Newbees
Traditionally, reliability rides provide late winter (Jan-Mar) training rides where the object is to provide base fitness in preparation for the more demanding race training that will follow when the weather improves. In today’s world of sportives they are enjoyed by more than just competitive cyclists. The Chiltern Classics is a series of 6 trials set in and around the Chiltern Hills. They are trials in the sense that you have to TRY to complete the course within a certain time which adds a bit of spice to the ride.
They are not races.
You might like to check out the series at http://www.lesrvr.com/HarpRoadClub/HRCindex.html
The rides are covered by BC insurance. You might want to consider joining a cycling organisation (BC, CTC) which can offer additional insurance to its members.
The Trials
The Willesden CC Trials, last in the series, offer a choice of three gravitationally-challenging rides that take in a selection of the Chilterns climbs:
The 50K and 100K routes should present a realistic challenge for recreational riders. The 150K should suit racers who want to add an edge to their winter training – but if you fancy it then go for it.
All routes take in sections in the lanes. In bad weather many of these surfaces are in poor condition; potholes, road debris, and standing water. Mudguards and 25mm tyres are recommended rather than racing bikes with skinny tyres. To help with navigation the routes will be marked with green arrows only at turning points. Beware that members of the public may remove them!
There are no organised refreshments or sag wagons. You must be self-sufficient.
Obey the Rules of the Road. You are representing the cycling fraternity.
All Rides Price £10; free refreshments
Entries: first come, first served: 200 max
Either: on the BC website https://www.britishcycling.org.uk (recommended)
Or: on the day
Organiser
Mike Ellison
Home: 01895 464862
HQ: 07758 757507
HQ
The Guide Hut
Community Close
Ickenham
UB10 8RE
DOWNLOADS – compressed to zip files.
50K:
100K:
150K:
Parental Consent Form (for under-18s): print it out, get it signed, bring it along.
We have a session booked at the Stratford Olympic velodrome on Saturday 12th March 2016. Please note it is at 8 am to 10 am on Saturday morning. You must have ridden on the track before. You must be a Club member and over 10 years of age. We are limited to 30 riders. Cost is £16.00 for over 18s and £8.00 for under 18s. To book please click on this link.
https://trianglecyclery.com/product/willesden-cycling-club-march-track-day/
Once paid you have booked your place. No refunds available
There will be a Willesden Cycling Club meeting this Friday 8 January 2016 at 8.00 p.m in the Club House of Hillingdon Cycle Circuit, Minet Park.
The meeting will follow Ray Kelly’s training session which starts at 5.30 p.m. for those who want to cycle on the track with bright lights or join us for turbo training at 7.00 p.m to burn off all those extra calories that have been consumed over the festive period.
Here’s wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2016
The trophies have been sent for engraving and some of the outstanding ones are required for 2015 winners; therefore, it would be much appreciated if the following members could please return their trophies to the Trophy Secretary which they won last year.
Mark Brooking: Mug of the Year Cup
Josh Copley: Schools 10mile TT Newey Cup
Hannah Keating: Schools Audax / Touring Trophy
Kye Lewis: Schoolboy Track Champion Trophy
Jayne Paine: Ladies RR Trophy and Ladies Track Trophy
Alex Pierce: Junior RR Trophy and Junior Track Trophy
You can contact Jim Mears on 01494 862 372 to make arrangements for returning the trophies.
Thanks very much for your cooperation.
Photos from Keith Perry and Charlotte Zittel
I signed up for another round of the Central CX league, this would be the closest to home as Twickenham CC were running it at Hillingdon circuit. I dragged Charlotte and Liberty along who were kept company by Ray, Chris and Brian Moon!
Supporter Selfie!
It was wet and sticky but not raining luckily. I started in the back row again as I’m not a member of the league. I gained quite a few places in the starting sprint and first few short climbs by riding the grass at the edge. Dave from Pedalling Gear rode earlier and give me a few pointers about the course. I moved up a few more places by running the first set of hurdles and short/steep climbs.
By the time I had made it to the back of the circuit the group had thinned out and I was sticking to the couple of riders near me.
The rest of the race I lost places due a lack of fitness on the less technical sections or trying to ride particularly sticky bits and clogging up the bike. I was passed by 7-10 riders over the next 3 laps finishing 24th and 5 minutes behind the lead lap. Not the most satisfying ride but there were a few new features for me and it was great to have support along the course!
Two more Willesden members this year joined the venerable ranks of the Pickwick Bicycle Club. The Pickwick Bicycle Club was formed in 1870 and is not only the oldest cycling club in the world but it is also the oldest Dickensian Association.
Congratulations to John Davies (Tommy the Waterman) and Ian Why (Horatio Fizkin).
Stuart ‘Hippy’ Birnie and Chris Kelly
‘Singing’ takes place
the oldest Dickensian Association
Den does not realise the danger he is in
Important guests need protecting by the Armed Forces
Tommy the Waterman inspects the all-important box
Serving 600 diners requires a military operation
Our Heroes
Following the AGM a last weekend there are a some vacancies for the following positions.
Ian Why has been an brilliant chair since 2012 and he has stepped down to let some new blood into the role. The chair is the highest officer within the Willesden, presiding over monthly meetings and often acting as the head and spokesperson for the club.
This role would be suited to someone approachable, sensitive to the feelings of our members and who can act impartially.
Our social secretary Charlotte Zittel is stepping down after a couple of great years. We have had some really fun events in that time.
If you like planning fun social events this is the spot for you. There are no rules here, if you can think of something fun that some members of the club would be interested in doing go for it!
The social secretary also organises the annual dinner and awards ceremony which is typically in January.
John Davies has set everything up very well for this position. With everything in place, the incoming officer would just need to be there for anyone who has concerns regarding welfare. British Cycling is also on hand to support the welfare officer should help or advice be needed.
This officer is provided with a free British Cycling membership and can attend the British Cycling welfare conference which is a great chance to network with other clubs.
Update: Nici Savage has come forward and is our new Welfare Officer!
Alex Pierce has gone off to Uni which leaves a great opportunity for any U18 member to step up and represent the interests of our youth members.
The youth rep will aim to attract new young members as well as represent their interests at committee meetings. There is a lot of scope to have fun and gain experience here so get involved!
If you are interested in taking up any of these positions please email Wendy Mears.
An invitation from our friends at the Westerly CC –
The 2015 calendar-opening Westerley Winter Warmer is scheduled for Sunday 10th January. It starts just outside the M25 at Chalfont St Peter and heads into the Chilterns.
This year there are three versions. The long version is 110km (1200m of climbing), there is a medium route of 61km and a shorter version of around 44km. The long route is a pretty challenging winter ride which tackles several of the bigger climbs on the Chiltern ridge, while the medium route has Hatches Lane as its main climb. The new, short version is a very pretty route that misses out all the big hills and most of the (short) main road sections.
Entry is the same price as last year: £8/£4/£4 in advance, or £10/£5/£5 on the day.
There is a manned HQ (Chalfont St Peter Scout Hut), signed route and GPX tracks, computerised timing system and plenty of food before and after (including home made cake).
One small route change this year: we are going to come back up Hatches Lane instead of Cryers Hill. It’s a bit more pleasant and misses out a lot of traffic – although would be muddier on a wet day. That knocks a very small amount of the distance and takes out a few metres of climbing.
There’s more info on the website here, or please ask if you have any questions.
Hillingdon TTs
Also, to give you advance notice, the Hillingdon TTs start on 6 April 2015, with ten rounds on alternate Wednesdays through until August.
This year there once again be two separate categories for each event: non-aero/road bikes and TT bikes. There will be a points competition for each going over the whole series. Beginners and experienced riders welcome. The plan this year is to publish a start sheet in advance to reduce the amount of time later riders need to wait before their start. There’s also more info here. (page is about last year’s event). Full details will follow nearer the time.
Regards,
Frank Proud
Westerley CC
PS This is an occasional message to people who have entered our rides before to let you know what we are planning. If you don’t want any more such emails please let me know and I’ll take you off the list.
PPS Apologies if you’ve already entered!
Friday at Hillingdon. We are open for business this Friday.
4 December, 5.30pm start for training on the circuit. You will need good lights.
6.30 for 7.00pm start for turbo training. Usual costs. Spare turbos available. See you all there.
REMINDER
The Willesden’s AGM is on Sunday 6 December 2015 to be held at Ickenham Guide Hut, Community Close, Ickenham, UB10 8RE starting at 2.30 p.m. All members are welcome to come along and have their say.
![MC900410675[2]](http://www.willesdencyclingclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/MC9004106752.jpg)
Willesden Cycling Club’s annual Family Christmas Party is being held at Minet Park Club House on Friday 18 December 2015 from 5:30 pm onwards.
As usual, contributions of food and drink will be much appreciated, and as in previous years if you wish to bring a small gift for your children or anyone else of your choice, Santa will be coming along to hand out the gifts. Please write the recipient’s name on the parcel.
If you want to wish any club folk a Merry Christmas then also bring your Christmas cards, this will save you dosh on postage.
Please note, club runs are scheduled to run throughout the forthcoming winter. Weather and road conditions may well deter people from riding. Personally, I will be erring on the side of caution when there is frost, ice or snow.
This Sunday 22 November 2015 the scheduled destination is Wendover Woods, the highest and probably coldest point in the Chiltern Hills, with some lovely outdoor seating. Wrap up warm!
Here is the list of trophy winners for 2015 as I and other officers see it. If there are any objections or if any unclaimed trophies can be claimed please contact me with details at, james.mearswcc@btinternet.com or telephone: 01494 862 372 asap as medals will be ordered soon. Thanks, Jim Mears WCC Trophy Secretary.
Road
Men’s RR champion: Alex Pierce 29 points
Ladies’ RR champion: Jayne Paine 37 points
Vets RR champion: Jayne Paine
Junior RR Champion: Connor Woodford 8 points
Schoolboy RR champion: Josh Copley 15 points
Schoolgirl RR champion: none claimed, none found
Track
Men’s track champion: Connor Woodford
Ladies track champion: Jayne Paine
Junior track champion: Darryl Lusardi
Schoolgirl track champion: Lucie Woodford
Schoolboy track champion: Josh Copley
Time Trial
Ladies TT champion: Gill Reynolds 22.965 mph avg.
Erica Spring 10 mile tt trophy: Gill Reynolds: 24:48
Men’s TT champion: Stuart Birnie: 25.289 mph avg.
Nick Tidmarsh 10 mile cup: Stuart Birnie: 20:53
Dunning Cup 25 mile TT: Stuart Birnie: 55:12
Alf Peyton 50 mileTT cup: Stuart Birnie: 01:51:09
Palmer Trophy 100 mile TT: Stuart Birnie: 03:52:24
Vets TT champion: Gill Reynolds
Junior TT champion: no claims, none found
School person 10 TT: Josh Copley: 21:46 (new record)
Hcp 25 (jim Revill): no winner
Novice 25 (Jackson cup): no winner
Tandem TT champions (Reg Yates); Mark Brooking/Jane Moore: 12 Hr-206.95 miles/24Hr-347.95miles. Avg speed over both- 15.872 mph.
Audax
Men’s audax champion: Martin Lucas 145 points
Ladies audax champion: Jane Moore 34 points
John (Rocco) Richardson Audax merit: awarded at AGM
School person audax champion: no claims, none found
Audax Tandem (S. Grison) : Mark Brooking/Jane Moore 32 Points
Other Trophies
Jack Eason International trophy: Martin Lucas: For riding the Eiger Sanction and the Manch to Med, 200K/day over 2 weeks in September
WCC stayers trophy: Stuart Birnie: 12Hr-278.60 miles and 24Hr-504.11 miles-TTs
NYGL sportive cup: no claims
Marshalling trophy: The Purdies
Mug of the Year: no nominations as yet
Sash of Honour: awarded at the AGM
Hill climb champion: James Edwards: 2 min 32 sec
Champion tout terraine (off road): Rich Cooper
Freewheeling contest: On AGM day
Friathon: On AGM day
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I was hoping to report a 1st and 2nd this morning. However, Stuart Birnie,last year’s winner failed to finish due to mechanical problems. Meurig James was 2nd last year and repeated his performance in the 6-12-24 World’s Time Trial Championships held at Borrego Springs in California. He covered 492 miles and was 2nd in the 30 to 39 category and 4th overall in the event.
He now lives in Philidelphia but is still a member of the Willesden Cycling club. He had an horrendous accident in 2011 when hit by car and spent several months in recovery.
Nearer home Rich Cooper rode in the first of the Brass Monkey’s Winter Enduro Series at Checkendon finishing 24th out of 58 riders in the Male Vet category in what he described as a mud fest.
Photos: Keith Perry
Saturday I drove up to Desborough Leisure Centre for the Central League CX race that Kettering CC were promoting. It had been raining for a couple of hours by the time the senior race was due to start and the course had been ‘improving’ all day.
Dave from Pedalling Gear had ridden the Vets race earlier and gave me some very useful pointers on the course. We didn’t get a warm up lap so the first time we would ride everything was in the race and it was still persistently raining. Did I mention I hadn’t done this before?!
If you haven’t seen a cross race before you might not know that the sprint is at the start. I was at the back because I don’t have any league points. I would need to make up places throughout the race. First I needed to stay upright on the first tight dropping left hand bend which I managed as guys were coming off left and right.
After this “feature” everyone started to spread out a bit and I found myself in a battle with a couple of others. The rain eased and finally stopped but every corner was getting slicker and slicker as the race progressed. I managed to gain a few places only to lose them again with a poor remount or line choice. Near the finish on the last lap I was gaining on an A5 Rangers CC rider. There was a gravel pit at the bottom of a hill which threw me right over the bars. The lad on my wheel was also off and after a quick “You Alright?” he was back on and I went for his wheel. I nearly overtook him on the last running section but a cramp after remounting ended that idea.
I finished 23rd in the end and had a blast. Everything was very well organised by Kettering CC, friendly marshals on the whole course and showers afterwards. A brilliant event.
On the 13th of December there is a round at Hillingdon if anyone wants to have a go. MTBs are welcome.
We need an organiser for the Reliability Trial next February.
Ray Kelly has organised this event on and off for many, many years, but is now standing down. He will be happy to advise the new organiser on what needs to be done and as always there will be other Willesden members who will help whoever takes over this important role.
It would be great to have someone new to breathe some fresh air into this important event.
Someone, please come forward to help your Club.
