October 2001

http://www.sherwoodcc.org.uk  

Two new members to welcome this month are Charlotte (Charlie) Clay, who has ridden several evening tens as part of triathlon training and Chris Draper a regular on the Saturday morning runs.

The National Championship 10 is always a hotly contested event and Rob Stevens rode (probably the first Sherwood rider to get in) this year’s event in Cambridgeshire on 16 September. Although he was seeded as 96^th fastest he finished in the top half. It was a hard course and very windy, which meant most of the top riders were two minutes slower than their best, but Rob did 22-57 just 2-39 behind winner Stuart Dangerfield. Rob was only a minute behind Matt Bottril who did a 19 in our Open 10. Well done Rob – an excellent ride.  

Dave Woodward and Orford Spencer recently rode the Rutland 2-up 25 and were well placed with a 29 despite their combined age of over 100! Dave seems to be striking some good form now with a 58-07 in the Rockingham 25 on 22 September. Maria Haynes rode with VC Nottingham’s George Minion in the Duo Normand in France and were placed 11^th in the mixed category.

Finally a word of warning. Watch out for the new roadside white lines on the Oxton - Lowdham road. When wet they can be like ice. Several riders (including me) have nearly come to grief.

CLUB NIGHT

Club nights and committee meetings are held on Mondays towards the end of each month at the Burton Road Community Centre, (opposite Walker’s Garage) Carlton 7.30-9.30 p.m. The next two meetings are 22 October and 19 November.

CLUB RUNS

Club runs meet at the Shearing Hill/Burton Road junction on Saturdays and Sundays (from 7 October) at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday runs meet at Lowdham War memorial 9.15 a.m.

SKEGNESS RACE SUNDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 7.30 AM

With a poor weather forecast it was surprisingly warm, and not raining, for the early start and there was a tail wind! With a field of ten plus two private trials it promised to be an interesting and fast race.

Neil Walker and Chris Pearson were the hot favourites with Nigel White ruled out by injury and Rob Stevens opting for a non-competitive ride. Neil and Chris were close all the way and then had a battle towards the end when they caught Dave Bostock. Dave’s experience showed when he was able to leave them on the run in and get inside 3 hours win the handicap in his fastest Skeggy Race since 1976. 

Dave Woodward made a last minute decision to ride after doing a 22 minute ten the previous evening. Orford Spencer was disappointed at having to stop three times with a detached bottle cage finally receiving help from mobile “bicycle repair man” Rob Stevens.

Kevin Newbury improved 21 minutes from last year – not unexpected. Nigel Moreland said it wasn’t hilly enough! Keith Jackson punctured and had to change a tube just before the finish. Undaunted he wants to make it a duathlon next year incorporating Crazy Golf!

Craig Watson was pleased to complete in a decent time and Terry Kelly was half an hour ahead of his target time.

Wayne Bradley did some excellent handicapping and also provided intermediate time checks.

Awards:            Neil Walker             D. H. Brooks Trophy for fastest.

                        Dave Bostock          Jack Ferguson Trophy for handicap.

As well as the time trial a total of 12 riders rode to Skegness for “fun”. Ann and Sam started first at about 6 am. Then Trev and Steven Adams started about 6.50 am. Rob Stevens accompanied Jude and Karen Pearson (who had never riden further than 35 miles before!) and finally I was in a group of five including Pat, Don Cunningham, Peter Hillier and Dave Gartside leaving at 7.10 am.

Our little group got in front of Rob’s trio after we cut through East Bridgford and Kneeton to avoid the main road. We went through the centre of Newark and took in the traditional climb through Leadenham village. Dave Bostock was the first rider to pass us near Billinghay.

Approaching our tea stop at Coningsby we could see Trev and Steven in front and, as we stopped, Neil and Chris passed by. Ann and Sam were already at the tea stop and keen to get going again.

After our refreshments Trev and Steven joined our group and we took the back fenland roads through Stickney and Midville to avoid the traffic on the main road. Fortunately the wind helped us across the exposed fens and we were soon at Burgh le Marsh for the last few miles on the main road. We arrived in about 4 hours including our 20-minute tea break. The other fun riders soon arrived with Chris still having the energy to retrace the route to nurse Karen over the last few miles.

Bikes were soon loaded into the coach boot and some into a Transit van courtesy of Keith. Then it was off to Skeggy for fish and chips, beer and crazy golf.

GRAN PRIX DES GENTS 16 SEPTEMBER 8.30 AM

A sunny but cool day saw three teams for this event on a re-scheduled hilly 15-mile course. Orford and Chris were fastest and also fastest on veteran’s age standard times. Maria rode with George Minion (VC Nottingham) as a practice for the Duo Normand in France the following week.

Time Keeper and Handicapper: Wayne Bradley & Ryan Bradley

ANDCC “LIGHTHOUSE” 25 23 SEPTEMBER

A windy day (again) on the Granby course saw Orford taking maximum Acorn Points. Norman Portess of Melton Olympic won the event in 57-29 whilst Ashfield retained the team. John Duckworth rode for Nottm Clarion, his first claim club. 

CLUB CLOTHING

There is a limited amount of spare kit left for those who didn’t order. I have some  long sleeve Jacquard winter tops (sizes 7 & 8) at £36.50, short sleeve Coolmax (6,7 & 8) £28, , Lycra bibtights £41 (sizes 3,4,5), one pair of bibshorts (size 3), two size 5 skinsuits £46, armwarmers £9.50 and a gilet £28 (size 4).

I also have some of the previous design clothing at reduced prices. £20 for tops (long sleeve, short sleeve, £25 for skinsuits

TRACK BIKES

The Track School at Harvey Hadden Stadium has had some track bikes stolen in a break-in. They are looking to replace this so that youngsters can continue to learn track skills. If anyone has any surplus equipment to donate/sell get in touch with Trev Adams tel 9614415.

TROPHIES AND AWARDS

Please return any trophy bases to Wayne ASAP so they can be engraved ready for the next recipient. Wayne is unlikely to be at the next club night because of work commitments. Actual trophies can be brought to the Dinner – suitably polished, of course. Also let Wayne know of any performances which may qualify you for an award such as BAR times or road race placings.

Wayne Bradley, 3 Glensford Gardens, Rise Park, Nottingham NG5 4NP. Tel.0115 9754840

ACORN POINTS LEAGUE

Orford has won the Acorn Points League by a good margin over Chris Pearson. Riding eleven events and scoring more than the basic one point in nine of these helped his high scores.

It was encouraging to see 21 riders taking part this year compared with 16 last year.

FOR SALE

52cm Specialized Allez Festina double butted alloy frame/carbon forks with Campag Record 'A' headset as new.£200 ono.Tele.Nigel Moon 9561243.

CLUB DINNER SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Now is the time to book for our 70th Club Dinner, Dance (disco) and Prize Presentation. It is being held at the Westminster Hotel, Mansfield Road, Sherwood priced at £17 per head (children under 11 half price). It is the same venue and format as last year, which was a most enjoyable evening. Note the date 24 November in your diary as actual tickets will not be issued. Hopefully, the change to a Saturday will make it easier for people to get there.

Print and send your bookings using this form to Ann & Orford Spencer 9 Woolacombe Close, Spring Lane, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 5SL Tel (0115) 9200971

If you book by 22 October you will be eligible for a free prize draw.