25 and 50 time trials and the result is based on the best standard. I could go on suggesting other events like participating in road races, circuit races, etc, but should you need any help I am at the end of a phone or you are welcome to come round and have a chat over a cup of tea and biscuits. Setting targets for yourself whether it be chasing personal bests, beating specific riders, achieving higher placings on result sheets, or after specific trophies, it is all down to you. Should you need any help or advice it is there for the asking, what more can I say! If you have lost or mislaid your handbook and require another one then send me a stamped addressed envelope and I will gladly supply you with a copy.
There are two members of the club who are British Cycling qualified coaches who are able to help you should you require their services. It is not their place to approach you but should you require their advice or help please show a bit of consideration when you get in touch with them. The coaches are Paul Sidwell (01455 250081) and Tony Hayman (01455 447367), remember they do not get paid for doing this, they do it for the love of the sport.
The Tuesday evening 10s commence on 8th April and the last one will be on 16th September, the first three and the last three will have a 6.30 pm start, those in between will have a 7 pm start. 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 this area and the toilets with the greatest respect so that we may continue to benefit from Bob Jones’s (gaffer of the Axe) generosity. Without the use of this field we would be unable to cater for the numbers that we now have turning up for a ride. Last season we were not let down that many times by members not taking their turn on the marshalling duties, let’s keep it that way please. Remember, if you are unable to take your turn it is up to you to arrange a replacement. We are required by the Police to provide a turn marshal wearing a reflective jacket, this can be collected at the hq, and it would be a great help if everybody reported at the hq on their allotted rota day. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support, without it our 10s cannot be successfully run. Unfortunately, because of the increase in CTT levies for this year we are forced to increase entry fees to £1.50 for members and £2 for guest riders. It will be a great help when paying your entry fee to make sure you have the right money.
The date for the club’s championship 25 is Sunday, 17th August, and will be held on what has now become our regular course. It may not be the easiest of courses but being of two laps it does mean that if you run into trouble it is not that far back to the headquarters. This event is not just about winning but about taking part, it is put on for your benefit and your support is required. Only 13 took part in last year’s so let’s see a lot more of you turning up and giving it a go. If you don’t intend to ride please consider offering your help for marshalling duties.
Once again Mick Wills is organising the GMC Weekend, the 10 will be on Saturday afternoon, 21st June, and the 25 on Sunday morning, 22nd June. Members are encouraged to ride these events and also, seeing as we have had such terrific support from members over the last two years, to offer their services as marshals, etc.
Twenty members took part in lively debates at our annual general meeting. The date for the championship 25 was proposed to be moved away from August and concern was shown on the likely increase of guest riders taking part in our 10s now that the road has been resurfaced and perhaps causing club members not being able to get a ride; the ten minute waiting rule for guest riders will be enforced and it is up to members to inform any guest riders of this fact and not leave it to someone else, namely me! We are pleased to welcome some new faces on the committee; elected officials are: chairman and secretary – Barry Fryer; treasurer – Norman Stacey; press secretary – Tim Ellershaw; clothing secretary – Frank Gudger; sponsorship secretary – Joules Reed; Tuesday 10s secretary – Roger Towe; equipment secretary – Steve Radmall; claims secretary – Paul Sidwell; cyclo-cross secretary – Les Hoare (to be confirmed); senior representatives – Tony Harris, Mick Wills, Colin Whitford, and Barry Adcock. It is hoped to get photos of elected officers on the website so that members will know who they are and who to contact for any enquiries, etc.
You will, of course, have found your membership form with this newsletter and an early return of your subs makes life a lot easier for me and the newly elected treasurer, your assistance will be greatly appreciated. I am sorry to have to point out that there has been an increase.
Cycling Time Trials handbooks can be obtained from: Vanessa Marsden, 7 Baysdale Avenue, Ferncrest, Bolton, BL3 4XP, for £7 (incl p&p), cheques made payable to CTT. Orders can also be made on-line.
Once again I would like to remind riders of the benefit of having a flashing rear light, especially when taking part in our 10s. The evening light cannot always be relied on; it is better to be seen, don’t you think. They weigh next to nothing so they won’t slow you down.
There have been a number of letters recently published in Cycling Weekly declaring that a number of cycling clubs are “snobs” or unsociable, meaning that they don’t acknowledge other riders when out on the road. We are considered to be a very friendly club, certainly at our 10s, so we should carry that over to when we are out on the road. Please give other cyclists a greeting and/or a wave, if it is not returned don’t be put off; tri-athletes are noted for ignoring proper cyclists.
A certain amount of clothing is kept in stock and can be obtained from Frank Gudger, please contact him on 01455 449963. If you are waiting for ordered clothing keep an eye on the website, as soon as Frank has had them delivered a message will be posted. Don’t forget that a club top is required when riding a club or open event.
Once again we competed against Coalville Wheelers for the honours of this event, and with our strength in depth we should not have any trouble winning it. This year perhaps we can get the edge on them; it would be nice if this series had the support of the membership and take the title away from Coalville. If anyone knows the dates for this season’s events would they please put them on the website; and if anyone is really keen perhaps co-ordinate riders to take part.
Our newly elected press secretary, Tim Ellershaw, will appreciate members getting in touch with him with their results through the season. Contact him on 01455 890604; at some point his e-mail address will appear on our website, which will be a better way of contacting him, and he will appreciate that more than a phone call.
Each year I make this request, we need volunteers to be trained up to occasionally take on the roles of signing-on and recording; taking on the second watch; and also taking on the first watch. Each week we rely on the same folk to do these jobs and when they are not available it becomes increasingly difficult to get someone to stand-in for them. There must be a few of you out there who are not interested in riding the Tuesday 10s who can come forward and help us out; I do stress it is for occasional help. If you can help, then please get in touch.
Keep abreast of things by logging onto our website: www.hinckleycrc.org.
If you require any more information then contact: