Tribute to Jack Eason

Posted on 21/Aug/2013 by Ian Oliver

An excellent tribute to Jack Eason, who passed away this year, appeared in the recent Summer edition of Arrivée, the magazine of Audax UK. Jack combined inspiring feats of long distance cycling well into old age with a mischievous sense of humour. The main article by Steve Abraham, the UK’s leading audaxer in the present day, provides a fascinating read, whether you knew Jack or not.

Both the article by Steve and anecdotes from other Audaxers, pulled together by Tim Wainwright, can be found in their entirety here. Reproduced by kind permission of Audax UK.

Aged 79, riding LEL 2005

Aged 79, riding LEL 2005

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Ride London 100 – Mike’s Report

Posted on 20/Aug/2013 by Tom

Michael Ellison:

On August 4th I successfully completed the Prudential Ride London 100 – along with 16000+ others riders including BoJo!

The route followed the Olympic Road Race – but with only one ascent of Box Hill; although they did throw in Leith Hill as a gift ha ha, thank you very much! It was great fun riding on closed roads and not having to worry about the petrolheads. The weather was perfect. It was a great atmosphere particularly when riding through towns on the route; packed with spectators all giving a cheer as we rode through.

The cut-off time was 9 hours, well within the capabilities of a reasonably fit individual. It was not a race but the “winner” (or Audax firstback) got round in 4h07m which is not far off race pace. Paul Doel of Quest and who many of you will know got round in about 4h30m – a great ride. I got round in 6h38m which was fast for me so I was well pleased.

The organisation was first-rate, and what with the professional race as a supporting event, the whole event is set to become a regular. I would encourage anyone to have a go. Next year’s event takes place on 9th/10th August. The ballot has opened and entry costs £48. It will close on 6th January 2014 or when 80,000 registrations have been received;  Enter Here.

Life can bestow many tragedies but surely the greatest tragedy of them all must be the death of a child. Anything anyone can do to help to try to prevent this must be worthwhile. In recognition of that I am collecting money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. I have set up a collection website on Just Giving. Please consider making a donation. You can tick a checkbox to keep the donation secret. I do not see any of the money; justgiving pays it directly to the charity. The illustration shows where your money goes; you can see that the charity gets all your money plus a little bit more; the admin expenses do not come from your donation.

On behalf of all suffering children, Thank You.

Posted in Sportives | 1 Comment

Welwyn Track Results Friday 16th August

Posted on 19/Aug/2013 by Tony Woodford

Connor Woodford had a great night at the track riding against the senior riders as the under 16 races did not have enough riders.

John McClelland notched up 4 victories and new comer Jason Burrill was the top placed Senior B rider in the combined Devil. Most impressive rider of the evening was youth A Connor Woodford who, elevated to join in with the senior ranks, worked hard in every event scoring a well deserved second place in the Block Handicap jumping on McClellands wheel in the final dash for the line and then second place in the B Devil.

He was in the leading group in the 10 mile but lost contact in the last two laps but went home tired but happy at the close.

Seniors 10 lap scr – John McClelland (Prestige) Andy Hastings (Finchley RT) Tom Neale (Spalding) 10 lap AB Block Handicap – John McClelland (Prestige) Connor Woodford (Willesden) Andy Hastings (Finchley RT) Devil A – John McClelland (Prsetige) Andy Hastings (Finchley RT) Tom Neale (Spalding) Devil B – Jason Burrill (Bourne Whs) Connor Woodford (Willesden) Jordan Mooney (Welwyn) 10 mile –John McClelland (Prestige) Andy Hastings (Finchley RT) Tom Neale (Spalding

 

 

Posted in Miscellaneous, Track | 1 Comment

Club Track Championship 8th September.

Posted on 14/Aug/2013 by Tony Woodford

This years Club Track Champs is on Sunday 8th September at Welwyn. Arrive at 9.30 for a 10.00 start, track bikes available  to hire for £3.00 Pedals are Look and Look Keo  or toe clips and straps.

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Results from Last Week

Posted on 14/Aug/2013 by Tony Woodford

Results from last week.  On Tuesday at Hillingdon Kye Lewis won his age category again winning the sprint from the lead group. Connor Woodford was 2nd in the under 16s Race with only three riders left in the front group. On Friday at Welwyn Roger Woodford won the Senior B elimination race and was second in the 10 lap Block Pursuit. Connor was
3rd in the 8 lap Youth A scratch race, 2nd in the Elimination race, 3rd in the 8
lap Points and 2nd in the 6 lap Handicap.

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Midweek Audax

Posted on 05/Aug/2013 by Ian Oliver

Mick Hill’s midweek Audax, the Boulter’s Bash, is running next Wednesday, the 14th August. It’s a fairly easy outbound journey for a cake-break in Pangbourne and a hillier return to Maidenhead for a round 110km. The start is 1000am at Jenner’s cafe and you can enter on the line. A few more details here.

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Willesden Youth Riders in Prudential London Grand Prix

Posted on 05/Aug/2013 by Tony Woodford
On Saturday Darryl Lusardi and Connor Woodford rode in the Prudential London Grand Prix in central London and featured on the BBC on Sunday. Darryl got away with a lap to go but was caught by the bunch Connor finished 9th and Darryl 21st in this high profile event. It was great to see the Willesden jerseys sprinting along the Mall.
 P1010515P1010513P1010519DSC_1869DSC_1902DSC_1828DSC_1951
Posted in Miscellaneous, Road Racing | 2 Comments

Welwyn Track results Friday 2nd August.

Posted on 05/Aug/2013 by Tony Woodford
Friday at Welwyn Roger Woodford won the 10 lap scratch breaking clear on the last lap. Connor Woodford had another good night in the under 16 races 3rd in the 8 lap scratch, 2nd in the elimination race, 2nd in the points race and 2nd in the 6 lap handicap event. Connor is now in 2nd place in the youth A riders season long competition.
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Westerley Annual BBQ and bike polo carnage!

Posted on 01/Aug/2013 by Wendy Mears

The Westerley are putting on their Annual BBQ and Bike Polo match on Wednesday 7 August starting at 8.30 p.m. at the Westerley Club House – http://www.westerley-cycling.org.uk/home/location

Dig out that old heap of a bike and get ready for the first chukka! …..and bring the family and any friends.

Please let Roly of the Westerley know that you are going to enjoy their hospitality to allow him to arrange catering or alternatively contact Ian Why.

Cheers Wendy

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LEL Progress

Posted on 29/Jul/2013 by Ian Oliver

JOB DONE!

08:07 First Willesdener has reached the finish – well done Marcus!

11:30 Mel and Martin have both just finished – congratulations to you both!

20:50 Pete and Richard finish – chapeau!

Friday, the small hours. Both Jon and Toshihiko finished in time. Toshihiko with just over half an hour to spare, Jon’s later start time meant he was around two hours within the limit. Both guys must have been exhausted at the end as progress was excrutiatingly slow, but a fantastic achievement to get there.

At 09:15, Friday, the LEL tracker is showing:

Mel Kirkland, rider B31, started Sunday 06:00, FINISHED at 11:28
Martin Lucas, rider B34, started Sunday 06:00, FINISHED at 11:07
Pete Turnbull, rider G4, started Sunday 07:15, FINISHED at 20:51
Marcus Jackson-Baker, rider S46 started Sunday 09:30, FINISHED at 08:07
Richard Jennings rider G5, started Sunday 07:15, FINISHED at 20:50
Toshihiko Kitagawa rider C50, started Sunday 06:15, FINISHED at 02:49
Jonathan Gray rider P33, started Sunday 09:00, FINISHED at 03:45

Yoshiji Sekido dropped out after just over 48 hours past Brampton.

lelroute

Posted in Audax, Miscellaneous | 2 Comments

Hippy’s report on his 24 hour Championship win

Posted on 28/Jul/2013 by Miles Back
Mal and Stuart (with Mr Brooking in the background)

Mal and Stuart (with Mr Brooking in the background)

Stuart has now had the time to review his ride and he has produced a cracking report on his championship win. See his blog

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Fun Day Results

Posted on 28/Jul/2013 by Tony Woodford

One Lap time trial results.

Richard Jerome 2.12
Tony Lusardi 2.16
Rich Cooper 2.17
Roger Woodford 2.17
Angus Henderson Kirk 2.17
Connor Woodford 2.18
Tony Savage 2.19
Darryl Lusardi 2.21
Mark Passey 2.26
Tony Woodford 2.28
Halil Mehmed 2.28
Peter Dixon 2.30
Simon Passey 2.31
John Wheatley 2.31
Sam Grant 2.32
Grant Peter 2.32
Rod Woodford 2.33
Hannah Keating 2.37
Samuel Thompson 2.38
Ray Kelly 2.39
Alex Pearce 2.39
Sandra Levet 2.40
Kye Lewis 2.41
Lauren Savage 2.42
Garry Thompson 2.44
L Dyer 2.47
Dave Brown 2.54
Mike Ellison 3.02
Hugh Smith 3.06
Jim Mears 3.07
Doune Henderson Kirk 3.13
Kuivinder Hambleton Grey 3.19
Viv Baker 3.20
Sue Palmer 3.30
Terry Deere 3.37
John Davies 3.37
Lucie Woodford 3.37
Aubrey Henderson Kirk 5.26
Vicky Woodford 6.43
Maddie Woodford 6.55
Harriet Mears 8.21
Joe Mears 11.22
Richard Creese 12.32
 Ten Lap handicap circuit Race

1st Roger Woodford

2nd Richard Jerome

3rd Connor Woodford

4th Peter Dixon

5th Halil Mehmed

 
Posted in Hillingdon Cycle Circuit, Miscellaneous, Social | Leave a comment

Willesden Funday 2013

Posted on 28/Jul/2013 by ronpurdy

Another really good Funday was had by all on Satrday,Thanks again to Tony
Woodford and all his helpers.
Here are a few pictures of the day.

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Mersey Roads 24 hour TT – The Movie

Posted on 26/Jul/2013 by Miles Back


A short video featuring some shots of Stuart Birnie and his support crew during last week’s Mersey Roads 24 TT.

Posted in Time trials, Top 10 Results, Video | Leave a comment

Fun Day This Saturday

Posted on 24/Jul/2013 by Tony Woodford

Just a reminder to all Willesden members and friends the Fun Day and picnic is this Saturday 27th July at Hillingdon circuit. Fun races for all the family, time trial, team races and handicap circuit race. Arrive by 1.30 for a 2pm start.

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Mersey Roads 24 hour National Champion

Posted on 24/Jul/2013 by Miles Back

mr24-sb1

Mark Brooking has just sent in this picture of Stuart “Hippy” Birnie on his way to becoming National Champion.

Keep an eye open on Stuart’s Blog (http://www.thehippy.net/nucleus/), as I’m sure there will shortly be a full posting on his record breaking ride.

 

 

 

Posted in Miscellaneous | 1 Comment

Mark Brooking reflects on Jane and Arabella’s 24 Hour record

Posted on 23/Jul/2013 by Miles Back

MR24-2

Arabella Maude, The Longbarrow and Jane Swain

Last weekend saw the result of two years planning since its inception. Two ladies, one of whom had only recently joined a real club finally made it to the start line with only 12 excessive miles of practice done together.

Pilot Jane Swain was understandably nervous as the longest ride she had done in the pilot seat was 73 miles. Stoker Arabella Maude had 1152 miles in the stoker’s position mainly on another machine with a different pilot. Foolish? Definitely not! Two petite ladies with a smooth pedalling style to compensate for lack of brute force gelled at once. And of course plenty of the right ATTITUDE made it work. Throw in some motivation from deranged trainer (Mark Brooking) and a few targets to hit enroute, what could possibly go wrong? Well lots could. But it didn’t.

The trip up and back saw temperatures in excess of 30 degrees C. For the event it stayed overcast and below 25 degrees. Support provided by team pink hat (i.e. Mark and Marcus) and advice/ photos from Fergus. It all worked seamlessly. The crew ate and drank everything handed up. Apart from an issue with a wonky saddle that needed a stop for adjustment the first hundred miles were covered in 5:41 At half way they had been named “The Pinkies” and had covered 181 miles.

Overnight sit down feeds were provided at regular intervals and all of a sudden a new day dawned. The girls extracted every last morsel of mileage ending up with 349.6 miles. So a big vee sign to those who said it couldn’t be done. And another competition record for the club. And of course another first.

The 12 hour can wait until next year……..

Mark Brooking
Trike Trainer

MR24-1

Jane and Arabella en-route for their record

mr24 - 3

Team Pink Hat

mr24-6

The night hours

IMG_3688

Night time hallucinations???

 

Posted in Time trials, Tricycle | 8 Comments

Mersey Roads 24Hour TT – “Hippy” is National Champion

Posted on 22/Jul/2013 by Miles Back

WiIlesden National Jersey

Mark Brooking spent the weekend lending support to riders on the 24hour Mersey Roads, so he was right on the spot to report on this great news . Here is his quick report –

“Didn’t we do well!!!
Stewart Birnie wins national 24 with 520+ miles.
Willesden ladies Jane Swain & Arabella Maude set a new ladies tandem trike first and best with 347+. This is a competition record subject to confirmation and is also a veterans record and a club record. They are also eligible for the club’s Reg Yate trophy.”

More details on Stuart Birnie’s ride can be found on Cycling Weekly’s web site (Thanks to Tony Savage for the link) – http://goo.gl/3vFE4m. More news will follow once all the riders and supporters have had a good snooze and feed.

Posted in Time trials, Top 10 Results | 1 Comment

Track results from last week

Posted on 21/Jul/2013 by Tony Woodford

On Monday 15th at Reading in the under 16 age group Connor Woodford was 2nd in the Elimination race 2nd in the 500m sprint and 2nd in the 10 lap scratch. He also finished the senior 20k in the main bunch.

On Friday 19th at Welwyn Roger Woodford won the Senior B 10 lap block handicap after starting in the scratch group. In the under 16 age group Connor Woodford was 3rd in the elimination race and 2nd in the points race.

 

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Memorial Benches for Wrighty and Chas Messenger

Posted on 17/Jul/2013 by Miles Back

Chas Messenger benchThere will be two ceremonies to mark the installation of memorial benches at Minet Park to remember Brian Wright and Chas Messenger.

Brian Wright’s ceremony will be held during the Slipstreamer training session on Saturday 20th July 2013 at 11:30am. Refreshments will be available.

Chas Messenger was the driving force behind the establishment of the Minet Park circuit. The ceremony for the unveiling of his bench will be held on Tuesday 23rd July 2013 just before the start of the Senior races.

Ian Why, Chairman WCC

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