The Newsletter of CTC Wessex
Summer 2012
CYCLE INK MAGAZINE The magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth. Published quarterly. www.wessexctc.org for all CTC Wessex Cycling activities
CTC WESSEX CYCLING Margaret Phillpotts, Onair, 9 Bucklers Way, Bournemouth BH8 0EW CTC SALISBURY Alan Clarke, “Hill House”, Kelsey Road, Salisbury SP1 1JR (01722) 322188 CTC WEST DORSET Angela Price, 41 Garfield Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2EY CTC BLACKMORE VALE Richard Gow, Wildfell, Crown Rd, Marnhull, DT10 1LN (01258) 821391
Calendar Dates For 2012 Apr 1st
Dorset Coast 200km
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
Apr 28th
3D300 300km
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
Apr 29th
New Forest Challenge 50km
John Ward
01590 671205
Apr 29th
New Forest Day Out 100km
John Ward
01590 671205
New Forest 150km
John Ward
01590 671205
New Forest Excursion 200km
John Ward
01590 671205
Apr
29th
Apr 29th
May 26 to 28th St Lo Twinning Weekend Dorset Downs 100km May 20th
Malcolm Howell 01305 756094 Justin Oakley
07968 213833
May 20th
Dorset Downs 150km
Justin Oakley
07968 213833
Sept 4th
New Forest Challenge 50km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest and Coast 100km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest Century 150km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest On/Off Shore 200km John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 16th
Dorset Dirt 50km offroad
Ken Reed
01305 772654
Oct 7th
The 20th Gridiron 100km
John Jackson
01590 683815
CTC Blackmore Vale Rides These take place every week alternating between Saturday & Sunday Meet 10:00am, set off at 10:30am. Lunches: Cafés in Winter; Picnics during BST 01258 821391 - Richard Gow
Go to the Blackmore Vale website for the full Runs List: www.wessexctc/bvr.htm
SUMMER 2012
The Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling Looking at the articles in this issue, Gearing up 4 Gorillas, Hope 2 Cycle, The Lewis Manning Ride, and the SCARF rides in the New Forest we could perhaps be excused for thinking that CTC is a charity rather than a cycling club. Ooops, what have I said? It does look like the CTC Charitable status will go through now after the revised Constitution was accepted at the recent AGM. Anyway, we here in Wessex will not be found wanting in our charitable donations! Nine of our friends from St Lo arrived on 26th May to be hosted by local members. Didn’t they have fantastic weather for the weekend! I joined them for their ride on the Saturday from Wimborne to Cranborne where we all had lunch together. Malcolm (Badger) Howell made most of the arrangements and Chris and Jenny Davidson took charge on the day. Other local members were involved and I’m not going to list names as I’ll surely leave someone out!
Keith Matthews
The Other Dorset Coast!
By Keith Matthews
Well, there I was having my hair cut and found that I was being invited to join “Blu” salon owner Nigel Ross and friends on their ride in aid of the Lewis-Manning Hospice. Honestly, is there no peace? A cautious question or two led me to look up the website before agreeing.
Our party at the top of “good old” Creech Hill
Well 43 miles is OK but it looks a bit lumpy, the hill up to Kingston for one, but ah well, here we go. At the start I spy John Leonard who is official repair man for the event and he tells me that the route is not as shown on the web, but now takes in Creech too. We have leapt up an order of magnitude now! To add to the indignity the ride is called the “Dorset Coast” and then I remember that we just throw in Creech Hill as one of many on our real 35 year old “Dorset Coast 200km”. We had a great ride in bright sunny May weather and I can tell you that it certainly sharpened up my fitness. Nigel, Graham, Tracey, Debbie, David and Me at the finish. Roger had left us at Sandbanks
Cycle Ink #165
4
Gearing Up for Gorillas
By Margaret Phillpotts
Local CTC Wessex Cycling member Ray Haswell is riding "Around the Coast of Britain " starting on 21st May 2012. Here he is at the start of the ride which he anticipates will take him at least 2 months. That means we should have some pictures of him finishing in time for the next issue then! He is raising funds for local Wimborne based charity “Gearing Up for Gorillas� and he has been planning this ride for 6 months. We wish him 'Bonne Chance'. See his Just Giving page for more details. www.justgiving.com/Ray-Haswell The Gorillas website is at www.g4g.co.uk so do look it up for loads of information which may prompt a donation!
Not Gorillas - I think?
Sunday Potterers at Whitsbury church for lunch - note the wintery attire for end of May!
5
Cycle Ink #165
April in Paris
By Mike Walsh
Again a number of local cyclists rode to Paris. This year André, Peter and a very late entrant Cheryl joined me. My son gave us a lift to Portsmouth. I have ridden to Portsmouth on a number of occasions which is an attractive ride but should it rain I dislike sitting around the terminal in wet clothes waiting for the ferry’s departure so have with age elected to prevail upon my son. We met at my flat for a pizza and then loaded the bikes into our van and arrived at Portsmouth Ferry Terminal with an hour and a half to spare, as I said I am getting old. Eventually we boarded the ferry and after leaving our panniers in our cabins we met for a drink and a game of dominos, supplied by Cheryl. I was a lot less than good. The crossing was quite violent but we all slept well. Upon leaving the ferry we wound our way, generally on cycle lanes, to Port Sud and along to Pont de Normandie to cross the Seine. The wind was still very high and blustery and all four of us tackled the bridge with different tactics. Peter rode the whole way, André rode half the rise but walked the central span, I tried to ride and was blown off by the wind blowing around the first staunchion so I walked between the two and Cheryl wisely walked the majority of the bridge. We stopped at the next village La Riviere St Sauveur where we brought in croissants from the baker into the café. Our route took us alongside the Seine upstream with the very wide estuary and cliffs on the opposite bank, until the Risle, a much narrower river with very French decorated country homes along the road, which we then followed to Pont Audemer for an early lunch. We continued along the Risle until Pont Authou where we picked up a tarmac cycle path. This does run to Evreux although we initially stopped overnight in Le Neubourg at an hotel that appeared to be unmanned a majority of the time,
Cycle Ink #165
6
how French. Cheryl discarded her tent etc. here to collect on the return journey. Back onto the cycle path (pictured above) leaving it at Quittebeuf and across a high plateau and a couple of valleys allowing Peter and André to stretch their legs on the inclines. I was very thankful that I have very low gears on my Roberts. They all waited for me at the top of these mountains.
What a grand place!
We then dropped into the Eure valley and rode beside the river until Breuilpont where we stopped for lunch. We ate the food we brought with us in the café. From Breuilpont we climbed to another plateau which of course was followed by another two valleys and the corresponding climbs back out. At Maule we stopped to buy the makings of our evening meal. And so into Paris using a route I had researched years ago and avoids most main roads. This is a view from Grand Randonée 1 which we rode along for a few hundred yards. And of course in front of the Eiffel Tower. It did not rain all the time but I think it did every day but also the sun shone every day. I had a grand trip and was on a high. We met up with some of my friends and had a couple of meals in what I consider to be special places.
Mission Accompli!
7
Cycle Ink #165
Right to Ride Report - May 2012 Paul M. Turner Castleman Trailway: this has been resurfaced from West Moors to Ashley Heath old railway station at Horton Road making 2½-metre wide path for walkers and cyclists. From West Moors westwards the Castleman Trailway makes its way towards Udden Plantation and then on to Wimborne and Poole; all signed. In West Moors village it is signed on lampposts in green and yellow. A traffic island is to be installed where Fox Lane crosses B3073 to enhance the Castleman Trailway from Uddens Plantation Contact: Paul Jones, Eastern Area Ranger 01425 483809 or p.jones@dorsetcc.gov.uk Poole Council: Nick Philips is an Accessibity Team Leader for cycling as well as Right of Way and Richard Pinnegar is in charge of engineering. There will a new post of Cycling and Walking Officer at the end May. Bikeabilty for schools in Poole are still active; Upton House are hosting Pedal Again on Saturday afternoons. Cycle Celebration on the Quay: This great family event returns on Thursday 26th July 2012 from 7pm. People of all ages are invited to decorate their bikes in the “Bling Your Bike” competition. You can use whatever materials and theme you choose and following a procession along the Quay, the winner will be judged and prizes awarded at 8pm. You can browse over a dozen stalls, plus have-a-go on the latest bikes including electric cycles. There's a Dr Bike session so if you’ve got sticky brakes or a rattling chain come and have your bike “health
Cycle Ink #165
8
checked” for free. There are great demonstrations including acrobatic cycle displays and you can take the chance to have your say on where new cycle lanes should be built. Visit www.boroughofpoole.com for further details, including a colouring competition for kids to print off and bring down on the night. The event will be held from 7pm and links to the first “Summer Breeze” night with live music and a firework finale at 10pm. This will be a brilliant way to start the Summer Holidays so we look forward to seeing you there! Contact: Nick Phillips 01202 262051 or n.phillips@poole.gov.uk. See the expanded article about this on Page 12 Bournemouth Council: A new cycle route across town from the Lansdowne to Wessex Fields has been established. The route serves a number of major employment centres (JP Morgan, Hospital, The Village, RIAS, Teachers Assurance, Law Courts, Abbey Life, Job Centre Plus...), some important educational establishments (Lansdowne University Campus, Portchester & Avonbourne Schools), two parks, the Littledown Leisure Centre and hopefully soon The Travel Interchange. The route is pretty direct and uses two traffic free paths along with quiet and traffic calmed local roads. Lawrence Harrell 01202 451161 lawrence.harrell@bournemouth.gov.uk Dear Mike, After the success of the initial Pedal Bike Night on the Quay last year we are keen to make it bigger and better for 2012. Attached are the pics from last years event and we received great feedback from residents despite the weather. We have chosen Thursday 26th July this year – its the first week of the school Summer holidays. We are combining with the first Summer Breeze night so will have live music and a firework finale in addition to all of the cycle stalls, display teams and bling your bike event etc. Set up is at 6pm for a 7pm start. I am organising the event and would therefore like to know if you would be interested/available to attend on the night. If so can you please send me confirmation, plus the size of the area required and your risk assessment as last year. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance for making the event a success again and a regular fixture in Poole’s event calendar. Kind Regards Nick Phillips Accessibility Team Leader
9
Cycle Ink #165
In My Beginning is my End
Big Bob
Here we are in warm summers embrace pedaling around our glorious English countryside without a care in the world. Why can’t it go on for ever? Old but half fit I revel in the open road or winding lane with occasional good company over the café teapot or the ancient inn’s well brewed beer but I know it can’t. All things have their time and as an old Cycling Comrade used to say (a bloody depressive if ever there was one). “All is in a state of flux Chummy, all is in flux”. I never quite worked out what this meant but it was delivered with such a mournful expression that it scared the hell out of me! It was while on an Autumn tour in Suffolk that we stopped to admire the interior of a beautifully proportioned village church when with a cry of triumph his long bony finger pointed out a wall text full of “Funeral lamentations” and “much rending of apparel in our sorrows”. Much of that tour is forgotten but these two expressions linger in the memory and although I intend to be honking up Dorset hills with the occasional foray into mainline Europe for many a year yet I do feel a measure of preparation and practice would be a wise move. To this end I think a bit of “Lamentation” and “Clothes Rending” by the club is called for so that my final farewell can be accomplished with the dignity it deserves. We will choose a warm summer evening to cycle over to Hods Hill where, if I may suggest, Lady members only will accompany me to the top where although easy on the “Lamentating” we go full bore at the “Clothes Rending” bit. It would be better for this practice session if old Lycra is warn so that the ripping and rending indulged in, with my assistance, would not be an expensive process and the warm evening would ensure any undue exposure by the Ladies would not be a problem. I expect no thanks in giving my time for this project as I feel it is the least I can do to assist the Club in the preparation of its ceremonial duties. Now, on to marginally more cheerful things. I know you are all gagging to learn if progress has been achieved regarding the financial post Christmas catastrophe which occurred at our very own Le Hotel du Velo Sportive cyclists
Cycle Ink #165
10
retirement country house mentioned in our last chat. Well, the short answer is “a bit”. The focus of attention has shifted from all those knackering money raising schemes to that of thrift and economy and may I say if any two words are capable of taking the sheer joy out of life it is they. The bar and food pantry stocks have been cut in half and if it carries on like this we will soon be serving bonk rations and 4 pints Dave’s home brew around the dinner table. Jim M, produced what initially seemed a rather good idea. One evening a group of residents, having cleaned the bikes down after a half days run, were sat around a refectory table with tea mugs in hand recovering while watching a video of this years Paris-Roubaix road race over the cobbles. Inevitably there were shots of Belgian farm fields which produced a mild state of agitation in our Jim. “ Why don’t we,” he cried. “bring back the odd potato, cabbage, turnip etc when returning from a run. None of the farmers in the vicinity would miss the odd item from the edge of a field surely.” Dave L, thought he could live with the odd potato shoved up his road jersey but drew the line at any livestock. Ruminating eyes were cast over the possible carrying capacity of our larger members cycling shorts and it was generally agreed the scheme had possibilities and so it has proved. A minor hiccup was poor Jim’s being apprehended at the hands of our local village community officer, tipped off no doubt by an irate farmer, given away by his hideously distorted shorts concealing two enormous carrots and an oversized swede. Perhaps if Jim had been numerically correct it is just conceivable he could have got away with it! I think we all remember the uncalled for hysterical laughter from the Magistrates Bench headed by our own local dignitary Lord Compton at Jim’s increasingly desperate excuses with extreme discomfort. Good taste bars me from even attempting to repeat them here. Even some of our good Ladies have done their bit and I am quite used to waving goodbye at the morning ride start to Ann, Jo, Wendy, Anne, Jeanette, Margaret, Debbie and Jackie etc looking their usual svelte selves and upon their return possessing top structures that would turn heads even on an Aussie beach! The question arises as to whether the organic status is maintained after this close bodily contact but beggars cannot be choosers and after a full stomach the point is purely theoretical. But, we have light at the end of the tunnel, our ever inventive Chairman Terry has appointed Mike W and Ralph H to head up a financial sub committee tasked with cash generation and getting us on a firm financial footing so I can
11
Cycle Ink #165
only hope this will not entail me in getting off the bike and doing anything practical. Meantime the dream runs on whether lazily climbing into the sun and drifting along a flower edged ridge road or dropping with a rush of schoolboy delight into a green valley, where, after following a wandering stream the group of the day splits between the ivy clad Pub or the Picnic on a grassy bank. These are the Summer days and those who can live in the moment and treasure the joy the bike can bring need ask no more. You are as near true bliss as you will ever be on this earth and the lanes, quiet roads and occasional flower spattered bridleway were made just for you. Ride Peacefully, Big Bob.
Poole Quay Cycling Celebration 26th July 2012
The Mayor officiates in 2011
This successful event returns to Poole Quay again this year. So come along and join us as CTC Wessex Cycling adds its bit to the fun.
Cycle Ink #165
12
13
Cycle Ink #165
Residents can have their say on where new cycleways should be built.
CTC Wessex invite people to try the rollers in 2011
Dorset Coastlet 2012
By Mike Walsh
Another Coastlet! I think they get harder every year, this year I went round with Dave Mansfield starting after helping at the start control, so leaving a few minutes late. Photo is of AndrĂŠ Barber, John Marriner and me in Jubilee kit at the start before the agony began. They did start with Dave and myself but after Creech it was just Dave and myself. We were in time at Lulworth, our only time concern as we started late. Also we did not follow the riders on the Coast ensuring no extra miles. It was a beautiful day, bright with a clear sky and a feeling
you could see further. What beautiful scenery. Did I say that? I normally can only just keep my mind on turning the pedals, how do I find the energy to look at the views. There was a cold breeze all the time but I was never cold as the hills kept coming. Managed to climb the hill from Abbotsbury, only putting my hand on the bank as a car passed. Oh, how thankful to reach Top o’ Town and actually sit outside with my two cups of tea. Then the last leg to Wareham which we managed at quite a pace but realised when we clocked in why I had time to see the views. I had taken an hour longer than before. Resting at the control checking riders back in I had time to stretch the legs to ensure no cramp. A grand ride on a grand day.
Cycle Ink #165
14
Regular Cycling Event for Local Charity Families from SCARF (Special Children And Relatives and Families) are now taking part in monthly inclusive cycling sessions thanks to the help of the New Forest National Park Authority, Cyclexperience and CTC Wessex Cycling. The monthly sessions will take place at Blackwater Arboretum near Brockenhurst and families with children aged from two – 19 years’ old with a broad range of special needs will have the opportunity to try cycling. Vicky Myers, Member of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘These highly-specialised bikes cater for young people with a range of disabilities. By getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the National Park
15
Cycle Ink #165
we hope the quality of life and well-being of these young people and their families will be given a real boost.’ Nicky McGough, Chair of SCARF said ‘In our first session 10 families came to try cycling. For some of the families, it was the first time the children had been able to try cycling, and the thrill of achieving something new was great to see. For other families, it opened up areas of the Forest they had not realised were accessible before. ‘National Park Rangers were on hand to ensure safety, suggest routes, and provide lots of information about the Forest. It can be quite difficult for families of children with special needs to access mainstream leisure and holiday activities, so this is a valuable opportunity for them to take advantage of the lovely surroundings.’ Ross Kempson from Cyclexperience said ‘We are delighted to be playing our part in raising the profile of the New Forest as an inclusive cycling destination. Cyclexperience hosts the fleet of ten ‘all ability bikes’ and it’s great to see them being well used by a local group of young people.’ ‘We are proud to have sponsored these cycling sessions and provide volunteers to help the families ride together,’ said John Jackson from CTC Wessex Cycling, the local branch of the UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation. ‘As part of the UK’s biggest cycling organisation the CTC is keen to help all areas of the community appreciate the benefits of safe cycling and is delighted to be associated with these events.’
New Forest Cycling Events By John & Sheila Ward We publish a Cycling New Forest Newsletter which we send to all our event entrants. Anyone may look it up for full information of how we run our series of randonnées. Its a complicated address so we have made it so that you can link through from the CTC Wessex Homepage at: www.wessexctc.org
Cycle Ink #165
16
Hope 2 Cycle
By Mike Walsh
A local cyclist, Gary Cure, has opened a new shop in Moordown. The theme is to provide, training and work experience for local people, and to promote cycling in general. Already a couple of people I ride with have donated spare bikes that have been hanging up in their garages. These have been serviced and are up for sale. I am currently sorting my cycle parts that I feel are too good to throw but I doubt that I will ever use, which I will also take along to Hope 2 Cycle. The participants in the training schemes run by André Barber, Steve Gray and myself have been directed to Hope 2 Cycle for their first bike. It is impossible to advise these new riders what bike to buy as they are so new to cycling that no one knows in which direction their cycling will take them. A Charitable Community Partnership Promoting Health and Wellbeing Sales • Service • Repairs • Spares • Hire • Training • Work Experience
BOURNEMOUTH SHOP NOW OPEN 878 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 2DR Opening Times: Wednesday 10:00am - 6:00pm Thursday 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm We will also be open at other times as time allows. To check on this please call 07725178154
17
Cycle Ink #165
Informal Wayfarers Rides to Burley This ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leader and no back up, but generally an experienced cyclist somewhere around. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities.
Start 08:45 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday Or 09:00 at The Oak PH, Burton
Or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00 Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson. Next committee meeting: 15th August 2012 at 19:30 Committee meetings for 20112: 17th October (AGM) ; 14th November
Contributions and Photographs: The committee meeting date is the deadline for Newsletter contributions. Photographs are welcome in any form.
Contribute by any way you like.
Keith Matthews: 10 Hill View Road, Ferndown, BH22 9QY TEL: (01202) 855001 Email keithjanet@btinternet.com
www.bournemouthctc.org
www.wessexctc.org
“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year for members. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club.
Cycle Ink #165
18
SALES - RENTALS
- REPAIRS
>> Over 600 Bikes In Stock. >> MTB | Hybrid | Road | Electric | BMX | Kids. >> 0% Finance Available *Details on Request. >> Open 7 Days a Week. >> Cycle Retailer 20+ Years. >> Cyclescheme.co.uk Approved.
Phone: 01202 315855 88-90 Charminster RD Bournemouth BH88US www.onyerbike.co.uk | www.onyerskates.co.uk