Willesden CC on the Col d’ Aspin


John Williams on the Col d’Aspin earlier today.
Good G3 reception John?

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Willesden CC at the UK Track Nationals **UPDATE**

Jayne Paine is competing at the UK National Track Championships in Manchester this week. Yesterday she took part in the Points race with some impressive riders for company. Unfortunately she dropped out after 40 laps, feeling some what underpowered. Still all the more energy for her other races today, I say!

Good luck Jayne,

**Update** – 3k Women’s Individual Pursuit

In the middle of this afternoon sent this Jayne SMS –
“Did a 4.02 (A PB – but I was hoping for a sub 4 min). Came 9th out of 14 I think.
Wendy Houvenaghel did a 3:31.
I narrowly missed out on a ride in the finals – thank God!
15kScratch race tomorrow!”

Full results board here

Miles Back
23 Sep 2010

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Willesden at the Track Nationals **UPDATE**

Jayne Paine is competing at the UK National Track Championships in Manchester this week. Yesterday she took part in the Points race with some impressive riders for company. Unfortunately she dropped out after 40 laps, feeling some what underpowered. Still all the more energy for her other races today, I say!

Good luck Jayne,

**Update** – 3k Women’s Individual Pursuit

In the middle of this afternoon sent this Jayne SMS –
“Did a 4.02 (A PB – but I was hoping for a sub 4 min). Came 9th out of 14 I think.
Wendy Houvenaghel did a 3:31.
I narrowly missed out on a ride in the finals – thank God!
15kScratch race tomorrow!”

Full results board here

Miles Back
23 Sep 2010

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Save Herne Hill Campaign

I’m planning to write an article in support of the Save Herne Hill Velodrome campaign and would love any photos that Willesden CC members may have from Herne Hill – obviously, the more historic, the better.

These could be of people racing or watching races; of the stand, the pavilion (is that what it’s called?), the tea room, the bike sheds – anything that gives a flavour of the place over the years.

I’d love to produce a really evocative article that reminds people of why Herne Hill Velodrome is so special and why we should support the campaign to save it.

People can email their pictures to me at thefixedfactor@hotmail.co.uk and I’ll give everyone a credit.

Simon Wicks

Posted in Track | 1 Comment

Save Herne Hill Campaign

I’m planning to write an article in support of the Save Herne Hill Velodrome campaign and would love any photos that Willesden CC members may have from Herne Hill – obviously, the more historic, the better.

These could be of people racing or watching races; of the stand, the pavilion (is that what it’s called?), the tea room, the bike sheds – anything that gives a flavour of the place over the years.

I’d love to produce a really evocative article that reminds people of why Herne Hill Velodrome is so special and why we should support the campaign to save it.

People can email their pictures to me at thefixedfactor@hotmail.co.uk and I’ll give everyone a credit.

Simon Wicks

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Racing report – 18/19 September

The Dulcie Walker poinard

The Dulcie Walker poinard

The main business of the weekend were the John and Dulcie Walker road races at Great Milton on Sunday.

Dulcie Walker trophy winner Roger Prior receives the trophy from Jayne Paine (Paul Doel does his Jimmy Durante impression in the background)

Dulcie Walker trophy winner Roger Prior receives the trophy from Jayne Paine (Paul Doel does his Jimmy Durante impression in the background)

In the morning the 3rd and 4th category riders raced over 3.75 laps (100km/62mls) for the Dulcie Walker trophy. The Green Machine was represented by Tom, Rich (Cooper), new member Jorge and (briefly) Lance. Tom finished in the second bunch. The race was won by Roger Prior (Team Zappi). Local riders James Foster (Team Quest), Brendan Heaslip and Des Gayler (both Kenton RC) finished 3rd, 4th and 6th.

John Walker trophy winner has his podium girls moment with Jayne Paine and Jenny Wright

John Walker trophy winner has his podium girls moment with Jayne Paine and Jenny Wright

The afternoon E123 John Walker trophy race was over 4.75 laps (75mls/many kms). The race was won by David McLean (Team Frezza Pasta Montegrappa) in a sprint from a small group. David recently finished 3rd in the Tour of Sweden.

Action from the John Walker trophy

Action from the John Walker trophy

Viv and Glad cater

Vyv and Glad cater

A big thank you to Richie Jerome for stepping in as organiser, to Mark Doel and the comms and to all club members and friends who conspired to make the events a success.

In other racing news…

Gill Reynolds and I rode the North Hampshire RC 25m TT at Bentley (H25/8) on Saturday. Gill recorded a 1:7:03 and I returned a 1:2:25. The winner was Alex Dowsett (Trek Livestrong) in a course record 46:58.

On Sunday Gill and Peter Dixon rode the West London Combine ’10’ at Great Missenden (HCC180). Peter came second with 22:53. Gill was second fastest woman in 27:07. The winner was Clayton Edge in 22:43.

If you’re looking for a race next weekend, why not ride the Westerley CC club ’25’ at Great Missenden. The first rider is off at 8:30am. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll let them know who is turning up.

We’re nominating the Westerley CC hill climb on Sunday October 17th for the club hill climb championship this year. The Westerley have a 2-up ’10’ at Great Missenden at 9am, a slap up breakfast at The Deep Mill Diner, and then the hill climb on Longdown Hill at 11.30am. Please let me know if you want to ride either event or both.

Photographs by Ron Purdy

Lance Woodman (TT Secretary)

Posted in Road Racing, Time trials | Leave a comment

Racing report – 18/19 September

See the report here.

Lance Woodman (TT Secretary)

Posted in Road Racing, Time trials | Leave a comment

Road race

Road Race

This years race will take place on the popular Great Milton course near Thame on Sunday the 19th September. The race HQ will be Neighbours Hall.

There will be two races held on the day.

E/1/2/3 – 13:00 National B- for the John Walker Trophy &
3/4/w/J – 9:00 – Regional B – for the Dulcie Walker Cup.

Commissaires
3/4 – Patrick Kavanagh & Stuart Benstead
E/1/2/3 – Patrick Kavanagh & Stuart Cook

Lead Car
Mark Doel

First Aid
Ray Kelly

Catering
Willesden CC

If you wish to enter please visit the event page on the British Cycling website for further details .

Start Sheet

E1/2/3
1 Douglas Coleman Anders TMG 2
2 John Peters Beds Road CC 2
3 Mark Holt Cambridge University CC 2
4 James Fox CC Luton 2
5 Harry Bulstrode DHC E
6 Pete Smith Endura Thule 2
7 John Wager Felt RT E
8 Scott Holmes Hillingdon CC 2V
9 Alister Clay Halesowen CC 1
10 Tom Neale Inverse Racing 2J
11 Kevin Knox Dulwich Paragon 1V
12 David Sinclair GWR Team E
13 Will Hayter London Dynamo 1
14 James Whatling Orbea, For Goodness Shakes! 1
15 Lewis Atkins Orbea, For Goodness Shakes! E
16 Dean Shannon Orbea, For Goodness Shakes! 1
17 Chris Smith Python RT 2
18 Mark Jervis Python RT 2
19 Matt Ewings Orbea, For Goodness Shakes! 1
20 Daniel Kogan Orbea, For Goodness Shakes! 1
21 Mike Debney London Dynamo 2
22 Simon Lawn Sigma Sport 1
23 Phil Starr Python RT 2
24 Roy Chamberlain Team Corley Cycles 1
25 Ashey Cox Team Corley Cycles E
26 Matthew Myers Twickenham CC 2J
27 Steve Golla Sigma Sport E
28 Simon Henley Team Corley Cycles 2
29 Joe Norledge Welland Valley 2
30 Chris Peden Wyndymilla 2
31 Alex Higham Wyndymilla E
32 Henry Furniss Wyndymilla 1
33 Luke Merrilees Wyndymilla 2
34 Scott Merrilees Wyndymilla 3
35 Ian Knight Virgin Active 2
36 Jack Kirk Team Zappi E
37 Dexter Gardias Team Zappi 2
38 Sam Parker Team Zappi 1
39 Will Fox Team Zappi 1
40 Mike Wragg Team Zappi 1
41 Jo Skipper Team Zappi E
3rd and 4ths
1 Cameron Foster Banbury Star CC 3J
2 Tomasz Klimkowski Beds Road CC 4
3 Justin Belcher Banbury Star CC 3J
4 Mathew Blackmore Bristol RC 4
5 Andrew Brown Gregarios 3
6 Darren De-Beger Glendene CC 4
7 Neil Fraser Hitchin Nomads 4
8 Andrew Stevenson Inverse Racing 3
9 Simon Dawson Inverse Racing 3
10 David Gaylor Kenton RC 3
11 Des Gaylor Kenton RC 3
12 Luke Souter Banbury Star CC 3
13 Brendan Heaslip Kenton RC 3
14 Mark Cole Kenilworth Wheelers 3
15 Richard Price London Phoenix 3
16 David Ricketts Mid-Oxon 4
17 Geoff Ripley Severn RC 3
18 Scott Leakey Somer Valley CC 4
19 John Meehan Stratford CC 3
20 Andy Sykes Thames Velo 3
21 Martin Evans Team Torq 3
22 Will Jenkins Team Synergy 3
23 James Foster Team Quest 3
24 Ross Sherlock Team Veloriders 4
25 Gerard Miley PM 3
26 Paul Doel Team Quest 3
27 Declan Higgins Twickenham CC 3
28 Mark Walter PM 3
29 Martin Porter Thames Velo 4
30 Greg Creman Kenton RC
31 Rich Cooper Willesden CC 3
32 Donald Lance Woodman Willesden CC 4
33 Tom London Willesden CC 3
34 Roger Prior Team Zappi 4
Posted in Road Racing | Leave a comment

Tandem partner wanted

I ride out with Angus Huntley, who is blind, on his tandem. We do weekend rides and 100km Audaxes. It’s good fun riding with him and gives you a new perspective on cycling. Sometimes I can’t do it because of other commitments or, like now, because of an injury. Would another Willesden member like to ride with Angus sometimes too? The only qualifications are that you will need to be 5foot 7in – 6foot 1in or so to fit on the tandem and are able to get to Harrow Weald where he lives without too much hassle. If you want to give it a go, call Angus on xxxxx or Ian on xxxx.

Ian Oliver

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Willesden Road Race – Sunday 19th September

This weekend the Willesden CC are organising the John and Dulcie Walker Road Races.

This is one of the most important events on our calendar and we need all club members to come along and Marshall this event. Don’t even think of going on the club ride – that’s been canceled too.

Rich Jerome is organising the races and he needs us to to be at the event’s HQ for about 8:30am. We will then be allocated our duties. The address of the HQ is –

Neighbours Hall
Church Road
Great Milton
Oxfordshire

The quickest there by car is –

– M40 to Junc 7 (A329).
– Turn Left on to the A329
– After 2km turn right into Church Road.


View Larger Map

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Willesden Road Race – Sunday 19th September

This weekend the Willesden CC are organising the John and Dulcie Walker Road Races.

This is one of the most important events on our calendar and we need all club members to come along and Marshall this event. Don’t even think of going on the club ride – that’s been canceled too.

Rich Jerome is organising the races and he needs us to to be at the event’s HQ for about 8:30am. We will then be allocated our duties. The address of the HQ is –

Neighbours Hall
Church Road
Great Milton
Oxfordshire

The quickest there by car is –

– M40 to Junc 7 (A329).
– Turn Left on to the A329
– After 2km turn right into Church Road.


View Larger Map

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

TT report – w/e 12th September

Only two reports in as I write…

On Saturday I rode the …a3crg ’10’ finishing with a disappointing 24:30. The winner was Stephen Whitewick of UTAG Yamaha.com in 19:45.

Gill Reynolds rode the Icknield Road Club ’10’ on Sunday finishing in 25:46 as the fastest lady.

Coming up…

Sunday 3rd October sees the season’s final event on the fast H25/2 at Marlow. It’s organised by the VTTA London and Home Counties.

Posted in Time trials | Leave a comment

TT report – w/e 12th September

Only two reports in as I write…

On Saturday I rode the …a3crg ’10’ finishing with a disappointing 24:30. The winner was Stephen Whitewick of UTAG Yamaha.com in 19:45.

Gill Reynolds rode the Icknield Road Club ’10’ on Sunday finishing in 25:46 as the fastest lady.

Coming up…

Sunday 3rd October sees the season’s final event on the fast H25/2 at Marlow. It’s organised by the VTTA London and Home Counties.

Posted in Time trials | Leave a comment

West London Combine WCC league UPDATE

Riders at the Old Crocks' '10'

The TT specialists at the recent Old Crocks' '10'. L-R Brian 'texting' Wright, Gill Reynolds, Alan Gallacher, Peter Cookson, Gladys Purdy, Lance Woodman, Jim McKay, Chloe Aitken and Tim 'my trophy' Burrows

Sunday’s ’25’ has shaken up some of the lower parts of the unofficial league, but Peter Dixon continues to streak away at the top of both the scratch and handicap tables with two more maximums. The two Richard’s failed to score handicap points because they entered as a 2-up team.

Scratch

Rider #1:
10m
#2:
25m
#3:
25m
#4:
25m
#5
50m
#6
25m
Rides Points Rank
Peter Dixon 30 30 30 30 30 30 6 180 1
Stuart Birnie 28 28 29 29 4 114 2
Lance Woodman 27 26 26 27 4 106 3
Simon Wicks 29 29 28 3 86 4
Chris James 25 29 24 3 78 5
Richard Jerome 27 29 2 56 6
Russell O’Malley 27 28 2 55 7
John Williams 25 25 2 50 8
Rich Cooper 28 1 28 9
Gill Reynolds 27 1 27 10
Jayne Paine 26 1 26 11
Brian Moon 23 1 23 12
Harmeet Dhiraj 22 1 22 13

Handicap

Rider #1 #2 #3 #4 #6 Rides Points Rank
Peter Dixon 30 28 30 29 30 5 147 1
Simon Wicks 28 30 28 3 86 2
Stuart Birnie 27 27 27 3 81 3
Chris James 25 29 24 3 78 4
Lance Woodman 26 26 26 3 78 4
John Williams 25 30 2 55 6
Jayne Paine 29 1 29 7
Russell O’Malley 29 1 29 7
Gill Reynolds 29 1 29 7
Richard Jerome 25 1 25 10
Brian Moon 23 1 23 11
Harmeet Dhiraj 22 1 22 12

There are two events left to go: a ’10’ (on the same day as the road race) and the hill climb (17th October).

Posted in Time trials | Leave a comment

West London Combine WCC league UPDATE

The TT specialists at the recent Old Crocks’ ’10’. L-R Brian ‘texting’ Wright, Gill Reynolds, Alan Gallacher, Peter Cookson, Gladys Purdy, Lance Woodman, Jim McKay, Chloe Aitken and Tim ‘my trophy’ Burrows

Sunday’s ’25’ has shaken up some of the lower parts of the unofficial league, but Peter Dixon continues to streak away at the top of both the scratch and handicap tables with two more maximums. The two Richard’s failed to score handicap points because they entered as a 2-up team.

Scratch

Rider #1:
10m
#2:
25m
#3:
25m
#4:
25m
#5
50m
#6
25m
Rides Points Rank
Peter Dixon 30 30 30 30 30 30 6 180 1
Stuart Birnie 28 28 29 29 4 114 2
Lance Woodman 27 26 26 27 4 106 3
Simon Wicks 29 29 28 3 86 4
Chris James 25 29 24 3 78 5
Richard Jerome 27 29 2 56 6
Russell O’Malley 27 28 2 55 7
John Williams 25 25 2 50 8
Rich Cooper 28 1 28 9
Gill Reynolds 27 1 27 10
Jayne Paine 26 1 26 11
Brian Moon 23 1 23 12
Harmeet Dhiraj 22 1 22 13

Handicap

Rider #1 #2 #3 #4 #6 Rides Points Rank
Peter Dixon 30 28 30 29 30 5 147 1
Simon Wicks 28 30 28 3 86 2
Stuart Birnie 27 27 27 3 81 3
Chris James 25 29 24 3 78 4
Lance Woodman 26 26 26 3 78 4
John Williams 25 30 2 55 6
Jayne Paine 29 1 29 7
Russell O’Malley 29 1 29 7
Gill Reynolds 29 1 29 7
Richard Jerome 25 1 25 10
Brian Moon 23 1 23 11
Harmeet Dhiraj 22 1 22 12

There are two events left to go: a ’10’ (on the same day as the road race) and the hill climb (17th October).

Posted in Time trials | Leave a comment

Ian Why – The King of Spanners

Ian Why is a hero….

On yesterday’s Sky Ride the stem on Vyv’s bike sheared as she was approaching St Paul’s Cathedral. As she was practicing her slow speed bike handling skills (she does this a lot!), the plunge earthwards was at a sedate pace.

Vyvs BikeFirst bit of luck was that we agreed to lunch at “Look Mum no Hands”, just a short walk from St Pauls.

Second bit of luck…..”LMNH” were holding a sale of scrap iron, which some cyclists see as jewels of bedazzling beauty. For £3, a dusty pair of bars and a quill stem were bought. Next followed a blur of a Allen keys, punctuated with hammer blows as Ian Why set about replacing the bars and stem. What a fine job he did too, even replacing the bar tape!!

Having also bust her sturdy tourer the previous weekend Vyv is now considering opening a cafe called “Look Mun No Handle bars”.

Ian, thank you once again for saving the day and thank you also to the helpful mechanic at “LMNH” who kindly let us her tools.

Miles Back
06 Sep 10

Posted in Charity Rides, Events, Miscellaneous, Social | Leave a comment

Ian Why – The King of Spanners

Ian Why is a hero….

On yesterday’s Sky Ride the stem on Vyv’s bike sheared as she was approaching St Paul’s Cathedral. As she was practicing her slow speed bike handling skills (she does this a lot!), the plunge earthwards was at a sedate pace.

Fist bit of luck was that we agreed to lunch at “Look Mum no Hands“, just a short walk from St Pauls.

Second bit of luck…..”LMNH” were holding a sale of scrap iron, which some cyclists see as jewels of bedazzling beauty. For £3, a dusty pair of bars and a quill stem were bought. Next followed a blur of a Allen keys, punctuated with hammer blows as Ian Why set about replacing the bars and stem. What a fine job he did too, even replacing the bar tape!!

Having also bust her sturdy tourer the previous weekend Vyv is now considering opening a cafe called “Look Mun No Handle bars“.

Ian, thank you once again for saving the day and thank you also to the helpful mechanic at “LMNH” who kindly let us her tools.

Miles Back
06 Sep 10

Posted in Miscellaneous | 1 Comment

Report – w/e 5th September 2010

I was indisposed this weekend, so my thanks to Gladys Purdy and Jayne Paine for the following reports…

Nick Tidmarsh

Nick Tidmarsh

Gladys writes: Yesterday was Nick Tidmarsh’s 100th birthday. Nick was a founder member of the Willesden Socialist C.C., the forerunner of the Willesden C.C. He disappeared off the scene after his marriage and developed an interest in amateur dramatics forming the Tithe Farm Players. He rejoined the club in 1982 when his son Brian became a member. He took up timetrialling and was riding well into his 80’s.For many year’s he was the Secretary of the Old Timers Section. He regularly attends meetings and is always at annual club dinner. Several club members were present to enjoy the excellent Hog Roast he provided at the Tithe Farm Social club yesterday and to wish him a Happy Birthday.

Times for Sunday’s West London Combine event. Peter Dixon 58:18 also taking the handicap. Gill Reynolds 1:11:08. Richard Jerome and Rich Cooper rode separately: 1:06:37 and l:08:37. Gill rode in the Reading 10 on Saturday taking 2nd fastest lady in 26:48.

Second claim Life Member, Paul Doel became the LVRC Champion of Region 9 in the Road Race at Blackmore in Essex after breaking away with Brendan Smith of the Kenton and beating him in the sprint when they were over a minute in front of the main field.

Wendy and Mark were riding another 200Km I believe this weekend.

Jayne on the podium at Scunthorpe

Jayne on the podium at Scunthorpe

Jayne Paine writes: I came 2nd in the National Women’s Omnium in Scunthorpe on Saturday. This leaves me lying in 3rd place in the series behind Emma Patterson and Nikki Meadows. With only one more to go (Reading, next Saturday), Emma Patterson cannot be beaten and is the National Women’s Omnium Champion 2010. It is unlikely I can knock Nikki off 2nd place on the podium, unless my skill with an air rifle gets considerably better. My main worry is the herd of hungry children nibbling at my heels for the bronze. I may have to resort to pedalling fast: an unpopular tactic, but these are desperate times.

Posted in Audax, Social, Time trials, Track | Leave a comment

Report – w/e 5th September 2010

I was indisposed this weekend, so my thanks to Gladys Purdy and Jayne Paine for the following reports…

Gladys writes: Yesterday was Nick Tidmarsh’s 100th birthday. Nick was a founder member of the Willesden Socialist C.C., the forerunner of the Willesden C.C. He disappeared off the scene after his marriage and developed an interest in amateur dramatics forming the Tithe Farm Players. He rejoined the club in 1982 when his son Brian became a member. He took up timetrialling and was riding well into his 80’s.For many year’s he was the Secretary of the Old Timers Section. He regularly attends meetings and is always at annual club dinner. Several club members were present to enjoy the excellent Hog Roast he provided at the Tithe Farm Social club yesterday and to wish him a Happy Birthday.

Times for Sunday’s West London Combine event. Peter Dixon 58:18 also taking the handicap. Gill Reynolds 1:11:08. Richard Jerome and Rich Cooper rode separately: 1:06:37 and l:08:37. Gill rode in the Reading 10 on Saturday taking 2nd fastest lady in 26:48.

Second claim Life Member, Paul Doel became the LVRC Champion of Region 9 in the Road Race at Blackmore in Essex after breaking away with Brendan Smith of the Kenton and beating him in the sprint when they were over a minute in front of the main field.

Wendy and Mark were riding another 200Km I believe this weekend.

Jayne on the podium at Scunthorpe

Jayne Paine writes: I came 2nd in the National Women’s Omnium in Scunthorpe on Saturday. This leaves me lying in 3rd place in the series behind Emma Patterson and Nikki Meadows. With only one more to go (Reading, next Saturday), Emma Patterson cannot be beaten and is the National Women’s Omnium Champion 2010. It is unlikely I can knock Nikki off 2nd place on the podium, unless my skill with an air rifle gets considerably better. My main worry is the herd of hungry children nibbling at my heels for the bronze. I may have to resort to pedalling fast: an unpopular tactic, but these are desperate times.

Posted in Audax, Social, Time trials, Track | 1 Comment

Round the year Randonneur – August

Mark and Wendy continue their quest for the Audax Round the Year Randonneur award. For added challenge they decided to go for a 300km event for August’s ride. Here’s Mark’s report and photos.

Miles Back
2/9/10

The Mildenhall Rally was the start point for a 300km East Anglian Diagonal.
Mark, Jim and Wendy stayed over at Barton Mills Travelodge – a few miles from the start.

We had a quick look around the Rally site – it was not yet in full swing but was pretty busy on the Friday. Having located the start point we Adjourned to the Blue Bell for some sustenance. Wendy had a bottle of red all to herself to ensure a good (short) nights rest.

Multiple alarms went off at 03:00 and Mark scoffed half a kilo of Tesco pasta salad before waking up properly.

Bags packed in the car we rode to the start Jim had decided to ride with us but (he sensibly diverted back to base after 50km in the cold darkness of predawn).

There were quite a few takers for the longest ride of the day. As usual after the start a blistering pace developed to the first control at 28km (into a headwind).
After turning and with a favourable wind we pedalled into the sunrise with other riders for company on an occasional basis.

At Breakfast time we said goodbye to Jim and shared a sandwich after a stretch of flooded roads in the forest. It was 70 miles to the first sit down feed at Diss – we couldn’t quite make it without a top up.

It was a comfortable ride after the dawn chill evaporated – Blackberry and apple pie at Bungay Butter Cross Café slid down well a mere 20 miles further on than breakfast.
We had a short ferry crossing at Reedham before a headwind slog to the boat station at Ranworth.(214km) Wendy’s first sub 11 hour 200 !


Wendy leads the way in the pre-dawn light

The next section showed evidence of the heavy rain that was to come and the ride up the coast to the next control was straight against
a very strong coastal breeze. Jonets café at Mundesley was a welcome sight!


Wendy on the ferry

Here a small groupetto formed and decided not to go for the optional control at Cromer but to head west to rejoin the route which at this point was already over distance. We all got caught in a heavy downpour with no cover which dampened the spirits.

The garden centre at the next checkpoint was closed but a general store provided proof of passage. So off into the gloom for the last leg which was also one of the longest and most remote.

We found Craig (riding his first 300) trying to make adjustments to cater for a broken spoke and helped out and stayed together to the end. He had a GPS system and the last 20km on the route sheet was actually 40! Not good news on a small forest lane in the dark looking for a left fork after a crossroads. Craig started to bonk – so Wendy plied us all with Jelly Babies which proved to be just enough to get us back.

Mildenhall was a welcome relief – the route we had followed was 328km – a bit over the top.We finished at 23:10 – many thanks to the controllers who were still on duty when we arrived.

Thanks to Jim for driving us home afterwards and for support on the later stages of the ride. Next time two nights at the site would be a good idea.

4 more 200’s to go and we should get the award…………………………..

Mark Brooking

Posted in Miscellaneous | 1 Comment