Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club

News Letter

Issue: 366 Jan/Feb 1999

President: C. Byers

Chairman: D. Sullivan

Secretary: R. Crane

Treasurer: T. Sykes

Editor: D. Roberts - e-mail drobe10229@aol.com

Check out the page three model in this issue!!!!!!!

(you can find it on page 5)

The Ed’s Bit

Cold, wet, grey and dark, both morning and evening. Yes, the beginning of 1999 heralds a new dawn, and it is damp. The weather is against training, so that is my excuse for not riding, and no doubt will be for not doing too well in this year’s Evening League.

Who has stuck to their New Years Resolutions? We all made them just after midnight on January 1st., vowing to give up alcohol / smoking / chocky bars, and lead an altogether healthier life style; but in the cold, sober light of day the reality is more difficult to achieve. So whatever you have resolved to do, good luck, and may you have the willpower to fulfil your dreams.

And for those of you who have not yet checked it out, the Web Site is up and running. We went ‘live’ on New Years Day, and I’m sure that Dave Crane will keep it well up to date. Check it out on www.dcrane.freeserve.co.uk - (N.B. if you are reading this you are already there – but then you knew that !)

On The Social Scene

The annual Winter Walk took place on the 28th. December. 12 people attended, and completed this most social of events. Lorna Webb has asked me to say thank you to all those who attended.

Results

Sunday, December 20th saw the annual BEJOSS Wheelers Christmas Charity 18 mile time trial. This was held on the NC7/18 (one of these days I’m going to decipher these RTTC codes) at Stagsden, and the weather was cold and windy. There was an excellent turn out of riders, helpers and spectators; and for those who wanted it, there was even a stop off for a cuppa after 9 miles. All proceeds of this event went to the Campaign Against Drink and Driving, and early indications show that the monies raised will be in excess of £500, taking the total of 7 promotions to £5000.

The results were:-

Prizes were also awarded to the following club members:-

Youngest Rider - Natalie Lewis

Most Bright Yellow and Wrapped Up Against the Cold With Superthermal Arctic Protection Gear - Ron Bousted

Heavy Weight Cyclist Prize - Des Roberts (Though I haven’t a clue why)

Mark Holden has asked me to pass on his thanks to all those who took part in whatever capacity. Come along next time........and see if you can invent your own category.

Pacing competition

The annual Pacing competition was held on 27th December on a cold, miserable, wet morning. Although the sun was out for the early birds, it soon clouded over and threw it down like it so often does for this event. There was a depleted field compared to earlier years, due mainly to the colds, ‘flu and bronchitis that have afflicted so many people this year. Dick Byers rode at a steady pace and was 2 minutes and 55 seconds off his given time. Although most people curse their luck when they puncture, Chris Hartley’s mishap helped him to gain the award for being furthest away from his given time, and he went home suitably rewarded. Trevor Marshall was the ‘Lucky Number’. The results were as follows:-

Awards were as follows:-

1. Prize Draw: Trevor Marshall

2. Nearest to Chosen Time: Dick Byers (2:25)

3. Lucky Number 9: Martyn Dunn

4. Biggest Difference: Ray Potter (26:25)

5. Nearest to 44 Mins: Terry Sykes (44:30)

6. 2nd Nearest Chosen Time: Ron Bousted

7. Nearest to 60 Mins: Ray Potter and Terry Bush (62:35)

Youth Training

Youth training has recommenced after the festive season. There was a good turn out on the 9th. January, when the group rode 12 miles, and the stronger riders did 14. Just before Christmas three people turned up, and the youngest was only 35 years old!!!!!! So much for it being Youth Training. The program will continue through winter and spring, and it is hoped that when the new season starts, some of the youthful riders will be ready to start competing and representing the Club.

The Other Side Of Cycling

This was sent to me recently. ‘My Dad bought a brand new, super top of the range track pump. Not only will it pump up bike tyres, it will also do cars, inflatable lilos and footballs too. But best of all, when you have pumped whatever it is you are pumping up to the correct pressure, it lets out a high pitched beep. Needless to say, Dad’s financial advisor (my Mum) is not best pleased. Dad says that it was in a half price sale, and it only cost £25, and is covered by a life time guarantee. Mum is not convinced. So the other day, Mum hauled us all outside, convinced that the house was on fire, as the smoke alarm had gone off, only to find Dad in the kitchen, with a look of joy and glee, playing with his new toy, the dreaded track pump. WARNING. This pump is coming to a cycling club near you soon’

Anon

Club Clothing

How is your cycling clothing looking? A bit washed out? A few holes in it from the last time you ate tarmac? Well now you will be able to kit yourself out in the latest BRCC Club strip at reasonable prices. An order for the most popular sizes of the most popular garments has been placed which should be with us in 6 to 8 weeks; just in time for the racing season.

Warning. Prices may change without notice depending on the treasurers’ holiday requirements. (Only joking Terry)

Found. One pair of glasses. They have been in the clubhouse since the summer, and may belong to a visitor. At the moment they are located on the coffee bar in the clubhouse. - These glasses are still in the Clubroom awaiting return to their owner - over 18 Months since their first appearance - if they are not claimed soon, they will be disposed of.

BRCC Page 3 Model

Model Make: Mercian

Owner: Dave Crane

Age: 18 Years old

Vital Statistics: 24" frame, Reynolds 531 throughout, Kingfisher Blue, with Shimano and Mavic components.

Top Speed: 45mph down Hammer Hill

Has It Let You Down?: ‘Yes, big time, but only twice. It threw me over the handlebars at the bottom of Hammer Hill after the gears locked up in a Club 30 event in 1995. Fortunately no one saw me do it, and I did not loose much time as I was so annoyed I rode flat out for the rest of the race. The other time was a bit more serious. I was on the A1 in a Middlemarkers event when, sprinting up a slight incline, the left crank snapped. I resurfaced the road with my racing vest and several layers of skin. A trip to South Wing for a check up was required, but there were no serious injuries. Had this accident happened on the much busier A14, which the RTTC prefer us to use, I think that the outcome would have been far worse’.

Is it RTTC Legal?: I doubt it. They seem to ban anything with 2 wheels these days.

Dave Crane is Publicity Secretary for BRCC.

If you would like your bike featured as a Page 3 Model , please contact me with all the details, and a photo of you with your machine by e-mail - drobe10229@aol.com, snail mail or phone

Reliability Ride This takes place on Sunday 22nd Feb. There are 2 distances, either 60 Km or 100 Km. Both routes are covered on OS map 153, Bedford and Huntingdon. Entry is £1:00, which includes tandems. The start is at the Clubhouse, and both rides begin at 09:00. For further details, please contact Ray Crane via dc@dcrane.freeserve.co.uk

Des Roberts