RIBBLE VALLEY NEWS

MARCH 2008

JUST A SMILE

When I was working (seems a long time ago), I had a customer who was an agricultural repairer. He fixed tractors etc at a place called Fence, near Burnley. He was a keen sportsperson and the TV in his workshop was permanently on Eurosport. He watched everything; how he ever got any work done is anyone’s guess. He knew that I was a keen cyclist, so the Tour de France was always a good topic. It was the 1989 Tour which always makes me smile, the 8 second win. I walked into his workshop three days after it had finished and was greeted with “That French chap has won – the Irish lad made a mess of it!” I looked at him and said, “What French fella? Were you watching the same race as me?” “He won by 8 seconds, the Lemond fella. The Irish chap Fignon wasn’t fast enough.” Now you see why I smile when I see anything to do with the 8 second race. I explained that Lemond was a Yank and it was Fignon who was the Frenchman. His comments were that they should have proper names!
Tom Potter

AVOID PRESTON GRIDLOCK

Traffic jams, road works nightmare and road chaos. The media and frustrated drivers urge the councils to find a solution. More costly road improvement could be implemented, but without lasting effect. A majority of residential driveways now have two cars; soon most will have three. It is obvious that this proliferation of cars can’t continue. The roads can’t cope; the environmental and health damage are unacceptable. Some people have no alternative but to use a car. However, most drivers, instead of moaning, can do a lot to help reduce congestion. But most of us are too selfish, lazy and too car possessive to try far healthier, and often quicker, alternatives. Those who drive children short distances to school are doing them and the environment harm.

All that is needed is for people who live within three miles of their destination to walk there. Those who live five or so miles from their destination, (now there are more safe routes to cycle to school, work and to City destinations), can bike there in about 20 minutes. People who have to drive a greater distance can also benefit and reduce congestion. They can locate a place to park on the outskirts of the town, near to a safe cycle / walking route leading to their workplace, and proceed from there. The above measures can reduce congestion by 30% and do so in Scandinavian & German towns. London is starting to catch up. Often the walkers, and more so cyclists, will get to their destination faster than congested car travel. Good, light bikes with quick-release wheels, or folding ones, all which fit in car boots, on buses or trains are often good value. Smart, breathable, weather-proof clothing is available at bargain prices. The benefits of walking or cycling are considerable. Wasted commuting time, fuming in traffic, is exchanged for a significant increase in fitness. No better or easier way for those who want to reduce weight. They arrive more alert and raring to go. These people get more cost effective exercise, and saving of precious leisure time, than travelling and then working out at an expensive health club. What a fantastic win / win situation all round.

Peter Ward

Preston Guild Wheel Project

The new glossy brochure requesting Lottery and business support for the Guild Wheel £4,000,000 exciting cycling project for the next - one every 20 year - Preston Guild, in 2012, will soon be available for members at the club room. Marian Hesketh, Jack Stokes and Peter Ward are on the Preston Cycle Liaison Group and working very hard on this massive scheme. All club members are asked to read this brochure and, most of all, do all they can to make this great venture come to fruition. If more information is required please ask any of the above members.

Cycling Time Trials Handbook

CTT handbooks for the 2008 season are now available price £7.00 each. Contact Marian Hesketh ( 01772 339699 or email mhesketh@tiscali.co.uk) Hurry! Only 2 copies left.

London Marathon

Richard Smith will be running the Flora London Marathon on 13 April to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance. If anyone would like to contribute, please go to: www.justgiving.com/richardsmith4

Trophy Secretary

The club needs a new trophy secretary to look after all the trophies and prepare them for presentation at the prizegiving. If anyone is interested, please contact John Davies (01772 614350)

Suggested club rides for March 2008

(Don’t forget rides start at 9 a.m. from this month onwards)

2 March March Road Race Start 10 a.m. Elswick Village Hall

Intermediate rides:

WELCOME to new members Sylvia Banks, Joseph Bowers ,Chris Jolly and Darren Woods. Welcome back to Matt Stell, who has rejoined as a second claim member.

NEW KIT If anyone wants any club clothing, please contact Shaun Pearson ( 01772 336733 ) with your order.

Youth hostelling in the Eden Valley

We are organising another weekend to Dufton YHA. The dates are Friday, 8, Saturday, 9 and Sunday 10 August, returning on Monday 11th August 2008.
The arrangements will be the same as usual, with luggage transported by car and an option of returning on Sunday if you can’t get the Monday off work. The area is brilliant for cycling – very quiet roads and fairly hilly! Further details to follow next month but just let us know if you are interested.

Ken and Janette ( tel. 717385 )

WHAT’S ON

Every Sunday New starter rides for newcomers to the club. If anyone can help with leading one of these rides, please contact Janette Stratford ( 01772 717385 ). Rota for March-

Fast Sunday ride There will be a faster paced training ride starting from Preston Prison at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Contact Martin Wallis ( 01772 339222 ) for more details.

Training at Preston Sports Arena

There is a possibility of some Saturday morning “chain gang” sessions at Preston Sports Arena if enough people are interested. Contact Martin Wallis ( 01772 339222 ) for more details.

First Saturday in each month Mountain bike ride. Meet at Preston College and drive to suitable area. Contact David Warren ( 01772 749709 )

Sunday 2 March Elswick road race. Helpers and marshals needed. Contact John Davies ( 01772 614350 ).

Monday 17 March Talk at club room from Tony Stott of Blackburn CTC. Tony will give a presentation about an off road touring holiday on the South Downs Way and talk generally about the work of the CTC.

Monday 31 March Talk at club room about Scott bikes from Keith Murray

Sunday 20 April Open 25 mile time trial. Marshals and helpers needed. Contact Mike Stephenson ( 01772 469035 ).

Monday 19 May Talk at club room from Caroline Holden, assistant cycling officer for Lancashire County Council. Come along and ask her any questions you have about cycle lanes and cycling provision in the county.

Tuesday 20 May Len Main memorial 10 mile time trial. Contact Doreen Mallinson ( 01772 423174 ).

Monday 30 June Club general meeting and date fixing.