These appear in the Congleton Chronicle every 2 to 3 weeks.

The submitted text has sometimes been edited slightly by the Editor but where this could be mis-leading, the Press Secretary has later inserted the original (or additional) text in BLUE. The Headlines in RED are are those written by the Editor.

The photos are those submitted by Members / Friends, plus Chronicle photos. Photos submitted but not printed are also shown – with separate comments in BLUE. Links to the relevant mini and full web albums have also been added.

Report – January 9th 2012

Cycling Off With The Prizes

Sunday, 18th December
Club Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation at Astbury Golf Club
Fifty Members and Friends enjoyed this new venue (for us). Not only was the food and wine (by kind donation) and the service top class but the room and its furnishings were very comfortable – so we were all grateful to our Social Sectretary, Georgina Norton, for her excellent organisation. Our Chairman, Bob Norton welcomed our Guest of Honour, Champion Long-Distance Time Triallist, Lynne Taylor, who complimented our Club on its friendliness and also on its long-distance riders, especially Karl Austin, whom she knew so well. The Trophy for the Most Improved Rider was awarded to “novice” David McVitie who made rapid progress from Social Rides to Time Trials in his first season. Darren Nicholls, our new Racing Secretary, got off to a flying start with the collection and awarding of the many Trophies, Medals, Plaques and Certificates. The winner of most trophies was Neil Skellern (as usual) who thanked all Club Members on behalf of all Prizewinners for their support throughout 2011. It was no surprise but only via a secret vote, that the Clubman–of-the-Year Trophy was awarded to Bob Norton due to his continued excellent Chairmanship of the Club, his participation in Club rides and leading CTC Tours in France but also because of his (and Georgina’s) support given to the Austin and Dean Families in this sad year.

Sunday, 1st January
New Year’s Day Walk from Brereton Country Park
Twelve Members / Family Members burnt many festive calories climbing and slip-sliding through the Dane Valley between Davenport Hall, Saltersford and Swettenham so the rest and nourishment at the Swettenham Arms was really appreciated by all.
They were welcomed at the 10 a.m. start at Brereton Country Park by a heavy downpour but this eased after a while, so when not looking into the deep mud, they could enjoy the countryside views until the rain recommenced whilst they were in the Arms – but the friendly banter continued throughout!

Weekend – 7th / 8th January
Hopey New Year, 100K AUDAX from Bradwell
Denise Hurst rode this annual event with its 1750m of climbing, most of it into a headwind! From Bradwell (near Hope), the route went via Bakewell, Ashbourne, Windy Ridge, Warslow, Longnor, Glutton and Tideswell, back to Bradwell.

Club-Run to Redhouse Farm, Dunham Massey
Georgina and Bob Norton, Denise Hurst, Roy Hayhurst and Wayne Powell rode via Swettenham, Lower Withington, Bate Mill, Knoll Green, Ashley, Bucklow Hill and Little Bollington to this popular café. The return route was via Broomedge, Bucklow Hill, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Bate Mill, Lower Withington. They managed the 62 miles at a good pace. The weather was overcast but not cold on the way out but they endured very heavy drizzle on the return, so got “a bit damp”.

Future Events – 21st / 22nd January
Saturday Social Ride
Meeting at Unicorn P.H., Holmes Chapel Raod, West Heath at 10 a.m. for 15 mile easy circular route to café and return.

Sunday Reliability Rides – 26 or 50 miles
Meeting at Rugby Club at 9.15 a.m. for 9.30 a.m. start.

Report – February 13th 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events

Saturday, 21^st
January – Social Clubrun to Wheelock Farm

In dry but very windy conditions, Georgina Norton, Bev Hambleton, Bob
Banner, Peter Hayhurst and Pete Smith rode via Brownlow, Barthomley, Haslington
to Wheelock, where warm nourishment and the usual banter was greatly
appreciated. Bob Norton then joined us on the return route through Warmingham,
Cledford, Bradwall and Brereton.

Sunday, 22^nd
January – 49-Mile Reliability Ride

A good turnout for the 1st Reliability Ride for 2012
on Sunday 22nd January, a total of 24 riders left for the 49 mile route into
strong winds on the open sections. A good grip was required to keep the bikes
going straight and all riders except one completed the route in time. There was
a good turnout from Leek Cycling with a total of 8 club members joining us.

Sunday, 29^th January – Clubrun + MDTTA Annual
Lunch & Prize Presentation

Ten Members attended the MDTTA Lunch & Prize
Presentation in Middlewich. Georgina & Bob Norton, Denise & David Hurst
and Stephen Kane rode the clubrun, via Alsager, Weston and Haslington in calm,
dry but cold conditions and met other riders, Peter Hayhurst and Neil Skellern
at the venue and also Lynn & Edgar Reynolds and Peter Nelson (who came by
car in order to transport trophies and handbooks etc). The traditional hotpot
meal with selection of sweet desserts, was excellent. Derek Hodgins’ Organising
and MC functions were top-class and Brian Clayton’s acknowledgement of his
retirement award after many years’ service as President was quite touching. The
prize awards were dominated by Seamons C.C. and Wills Wheels. For our club,
this caused a bitter-sweet atmosphere, especially when Derek Hodgins paid
tribute to missing Karl Austin.

Thursday 2^nd February – Beartown Trophy Presentation
/ Clubnight

Ian Burns, owner and “headbrewer” of Beartown Brewery,
presented his new trophy to Mike Harrison at the first February Clubnight
(Thursday, 2nd) which was held, as usual, at Beartown Tap. Twenty members
celebrated with Mike (winner for 3 consecutive years) and enjoyed Ian Burn’s
buffet and the variety of tasty Beartown Brews.

Saturday, 4^th February
– Hit-the-North MTB + Cyclo Cross Race

Jamie Willetts opened his Racing Season with 277 other competitors!

He reported:

“This was a 2 hour, off-road race, based in Philips Park in Manchester open to any type
of bike, which meant racing mountain and cyclo-cross bikes, and a tandem! As my
first race of the season, I held no expectations and this was to be a shake
down for both my legs and new race bike. The course was a 3.8 mile lap
involving some steep bank and stair climbs which needed cyclo-cross skills and
lots of fun-bits of single track which really suited the mountain bikes – and
sheet ice on several of the corners and one of the main climbs which didn’t
suit anyone.”

“Starting towards the back of the field, my legs soon warmed up on the initial climb and
I started gaining places. The first lap was very much a sighting lap, and with
the normal bottle necks at technical sections it was a great way to learn the
course. Once I had a feel of the course and knew how hard I could push I
steadily worked my way through the field. The last 2 laps were probably the
most fun as the snow started to come down. By the time I was completing my
final lap, most of the course was covered in white and I was trying to remember
where all the ice was hiding, which led to a few sketchy moments”

“I completed 5 laps i n just over 2 hours – only one lap behind the winner, which
put me 88th out of 278 starters. I was a little surprised when the race was
over as I had quite a lot left in the tank, and made me feel that I should have
been pushing harder from the beginning, but let me know that there should be
better results later in the season.”

Thursday, 9^th February
– Social / Competitive Ten-Pin Bowling Clubnight

Twenty Members trekked to Macclesfield (plus two to Crewe!) to enjoy 3 lanes of
bowling in a points competition – all organised by Pam Dean and Georgina
Norton. The result: 3^rd place = Stephen Jackson; 2^nd place
= Wayne Powell but 1^st place went to Pam Dean! Now we know why she
was so keen to organise this event!

Sunday, 12^th February – 65-mile Reliability Ride

This was the postponed event. The roads were now much safer but the freezing conditions
called for warm clothing and care in the misty lanes through Brereton and
Middlewich. The mist then cleared and the temperature became manageable through
Church Minshull and Utkinton, to Tarvin Sands and Ashton Hayes. The shaded,
hilly section through Delamere Forest to Hatchmere was full of road cyclists
and many mountain-bikers could be seen and heard in the forest. Thereafter, the
slightly higher temperature made for pleasant riding through Acton Bridge,
Comberbach, Great Budworth and Tabley. The cold, damp mist re-commenced at
Knutsford and the lanes through Over Peover, Bate Mill and Lower Withington
were wet and / or icy. Twenty five Members and Guests completed the ride and
were relieved to be greeted by excellent refreshments, served at the Rugby
Club, by Lorraine Powell and Mary Renshaw.

Future Events –

100-mile Reliability Ride on Sunday, 19^th February

HQ is Rugby Club, with signing-on at 07.45 for 08.00 start (09.00 start for fast
group).

Report – March 4th 2012

Club Reliability Trials affected by bad weather

Reliability Trials are challenging rides run over a set route with a time limit.

Sunday Feb 19^th, the day of the Congleton Cycling Club 100 mile reliability trial dawned cold and bright. There had been some overnight rain which fell on frozen ground. Ice was a problem. There were two groups of riders, an 8 hour group started at 8 a.m and a 7 hour group at 9 a.m.
The cold kept most at home, but four riders Wayne Powell, Mark Tilstone, Stephen Kane and Bob Norton set off first. By the time they got to Barthomley on the outward route they were getting adept at cycling on ice. This prompted a phone call to the second group advising they keep to main roads en route to Eccleshall which was the first check point. Thus the five riders in the seven hour group, Denise Hurst, Peter Smith, Brendan McLaughlin, Darren Nicholls and Jamie Willets took a different route to the first group. By Eccleshall after a deviation from the route themselves, the 8 hour group were pleased to get a cup of tea and a bun from Peter Nelson and Georgina Norton who were support crew
for the day. There was snow on the ground, and the minor roads were still treacherous, so both groups made their way to Prees Heath for the lunch stop by variations of main road route. After lunch the original route in the lanes was resumed, although group one had to add a couple of extra excursions to make up the distance lost in the morning. Everyone arrived back safely with distances of 102 and 106 miles completed respectively. We plan to repeat the event again later in the year, in better conditions.

Sunday March 4^th was the day for the clubs hilly reliability trial. This fits just about as many hills into 33 miles as is possible.  The route, which can be found on the clubs website, climbs over 4000 feet with ascents of Cloudside, Bearda Hill (Dane Bridge), Wincle, Wildboarclough, Macclesfield Forest, Allgreave and back over Cloudside via Wood Treatment. Over the higher ground it fell as sleet and snow. Six club riders took part Stephen Kane, Wayne Powell, Stephen Jackson, Darren Nicholls, Tony Elliot and Bob Norton started, together with 6 Leek cyclists Club riders. Only Stephen Jackson and Chris Dale completed the ride – so Well Done!!

Clubruns

The weekend of the 25^th and 26^th of Feb saw club members out on two club runs. On the Saturday Georgina Norton led a group of seven on the monthly Saturday run. Bev Hambleton, Peter Nelson, Kelvin Milward, Bob Banner, David McVitie and Bob Norton enjoyed a 27 mile ride to Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre café via Middlewich and Goostrey, returning via Lower Withington and Swettenham. Sunday was the regular club run led this time by Bob Norton with Georgina, Stephen Kane and David Hurst for company. The
destination was the Priest House café in Audlem. The group followed an interesting route in the lanes passing through Alsager, Audley, Madeley  Aston, Mucklestone and Norton in Hales for well earned refreshment. The return route was via Hatherton, Wybunbury, Betley, Barthomley, Alsager and Rode Heath. The distance was about 65 miles.

Also on Sunday 26^th, Denise Hurst completed her first 200 km (125 mile)
Audax ride of the year from Poynton to Newport (Shrops) and back.

Report – March 25th 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s chain of events

10th / 11th March: Good weather for March (cold to cool but dry)

MDTTA 10-mile TT on Chelford course: Peter Hayhurst was the club’s sole representative and became the club’s fastest TT rider of 2012 with 29.55 on this non-too-easy course. However, this did not prevent Barry Charlton, of Lyme Racing, posting a winning time of 21.52.

Club run to Elvis’s at Tarvin Sands, 67 miles: Georgina and Bob Norton, Denise and David Hurst, Stephen Kane, Wayne Powell, Doug Taylor and Peter Nelson (first section) chose the 65-mile reliability route to this popular café at Tarvin Sands, returning via Delamere, Davenham and Goostrey.

50k Goshawk Challenge MTB Race: Jamie Willets rode this event which is based in Wentwood forest in south Wales, and was 50km of great trails and packed in just under 6,000ft of climbing. He reports: “As a challenge ride there was no pressure to be racing and trying to sit as close to the front from the beginning. Working through from the mid pack at the start, the initial Climb up to the forest separated the riders out fairly well and allowed me to pass a fair number of people and not get caught at too many bottlenecks once on the trails in the forest. The course was very tacky due to heavy rain earlier in the week and had started to dry out well, but lead to areas where you had to pedal quite hard just to keep moving downhill. By the end I was a little concerned that my legs were going to drop off, as they were not liking all the climbing and cramp had become a major issue. Completing the 50km in 4hrs 15mins, I was a little disappointed as my pace was slower than expected and seeing a couple of the competitors for the upcoming 24hr UK champs riding well didn’t inspire much confidence.”

17th / 18th March: excellent weather (for March):

Social ride to plantation at Plumley, 32 miles: Georgina and Bob Norton, Bob Banner, Dave McVitie and Peter Nelson took to the lanes through Brereton, Middlewich and Byley and returned via Goostrey, Swettenham and Radnor Bank.

MDTTA 10-mile TT on Chelford course: Peter Hayhurst was, again, the club’s sole representative and was still the club’s “fastest TT rider of 2012” but his 32.12, on an easier day, was due to sore legs following heavy DIY. However, he did win the over-70 prize and scored his valuable Cheshire points. Sam Harrison (the youngster), 100% ME, posted a winning time of 20.25 – a course record.

Club run to Shire Horse Centre, Cotebrook: 55 miles. Only Bob Norton and David Hurst managed this ride via Davenham, Vale Royal, Oulton Park to Little Budworth Lake where they were attacked by a large dog which dashed out of a farm entrance. The dog owner appeared but instead of apologising, he defended the dogs “rights” to go on the road, unattended. Naturally, our members gave him their point of view but whether the owner will take any notice and prevent such happenings in future, remains to be seen.

Chelford Chicks (MDLCA) Shropshire Weekend: Gerry Goldsmith and Denise Hurst were the club’s representatives on this Ladies Tour motorised). They had a pleasant stay at Hopton Heath Chalets and enjoyed the company of the other seven ladies. Their Saturday ride was over (or around) Long Mynd and then Bishops Castle and Clun. The Sunday ride was to Ludlow and back on excellent roads — not too steep — so they enjoyed the beautiful scenery which was enhanced by the spring  flowers.

Spirthill four-hour training Enduro: Jamie Willetts reports: “I decided to enter this race after my poor performance the weekend before and thought that it would be another good training session. The course was approximately a 6km lap which has been built on a farm with two areas of woodland linked by riding around and through the hedges and fi elds joining the areas — a classic XC course. This was to be my last race outing before the 24hr UK champs and it turns out that I wasn’t the only one thinking of this. Jay Horton, current UK 12hr vets champion, was there to test his legs and force me to work hard to get a decent result. Things started well — Horton disappeared into the distance (as expected) and I was sat in the group of 2-4th and feeling good. Lap three took a turn for the worse — two front end crashes in 100m and then nearly a third down the steepest descent on the race. I felt my rim hit the ground over a bump and the tyre came off the rim. I managed to reseat the tyre but could not get it to reinflate fully on the trail so ran / rode back to the pits. Back on the bike but down to fifth — and about half a lap down on fourth — I pressed on hard and managed to create a stable gap back to the riders behind, but could not catch the riders ahead. Overall I was happy with the fifth place, as my legs felt like they were working well again, despite technical problems. With one more weekend of long training rides planned, the national 24-hour champs are rapidly approaching, it’s almost time to start tapering and recovering.”

24th / 25th March: perfect, summer- like weather.

Altrincham Ravens 25-mile TT, Chelford Course: Peter Hayhurst, the club’s sole representative (again), enjoyed the whole atmosphere (include ride to and from) and was pleased with his 1.12.40. The winner was Andy Wilkinson from Port Sunlight Wheelers with a storming 52.19, for his first event of the year. Due to the summer weather, the social aspect was a highlight, with many riders and supporters standing around in the sunshine, in groups chatting for ages.

Club run to Beeston Lock Café: Georgina Norton led this ride, with Bev Hambleton, David Hurst, Peter Nelson and Doug Taylor. They did a circular ride with a stop at Beeston Lock for lunch and another social stop at the Boot and Slipper in Wettenhall on the way back. The weather was glorious. The outward route was Swettenham, Goostrey, Lach Denis, Davenham, Whitegate, Little Budworth and Eaton. The return was via Bunbury, Wettenhall, Church Minshull, Middlewich, Brererton Heath.

Cheshire Cat Sportive, 75 + 106 mile versions: Stephen Kane and Mark Tilstone completed the long version in just over six hours, which included the Mow Cop Killer Mile, Blacky Bank up to the Bridestones, Rudyard to Meerbrook, then Gun Hill — plus many others. Of the 3,000 riders, about 2,000 rode from Congleton to Rudyard in one practically unbroken line and due to their 4 to 6mph climbing speed, with overtaking manoeuvres leading to 4-5 abreast, this caused much traffic congestion!

Roses to Ragby, 210K Audax: Denise Hurst enjoys this ride from Alfreton to Ragby, along the rolling lanes into Lincolnshire, stopping inthe  afternoon at the café opposite Newark Castle — altogether a pleasant 11 hours savouring the countryside, the weather and the company of 40 like-minded souls.

Chirk 210K Audax: Within 12 hours, Denise Hurst had started another long ride, this time the traditional one from Poynton, via Nantwich, Malpas and Overton, to Chirk where the riders enjoyed coffee and food sitting in the sunshine, before commencing the return route via Bangor-on-Dee, Holt / Farndon, then afternoon tea at the ice cream farm at attenhall and then the lanes via Church Minshull and Knutsford for another 11-hour day!

Future Events: On Sunday, 1st April, the club run is a 60-mile circular starting from Abergele (Pensarn sea front LL22 7PP) at 10am. Members will ride to Betwsy Coed then Conway and Llandudno and do a circuit of the Great Orme (optional) before returning to Abergele along the North Wales Coastal Path.

Report – April 16th 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Karl Austin: Final Hearing and Sentencing at Derby Crown Court on 12^th April

Another very sad and traumatic day for the Austin Family. Read the Chronicle Report in this week’s issue.

Weekend of 31^st March / 1^st April 

Bill Jinks Memorial RR at Corley near Coventry

Mike Harrison got off the mark this year with 3^rd place in the 105km race, ten laps of a shortish circuit with an uphill finish. The winner was Tom Black of Cycletek, in style, on his own. HarrisonI finished 2^nd in a four-up sprint about 30 secs down after he escaped the bunch on the climb with a lap to go. 

Cheshire Cat Sportive – 102 Miles and 5500ft ascent

Stephen Kane and 2 friends from Scotland rode the Cheshire Cat Sportive on the 25^th March. This Sportive is one of the original and more famous UK Sportives and consists of 5500ft of ascent and a route of 102 miles. The route starts benignly enough, but after 15 miles it meets the notorious ‘Killer mile’ at Mow Cop. This climb has a famous sting in the tail with a 25% climb over the last 300 metres. All in the party managed to mount the climb and earn themselves a well-deserved medal for doing so. Unfortunately that wasn’t the last of the climbs; there were further climbs at Gun Hill and Wincle that sapped the strength of the legs. To compound the problems of the group, Stephen had mechanical issues with jamming gears. Despite the set-backs, respectable completion times were posted by all. The weather for the day couldn’t have been kinder, with all sporting cyclist’s tan lines by the end of the ride. 

Clubnight Slideshow – Out of Africa

Our Social Secretary, Georgina Norton, organised a slideshow. An audience of 15, were entertained on March 29th by a slide show of photographs with informative commentary taken during Rob and Avril Waghorn’s West African adventure with Bike Dreams. Rob was a rider on the 3500 mile, 10 week epic from Dakar in Senegal to Accra in Ghana, passing through The Gambia, Mali, Burkino Fasso, Benin, Togo and Ghana. Avril was a masseuse on the support crew. The trip gave them the opportunity to see the real West Africa, travelling as they did in extremes of heat and dust, staying in a mix of bush camps and local accommodation. Rob described the environment in which the population lived and gave a real sense of what life must be like for them. Appreciation for the slide show was given in the time honoured way, i.e. applause. Rob kept a blog during their trip, which give detail of their day to day experiences. This can be found at http://robrideswestafrica.wordpress.com

MDTTA 10-mile TT on Chelford course

This was the 3^rd and last event of the spring series. Peter Hayhurst slowed to 30.21 but the winner, Alistair Rutherford, Vanillabikes, also slowed a little to record 21.47.

Clubrun from Abergele

Bob Norton reports that the Abergele ride was great. The weather was bright and clear giving some magnificent views over Snowdonia from above the Conwy valley, and the coastal scenery around the Great Orme was stunning. There were only 4 takers for the ride. Georgina and Bob Norton, Stephen Kane and David McVitie. They started from Pensarn Promenade and headed south to Llanfair Talhaiam, then west towards Llanwrst, through Llangrwnwy, before turning left onto the B5513 to Nebo. There are some great views looking west from this road over to Snowdonia. They then dropped down to the A5 and Betwys-y-Coed for a lunch stop. They then took the old road through Trefwy and Dolgarrog to Conwy and on to Llandudno via Deganwy. They had an afternoon coffee stop on the road around the Great Orme (Marine Drive), before carrying on round the Orme and back to Llandudno. The route back the Abergele was to Rhos on Sea and the on to the Sustrans North Wales Coast path. A good day out, 64 miles with about 4000 feet of climb. 

Vale of Evesham Tour

Denise and David Hurst had a lovely weekend in the Vale of Evesham cycling to Bourton-on-the-Water on Saturday (approx.. 50 miles) and then to Broadway on Sunday where they sat in the glorious sunshine talking to other cyclists. They stayed on a fruit farm at Hayles Abbey near Winchcombe.

Easter Weekend (incl. Tuesday) Events:

Tour of the North (N. Ireland) – 4-day RR

Mike Harrison rode the Tour of the North again in N.Ireland over Easter – 4 days in length, 3 road stages, each around 75 miles and a short prologue up the driveway of Stormont Castle. He finished 39^th overall out of 110 starters, which was not as good as last year but unfortunately all the three top British pro teams rode (rapha, node 4 and sigma) plus Dave McCann doing motorbike impressions ! The weather wasn’t too bad and stayed mainly dry, if cool and breezy. James Moss of Node 4 ran out the winner after a dominant display by his team.

Exposure 24hr – European MTB solo 24hr championships.

Another epic ride by Jamie Willetts who reports:

“I arrived on the Friday before the event to what can only be expected from a 24hr event- torrential rain. A practice lap of the 11.5 mile course ensued which I was hoping would be the only wet one of the entire event, as the mud round Newcastleton eats brake pads very quickly. The lap had been improved this year making it a bit longer, but removing some horrible bits of grassy field climbing and being replaced with more single track climbing. This now gave 1500 – 1600ft of climbing per lap which would be challenging.”

“The Saturday dawned dry-ish and sunny which was a blessing and we were lucky that the weather held for almost the entire race. The worst bit of any 24 is the waiting for the start; there is nothing left to do as all the training is done and the bikes are ready, all I had to do was strap race numbers to the bike and remember to put my timing chip on – I managed to get to the start with plenty of time but without the timing chip. This left me with a 15 minute return trip to camp to pick it up – not the sprint warm up that I needed! After the midday start things went well and I soon got into my groove, starting with a couple of slower laps to get my body working and seeing where it was and then pushing from there. I soon caught up with a friend Dean Pointer (team cycleaid) and we ended up riding together for about 3 laps working well and gaining back a large number of places. At 7hrs I was in 37th position but was unconcerned as I was on my target speed and number of laps. By the end of lap 8 which finished at about 10pm I was up to 31st. Unfortunately between 12-1 I hit a very low spot, but some amazing riders forced me through. A 30 minute stop at 4.30 am to let by body rest and an attempted sleep for 10 minutes gave me my second wind, before I was kindly kicked out of my slumber and forced back on the bike by my wife, Abbi. By this time I had slipped off my schedule a bit but 2 laps later the sun was up and spirits were raised with it. I had been in 27th at 5 am and when I came in at 9am for my final pit stop I was told I was in 24th with the next rider 10 minutes ahead. The legs found a final reserve of energy and I flew the final lap as fast and hard as possible to try and catch the rider in front. I managed to pass several riders during the final lap, but it is very difficult to tell who is in your category. I crossed the finish line at about 10.30 which having gone faster on the last lap, left me right on the cusp of being able to push in a final lap within the 24hr limit. As I had given it my all I didn’t think that I could manage another lap in the remaining time, that and a flat tyre made my decision for me.”

“Overall I finished in 20th in class and had a cracking time. I am already planning for next year! Massive thanks must go to Abbi who kept me motivated and looked after me through-out and to Jay and Maddie Horton and the rest of their pit crew for helping Abbi and staying up for until the wee small hours of the morning to push me through my rough spot and also to Twelve50 bikes for supplying me a cracking race weapon and supporting my racing this year.”

Club Reliability Ride – 150-miles to Ludlow and return

Denise Hurst, Wayne Powell and Peter Smith rode this event which was initiated some years ago by our famous long-distance rider, Karl Austin and as this was the first year without Karl their thoughts were very much with him throughout the ride. From the 7 a.m. start, the morning was wet and cold but by lunch in the café in the Market Place, opposite Ludlow Castle, the sun appeared and the return ride via Bridgenorth and Stone, Werrington would have been very enjoyable had there been no headwind. They arrived back the Rugby Club at 8 p.m.

Clubrun to Delamere Station Café – 60 miles

Georgina and Bob Norton, Bill Boynton, John Broadbent (new Member), David Hurst and Peter Nelson enjoyed the pleasant conditions as they rode via Goostrey, Davenham, Hartford and Hatchmere to this popular venue. The return route was via Cotebrook, Wettenhall, Church Minshull, Middlewich and Brereton Heath. 

VTTA 10-mile TT on Chelford Course

In wintery conditions (hail showers), our two representatives struggled. Peter Nelson  the elder) made his 2012 TT debut and was pleased with his 33.33 but Peter Hayhurst (the younger) struggled to 31.52. The winner was Carl Ruebotham, Team Swift, with 22.09. 

Club Hilly Time Trial – Mossley / Rushton / Timbersbrook – 9.5 miles

Thirteen riders dodged the showers in our first evening time trial of the year. Winner over the 9.5 mile hilly course was 15-year-old and son of Member, Andrew Thomas, Will Thomas (Velocity RT), continuing his good form, in a time of 28:40. Stephen Jackson was fastest of the Club members in 32:22.

Result Details:

1 – Will Thomas, Velocity RT, 28:40

2 – Ben Trotter, Macclesfield Wheelers, 30:38

3 – Stephen Jackson, Congleton CC, 32:22

4 – Pete Tatton, Congleton CC, 33:14

5 – Chris Goodwin, Macclesfield Wheelers, 33:33

6 – Mike Jones, Congleton CC, 33:56

7 – Andy Malbon, Congleton CC, 34:21

8 – Robert Kerr, Crewe Clarion, 35:24

9 – Mike Line, Congleton CC, 35:27

10 – Wayne Powell, Congleton CC, 38:26

11 – Stephen Kane, Congleton CC, 40:40

12 – Tony Elliott, Congleton CC, 42:40

13 – David Hurst, Congleton CC, 44:47

Timekeepers: Bob + Georgina Norton

Marshalls: David McVitie, Roy Hayhurst, Kelvin Milward, Denise Hurst, Peter Nelson, Jamie Willetts

Weekend of 14^th – 15^th April

Macclesfield Wheelers 25-mile TT on Chelford Course

In very wintery conditions, Peter Nelson and was pleased with his 01.27.10. Peter Hayhurst slumped to 01.27.44. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with 53.03.

AUDAX: Ironbridge 207K and Hawkstone 133K

These events are organised by Rob Waghorn; ably assisted at the Rugby Club HQ by wife, Avril and Bob Norton. 34 riders endured bright sunshine but low temperatures (+1ºC at start) and a headwind return leg.

19 riders, including our Denise Hurst, commenced the 207K ride at 8 a.m. and rode via Market Drayton to Ironbridge and after a lunch stop, returned via Whitchurch, arriving at the Rugby Club between 5 and 8 p.m. 15 riders commenced the 133K ride at 8.30 a.m. and also rode via Market Drayton but then cut via Hodnet then Hawkstone Park to Prees Heath for their lunch stop, before returning via Burford and Church Minshull, arriving between 3 and 5 p.m.

Due to prior commitments, Bob Norton and Roy Hayhurst rode the 210K route on Saturday – which served as a useful check in case of roadworks.

Clubrun to High Legh Garden Centre

David Hurst, Olivier Foerster, David McVitie and Bob Norton started at 9.30 a.m. just as the sun started to warm the air a little. They rode via Middlewich, Lower Peover and Great Budworth to High Legh and enjoyed the usual nourishment and chat before returning via Tatton Park, Whipping Stocks and Bate Mill.

Future Events: Saturday, 21^st April, Social Ride of approx. 15 miles to café and return loop. Meet at 10 a.m. at Unicorn PH on Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath.

Report – 30th April 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Club 10-mile TT – Result of 17^th April 

Nineteen riders and plenty of helpers turned out for our first race this year on the Congleton-Holmes Chapel-Brereton-Congleton circuit. On what is usually regarded as a ‘slow’ course, professional rider Andy Tennant (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) was a clear winner in a stunning time of 21:28 (which is almost certainly a course record). Pete Tatton was fastest Club member in a time of 25:29. Result in time-order – Club Members unless club name is stated:

Andy Tennant, Rapha-Condor-Sharp, 21:28; John Swinnerton, Kidsgrove Wh, 25:13; Pete Tatton, 25:29; Phil Gayes, Leek CC, 25:30; Jamie Willetts, 25:51; Stephen Jackson, 26:24; Andy Malbon, 26:41; Wayne Powell, 26:55; Kelvin Milward, 27:00; Mike Jones, 27:32; Duncan Poole, 28:15; Mike Line, 28:59; Tony Elliott, 29:51; Jon Leigh, 30:37; Olivier Foerster, 33:02; John Broadbent, 33:10; Peter Nelson, 33:26; David Hurst, 36:39. Pete Smith, DNF(Puncture). 

Timekeepers: Bob & Georgina Norton

Start Steward: Steve Sladin

Marshalls: Peter & Roy Hayhurst, Denise Hurst, David McVitie, Doug Taylor

Weekend of 21^st / 22^nd April 

Social Ride to Minshull’s Garden Centre, Crewe

Georgina & Bob Norton, Bev Hambleton and Bob Banner rode the lanes through Hassall Green and Haslington to enjoy the toast and scones, before returning via Warmingham and Cranage to cheer our Members at Twemlow, in the MDTTA Time Trial. 

MDTTA Championship 25-mile TT on Chelford Course

Two Members rode this event in early Spring / late Autumn conditions – cool and windy but dry. Kelvin Milward recorded 01:04:21 and Peter Nelson recorded 01:22:42. The winner was Andy Wilkinson, Port Sunlight Wheelers, with 00:53:16. This Association event was organised by Member, Peter Hayhurst who was well-supported by Mary Renshaw, Denise Hurst, Roy Hayhurst and Bob Norton, plus nineteen additional Officials and Helpers from other Association clubs.

Clubrun to Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall – 65 miles

Georgina & Bob Norton and Olivier Foerster endured heavy showers as they rode via Whitegate and Tarporley to this popular venue. They returned, in more showers, via Beeston, Bunbury, Church Minshull, Middlewich and Brereton.

Club 10-mile TT – Result of 24^th April

Ed Clancy, a reigning Olympic Champion, and Andy Tennant rode in the club 10 mile TT at Gawsworth last night along with 22 others. Both are GB squad riders who were team members of the recent World Championship Team Pursuit winning team in Australia. Incredibly both riders did 19:47, which we believe equals the course record for the JC/5 course. Fastest Congleton rider was Pete Smith who, in his first time trial, was third with 23:26. Result in time-order – Club Members unless club name is stated:

Andy Tennant, Rapha-Condor-Sharp, 19:47; Ed Clancy, Rapha-Condor-Sharp, 19:47; Pete Smith, 23:26; Keith Dutton, Wills Wheels, 23:35; Brendan McLaughlin, 23:42; Andy Mitchell, Janus RC, 23:51; Phil Gayes, Leek CC, 24:03; Jamie Willetts, 24:05; Andy Malbon, 24:17; Pete Tatton, 24:25; Stephen Jackson, 24:53; Kelvin Milward, 24:56; Andy Bowers, Peak Cyclesport, 25:45; Mike Jones, 25:51; Scott Burns, Manchester Whs, 26:23; Mike Line, 26:29; Stephen Kane, 27:01; Jonathan Poole, Manchester Whs, 27:45; Tony Elliott, 27:45; Jon Leigh, 28:01; Mike O’Donnell, Westmead, 29:06; Peter Nelson, 31:16; David Hurst, 33:23.

Timekeepers: Bob & Georgina Norton

Start Steward: Steve Sladin

Marshalls: David McVitie, Steve Sladin

Meeting with MP Fiona Bruce on 27^th April

Six Members attended this important meeting concerning Cycling within the Borough. Bob Norton had collated and edited the suggestions of Club Members and as each spokesman was restricted to one minute, each item was read in turn by Bob Norton, Rob Waghorn, Bill Boynton, Keith Austin, Peter Hayhurst and Stephen Jackson. Although many points were raised by the 20+ attendees, we each had to state 2 priorities and the consensus was that “Road User Awareness / Training / Accident Liability” and “Quality and Urgency of Road Repairs” are TOP PRIORITY, closely followed by “Safer Road Conditions / Marking for Cyclists”. Fiona Bruce will use this in future Parliament debates and Alan Lawson will create and present an Agenda to present and follow-up with Cheshire East Council.

Weekend of 28^th / 29^th April 

Glossop Kinder Velo 25-mile TT on Chelford Course

Not only a full team but five Club Members rode this event in wintery conditions – cold and breezy but dry. Kelvin Milward recorded 01:03:45, Wayne Powell, 01:07:40, Duncan Poole, 01:08:47, Peter Nelson, 01:21:43 and David Hurst. 01:30:47. The winner was Steve Burke, Macclesfield Wheelers, with 00:55:21.

Future Events: Saturday, 19^th May – Social Ride of approx. 15 miles to café and return loop. Meet at 10 a.m. at Unicorn PH on Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath.

Report – 18th May 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Club 10-mile TT – Result of 1^st May

Rapha Condor stars Andy Tennant and Ed Clancy were again the leading riders in our Tuesday evening Club ’10?. Andy was fastest this week with 20:24, Ed was a close second in 20:35, and Scott Burns (who went off course the previous week) was third with 21:15. Pete Smith was again the fastest Congleton rider with another sub-24 minute ride.

Results (G=Guest): Andy Tennant (G) 20:24, Ed Clancy (G) 20:35, Scott Burns (G) 21:15, Martin Parish (G) 22:36, Jordan Bason (G) 23:37, Pete Smith 23:47, Keith Dutton (G) 23:48, Jamie Willetts 23:58, Andy Malbon 24:17, Stephen Jackson 24:39, Kelvin Milward 24:59, Wayne Powell 25:30, Mike Jones 26:18, Stephen Kane 26:19, Mike Line 27:07, Jonathan Poole 27:49, Tony Elliott 27:53, Robert Kerr 28:07, Alistair Rainsbury (G) 29:17, Duncan Poole 29:25, John Broadbent 29:45, Olivier Foerster 30:14, Peter Nelson 32:22, David Hurst 33:24.

Timekeepers: Bob and Georgina Norton

Pusher-off: Steve Sladin

Marshals. Jill Elliot, Phil Gayes, Anne Genevier, Peter Hayhurst, Denise Hurst, Lorraine Powell.

ABC Centreville 10-mile TT on Chelford Course on 5^th May

Five Club Members tried their hardest on another chilly but dry afternoon: Kelvin Milward – 25:10, Stephen Kane – 26:34, Peter Nelson – 31:26, Peter Hayhurst – 33:03, David Hurst – 34:02. The Winner was Scott Burns, Manchester Wheelers – 20:44, with Charles McCulloch, Drag-2-Zero, only 3 seconds adrift.

Clubrun to Tarporley on 6^th May – 58 miles

David McVitie reports: “Six of us, Bob and Georgina Norton, Stephen Kane, Peter Nelson and Davids Hurst and myself set off on a cool overcast morning bound for Tarporley. We warmed up on Radnor Bank and the rode on through Goostrey, Lach Denis, Davenham and the track past Vale Royal Golf Club to Whitegate. The Old Fire Station Cafe at Tarporley was reached by way of Little Budworth. The return trip was via Beeston Castle, Bunbury, Church Minshull, and Brereton Heath with a coffee/beer stop in afternoon sunshine at The Bears Head at Brereton. The ride distance was 58miles.”

Wiggle Enduro 6 Mountain Bike Race – May 6th

Jamie Willets reports: “Based at Catton Park in Derbyshire, the course was just over 5 miles long per lap with approximately 450ft of climbing. Having been raining a lot in the run up to the race we were blessed with sunny conditions which led to the course drying, during the event. This led to slicker mud on the first couple of laps which turned into exceptionally tacky mud which made it difficult to roll downhill and give the legs a chance to recover”

“Unfortunately as my first race after the 24 hour my legs would not wake up and I was finding it hard work to maintain a decent race pace over the time. Four hours in and I was watching the clock desperate for the time to click down faster than it would. I was tired and making silly mistakes – forgetting bottles and making poor line selections through some of the rooty singletrack sections. I finally finished in 6hrs 14 – in 24th place in my category. Not the result i was hoping for. Big thanks to Twelve50 Bikes for supporting my racing this year.”

Club 10-mile TT – Result of 8^th May

In our first race of the year on the Chelford course, John Swinnerton (Kidsgrove Wh) was the winner with a time of 23:34. Fastest Congleton CC rider was Stephen Jackson with 23:54, narrowly pipping Pete Smith with 23:57

Result (G= Guest): John Swinnerton (G) 23:34, Keith Dutton (G) 23:52, Stephen Jackson 23:54, Pete Smith 23:57, Roy Myers (G) 24:03, Brendan McLaughlin 24:13, Jamie Willetts 24:24, Andy Malbon 24:35, Phil Gayes (G) 24:42, Pete Tatton 24:56, Jonathan Beever (G) 25:33, Stephen Kane 25:51, Steven Jackson (G) 25:53, Mike Line 26:16, Mike Jones 26:38, Tony Elliott 27:36, Jonathan Poole (G) 27:45, Jon Leigh 29:07, John Broadbent 30:24, Peter Nelson 31:01, David Hurst 33:24.

Timekeepers: Bob and Georgina Norton

Pusher-off: Steve Sladin

Marshals: Roy Hayhurst, Denise Hurst, David McVitie, Kelvin Milward, Rob and Avril Waghorn.

Clubrun to Red House, Dunham on 13^th May

With many riders building their hill-climbing fitness for upcoming events, only Simon Howells and David McVitie enjoyed the scheduled flatter run over to Red House Farm. They went via Back Lane, Radnor, Twemlow, Goostrey, Plumley, High Legh and Heatley. The bright and sunny weather was tempered by a cool breeze which slowed the return via Bucklow Hill and Tatton Park.

West Pennine RC – 55-mile RR, Bashall Eaves Circuit near Clitheroe.

Mike Harrison reports: “Lumpy circuit with horrendous road surfaces! I missed the break (as per normal) and got in a chasing group of five that caught a few riders dropped from the front group, swelling our chasing group to around twelve. I dropped this ensemble with around four miles to go on a short, steep climb but ranout of time to catch the remains of the front group (including Mark Lovatt who was 2^nd) – so I finished in 7^th place. The winner was Mike Marshall.

Club 10-mile TT – on Gawsworth Course – Result of 15^th May

Despite heavy rain during most of the day, it turned out to be a reasonably fine but decidedly cool evening for the seventeen riders who took part in Tuesday evening’s race. Winner again this week was John Swinnerton (Kidsgrove Wheelers) with 23:10 and second was Pete Smith with 23:59.

Results (G = Guest): John Swinnerton (G) 23:10, Pete Smith 23:59, Pete Tatton 24:10, Andy Malbon 24:30, Stephen Jackson 24:33, Phil Gayes (G) 24:40, Mike Line 26:24, Stephen Kane 26:30, Duncan Poole 27:17, Richard Coates (G) 27:41, John Green (G) 27:55, Tony Elliott 28:07, Jon Leigh 29:46, Jonathan Poole (G) 29:48, John Broadbent 30:31, Peter Nelson 31:23, Mike Jones DNF (puncture).

Timekeepers: Bob and Georgina Norton

Pusher-off: Steve Sladin

Marshals / Signs: Peter Hayhurst, David McVitie, Steve Sladin

Weekend of 19^th / 20^th May

Club Social Ride to Penny Farthing Café, Knutsford – 30 miles

Bob Banner lead this ride but had only one companion – a friend from Maidenhead C.C. who enjoyed his introduction to our Cheshire lanes and the views of Jodrell Bank.

Warrington Road Club, 50-mile TT on Chelford Course

Peter Nelson was our sole representative on this pleasant afternoon and managed to improve to 02:50:34 and won the 70+ Age Category Award. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with 01:47:31.

Clubrun – Hawkestone 130K Reliability

David McVitie reports: “Denise and David Hurst, Steven Kane and myself did this repeat ride. The day was dry, cool and mainly cloudy although the sun managed to get through later on to generate shadows from time to time. The route was basical the Audax route from the annual Rob Waghorn event.but after achieving our scenic target of Hawkestone Park (in the Hodnet area of Shropshire), we simplified the return and kept East of the original route, missing Church Minshull and passing through Audlem, Barthomley, Walgherton, Hassall Green, Astbury and Mossley.”

Future Events:

Thursday, 7^th June – Team Congleton Olympic Event, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial”

Distance – 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30 p.m. – Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists – of all ages – and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled.

The Awards will include many Age Categories.

Report – 2nd June 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Weekend of 19^th / 20^th May

Fred Whitton Challenge – 112-mile Hilly (very) – Lake District

Three Members – Stephen Jackson, Wayne Powell and Pete Smith, together seven friends, completed this toughest of rides, with 4000 metres ascent. They needed 8 hrs 50 mins but this included a one-hour lunch stop. There were nine categorised climbs / passes which included gradients of up to 30%: Hawkeshead, Kirkstone, Matterdale, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Irton, Hardknott and Wrynose. The day started wet but the wind then blew the clouds away.

Club 10-mile TT – Holmes Chapel Circuit – 22^nd May

The warm summer evening saw a very closely contested race with just 35 seconds separating the top 6 riders. Winner was Brendan McLaughlin in a time of 24:36.

Result (G = Guest): Brendan McLaughlin 24:36, Pete Tatton 24:45, Stephen Jackson 24:52, Phil Gayes (G) 24:57, Jamie Willetts 25:01, Andy Malbon 25:11, Mike Line 26:46, Jon Leigh 28:19, Robert Kerr (G) 28:19, Stephen Kane 28:27, Tony Elliott 28:27, John Green (G) 28:43, John Broadbent 30:38, Peter Nelson 31:38, Doug Machin 32:01, David Hurst 35:07.

Timekeepers: Rob Waghorn

Pusher-off: Steve Sladin

Marshals: Jill Elliott, Roy Hayhurst, Denise Hurst, David McVitie, Kelvin Milward, Georgina Norton and Mary Renshaw

Refreshments: Avril Waghorn.

Signs: Peter Hayhurst 

Weekend of 26^th / 27^th May 

Clubrun to Priest House Café, Audlem

Steven Kane and David McVitie reported: “With the usual leaders not on show, Georgina Norton, David McVitie and Stephen Kane set off on the pre chosen route to Audlem, following a downloaded GPS route on a cycle computer. Unfortunately, the computer doesn’t come with pre-programmed maps, instead you follow a little black track that approximates to the road ahead. To help with the navigation, it does rudely beep at you when you veer off course. After a few scoldings from the computer, we managed to find the route. Just as the route got sorted, we heard a nasty twang from Georgina’s bike. Alas, a busted spoke meant that Georgina needed rescuing as she could not carry on. David and I carried on following the computer which took a direct route to Audlem via Betley which meant we arrived at the cafe well before lunch. A decision was taken to ignore the computer and ‘head for the hills’ for the return leg. For the most part my memory worked well – so – via Norton-in-Hales, Knighton, Woore, Onneley (Bar Hill), Madeley, Knowl Bank, Audley, Dunkirk, Talke, Church Lawton and Brownlow made the trip 53 miles and 2500’ of climb (about 5 Mow Cops). The weather for once was pleasantly hot and it was good at last to cycle in shorts and short sleeves.”

VTTA National 10-mile TT Championship – St. Asaph

Two Members travelled together at 6 a.m. as the event commenced at 8 a.m. and were pleased that the weather was excellent and the wind did not rise until they had finished their rides. This was the first time that they were to ride this course. Wayne Powell recorder 25.44 and Peter Nelson recorded 29.57. The winner was Rob Pears of Bath C.C. who recorded 19:13 which yielded a “Plus” on VTTA Standard of 7:26 for this 49 year-old. 

Club 10-mile TT – Gawsworth Circuit – 29^th May

The warm summer evening brought out 25 riders (16 Congleton CC + 9 guests) and helped produce some fast times. First was James Tucker (South Pennine) with 20:14; second was Steve Hulme with 22:39 in his first race of the year.

James Tucker (G) 20:14, Steve Hulme 22:39, Anthony Blair (G) 22:49, Keith Dutton (G) 23:07, John Swinnerton (G) 23:14, Brendan McLaughlin 23:22, Pete Smith 23:22, Jamie Willetts 23:47, Pete Tatton 24:00, Wayne Powell 24:39, Kelvin Milward 24:42, Duncan Poole 24:58, Mike Line 24:58, Tony Elliott 26:07, Jon Leigh 26:21, Stephen Kane 26:35, Robert Kerr (G) 26:50, Claire Harrison (G) 27:09, John Green (G) 27:25, Stephen Manfield (G) 27:45, Jonathan Poole (G) 28:08, John Broadbent 29:34, Angelo DeAngelis 29:39, Peter Nelson 30:44, Denise Hurst 31:14. 

Timekeeper :Rob + Avril Waghorn

Pusher-Off: Steve Sladin

Marshals: Peter Hayhurst. David Hurst, David McVitie

Dukinfield C.C. 25-mile TT on Chelford Circuit on 2^nd June

Two Members rode this local event in dry but cool and breezy conditions. Both riders were pleased to improve on their recent times with Kelvin Milward posting 01:02:55 and Peter Nelson recording 01:17:46. 

Future Events:

Thursday, 7^th June – Team Congleton Olympic Event, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial”

Distance – 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30 p.m. – Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists – of 12 years and more – and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled.

The Awards will include many Age Categories.

Report 17th June 2012

Congleton Cycling Club – Splendid Rides in Bad Conditions for Cyclists

02/06/12 Glentress 7 – 7 hour MTB Enduro Race 

Jamie Willets reports: “Based on a mixture of the existing trail centre trails and fresh cut single-track through the woods it made for a fun but technical ride. The course involved a LOT of climbing with about 1200ft of climbing per 6.5 mile lap. I was glad that I had brought my climbing legs with me, as the course was using several red and one black graded section, in reverse. Climbing these technical sections wasn’t quite as much fun as descending them would have been! I was struggling with some of the descending and losing a significant amount of time on the final descent of the lap – an off camber rooty section which on the first lap had a distinct smell of overheating brake pads by the bottom. Overall I was happy with my finishing result – 35th out of 134 solos.” 

05/06/2012 – Inter-Club 25-mile TT on Chelford Circuit 

This event is in conjunction with Macclesfield Wheelers. The Winner was Chris Quinn, Macclesfield Wheelers, 00:57:27, followed by:

Martin Parish, Crewe Clarion, 00:57:29; Adam Bailey, Macclesfield Wheelers, 00:58:08; Nick Bowden, Glossop, 01:00:13; Will Thomas, Velocity RC ,01:00:29; Andy Malbon, Congleton CC, 01:03:54; Kelvin Milward, Congleton CC, 01:04:50; Paul Quinn, Manchester Wheelers, 01:04:57; Graham Trevina, Macclesfield Wheelers, 01:05:30; Steve Jackson, Macclesfield Wheelers, 01:06:32; Wayne Powell, Congleton CC, 01:06:40; Mike Jones, Congleton CC, 01:08:03; Nick Hockenhull, Manchester Wheelers, 01:08:15; Mike Line, Congleton CC, 01:08:53; Fred Wardle, Macclesfield Wheelers, 01:13:03; Jeff Sherrin, Man. Tri. Club, 01:15:13; Alistair Rainsbury, Man. Tri. Club, 01:18:18; Jill Welsey, Macclesfield Wheelers, 01:19:20; Peter Nelson, Congleton CC, 01:21:01; John Broadbent, Congleton CC, 01:21:54;David Hurst, Congleton CC, 01:29:10; Phil Gayes, Leek CC, DNF.

Timekeeper: Rob Waghorn; Pusher off: Steve Sladin

Helpers/Marshalls: Bob+Georgina Norton, Peter Hayhurst, Denise Hurst, Brendan McLaughlin, David McVitie, Andrew Thomas, Ruth Goreham +John Green (Leek CC).

06/06/12 TLI Oulton Park Series, Race 1

Here is Mike Line’s report of his criterium race: “Arriving at Oulton Park the weather was not ideal for my first circuit race. Due to the large entry of 150 riders, two events were run, each of 32 miles. The circuit was very lumpy with an uphill sprint to the finish. When I arrived it was pouring it down with rain but fortunately it eased off and parts of it began to dry out just before the race started. With the race being run by TLI there was a wide range of abilities in the under 50’s, from beginners right up to elite riders, this meant the pace was kept very high for the entire race. Ryan Mullen of Planet X led a break off the front and managed to stay away for most of the race until just at the end when Martin Ford of In-Gear RT took the win. I managed to finish mid peloton which I was quite happy with for my first try. This was a good, well run race and I am lookjng forward to the next one.”

Weekend of 7^th to 10^th June 

Club “Come-And-Try-It” 2.5 mile TT on Brereton Heath Circuit

On Thursday Evening June 7th, the club promoted a Come and Try It Time Trial at Brereton Heath. The event was supported by Team Congleton and was part of the towns Olympic Celebrations. The course was a 2.5 mile circuit based at Brereton Heath Country Park.
Despite very wet and windy conditions, three Gold Medals were presented.
Bethany Eardley took Gold in the U18 girl’s category in 8 minutes and 10 seconds.
Adam Burgess took Gold in the U18 boy’s category in 9:12.
James Cardwell took Gold in the U15 boy’s category in 9:17.
These were splendid rides in bad conditions. Club chairman Bob Norton thanks all the helpers and the riders and said we will look at repeating the event later in the “summer”

Congleton Peddlers in It’s A Knockout Competition and Cycle Skills Event

As reported in last week’s Chronicle, the Club had a team in Team Congleton’s Olympic Celebration “It’s a Knockout” Competition in Congleton Park. The team of Kate and Dave Mulroy, Andy Malbon, Wayne Powell (team captain), Mary Renshaw, Edgar Reynolds, and Rob and Mandy Sharrock had a great time and acquitted themselves very well by finishing 4th in their heat. The competition was based on the popular TV game show which did come to Congleton in 1973. Team manager, Georgina Norton, said “They literally threw themselves into the knockout competition. They were wonderful.”

The club also ran a cycle skills event for youngsters led by our new trainee coach, Denise Hurst, assisted by David Hurst and Bob Norton.

VTTA 50-mile TT on Chelford Course

Riders and Helpers were relieved to experience good, if cool, conditions. Two Members were satisfied with their performances; Wayne Powell recording 02:23:57 and Peter Nelson, 02:45:15, which placed him 1^st in the Over-70 Category! The winner was Charles Taylor, South Pennine C.C. with a very fast 01:50:48. The event was organised by Peter Hayhurst, supported by 22 Officials / Helpers, including Club Members, Roy Hayhurst and Kelvin Milward.

Club 10-mile TT on Gawsworth Course on 12^th June

Steve Hulme was fastest of the field of 20 riders with a time of 22:46. Keith Dutton (Wills Wheels) was second with 23:26. Two new riders deserve special mention: Nick Dekker riding in his first ever race recorded the superb time of 23:55, and junior Bethany Eardley riding her mountain bike recorded a time of 33:00 (which is almost exactly four times her winning time in the 2.5 mile Come and Try It Time Trial last week!). Her Mum & Dad are both cyclists and over the last 4 years as a family they have completed a Coast to Coast ride each year. We are eager to see what she achieves when she rides a road bike in her next time trial.

Full Result (G=Guest): Steve Hulme 22:46, Keith Dutton (G) 23:26, Brendan McLaughlin 23:41, Pete Smith 23:47, Andy Malbon 23:51, Phil Gayes (G) 23:52, Nick Dekker 23:55, Pete Tatton 24:02, Stephen Jackson 24:04, Wayne Powell 25:05, Mike Jones 25:24, Duncan Poole 26:07, Kelvin Milward 26:37, Tony Elliott 26:37, John Green (G) 28:26, Denise Hurst 28:53, John Broadbent 29:14, Angelo DeAngelis 29:31, David Hurst 32:23, Bethany Eardley (G) 33:00.

Weekend of 15^th / 17^th June 

Janus R.C. 25-mile TT on Chelford Course

Another cool, damp and very windy afternoon in Cheshire! Our two “regulars” survived the conditions with Kelvin Milward recording 01:04:04 and Peter Nelson 01:19:51. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, 00:53:02, with lady Para-Olympian, Sarah Storey, in 2^nd place!

Future Events:

Club Social Ride has been re-scheduled to Saturday, 23^rd June. Meet at Unicorn P.H., Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath at 10 a.m.

Team Congleton Olympic Event – No. 2, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial” – Date to be advised. Distance – 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30 p.m. – Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists – of 12 years and more – and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled. The Awards will include many Age Categories.

Report – 8th July 2012

Late May.

Stephen Jackson reports on Pyrenees Tour: “Pete Smith and Anne and I were in the Pyrenees late May /early June. Anne and I crossed from Perpignan to Biarritz and then picked up some other cyclists (amongst them Pete) and came back to Perpignan via the big cols. Weather was superb as usual. Pete tells me in the second week we did about 64,000 ft of climbing which sounds about right (more than twice up Everest from sea level. Anyway it wasn’t about the stats but the scenery and the French hospitality and the odd glass of wine!”

17th June, Polka Dot Challenge, 54 + 100 mile Sportive in Staffordshire / Derbyshire.

Stephen Jackson reports: “Just finished the Polkadot challenge in 7 hrs dead (and I was!). It was wet in the morning and blew a gale in the afternoon against us coming back but other than that fine and well organised. I saw Roy Hayhurst at about the 10-mile point but no one else from Congleton and don’t know any more times, however, I heard later that Edgar Reynolds also completed this ride, un accompanied, in 10 hours.”

Roy Hayhurst enjoyed the 54-miler and completed it in 4hrs 35mins

19th June, Karl Austin Inter-Club 25 TT (second leg) – JC/24, Chelford: apologies to Jamie Tucker who was the probable winner of the second inter-club 25 mile time trial, but whose time was not clocked. Official fastest was Adam Bailey in a time of 56:56. Macclesfield are clear winners of the first Karl Austin memorial event with Adam Bailey and Matt Duck doing sub-hour rides.

RESULT: Jamie Tucker (South Pennine) approx 00:56:00; 1, Adam Bailey (Macclesfield Wh) 00:56:56; 2, Mark Turnbull (Leigh Premier) 00:57:03; 3, Nick Bowden (Glossop) 00:58:26; 4, Matt Duck (Macclesfield Wh) 00:58:58; 5, John Swinnerton (KidsgroveWh) 00:59:45; 6, Phil Gayes (Leek CC) 01:00:57; 7, Nick Dekker (Congleton CC) 01:01:10; 8, Stephen Jackson (Congleton CC) 01:01:58; 9, Roy Myers (Manchester Wh) 01:02:09; 10, Andy Malbon (Congleton CC) 01:02:29; 11, Brendan McLaughlin (Congleton CC) 1:02:31; 12, Graham Travena (Macclesfield Wh) 01:02:41; 13, Paul Quinn (Manchester Wh) 01:02:49; 14, Pete Tatton (Congleton CC) 01:03:15; 15, Roger Wrenn (Macclesfield Wh) 01:03:26; 16, Steve Jackson (Macclesfield Wh) 01:03:42; 17, Kelvin Milward (Congleton CC) 01:04:17; 18, Pete Smith (Congleton CC) 01:04:53; 19, Jonathan Beever (Westmead) 01:05:05; 20, Andy Lothian (Manchester Tri) 01:06:05; 21, Andrew Steele (Wills Wheels) 01:06:10; 22, Mike Jones (Congleton CC) 01:07:10; 23, Mike Line (Congleton CC) 01:07:59; 24, Kate Ritchie (Manchester Tri) 01:10:50; 25, Nick Cavill (Macclesfield Wh) 01:11:01; 26, Robert Kerr (Crewe Clarion Wh) 01:11:04; 27, Tony Elliott (Congleton CC) 01:11:36; 28, Andy Jackson (Macclesfield Wh) 01:12:35; 29, Alastair Rainsbury (Manchester Tri) 01:15:29; 30, John Broadbent (Congleton CC) 01:15:47; 31, Peter Nelson(Congleton CC) 01:22:02.

Saturday and Sunday, 22nd and 23rd June: on the Saturday, the monthly short club run went to Wizard Tea Rooms at Alderley Edge. Four riders, Bob and Georgina Norton, Bob Banner and David McVitie, rode out in cool and overcast conditions through Swettenham, Lower Withington, Siddington, and Chelford to climb up to the Edge on Artists Lane. Return was via Henbury, Gawsworth and North Rode with a distance of 30 miles completed.

On the Sunday, the club run went to Summertrees Tea Rooms at Kelsall by way of Knutsford, Comberbach, Acton Bridge, Delamere Forest and climbing over The Yeld to Kelsall. Bob and Georgina Norton were out again but this time alone for the 65-mile round trip, returning through

Little Budworth, Whitegate, Winsford, Middlewich and Brereton Heath. The “summer” weather continued with showers.

26th June: club 10-mile TT on Chelford Course: a fine evening drew a field of 22 riders (14 Club + eight guests) for the Chelford-based 10-mile time trial. Fastest was Will Thomas (Velo City) in a time of 22:40; second was Pete Smith in a personal best time 23:03, ahead of six other riders under 24 minutes.

RESULT: Will Thomas (G) 22:40, Pete Smith 23:03, Keith Dutton (G) 23:36, Pete Tatton 23:41, Phil Gayes (G) 23:45, Stephen Jackson 23:47, Andy Malbon 23:49, Paul Mayers (G) 23:58, Kelvin Milward 24:47, Jonathan Beever (G) 24:51, Wayne Powell 25:26, Mike Jones 25:47, Duncan Poole 26:49, Tony Elliott 26:58, Mike O’Donnell (G) 27:15, Carole Sherrin (G) 27:49, Jeff Sherrin (G) 27:55, Angelo DeAngelis 28:37, Nick Wood 28:45, Olivier Foerster 29:02, Peter Nelson 31:16, Bethany Eardley 32:02. Helpers / officials: Rob Waghorn, Stephen Kane, David McVitie, Peter Hayhurst, Georgina & Bob Norton, Lorraine Powell.

30th June / 1st July: MDTTA Championship 50-mile TT on Chelford Course: the club’s sole representative, Peter Nelson recorded 2:54:16. Winner was Simon Bridge, of Manchester Wheelers, with 1:47:27.

Club’s centenary celebration ride from 1998: the Sunday club ride was a recreation of the club’s centenary celebration ride from 1998. Covering a distance of 80 miles the route followed some of the Cheshire Cycleway going to Audlem and then to Wrenbury and Malpas before turning for home again at Tilstock and passing through Bickerton, Beeston, Eaton, Wettenhall Church Minshull, Middlewich and Brereton Heath. There were three riders: Georgina and Bob Norton and Stephen Kane. The group kept moving in the somewhat cold conditions for the time of year. There were two planned stops on the route at Audlem and at Beeston, but only the Beeston stop was taken as a cafe stop, and the group were back in Congleton for 3:30pm.

3rd July: club 10-mile TT on Gawsworth Course: despite the wet weather, 16 riders (all Congleton CC) took part in Tuesday evening’s race. Winner was Pete Smith in a time of 23:06. Great to see two of the new young members competing: Bethany Eardley (17) recorded a PB of 31:34, and Harry Smith (14) in his first race recorded 32:35.

RESULT: Pete Smith 23:06, Andy Malbon 23:30, Brendan McLaughlin 23:37, Pete Tatton 23:53, Jamie Willetts 24:28, Kelvin Milward 24:33, Mike Jones 25:17, Mike Line 26:25, Stephen Kane 26:27, Tony Elliott 27:03, Nick Wood 27:57, Angelo DeAngelis 28:36, John Broadbent 29:31, Peter Nelson 31:31, Bethany Eardley 31:34, Harry Smith 32:25.

Future events: club Social Ride on Saturday, 21st July. Meet at Unicorn public house, Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath at 10am.

Team Congleton Olympic event, No 2: Come and Try It Time Trial (date tbc) distance — 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30pm at Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists — of 12 years and more — and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled. The awards will include many age categories.

Report – July 23rd 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events

W/E 1st July

C2C Ride

Newish member Dave McVitie and a former colleague Dave Picken, both of local firm ICL at Kidsgrove before retiring, took on the coast to coast challenge from Morecambe to Whitby in aid of Sport Relief. These novice touring cyclists trained on local hills for the event. Mow Cop, Biddulph Moor, Gun Hill and The Cloud provide an ideal 25 mile 3000’ test equivalent to a morning or afternoon of the C2C route and on a clear day there are views across the country to make the effort worthwhile and underline how wonderful Congleton is as a cycling HQ. With the weather for the actual C2C cold but dry and no mechanicals, the biggest shock was hitting a 20% hill right after breakfast on the second day. They raised over £1,000 for Sport Relief.

W/E 7th July

Bontrager TwentyFour 12 Jamie Willetts reports: “I entered this as a 12hr pair with a James Adams who works and rides for The Bicycle Chain in Taunton. James has helped pit for me before at 24 hour events and we both figured it would be a bit of fun and a good excuse to drink some beers in the sun and have a BBQ. It never pans out like that…. The race was muddy… hub deep on a 29er. Around parts of the transition there was 4 inches of water, mud and long grass to race through. 7 mile laps with 1100ft of climbing took about an hour to start getting longer as the mud turned to super tacky goop. The first 4 laps were taken alternately and then I put in 2 laps back to back whilst racing with one of the Torq team riders. When I got back in James informed me we were in 11th and he went for his lap. I was keen to see James get back in and push for another hard lap…. I was stood in transition waiting… and waiting. Turns out James bonked halfway round the lap and was struggling to get back. On completing my lap, James wasn’t keen on another lap and with just under 2 hours left I had to stick another lap in to maintain position.We finished 9th in the mens pairs, which for a bit of fun was a great result.”

10th July

Club 10-mile TT on Chelford Course Visiting rider and former member, Pat Kinch (Churnet Valley) was winner this week with a time of 22:23. Pete Smith was second with 23:34, ahead of three other Congleton riders with sub-24 minute times.

Pat Kinch (G) 22:23, Pete Smith 23:34, Pete Tatton 23:40, Andy Malbon 23:44, Nick Decker 23:55, Kelvin Milward 24:41, Wayne Powell 25:24, Mike Jones 25:30, Duncan Poole 26:54, Nick Wood 28:06, Tony Elliott 28:23, Denise Hurst 29:06, Angelo DeAngelis 29:40, John Broadbent 29:42, Peter Nelson 31:24, David Hurst 33:44, Harry Akers Smith 36:55.

W/E 14/15 July

L’Etape du Tour, Pyrenees. (PHOTO) 13th consecutive year! Mark Tilstone reports: “Finished this monster of a ride in 11:07 (126m 18000ft of climbing). The descents of the Aubisque and Tourmalet were particularly challenging due to the cold and very wet conditions. Suffered from sickness on the ascent of the Tourmalet as I hadn’t shaken off a stomach bug from the week leading up to the race. I ended up completing the last five hours of the ride on just over a litre of water – good job it wasn’t hot!!” Stephen Jackson reports: The ride was good, despite the wet conditions and I enjoyed it, finishing in 1348th position out of some 9000+ plus riders, though only about 3900 finished (not sure why though cos the weather wasn’t that bad at all). I know Mark Tilstone finished too though we never managed to meet. I stayed on after the Etape on the 14th to watch the professionals do the same route on the 18th. Voeckler won that stage in about 4 hours less than me!! I’ll stick with the day job…”

MDTTA Championship 100-m TT on King St. / Chelford Course

In good conditions, Wayne Powell and Edgar Reynolds were our Club representatives in this annual endurance event. Powell recorded 5:07:19 and Reynolds 5:20:27. The fastest time was posted by Charles Taylor, South Pennine R.C., with an event record of 3:46:01. Neil Skellern, Team Swift, won the MDTTA Championship with 3:57:57. The event was organised by Club Member, Peter Hayhurst, supported by Roy Hayhurst, Georgina & Bob Norton, and Mary Renshaw, plus 56 more officials / helpers from Manchester District clubs.

Cheshire Hills & Plains AUDAX Events

Sunday July 15th saw the club promote a series of long distance Audax rides. there were three distances on offer, a 117 km ride “Just the Plains of Cheshire”, a 110 km ride “Just the Hills of Cheshire” and a 210 km ride “The Hills and Plains of Cheshire”. Organiser Rob Waghorn had a total of 72 entries, which were divided 42, 8 and 22 respectively, between the rides. For once the weather was kind and no one got wet. The 117 km ride went on a loop through Audlem, Tattenhall and Beeston before returning to Congleton. The 110 km ride had 1550 metres of ascent in it going into the Cheshire Peak through Timbersbrook, Bosley, Algreave, Lamaload Reservoir and the steep climb to yms Chair (avril Waghorn at Control Point, then Kettleshulme and Pott Shrigley before dropping back onto the Cheshire Plain, returning via Knutsford, Alderley Edge and Gawsworth. The 210 km route had the same start but went on west to Chester, then looping south to return through Audlem and Alsager. The clubs next Audax promotion is on October 14th with a 210 km ride to the Horseshoe Pass or 168 km ride to the Chirk Aqueduct near Llangollen. Enter 210km or 168 km by down loading entry forms.

17th July: Club 25-mile TT on Gawsworth / Siddington Circuit

This evening’s 25 mile race over 2 laps of the Eaton/Gawsworth/Siddington circuit attracted a field of 15 riders. Winner was Pete Smith in a time of 1:01:10; second was John Swinnerton (Kidsgrove Wh) in a time of 1:02:28. Pete Smith 1:01:10, John Swinnerton (G) 1:02:28, Pete Tatton 1:02:45, Nick Decker 1:03:53, Kelvin Milward 1:04:13, Jamie Willetts 1:04:36, Andy Malbon 1:04:39, Mike Jones 1:08:34, Mike Line 1:11:18, Alan Heggs (G) 1:11:43, Andy Gray (G) 1:11:53, Tony Elliott 1:13:57, Jon Leigh 1:14:21, Stephen Maxfield (G) 1:15:20, John Broadbent 1:21:10.

W/E 21st / 22nd July

Social Ride to Minshulls Garden Center, Leighton

The Saturday Social ride on July 21st went to Minshulls Garden Centre near Leighton Hospital. It was something of a record for the club in that amongst the 10 participants were 5 new members/prospective members. They were Laura Beattie, Les Hughes who are members and Dean, Tristan and Sheldon who may join. Also on the ride were Avril and Rob Waghorn, Bob Banner and Georgina and Bob Norton. They enjoyed a 30 mile ride in fine weather.

CTT National 24-hr TT on Shropshire / Cheshire Course

Denise Hurst, supported by husband, David and Peter Nelson, produced an excellent performance in her first attempt, by managing 326 miles in windy conditions for the last 10 hours. Although she was still suffering from the previous week’s 600K AUDAX, she persisted in completing the 24-hour event in memory of Karl Austin, who rode this event for the past 20 years. The winner was Ultan Coyle, Rapha Condor, with 488 miles (provisional).

Warrington R.C. 25-mile TT on Chelford Course

Four Members rode this event in real summer conditions. Results: Kelvin Milward, 1:08:41; Duncan Poole, 1:09:27; Peter Nelson, 01:18:15; Peter Hayhurst, 01:25:35. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with 51:55.

Sunday Club Run to Audlem

The Sunday ride on July 22nd went to Audlem. For the first time in many years we had a teenager on the ride. Harry Akers Smith (15) was out with his dad Pete, Rob Waghorn and Georgina and Bob Norton for a brisk ride of about 60 miles, again in sunny weather. The group were keen to get home early to see Bradley Wiggins win the Tour de France.

Future Events: Club Social Ride on Saturday, 18th August. Meet at Unicorn P.H., Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath at 10 a.m. Team Congleton Olympic Event – No. 2, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial” – Date to be advised. Distance – 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30 p.m. – Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists – of 12 years and more – and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled. The Awards will include many Age Categories.

The club’s next Audax promotion is on October 14th with a 210 km ride to the Horseshoe Pass or 168 km ride to the Chirk Aqueduct near Llangollen. Enter 210km or 168 km by down loading entry forms.

Report – 20th August 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Olympic Celebrations (Recent + Future)

Future Events:

This section normally appears at the end of the report but the following events now need to be highlighted, especially our 2^nd “Come-And-Try-It Time Trial”, as the first one, in June, was a success but due to the very bad weather, there were only 3 riders. We hope that these 3 plus many more will participate – see details below.

Club Social Ride on Saturday, 25^th August

Meet at Unicorn P.H., Holmes Chapel Road, West Heath at 10 a.m. 15 mile ride to café and 15 mile return – at pace of slowest rider – and not only for Club Members.

Team Congleton Olympic Event – No. 2, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial” – Thursday, 30^th August.

Distance – 2.5 miles. Meet at 6.30 p.m. – Brereton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is for all cyclists – of 12 years and over – and especially novices. Riders will start at one minute intervals and the course around Brereton Heath, Somerford and A54, will be well signed and well marshalled. The Awards will include many Age Categories.

AUDAX promotion (Denise Hurst) on October 14^th

210 km ride to the Horseshoe Pass or 168 km ride to the Chirk Aqueduct near Llangollen. Enter 210km or 168 km by down-loading entry forms from AUDAX UK.

Recent Activities

24^th July – Club Evening TT on Chelford Course

Great turnout of 31 riders (21 Club riders + 10 guests) for the last 10-miler of the year on the Chelford course. Winner was Paul McAllister (Seamons CC) with a time of 22:28; second was Pete Tatton with 23:25 narrowly beating Pete Smith with 23:28. The 2 youngest riders both recorded PB’s: Bethany Eardley with 31:03 and Harry Akers Smith with 32:30.
Full Result: Paul McAllister (G) 22:28, Pete Tatton 23:25, Pete Smith 23:28, Brendan McLaughlin 23:59, Alan Burton (G) 24:01, Keith Dutton (G) 24:02, Andy Malbon 24:05, Stephen Jackson 24:27, Kelvin Milward 24:42, Jamie Willetts 24:45, Paul Kirman (G) 24:51, Wayne Powell 25:11, Jonathan Beever (G) 25:28, Mike Jones 26:06, Warren Jackson (G) 26:37, Sheldon Starkey 26:47, Duncan Poole 27:05, Tony Elliott 27:37, John Green (G) 27:43, Jon Leigh 27:51, Nick Wood 28:30, Richard Hunt (G) 29:00, Angelo DeAngelis 29:03, John Broadbent 29:19, Peter Nelson 30:36, Bethany Eardley 31:03, Harry Akers Smith 32:30, David Hurst 33:08, Claire Thomson (G) 33:24, Phil Gayes (G) DNF(P), Steve Hulme DNF(P).

31^st July – Club Evening 10-mile TT on Gawsworth Course

One second separated the top two riders this evening: winner was Nige Wood (Wills Wheels) with a time of 22:17; second was Martin Parish (Crewe Clarion) with a time of 22:18. Fastest Congleton rider was Pete Tatton with a personal best time of 23:08.
Full Result: Nige Wood (G) 22:17, Martin Parish (G) 22:18, Pete Tatton 23:08, Keith Dutton (G) 23:11, Pete Smith 23:13, Andy Malbon 23:39, Chris Guest (G) 23:53, Phil Gayes (G) 24:17, Dave Croft (G) 24:19, Kelvin Milward 24:49, Mike Jones 25:39, Dave Farmer (G) 25:42, Sheldon Starkey 25:54, Duncan Poole 26:50, Nick Wood 27:46, Tony Elliott 28:12, John Broadbent 28:38, John Swinnerton (G) 30:59, Claire Thomson 31:47, David Hurst 32:34.

W/E 4^th – 5^th August

Withington Wheelers 10-mile TT on Chelford Course

Our Club had 4 riders: Kelvin Milward was our fastest with 24:13, followed by Duncan Poole, 26:44, then Peter Nelson, 30:56 and Peter Hayhurst, 32:05. The top 8 riders were all from 100% ME (Development Squad youngsters), the slowest of which recorded 20:51, the fastest (winner) being Sam Harrison with a very fast 19:32.

Chain Reaction MTB Marathon, Abergavenny

Jamie Willets reports: “A nice ride, out and about around the Black mountains and the edge of the Brecon Beacons, entailing 78km of riding and approximately 6000ft of climbing. With a massed start with about 600 riders, I took it easy and didn’t run off with the leaders but sat comfortably in the top third so not to get held up on the first off-road sections. The course
had about 8km of riding on the roads before hitting the trails which gave plenty of time for things to spread out. The first 30km were great with bright sunshine and masses of single and double track riding. After the second feed station, the 2 shorter rides peeled off left, and another short road section led to the biggest climb of the day. At around 1900ft of climbing and taking 45mins to climb we were rewarded with a cracking descent. Sadly the weather turned nasty soon after this. I was glad I packed my waterproof as a torrential rain storm came through. A lot of the track became so churned and ended up having to be walked. Once we got riding again the mud was a classic grinding paste and on the final few descents life became sketchy with minimal brakes. I was happy to finish the ride comfortably in under 6 hours with plenty left in my legs.”

7^th August – Club Evening 10-mile TT on Gawsworth course

The warm evening attracted 28 riders so some fast times were recorded. Winner was Jack Green (VC St Raphael) with 21:10; second was Nige Wood (Wills Wheels) on his trademark fixed gear with 21:31; third and fastest of the Congleton riders was Steve Hulme with 22:16.

Full Result: Jack Green (G) 21:10, Nige Wood (G) 21:31, Steve Hulme 22:16, Pete Smith 22:40, Pete Tatton 22:50, Keith Dutton (G) 22:55, Anthony Alan (G) 23:37, Phil Gayes (G) 23:37, Andy Malbon 23:40, Dave Croft (G) 23:42, Kelvin Milward 24:37, Wayne Powell 24:37, Mike Jones 24:52, Sheldon Starkey 25:20, Andrew Doorbar (G) 25:37, Tony Elliott 26:09, Warren Jackson (G) 26:09, Duncan Poole 26:17, Jon Leigh 26:55, John Green (G) 27:30, Nick Wood 27:31, Denise Hurst 27:34, John Broadbent 28:35, Angelo DeAngelis 28:47, Claire Thompson 29:28, Bethany Eardley 29:54, Peter Nelson 30:27, David Hurst 31:51.

12^th August

West Cheshire 12-hour TT on Shropshire Course

Denise Hurst was our sole representative in this qualifying event for the MDTTA  Best All-Rounder competition. After a morning soaking, the sun returned but the wind force increased – and a hard day was made even worse, as with only half an hour left, she had an accident which necessitated an ambulance ride to hospital and a patch-up job. Typically, she was concerned about being credited with a “distance” and was some-what relieved to learn that she had completed 187 miles. Get Well Soon Denise! (see Photo by Simon Evans)

Club-Run to Delamere Station Café – 68 miles

Georgina Norton, Peter Nelson and Doug Taylor formed the B run and the faster riders, Sue Collins, Richard and Tom Cowan, Steve Kirkham and Pete Smith, formed the A run, so as to ride at 2 speeds but all met at the Station café. It worked well and everyone was happy! After lunch the 2 groups set off separately. The B group came back through the lanes and had a second stop at Minshuls Garden Centre, finishing with 68 miles. The A group did more main road and were faster but did 5 miles less – so honours even.

14^th August – Club Evening 10-mile TT on Holmes Chapel circuit

Another fine warm evening for the last time trial of the year attracted 28 riders including 6 newcomers riding their first race (no doubt inspired by the Olympics!). Clear winner was James Tucker (Pennine RC) with a stunning time of 20:58 for this course; second was Steve Hulme with 22:51.

Full Result: James Tucker (G) 20:58, Steve Hulme 22:51, Pete Smith 23:43, Pete Tatton 24:02, John Swinnerton G) 24:36, Jamie Willetts 24:41, Phil Gayes (G) 24:53, Nick Decker 24:59, Stephen Jackson 25:17, Andy Malbon 25:28, Kelvin Milward 25:58, Mike Jones 26:04, David Clark (G) 26:08, Sheldon Starkey 26:39, Bill Green (G) 26:48, Robert Kerr (G) 27:11, Jon Leigh 27:38, Andy Green (G) 27:44, Tony Elliott 27:55, Chris Bottomley (G) 28:20, Niige Wood 28:32, John Green (G) 28:33, Fred Green (G) 8:46, Angelo DeAngelis 29:34, Tom Cowan (G) 29:53, David McVitie 30:07, Claire Thompson 31:13, Peter Nelson 32:53.

W/E 18^th / 19^th August

Congleton CC 50-mile TT on Chelford Course

This annual open event was organised by Kelvin Milward and was extremely well supported by Members, including 7 of the 69 entries plus 19 helpers (including family / friends). Unfortunately, our Club Secretary, Denise Hurst, was unable to start as she is still recovering from her fall in last week’s 12-hour TT. The conditions were excellent, with warm sunshine and a light breeze – so riders and marshals were well-pleased. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with 01:47:38. Members’ times: Pete Smith, 02:07:51; Pete Tatton, 02:10:09; Andy Malbon, 02:11:28, Wayne Powell, 02:17:57; Peter Nelson, 02:58:29 (Over-70 winner), Peter Hayhurst, 03:04:26; David Hurst, 03:07:26.

Helpers: Bob & Georgina Norton, Rob & Avril Waghorn, Pat & Peter Hayhurst, Linda Scragg, Mary Renshaw, Stephen Kane, David McVitie, Jean Lester, Les Lancaster, Angelo de Angelis, Sheldon Starkey, Nick Decker, Duncan Poole, Colin Mason, Bill Boynton, Roy Hayhurst.

Clubrun to Bunbury

Bob Norton reports: “There were 8 of us. Myself and Georgina Norton, Mary Renshaw, Doug Taylor, Sue Collins and 3 prospective new members: Tom Cowan, Steve Kirkham (was a member back in the 90’s) and Steve Smith. We went out via Malkins Bank, Crewe (Leighton) Nantwich. We then got a bit lost in the lanes, and eventually got to Bunbury having done 42 miles from Congleton. It rained just as we got there and luckily, had stopped before we left. The return was by popular request, more direct. Leaving Bunbury we went through Tilstone Bank and headed for Wettenhall and Church Minshull, then Cledford Bridge, through to Brereton Heath and back to Congleton for a round trip of 65 miles.”

Report – September 16th 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events

Late August

Team Congleton Olympic Event – No. 2, “Come-And-Try-It Time-Trial” at Brereton Heath, Distance – 2.5 miles.

On Thursday Aug 30th the club promoted its second Come and Try It TT for novices at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve. This event was part of Team Congleton’s Olympic Celebrations with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for under 15’s, under 18’s and seniors. Fourteen competitors raced around a 2.5 mile circuit in fine and bright conditions. This was a total contrast to the weather for event one back in June, when riders and marshals had to endure torrential rain. The club had a gazebo on the grass in front of the visitor centre which was used as a signing on and refreshment area. Afterwards Bob Norton presented medals to the first three in each age category.
U15 George Clowes (Kidsgrove Whs), Louis Cavill (Macclesfield Whs) and Maurice Bolton.
U18 Elliot Rice-Birchall (no silver or bronze qualifier)
Seniors. Paul Kennington (Congleton C.C.), Jack Ratcliffe (Congleton C.C.) and Noel Murphy.

George Clowes, Louis Cavill, John Ratcliffe, Maurice Bolton, Paul Kennington, Noel Murphy, Elliot Rice-Birchall

Club Tour to Ireland

Roy Hayhurst, John Cotterell and Stephen Kane went to Northern Ireland between the 23rd and 28th August for a long weekend  tour organised on behalf of the Congleton Cycle Club. On arrival at Belfast, they cycled up the world famous Antrim Coast Road to Ballycastle. On the second day, ihey crossed the border and cycled to Ireland’s most northerly point at Malin Head, visiting the Giant’s Causeway on route. The views out to the Scottish Islands and the Mull of Kintyre were breathtaking and again they were blessed with stunning weather. The weather was all the better, when they heard it had been raining heavily back home in Cheshire. On the third day they cycled to Derry then on to Gortin, located in the Sperrin Mountains and then returned the following day to Belfast skirting Lough Neagh. In total they cycled 310 miles over the 5 days. Apart from some mechanical mishaps on the last day in Ireland (adding to the adventure), a highly enjoyable tour was had by all.

Bradley Wiggins Sportive 100km – Lancashire Fells

Steve Sladin rode this Charity Event which started in Barnoldswick and included timed climbs on Waddington Fell and Nick O’ Pendle climbs totalling 1940m of climbing through the Lancashire Fells. His ride time was 4hrs 40mins with beautiful scenery but some brutal climbs!!

He also completed the Macc triathlon on 12th of August, which involved a 400m swim, 25km bike ride and 7.5 km run…finishing in 1hr 43.54 mins.

World Masters Championship Road Race, Austria

Mike Harrison reports: “I won the bronze medal at St.Johann in Austria in the Masters World Road Race Championships. A group of five of us escaped halfway round the 2^nd of 3 laps during the 75 mile race held in cool, dry conditions. We soon gained a minute on the main bunch and last time up the main climb I tried to hopefully whittle it down further but only managed to drop one rider. That left 4 of us going for 3 medals (Russian, Spaniard, German and me), the German rider jumped with 500 metres to go and unfortunately the rest of us hesitated and he was away for victory. The sprint for 2^nd came down to a photo finish between myself and the Spaniard and he got the verdict. In the Stocksbridge RR at Penistone, the week before travelling to Austria, I claimed a 2^nd place in the 3-man sprint at the top of the main climb after 100km.”

W/E 1^st / 2^nd September

Stretford Wheelers 25-mile TT on Chelford Circuit

Three Members rode this event in Summer-like conditions. Kelvin Milward was pleased with his 1:02:58, Peter Nelson was disappointed with his 1:24:00 and Peter Hayhurst struggled to 1:27:04. The winner was Scott Burns, Manchester Wheelers, with 55:20.

Clubrun to Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall

Georgina Norton lead this ride and reports: “It was raining to begin with but it soon cleared. There were four of us – myself , Bev Hambleton , Les Hughes and a new Member, Ed Wright. We rode to the advertised cafe at Tattenhall. The outward route forced us up Radnor Bank, then along to Goostrey, Lach Denis, Davenham, through Vale Royal Abbey and Tarporley. The return route was Beeston Castle then Bunbury, Wettenhall and Church Minshull. Total mileage to and from Rugby Club was 65.”

W/E 6^th / 9^th September 

Newcastle Track League (last event of 2012)

Paul Kennington took his 12-year-old son, Alastair, to Newcastle Track on Thursday evening. He was very pleased to achieve a first place, Gold – League 1. Holly and Edward Mulroy (8/9 year-olds) also won Golds in their Freewheel League 2 events.

Paul Kennington, rode the Christie Manchester 100 miler on Sunday 2nd and the Hill Billy 50 organised by Kidsgrove Wheelers on Sunday 9th. 

ABC Centreville 25-mile TT on Chelford Circuit

In excellent conditions, only two Members rode this event. Kelvin Milward improved his 2012 time to 1:02:10 but Peter Nelson was disappointed with his 1:26:17. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with 52:54.

Club Run to Priest House Café, Audlem – 50 miles.

Laura Beattie, Sue Collins, John Broadbent, Tom Cowan, Dean Roberts and his 15-year-old son, Tristan and Stephen Kane rode the lanes to Audlem and return. The weather was sunny and warm with a slight headwind on the way out.

Spectating: Tour of Britain at Chelford plus Bridestones / Biddulph Moor

On Monday, Georgina & Bob Norton, Jean Lester & Les Lancaster, Peter Hayhurst and David McVitie (plus others??) were among the hundreds of spectators cheering the riders in the vicinity of Chelford. Although the riders had completed the major climbs and tricky descents between Ashbourne and Bosley, there was plenty of activity near Chelford, with the feeding station after Siddington, the intermediate sprint at the Egerton Arms and the good viewing point at Marthall. In addition to Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, there were many continental stars but they flashed by too quickly to recognise many.

On Thursday, the same selection of Members, plus Denise Hurst and Peter Hall, (and hundreds / thousands of other fans) chose the last of the main climbs – the Bridestones –  to cheer the riders, who were split into many small groups over 20 minutes apart. The weather was kind, so the views of the riders and their support vehicles could be traced from the top of Gun Hill, along Rudyard Lake and down into Rushton Spencer. It was easy to spot Cav and Wiggo as they formed a small group, 10 minutes behind the leaders. We considered ourselves very fortunate to have this prestigious race on our doorstep, twice! Pete Smith and Mike Line reported the best ride out to see the Tour. They rode to Trentham for the Start and then on to Oakamore for the first of the days KOM climbs, and then made it back to see the finish in Hanley. In the process they did 70 miles with 4700 feet of ascent.

Georgina Norton cheers Bradley Wiggins & Mark Cavendish

W/E 15^th / 16^th September

Social Ride to The Wizard at Alderley Edge – 30 miles

Seven Members rode to The Wizard Tea Rooms. Georgina and Bob Norton, Sue Collins, Bob Banner, Bill Boynton plus Paul Kennington and son Alastair (who had already done a 2 hr swim session!). The route was Radnor Bank, Newsbank, Bate Mill, Chelford, Nether Alderley and up Artists Lane to The Wizard; returning via Henbury, Redesmere, Lower Withington and Radnor Bank for exactly 30 miles, on a sunny Saturday. A very enjoyable ride!

Clubrun to The Galley Café at Church Minshull – 62 miles

Six Members; Georgina and Bob Norton, John Broadbent (preparing for the Triathlon World Championships in New Zealand, where he will be competing in the 65-69 year category), Stephen Kane, Dean and Tristan Roberts took to the local lanes to Ackers Crossing and then to Rode Heath, Alsager, Audley and Madeley and then rode a clockwise loop via Hunterston and Nantwich for a well-earned meal at The Galley. The return route was via Winsford, Davenham, Lach Dennis and Goostrey, for a total of 62 miles, in overcast and windy conditions.

Future Activities 

Club Hill Climb Championship on Sunday, 30^th September

1-mile TT up Ganney Bank. Signing-On at layby below Horseshoe P.H., Mow Lane, at 09:45 for 10:00 start. The Clubrun will then start at Astbury at 11 a.m. 

AUDAX promotion (Denise Hurst) on October 14^th

210 km ride to the Horseshoe Pass or 168 km ride to the Chirk Aqueduct near Llangollen. Enter 210km or 168 km by down-loading entry forms from AUDAX UK.

Report – 1st October 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Near-Future Activities (in addition to Sunday Clubruns) 

Social Evening (Georgina & Bob Norton) at Rugby Club on Thursday, 4^th October at 8 p.m.

The objective of the evening is to welcome new members (and the not so new) and to provide a forum for anyone to ask any questions about any aspect of Club life or the wider cycling world.

Chaingang Training ride (Pete Smith) on Saturday, 6^th October at 9.30 a.m.

See format from previous ride (below) 

AUDAX promotion (Denise Hurst) on Sunday, 14^th October at 8 a.m.

210 km ride to the Horseshoe Pass or 168 km ride to the Chirk Aqueduct near Llangollen. Enter 210km or 168 km by down-loading entry forms a.s.a.p. from AUDAX UK.

Short Clubrun (Social Ride) on Saturday, 20^th October at 10 a.m.

Meet at Unicorn P.H., Holmes Chapel Road at 10 a.m. 15 mile ride to café and return on different route – at the pace of the slowest rider.

Late September Activities 

Club “Chaingang” Test Ride – 38 miles

Seven Members participated in this first-of- many such training rides during the “off-season”. Peter Smith, the organiser / leader, was joined by Bob Norton, Paul Kennington, David Mulroy, Tristan Roberts and Ed Wright. They rode from Hoods, Lower Heath, to Lower Withington to commence three circuits of Siddington, Chelford Church, Twemlow, Lower Withington.

Seamons CC 25-mile TT on Chelford Circuit

Kelvin Milward was our sole representative in this last event of the local TT season and on a cold but bright morning, was pleased with his 1:02:07. The winner was Simon Bridge, Manchester Wheelers, with a very fast 51:43.

Weaver Valley CC Cat&Fiddle 6-mile Hill Climb TT

Kelvin Milward was yet again our sole representative. He rides this each year in memory of a close friend, although his physique is not suited to hill climbs but in spite of a tough headwind, recorded 31:07. The top riders were of National status and the winner was Tejvan Pettinger of Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team with 21.02.

Clubrun to Fire Station Café, Tarporley – 57 miles

Six Members: Georgina & Bob Norton, Sue Blake, Sue Collins, David Hurst and Stephen Kane enjoyed their ride via Goostrey, Whitegate, returning via Eaten, Wettenhall and Church Minshull.

Maintenance of Adapted Bikes at Congleton Leisure Centre

Nine Members have volunteered to help with the 16 adapted bikes at Congleton Leisure Centre. Bob Norton and Pete Smith slotted a 2-hour session within their tight schedules (supported by Peter Hayhurst – within his loose schedule) and met with Andy Molynieux and Nasar Riaz at the Leisure centre. Most of the bikes are used on a weekly basis, with a larger usage on the monthly events. The servicing was mainly around tyre pressures, gear and brake adjustment plus identifying breakages – one weak brake lever. Date of next session to be arranged.

Club Hill Climb – Ganney Bank, 1-mile

In spite of dull and windy conditions – turning to rain, 16 riders (11 Members and 5 Guests) plus 11 supporters / helpers made this annual event a success! The top three did sub-seven minute rides; the winner being Alex McNicol (VC Moulin – but based in Alsager) in 06:26; second and fastest Congleton rider was Nick Decker in 06:44; third was Mike Line in 06:51.
Full Result:

Alex McNicol (G) 06:26, Nick Decker 06:44, Mike Line 06:57, Mike Jones 07:01, Pete Tatton 07:07, John Green (G) 07:38, Robert Kerr (G) 07:51, Andy Malbon 08:00, Tristan Roberts 08:05, Duncan Poole 09:07, John Eardley (G) 09:29, Sue Blake (G) 10:05, Bethany Eardley 10:16, Tony Elliott 10:29, David Hurst 11:09, Angelo deAngelis 11:43.

Timekeepers: Bob & Georgina Norton.

Club Events – Bob Job Memorial Points Table

With 29 counting events completed and only the two AUDAX rides remaining, there is a definite winner in Pete Smith, with 167 points – a tremendous achievement in his first year of competitive cycling. Second and third places are still hotly contested as Andy Malbon and Pete Tatton are now level on 147 points! Placings fourth to seventh can also change completely. 46 Members have accumulated points, of which 22 achieved 50 points or more.

MDTTA  2012 Cheshire Points Competition

This series of 20 local, Open Time Trials (of which up to 10 results count), saw success for our Club in the 70+ Category with Peter Nelson achieving 1^st place, followed by Peter Hayhurst in 2^nd place. This should inspire younger riders to aim for other Age Category awards next year.

Report – 21st October 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Up-Coming Event

Thursday, 25^th October, AGM at 8 p.m. at Rugby Club. Non-Members are also welcome.

End September / early October

Nick Decker reports:

“West Pennine RC Open Hill Climb on Blackstone Edge in Littleborough.

8^th place in 9 minutes 54 Seconds. (from memory I will confirm this week when results are published). Winner was Peter Greenwood (Clayton Velo) in 8 Minutes 27 Seconds.

Weather conditions were perfect for a hill climb, no wind, bright and sunny.

Yorkshire RC 2 Stage Open Hill Climb in Eccup Leeds.

Stage 1 Weardley Bank, 13^th place in 2 minutes 48.4 Seconds. Winner was James Coleman (Witham Whs) in 2 Minutes 12.1 Seconds.

Stage 2 Weardley Lane, 10^th place in 6 minutes 21.3 Seconds. Winner was James Coleman in 5 Minutes 12.5 Seconds.

Overall, 12^th place in 9 minutes 9.7 Seconds. Winner was James Coleman in 7 Minutes 24.6 Seconds.

Weather conditions were dark cloud cover and rain the held off but a strong head wind.”

W/E 13/14 October

Chaingang

Just two Members, Peter Smith (leader) and Stephen Jackson, along with soon-to-join guest, Tom Cowan, rode out to Shakerley Mere to complete 3 laps of the 5 mile circuit in chain gang formation. The weather started to close in so they decided against a 4th lap and Tom made his way back home to Sandbach and Steve and Peter rode quickly back to Congleton via Goostrey, Twemlow and Swettenham in a hail storm. Looking at the positives, Steve commented that at least they weren’t getting wet, even if it felt like they were riding home in a bead blasting machine! Total ride distance was 40 miles at an overall average of 18mph, the laps being higher paced at around 20-21mph. All agreed a good workout had been achieved. They will now look to setting up regular winter chain gangs on weekday evenings.

Lyme R.C. Hill Climb on Mow Cop (Killer Mile)

Nick Decker reports: “The sun was out but not a very warm morning. More than 60 riders turned up to take part in the event. After a bit of bad luck, first having to change a wheel, getting a puncture after signing on, then bursting my spare tube with a tyre lever, I managed to make the start with enough air in the tube to last the race. In spite of the course still being wet and slippery from last week’s downpours, former national champion Matt Clinton finished 1^st riding a fixed gear, beating the previous course record of 4.36.0 in 2008 and setting a new record of 4 minutes 24.8 seconds. Lee Baldwin of Buxton CC was 2nd in 4minutes 40 Seconds. Congleton riders at the event: me with 5 minutes 37 seconds for 15^thplace and Mike Jones, who recorded 6 minutes 08 second for 31^st place. Both of us were pleased with our performances on this very difficult course to pace your-self on.”

Horseshoe and Aqueduct AUDAX Rides

Organiser, Denise Hurst reports:

“11 people entered the 175km to The Chirk Aqueduct however only 7 finished.

Only Stephen Kane and Sue Blake from our club finished, taking nine and a half hours to complete the ride. 40 people entered the Horseshoe pass 211km: 9 people did not start and 1 person did not finish

Weather conditions were good, very cold start and blue skies for most of the day but windy on the Ponderosa. Everyone had a good day out. My helpers were David (husband) without whom I could not have been there, Avril (who I wish to give a huge thank you for taking care of all the catering), Rob Waghorn, Lorraine Powell and Mary Renshaw. David McVitie also called in to say hello.”

W/E 20/ 21 October

Social Ride to Plantation, Plumley

In superb, Indian Summer, conditions (chilly at start), 6 Members headed for this café via Brereton, Cledford, Byley, Lower Peover and Plumley. Georgina Norton lead the ride (at the speed of the slowest rider) with Laura Beattie, Peter Nelson, Bob Banner and Bill Boynton, plus Pat and Peter Hayhurst (motorised). After the usual chat, a hot drink and a crumbly scone, the return ride was via Allostock, Goostrey, Twemlow and Swettenham. Altogether – very enjoyable.

Chaingang

Pete Smith reports: “Just 3 of us again on the chain gang, myself, Stephen Jackson and Mike Jones. Good workout, but still too few to make a proper chain gang. We used last week’s Shakerley, Lower Peover, Lach Dennis circuit. Tuesday night gangs start this Tuesday at Lymedale Business Park in Newcastle.”

Chesterfield Coureurs Hill Climb – Beeley Moor

Nick Decker’s report: “After last week’s 1 in 4 finish on the killer mile I was looking forward to a relatively easy finish in comparison, although at three times longer, I was not sure which I prefered.

The weather for the event turned out to be reasonably good, dry with a little wind but visibility was very poor. There were 39 riders in total and some very strong riders in the field. RST Racing Team / Trigon took the majority of prizes. 1^st went to 2011 National Champion, Gunnar Gronlund, in 09:06.8. 2^nd Place went Matt Sumpton in 09:26.6 and fastest lady went to Alex Deck in 11:53.9. This Won RST RT/Trigon the team prize. Both Gunner and Alex both set records on this course last year but unfortunately missed out on beating their times this year. Former Club Member, Mark Lovatt of Planet X took 3^rd in 09.48.9. The fastest veteran prize went to Neil Bentley of Sheffrec CC in 10:25.1 and fastest Junior went to Patrick Smart of Matlock CC in 10.51.8. I finished 19^th Overall in 11.38.4 but 7^th in Over-40 category.”

Report – November 11th 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Up-Coming Event:

Social Ride on Saturday, 17^th November at 10 a.m.

Meet outside Unicorn P.H. on Holmes Chapel Road for a 15 mile ride to a favourite café for a drink / eat / chat then return on different lanes – at the pace of the slowest rider. All cyclists welcome.

Recent Activities: 

October 22^nd – World Triathlon Championships, Auckland (NZ)

Our Chairman, Bob Norton reports: “A snippet about John Broadbent. Last month (Oct 22nd), he competed for GB in his age category, 65 – 69 years, in the World Triathlon Championships in Auckland NZ. He finished best Brit of 7 competing and was 7th out of 30 in his age category. The event was a sprint distance triathlon which involved a 750 metre swim (in the sea), a 20 km bike ride (which was not flat) and a 5 km run. John attributed his performance on the bike in part to riding with Congleton C.C. in 2012.” Well Done, John!

John Broadbent’s own report (added later):

This is the only event when age groupers meet each year and they have a 5 year age band from 15 -20, up to 80-85 (presumably it can go further if required). I am in the 65-69 group and took part in the sprint event which involved a 750 metre sea swim, 20 Km bike ride ( approximately of it was hilly and technical whilst the second part was a flat run back to the transition) and then a 5Km run through the harbour area. There were teams in my age range from Australia, Canada, New Zealand , USA, Germany as well as 7 people from Great Britain. Total number of entries in my age group was 30. Overall I managed to come 7th in the World and I was the first Britain home in my age group. This result qualifies for next years’ World Championship which is being held in London. I did the Congleton Time Trials in the summer and the Sunday Social rides and they both helped me in different ways, so thanks to anybody who helped me with those.

Tuesday 23^rd October – Evening Chaingang – Lymedale Bus. Park

Pete Smith reports: “Fantastic autumnal weather, with the temperature nudging 15c made for great conditions for our first night time chain gang. In total six club members set off from the Rugby Club at 6:45pm to ride the 11 miles to our ‘circuit’. The riders were myself, Mike Line, Mike Jones, Ed Wright, Les Hughes and Sheldon Starkey. Lymedale Business Park just off the A34 in Newcastle had been sourced for quiet, street lit roads where we could ride laps safely in formation. All agreed it was a great little circuit, 1 1/4 mile round with a ‘shortcut’ which would prove useful when the pace quickened! On arrival at the circuit a short briefing took place regarding safety and associated techniques to ensure that our chain gang would go without problems, then we set off for a couple of slow laps to familiarise everyone with the route and to point out the potential dangers – a few sunken drain covers and possible truck ’emergence’ points. We then set off for an hour of paced riding, agreeing to set a suitable pace to keep everyone together for the first 20-30 minutes. Once this was up we released the shackles and upped the pace. A couple of groups formed and the next 30 minutes were a little disjointed but we achieved our aim – a good workout where everyone had stretched themselves a little and raised their heart rates!
The ride back to Congleton was at a much more leisurely pace…!”

Sunday, 4^th November – Clubrun to Audlem / Hatherton – 55 miles

I think you saw that there were 6 of us on the club run. Myself, Georgina, Pete Smith, Sue Blake, Tristan Roberts and Stephen Kane. We set off for the old Priest House in Audlem, but could not get in when we arrived so went on to Dagfields. We rode out on some very muddy lanes passing thrugh Smallwood, Radway Green, Betley, Madfeley, Aston and Norton in Hales. We arrived at Dagfields in Hatherton somewhat mud splattered after about 35 miles. The return was somewhat cleaner as the sun came out and dried things up. On the way back we rode through Wybunbury, Weston, Englesea brook and Barthomley to Alsager and home for a round trip of about 55 miles.

Club Awarded Funds towards Training of Coaches

The club has been awarded £500 from the Cheshire East Communities Fund. This award is towards the cost of training coaches. Once we have trained coaches in place, we satisfy all the criteria necessary to obtain our Clubmark accreditation from British Cycling. Club Chairman Bob Norton said, “this will be a significant step in the development of the club, and will enable us to bring on the next generation of cyclists and help ensure the sustainability of the club”. Pete Smith has been unanimously endorsed by the club committee as our next candidate for training as a British Cycling Level 2 club coach. We also recently welcomed Charlie Evans as a member of the club. Charlie is an experienced cycling coach, works for British Cycling and brings valuable experience to the club. Together with Denise Hurst, who has already started Level 2 Club Coach training, this will bring our coaching members up to three.

Tuesday Chaingang – Lymedale B.P.

Pete Smith reports: “Just 3 club riders were brave enough to venture out in the wind, rain and cold on Tuesday night for the chain gang. It was hard going riding out to Lymedale and then completing about 45 minutes of circuits before returning home. Hot showers and coffee were mentioned by all before going our separate ways!”

Clubrun to Tilly’s Café, Bunbury – 63 miles

There were 6 riders out today. They were from L to R in the photo, Tristan Roberts, John Broadbent, Stephen Kane, Georgina and Bob Norton and Sue Blake (who took the photo). We left Congleton in bright but cool conditions, bound for Bunbury. We travelled out to Church Minshull then onward through Cholmondeston (pronounced Cholmonsdon or Chumley?) before calling in to Snugbury’s at Barbridge for a close up look at their fantastic straw sculpture of a track cyclist in full pursuit mode. The sculpture is 30 feet tall and the cyclist is 8 feet tall. We continued to Bunbury via Acton and Haughton. There we stopped for beans at Tilleys. The return was via Tilstone Bank, Eaton, Little Budworth, then onto the Whitegate Way to Winsford, before returning to Congleton on the outward route which was rejoined at Occlestone Green. The distance for the day was 63 miles Congleton to Congleton although everyone rode out to the start and then home again. Sue Blake could claim the honours for most miles with 73 mikes (from Gawsworth).

Other Activities

Our Members attended the following:

Revolution Track Meeting at the Manchester Velodrome – first of this Winter’s series – with many Olympic stars, plus “Future Stars” (boys and girls) which always provides exciting competition.

MDTTA Committee Meeting. VTTA (Mcr & NW Group) AGM.

Report – 3rd December 2012

Congleton Cycling Club’s Chain of Events 

Up-Coming Event:

Social Ride on Saturday, 15^th December at 10 a.m.

Meet outside Unicorn P.H. on Holmes Chapel Road for a 15 mile ride to a favourite café for a drink / eat / chat then return on different lanes – at the pace of the slowest rider. All cyclists welcome.

Recent Activities:

13^th November

Tuesday’s chain gang was in much more clement weather than the previous week’s. It was dry, which is the nicest part, unseasonably warm, which comes a close second, and with hardly any wind. So no excuses for staying at home watching a bunch of ‘z’ list celebrities and naughty politicians attempting to eat parts of kangaroos that most Aborigines wouldn’t touch with a barge pole!

Five club members; myself, Stephen Jackson, Mike Jones, Mike Line and Ed Wright rode down to Lymedale Business Park for an hour of chain ganging on our quiet industrial estate circuit. The first 1/2hr was spent keeping the whole group together, then the shackles were released and the pace upped for the second half. This culminated in a final lap with the group acting as a lead out train for Mike Line who was this week’s nominated ‘sprinter’ and took the ‘King of the Mountain’ title for fastest lap time on the popular GPS route logging application Strava. (See http://app.strava.com/segments/2627420). A good bit of fun to finish off a fast paced hour of training. The group then rode back to Congleton via Biddulph, Mike Line trying hard to hold onto his dinner for the first 5 minutes!

17^th November

Social Ride to Jodrell Bank – 42 miles

Georgina & Bob Norton, Bev Hambleton, Laura Beattie, Bob Banner, Kelvin Milward, Peter Nelson and Harry Smith are used to cool and damp conditions but had to endure very muddy lanes (tractors from fields) via Brereton, Middlewich and Goostrey before they could enjoy warm drinks and food in this popular café. Their return ride was the shortest route, via Lower Withington and Hulme Walfield.

27^th November

Pete Smith reports: Regarding last night’s chain gang, just four club members attended in cold, wet conditions. They are now the ‘regulars’ each Tuesday, being myself, Mike Jones, Mike Line and Ed Wright. The roads were wet and certain corners on our circuit had the smell of diesel so this lead to cautious riding for 45 minutes before heading home.