RIBBLE VALLEY NEWS

DECEMBER 2007

A RETURN TO CYCLO CROSS

In the summer I decided to return to competition and ride some of the winter cyclo cross series which I last rode when I was a Junior in 2000. My fitness was average having ridden my mountain bike frequently as well as walking, camping and running. I also rode a couple of Petts 10 mile time trials in the summer. In August I started to train with purpose with my weight at 92 Kilos, 20 Kilos over my racing weight. The first real objective was to reduce my weight. By late September I was down to 79 kg and feeling better for it. Rivington was where I did most of my off road riding with regular road rides over Parbold/Ashurst, Trough of Bowland and Lamb/Tatham Fell. With cyclocross in mind I also ran at least once a week with a 5mile run approx. Towards the end of September nearing my first event I started to do some intense turbo training, these would last for 40 minutes. It was now time to try a race.

Not sure I should have ridden my 4th event as I had a cold coming on. I did enjoy the race but should have rested. I would recommend cyclo cross to any one who would like to keep a level of fitness throughout the winter without it being too serious as it is very good fun.

James Davies

ANDY BURNETT

On October 25th in Perth Western Australia Andy Burnett fondly known as Bucking Bronco sadly passed away aged 58. Andy was a member of the club in the late 60s and early 70s before emigrating to Western Australia. He enjoyed both the social riding and racing. He leaves behind a wife Roseanna and two children Chantel and Jamie. Andy was the brother to Margaret Davies who is still a club member.

Many Thanks to Ian Hodges and Family for the Card and Flowers.
John Davies

CHASING THE CHIMNEY SWEEP

I’ve just finished reading a book written by a New Zealand chap called Selwyn Parker. The book is called “Chasing the Chimney Sweep”. Who? The first Tour de France winner in 1903, Maurice Garin, was a sweep by trade. Selwyn and 3 others set off to ride the 1903 Tour de France route with assorted results, and it’s an interesting read. I don’t know if the book is on sale in the UK. My daughter, who lives in Australia, bought it on a trip to New Zealand. This quote is from the book; it would be nice if it only was the modern way.

“A man on a bike is a gentle being who doesn’t make a racket, doesn’t spatter mud on people’s clothing as he goes through the towns. Doesn’t knock over village children and so silent is he that he doesn’t intrude on people’s nerves. He’s happy just to fly through the countryside on winged wheels among meadows and sweet smelling woods”.
Tom Potter

(You can buy a second hand copy from Amazon - Editor).

REFUND OF ENTRY FEES Any club member who has ridden in an open event organised by the club during 2007 can have their entry fee refunded. Please apply to Gail Warren (01772 749709) with details of which events you rode.

CRB Checks At the AGM, several members agreed to have CRB checks done for the new child protection policy. Would anyone interested please give their name to Dave Thomas (01772 671151) or email badgers.croft@tiscali.co.uk.

CLUB HANDBOOK AND POSTER A new handbook and poster will be produced in 2008, but we need some pictures to illustrate them. Does anyone have digital photos of club members wearing the new kit? Please send your pictures to Gail Warren at: gailwarren@tiscali.co.uk

Suggested club rides for December 2007

Rides start at 10.00 a.m. during
December, January & February

WELCOME to new members Judith Carter and Charlotte Tompkins

TROPHIES AND CLAIMS

Please return all trophies to the club room as soon as possible so that they can be prepared for presentation at the dinner in January. If you want to claim an award, now is the time to be submitting your claim.

DISCOUNT ON SIS PRODUCTS

Club members can now obtain a 25% discount on all SIS sports nutrition products bought through Wallis Cycles. Contact Martin Wallis at the club room, or telephone 01772 339222, or email: martin@walliscycles.com. Orders will be made quarterly, and 50% of the purchase price must be paid when ordering.

RESULTS

CLUB HILL CLIMB 4 November

Thanks to all spectators and helpers.

Liverpool Mercury cyclo cross 11 November

Louise Murray 1st lady

WHAT’S ON

Every Sunday Steady ride for new starters. Contact Janette Stratford (01772 717385). Volunteers to help with “new starter” rides are always welcome. Rota for December:

DON’T FORGET Sunday rides start at 10 a.m. during December, January and February. Please try to arrive at Preston College in time to start the ride promptly at 10 a.m.

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

Cyclo Cross races take place throughout the winter. If you want to give it a try, please contact Tony Hood (01257 251375) or Martin Wallis (01772 339222).

Monday 17 December Christmas party at the club room.

Sunday 23 December Mince pie ride. Sociable ride to the Plough at Eaves for a festive lunch. Contact Margery Pearson (01772 336733)

Saturday 12 January 2008 Annual dinner and prize giving. Tickets available at £15.00 each. Contact Gail Warren (01772 749709).

Saturday 23 February Trip to the Revolution track meeting at Manchester Velodrome. Tickets £10.00 each plus coach fare to be decided depending on numbers. Coach to pick up and drop off at B&Q Bamber Bridge. For more details or to book a place, contact Peter Turner (01772 617236)