Further informationRIBBLE VALLEY NEWSAPRIL 2008The Death of Marco Pantani: A Biography by Matt RendellI have just finished reading this book and thought I would pass on my opinion to the club for anyone looking for something to read. The book takes you through Marco’s life from the early days as an awkward school boy, through his many achievements on the bike and into his self destruction and its eventual consequences. The first chapter gives some history of the area of Italy where Marco hails from and the Italian culture at the time. This is very interesting and help sets the scene and goes some way to explaining some of his actions in later life; however, the text does not flow very well and it is quite a slog to get through (thankfully this is quite a short section). The book then moves on to build-up Marco’s career on the bike. This part of the book is fantastic. The author really sucks you in so you feel almost like you are part of the action with the occasional hints at what is to be revealed later. We are then taken to the moment he is discovered as a cheat and the ensuing court battles, denials, conspiracy theories and tailing off of his career. This part of the book looks into the darker side of professional cycling in incredible detail - I was stunned by the findings. At times this section can be a bit hard going and the author throws in the occasional rambling rant of personal opinion, which I guess is supposed to be insightful - but does not always hit the mark. The book then continues with Marco’s self destruction and eventual untimely ending of his life, whilst attempting to provide some insight into his psyche and the motives of those around him who had earned a very good living from his talents. Overall the book has been extensively researched and is well written. Although the book does not hold the same general appeal as Lance Armstrong’s ‘Not about the bike’ anyone who has watched professional cycling on TV will be amazed at the lengths people will go to stay in the game. Tony Hood. Trophy SecretaryThe 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) MONT VENTOUX CYCLING HOLIDAYA few of us are booking this trip in the Mont Ventoux area of France this September; the last few cycling holidays have been mega. The holiday dates are Friday 5th to Friday 12th September with an option to include the Routes du Ventoux Sportive on Sunday 7th September. Accommodation will be at the Hotel Colombet in Nyons which is right next to the bars in the town. The Colombet is a 3 star hotel. A group of 20 from Manchester Velo Club stayed in the hotel last June and they rated it highly. This was their second year in Nyons with Veloventoux. Nyons is good for cycling in general and to the North and East around the Baronnies hills is a beautiful car-free area. Mont Ventoux is just over an hour riding time from Nyons to Bedoin. So to summarise - Cost : £520.00 (Based on a group of 18). There is a group discount on this price (This equates to almost 100€ per week per person so price without this would be pushing 600 quid).
Last year Ryanair had a limit of 15 bikes on their flights so we need to double check on this, 2 of the Manchester group needed to hire bikes. Look forward to hearing from you. WELCOME to new members Ian Galt and George Kernaghan. Welcome back to Margaret Peacock. NEW KIT If anyone wants any club clothing, please contact Shaun Pearson -01772 336733- with your order. SPORTIVE RIDESSome club members are entering a few sportive events this year. Great if we can drum up a bit more interest and have Team Ribble Valley there on the day: The Polka Dot Challenge, Cheshire, 100 or 72 miles, Sunday 1 June 2008 SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE 1 APRILSubscriptions for 2008-09 are due on 1April. Cost is £25.00 for the year. We’re planning to launch a new membership form soon and would like members to fill in a new form, as it’s a few years since most people did this and some have moved or changed details since then. Don’t feel that you have to wait for the form, though, the money is always welcome and if you’re racing it’s essential to keep your club membership up to date. Please make cheques payable to “Ribble Valley CRC” and give or post them to Marian Hesketh. It’s also possible to join online via www.entrycentral.com (there is a small extra fee for this). Anyone who has joined for the first time since 1 January 2008 is a member until March 2009 and doesn’t have to pay again. Any queries, please contact Marian on (01772) 339699 or email mhesketh@tiscali.co.uk Suggested Club Rides for April 2008
RESULTSRossendale RC Hilly 10.3 TT 23 February63rd J Deakin 35.59 Clayton Velo RR 24 February15th S Pearson N Lancs RC Circuit Pendle TT(28 miles) 2 March NLTTA Combined Clubs 10 mile TT 8 MarchD Warren 24.44 T Taylor 30.40 Pendle Forest Hilly TT 15 MarchJ Deakin 66th 1.33.07 Rudy Project TT Circuit of Bassenthwaite 23 MarchC Wadsworth 7th 41.39 WHAT’S ONDON’T FORGET Sunday rides start at 9 a.m. from the beginning of March. Every Sunday Steady, Intermediate and Faster rides start from Preston College. First Sunday in every month easy ride for people new to cycling. Contact Janette Stratford -01772 717385- 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 ArenaThere 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 20 April Open 25 mile time trial. Marshals and helpers needed. Contact Mike Stephenson -01772 469035-. Monday 28 April Talk at club room from Keith Murray and Nick Craig from Scott Bikes 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-. Saturday 7 June GHS time trial Preston arena. Contact Margaret Davies -01772 614350- Monday 30 June Club general meeting and date fixing. 8-10 August 2008 Hostelling weekend in the Eden Valley. Contact Janette Stratford -01772 717385- 5-12 September Holiday in Ventoux area of France. Contact Shaun Pearson -01772 336733-. 3-5 October 2008 Weekend away in Ambleside. Contact Shaun Pearson -01772 336733-. Newsletter Editor: Marian Hesketh, 5 Baytree Close, Lostock Hall, PRESTON, PR5 5YZ |