Autumn 2018
2018 Gridiron Edition
The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Published Quarterly - Free on line or £2.50 annual subscription for mailed hard copies.
Autumn 2018
The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in & around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch The inaugural Reef Ride and the Picnic in Damerham took place during the last quarter. I have a photograph of our Chairman preparing for the Reef Ride and some from the Picnic on the inside back page. The photograph on the back page is of Alan Young and Clive Rogers who have just cycled across Canada finishing early in September. Graham Dore and Steve Bateman finished their epic TransAm adventure on the 26th June. Congratulations to all of you. The next event is the Gridiron and this Cycle Ink is a special edition that will given to every rider. Future events are our AGM to be held on Wednesday 24th October, Committee Meeting 14th November and the Group Christmas Lunch on Thursday 13th December. (I reported the wrong date in the last edition, sorry). All of these events can only be run with volunteers as does the regular weekly rides. Thank you all who help. It has been decided to award the Group’s Trophies at the Christmas Lunch which is better attended than the AGM. CTC Wessex Cycling continues in providing a good number of weekly rides which are well supported. I trust that some of the reports in this newsletter provides inspiration to get on your bike.
By Mike Walsh
Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson. Annual General Meeting 24th October 2018 at 19:30 Next committee meeting: 15th November Editor Mike Walsh: 17 Grove Gdns, Southbourne Rd, B’mouth BH8 9JQ TEL: (01202) 429985 Email jmichaelwalsh@aol.com
“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of Cycling UK (Cyclists’ Touring Club). Published quarterly. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club. The committee meeting is the deadline for contributions. www.wessexctc.org our mirror site at www.bournemouthctc.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwessex/
Cycle Ink #190
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Barcud Coch Audax 4th July 18
By Tom Plowman
A week off in July and away to my Great Aunt and Uncle’s old place in the Cwm Rheidol valley, several miles inland from Aberystwyth. Recovering from a back injury and unable to engage in the usual mountain bike shenanigans with my mate and his hound - I obtained a brevet card for John Hamilton’s Barcud Coch 200k perm. The Barcud Coch is a permanent version of the third leg of the 2010 Mille Cymru event - through the red kite country of the heart of Wales – a hilly ride with 3.75 AAA points. The organiser allows a lot of flexibility – with riders being able to choose to start from any control point on the route and also which direction they wish to ride the route in. Following some reconnaissance I found out that nowhere in Devil’s bridge (my closest control) opened until 9am and the climb out of the valley up to Devil’s bridge was closed due to a forest fire caused by the local steam train. The fire had been quite an event for the past week – with a helicopter collecting water from the reservoir and attempting to put it out (it succeeded several days later). At night we could look up from the valley floor and see the orange glow of the embers still alight in the forest, accentuated even more by the lack of street lights. Early morning Mynydd Eppynt I started the ride in Rhayader; managing to pick what I hoped to be a cooler and cloudy day so as not to become too sun-dried. I chose to ride the route clockwise so off to Llanwrtyd wells I went. Almost immediate relief for my choice of direction as I descended a main road for what seemed an age. Turning right in the direction of Beulah I encountered several climbs - which didn’t bother me as I was far too busy appreciating the quality of the road surfaces. I reached Llanwrtyd wells in good time – the girl in the garage happily giving me a receipt for a bag of tootie fruities very early on a weekday morning with no questions asked. The next leg to Brecon was thoroughly enjoyable with a long gradual climb up Mynydd Eppynt - the name apparently meaning mountain (crossed by) a horse path. Still not many people about apart from forestry lorry drivers, and the army once i was on top of the hills. Great views and small winding roads across the top. I was exercising caution with sheep sat either at the side of the road or actually on the road itself, they seemed pretty nonchalant – but I didn’t fancy any sheep induced acrobatics. Brecon hadn’t really got going by the time I got there. The girl in the coffee shop informed me the coffee machine would be warmed up in 5-10mins – so I opted for an atm receipt, snaffling a banana and carrying on. Next stop Llandovery; lumpy lanes through farm areas and forests and a looooong descent on a smoooooth main road. I think cycling in Dorset lanes (as much as I love them) enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of the road surfaces on this ride no end!
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Cycle Ink #190
Pit stop at the West end cafe in Llandovery. Being a huge fan of old school cafes I almost died and went to heaven. A large canteen-esque cafe with good quality home-made food. Perplexed at the amount of choice on the board; I asked if there was anything she recommended; “beans on toast?” I think not – I’m on holiday after all! A fry up with extra black pudding followed by banoffee pie were subsequently inhaled then I set off for the 71k leg to Devil’s bridge. Lots more climbing ensued, combined with some great, bendy wooded descents. Skirting the spectacular Llynne Briane reservoir and on to Tregaron. The day had heated up considerably by now and there was a lot less cloud cover than I had hoped for. I couldn’t believe I was craving for cloud cover in Wales of all places. I arrived into familiar territory at Ysbyty Ystwyth and another climb later arrived Llynne Brianne reservoir at Devils Bridge. Managing to negotiate several coach parties at the Two Hoots cafe for a cold drink, sorbet and a refill of the bidons. Devils bridge has some very impressive waterfalls that are well worth visiting, as well as a steam train to/from Aberystwyth which provides great views of the Cwm Rheidol valley. One of the reasons I chose to ride clockwise was so I could enjoy one of my favourite cycling haunts – the Elan valley at the end of the ride back into Rhayader. The valley was once home to a lot of lead mining and has a great narrow road along-side a river which eventually brings you to the reservoir before dropping in to Rhayader. I had an impromptu pit stop on the valley road – I could sense the bonk rearing its ugly head – a sit down, drink and whatever sweets and cakes I had left in the saddle bag and then I slowly trundled on. I was lagging by now – paying the price for going a bit too quick earlier in the day when the weather was cooler. I suddenly found myself riding along with a local chap who took it upon himself to accompany me back to Rhayader. Glyn was a local fireman and whilst ratting along at club speed took it upon himself to give me a mini guided tour of the reservoir and valley. The company was much appreciated and was a real pick me up. Amongst other things Glyn told me that there was a submerged village in the Elan Valley part of the reservoir nearest to Rhaydaer. The water wasn’t low enough to see it unfortunately, but Glyn said he a had a photo of himself aged 9, standing in a doorway of an old house in the reservoir in 1976 (that was the year I was born, but I’m reliably informed it was a very hot summer!). Back to Rhayader approximately 12 hours after setting off – with nothing else on my mind but cold beer. A very sunny, very hot, hilly day. The ride was incredible – I can’t recommend it enough if you’re ever in those parts.
By Tom Plowman Cycle Ink #190
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Potterers at Stonehenge
Potterers on the Isle of Wight
Learn the Track at Calshot
By Alan Baker
Fancy learning to ride the track on Calshot Velodrome? New riders are invited to join existing friendly group from Oxfordshire in order to acquire track skills. All ages and riding abilities welcomed. And you don’t need your own track bike! Expert small-group tuition from British Cycling accredited track coach. Now entering their 8th annual season, these sessions start on Saturday 15 September and then run monthly until March. The first session is open to those who have no previous track experience as well as to more experienced riders. Cost is £20 per session to cover hire of the velodrome and a contribution to the expenses incurred by the coach. Bike hire is £10 per session. Hire of shoes is £3.50 (you can use your own if Look Keo compatible). Bring your own helmet. All sessions are held on Saturdays, from 1.30 pm until 5.30 pm. Further dates are 13 October, 10 November, 15 December, 12 January, 16 February and 16 March. At least one of these sessions will be open to riders with no previous track experience but, for maximum benefit, novices should endeavour to attend the first session on Saturday 15 September. Contact alasdair@macvarish.co.uk to be added to the mailing list for further information. Calshot Velodrome SO45 1BR
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Cycle Ink #190
Steve and Graham's Trans Am
By Graham Dore
Further extracts from Graham’s blog:- It is done :-) June 25, 18 I had a slightly restless night last night, I guess caused by an awareness that some mishap or misfortune could still stand between us and the successful conclusion of our trip. Steve and I were on the road at around 06:30 again this morning. The first part of our route took us around the periphery of the extended conurbation of Richmond, so there were quite a few junctions and traffic lights. After about 40 miles we reached the Capital Trail Cycleway, which was very nice and continued for over 30 miles. Following that it was the Colonial Parkway - a concrete road with great views of various bays and creeks along its length. Victory Memorial, Yorktown We were at the Victory Memorial, the official end of our tour, by about 13:15. As is often the case with this kind of thing, it feels strange that it is over. My thoughts now turn to all those cyclists still out there on the road: those which we have stopped to exchange stories and those whom we have just greeted with a friendly wave as our paths briefly crossed. They will each rise to their own personal challenge in their own way and the very best of luck to each and every one of them - I respect them for what they are doing. My cycling shorts, which were new for the trip, are starting to show signs of wear - I have a good mind to take them back to the shop and complain that I have only been using them for six weeks ;-) Today Steve and I rode a respectable 104 miles (including the extra few miles to our motel) with a measly 1824 feet of ascent. We are staying near Yorktown, Virginia. Atlantic salt water in the background! Comments GrahamD25 June 2018 at 14:17 Anna here (not Graham!). Very well done to you both. When you take your shorts back to the shop and complain that they have only lasted 6 weeks, I should omit the fact that you have just cycled 3751 miles with them (not to mention the extra miles here and there to find accommodation off the route)! Reply GrahamD25 June 2018 at 15:11 Those shorts cost £60 , surely they should last longer than that? .....only joking really - they are not completely worn out, just starting to go a bit at the edge of the chamis. We rode for the Lions Club Charity for which there is a MyDonate page here: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/transamericatandemride.
By Graham Dore
Cycle Ink #190
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Volunteering on the LEL Audax 2017
By Jo Gordon
Mike, my husband was to ride the LEL audax last July 2017. It is the longest UK Audax event, approximately 1,400Km and runs every 4 years. So I thought I ought to do my part by volunteering to help at one of the controls and was allocated to Louth in Lincolnshire. It is a very attractive town full of history and lovely walking routes. My non-cycling friend Gill offered to accompany me. We helped at the King Edward VI Grammar School and were billetted nearby at Alvingham Lakes in a large well equipped mobile home with two other volunteers. 1500 cyclist started from 55 different nationalities. Our duties included serving meals, clearing the resulting debris left by tired cyclists, allocating beds and then waking them as and when they had requested. This involved creeping into dark rooms amongst mattresses hoping to wake the right person – the beds were numbered but try finding them in the dark gloom. The corridors became crowded with prone bodies to escape the snoring in the makeshift dorms. Unfortunately Gill and I found the catering very unsatisfactory. The head chef was not present and he had not briefed his deputy sufficiently as to quantities required and timing and also lack of stores – so yes we ran out of food! We raided the stores for the next day and someone was sent out to the all night garage to gather whatever could be gleaned. The poor stand in chef was almost in tears so we all helped with washing up, food preparation and kept chatting to him to cheer him up. Very embarrassing when hungry cyclists turned up hoping to keep to time and not wait for food. We did have spare time to get to know some of the other volunteers. One German fellow had entered LEL but then suffered an injury so instead had come along as a volunteer so he still felt part of the event. One night Gill and I worked until gone midnight and then with my usual navigating skills whilst driving took a wrong turning and we were lost. Then a miracle, just by the side of the road were two policemen out of their car so I stopped, approached them and realised that they were in the process of arresting someone and I was told to go away!! Too desperate to obey I said we were lost so one of the policemen with a quick look to heaven came over and told us, politely, which way to go. Luckily he took pity on two daft old ladies. Mike unfortunately did not manage to finish the ride being on his way back when his shoulders gave up after the very bad roads in Scotland preventing him from keeping hold of the handlebars so Gill and I drove to Eskdalemuir to collect him and bike. The bonus of that being the beautiful countryside experienced there and back. Volunteering is fun, tiring but the feel good factor of helping others is great. It was good meeting lots of other folk and most importantly much easier than cycling the whole way.
By Jo Gordon
CTC Wessex Cycling Club Kit To place an order for our heavily subsidised prices go to http://www.wessexctc.org/clothing.htm, check the size chart, then either: Complete an Order Form and send it to me by post or email. Or Phone me to tell me what you want. ANTHONY CLEWES e-mail: anthony.clewes1@googlemail.com Tel no: 0773 7750535
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Cycle Ink #190
First-time ‘Free Cycle’
By Damian Buckley
“Wouldn’t it be fun,” says my ever-enthusiastic wife, “to take the grandchildren on the Prudential Freecycle Ride London?” . . . . . . . . So that was decided upon! . . . . . . . six years ago, 2013. For one reason or another, after we’d registered to enter and received our distinctive, bilious green and ill-fitting tabards, the parents and/or the grandchildren said they couldn’t/wouldn’t be coming after all. Same thing happened in 2014. In 2018 we decided to just register and do it by ourselves, although by no means alone; our rider registration numbers were 20,000-ish and 38,000-ish. On the big day, we duly reported to our chosen “Led ride to Start of FreeCycle” location at Kingston-Upon-Thames, well before the published time of 09.00. Apparently we, and several others, had not seen some later information, indicating 09.30, so, by the time the group had been marshalled together, we’d been hanging around for an hour, chatting. In the meantime some 40 riders, of all ages and abilities and cycle types, had arrived. The ride leader, in a green vest, the marshalls in pink, and the back marker and sweeper in red, all volunteers, were kindly giving us a day of their time and experience. I salute them thankfully: we must have tried their collective patience. At last we were on our way, from Kingston, through Richmond Park, passing the London Wetland Centre, over Putney Bridge, through Fulham, then Brompton Cemetery, Earls Court and “embassy-land” to the walls of The ‘folder’ in the cargo Buckingham Palace and Birdcage Walk; our arrival/departure point for the box is for mum, FreeCycle. With a joining them at the final reminder to be Freecycle start. back by 15.00, we The young lady’s bike is were free to join the tucked behind dad. masses of riders No wonder he had tootling around the electric assistance! FreeCycle circuit. Riders in The Mall, coming away from Buckingham Palace (Photo courtesy of FreeCycle at Prudential RideLondon 2018)
We’d never seen such a mass of cyclists, much less been part of it, from tiny tots, through every shape and size and age, in all shades of colour. And that applied to the bikes too! Tandems, low-slung and high-rise specials, tricycles, trailers containing dogs, children, boom-boxes; you name it, it was there. It was an invigorating and liberating experience, to be one of thousands, weaving through the shoal of multicoloured mobile humanity, all full of bonhomie and goodwill towards others. Naturally, there were one or two ‘boy-racers’, aiming to break the land speed record – or, more likely, someone’s bones; mostly we were relaxing in the glow of sailing down the Mall, the Strand or Whitehall, sightseeing, without dodging tiresome taxis or pesky pedestrians. Having visited a couple of the ‘Festival Zones’, for refreshment and/or amusement, e.g., bicycle polo, bike-powered smoothie-making, all too soon it was time to make our way to the assembly point, to retrace our route back to Kingston-upon-Thames. All in all, an enriching and life-affirming day out. If you’ve never done it before, look out for next year’s event and treat yourself to some fun.
By Damian Buckley Cycle Ink #190
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CTC Wessex Cycling
By Alan Baker
Committee Meeting Minutes 9th May 2018 1. PRESENT:- Julian James (Vice-Chairman); Bob Chittenden; Keith Matthews (Welfare Officer / Registrar / Membership Secretary / Website Master); Jim McDonald; Paul Turner (Right to Ride Representative; Mike Walsh (Secretary / Treasurer) and Alan Baker (Minute Secretary). In the absence of Paul Rush, Julian James took the Chair. 2. APOLOGIES:- Bob Courtney; Stephen Gray (Cycle Training Coordinator); John Jackson; and Paul Rush (Chairman). 3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:- Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 February 2018 were APPROVED. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:- Minute 5(ii):- Paul Turner reported that the cycle users liaison meeting with user groups in the east of Dorset had recently taken place. Discussions had included the possible construction of a cycle track at the side of the A31 carriageway between Wimborne, Ferndown and Ringwood (a future project that would take a few years to complete); and problems on Ham Lane between Wimborne and East Parley ( hopefully, will be resolved in the next financial year). Minute 9:- It was noted that Colin Hall continues to be Ride Coordinator for the Sunday Inters. 5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:- Nothing reported. 6. SECRETARY’S REPORT:- Alan Baker reported that an agreement had been reached with Dan Armstrong, joint proprietor of Velo Domestique, about the procedure for release on loan or hire of the Graham Obree DVD and the competition rollers that Velo Domestique store for the Group. Requests for these items will be directed to Alan Baker who will then inform Dan that the requested item may be released. Alan Baker will be responsible for monitoring the return and condition of the loan items. It is hoped the arrangements will minimise the burden on Dan Armstrong. 7. TREASURER’S REPORT:- Mike Walsh once again reported that the Group’s financial position was healthy. Recent expenditure, incurred or committed, includes Bikeability Instructor Training; two First Aid courses; the hire of the Reef Centre, Colehill, and other costs, for the Reef Rides (17 June); and the hire of Damerham Village Hall, and other costs, for the Group Picnic (08 July). Mike reported that income in the recent past has been principally from the surplus generated from running the Gridiron event last year. 8. RIGHT TO RIDE REPORT:- Paul Turner reported on developments in our catchment area. His Right to Ride report will be published as usual in the Group Newsletter. 9. NEW FOREST CYCLE JUMBLE:- It was noted that although this event normally produces a small surplus each year, the Group underwrites the venture in case income from admission, table hire and refreshments fails to cover venue hire cost. 10. REEF RIDES:- It was noted that publicity has been disseminated in the region via printed fliers and e-mails. 11. GROUP PICNIC:- Bob Chittenden reported that he had sent information about the event to cycling clubs and groups in the region. Mike Walsh offered additional contacts for Bob to approach. There was discussion about catering and agreed that Mike Walsh and Bob Chittenden should investigate options and decide on the most appropriate arrangement. It was AGREED to earmark £70 for the printing of publicity material, and further AGREED to underwrite any loss on the catering. 12. GRIDIRON:- Mike Walsh reported that Dan Armstrong had been obliged to stand aside from this year’s event because of business pressures following the temporary closure of his premises earlier this year for essential structural repairs. Following this, Mike had agreed to organise the event and would be arranging a meeting with the key helpers from the group, including Jo Gordon, John Jackson, Julian James and David Smethurst.
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13. REEF RIDES 2019:- It was noted that Shawn Shaw had proposed changes to any future edition of the event but, in the absence of this year’s organiser, Paul Rush, it was AGREED to carry forward this item for discussion at the next Committee Meeting in August. 14. NEW RIDE LEADERS:- Keith Matthews reported that there were no new Ride Leaders to declare. It was noted that Alan Baker will shortly present National Office with the names of Volunteers helping with the Reef Rides. Jim McDonald reported that he is finding great difficulty recruiting sufficient Ride Leaders for the Thursday Dawdlers and Pedal Sunday ride groups. 15. AWARD OF GROUP TROPHIES 2018:- Discussion was initiated and it was AGREED to carry forward this item to the next Committee Meeting in August. 16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:(i) Keith Matthews reported that the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), due to come into force on 25 May, imposes additional responsibilities on the Group because personal data is gathered and stored on-line for the Gridiron event. As a result it would be prudent for the group to publish a policy that would meet the new requirements, and to appoint a Compliance Officer charged with monitoring the Group’s adherence to the new Regulation. Keith presented a draft policy and, after short discussion, it was AGREED to amend the document in the section entitled “Your Rights”, so as to undertake to delete personal data as a matter of routine after five years rather than two. As amended the policy was ADOPTED. It was further AGREED to create the post of GDPR Compliance Officer, and Keith Matthews agreed to take on this additional responsibility. (ii) Keith Matthews reported that he was considering attending the forthcoming CTC/CUK AGM in Bristol. (iii) Mike Walsh reported that Paul Lucas, a member of the Group, has expressed an interest in summer evening rides in the east of the Group’s catchment area. He has been encouraged to take the initiative in planning and publicising these rides, and has been offered seed-funding (e.g. for printing) to help launch the programme. 17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:- It was noted that the next Committee Meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 15 August 2018 at Kinson Conservative Club.
Den in Belgium (extract from Facebook)
By Alan Baker By Kathy Moore
I am so proud of my friend Den ( will tag his wife as he isn’t on Facebook Maggie Ross) he has just spent 4 days cycling in France and Belgium with 13 other. Cyclists and at the same time raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. He started in Dover and after a ferry crossing In total he cycled 254 Miles from Dunkirk to Bruges to Ghent to Bruges to Ypres to http://www.bombproofwheels.com/ Bruges to Dunkirk.
Our local rider’s wheel building offer
Cycle Ink #190
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Burnham-on-Sea May2018
By Dave Chesworth
For some years a group of us, based on the Potterers of some years back, have been going on a 5 day cycling break in May. Initially it took in the Quantocks and then the border counties but it has now settled down at Burnham-on-Sea on the Somerset Levels. Accommodation is at the Haven Holiday Park with the majority of riders staying in mobile homes and some in their own caravans on the same site. This year there were some 19 people participating. The Levels provide lovely cycling with flat quiet lanes, apart occasionally from some enormous tractors, and the programme is that one day we go to Cheddar, another Wells and the third Glastonbury. At the end of the day the cyclists in each caravan take it in turns to host tea and cake before those who wish to move on to the local Wetherspoons for something to eat Our first day is to Cheddar and after our coffee stop at Bleaden we headed east towards Axbridge where we also stop in the attractive square for a breather. After that we continued on the cycle route down a track which after a short distance led us out onto the cycle track alongside Cheddar Reservoir with its open views across the countryside opposite. It wasn’t long after that before we reached the outskirts of Cheddar and lunch. Cheddar is quite a small place and after our break we continued on the hilly part of the route along a small road parallel to the A371 which we then crossed to head to Wedmore and the deli/cafÊ there. This is a favourite with us with very tempting treats and a nice terraced area in front for our break. After that it was a blast , or a more measured ride perhaps, along to Mark and our site. Wells was next on the list and the weather continued fine and warm. Sweets Tea Rooms at Westhay was a new venue for our first stop . Very cycling friendly with an interesting Peat and Science Museum. When we subsequently arrived in Wells it was to find it was Market Day. The main street was full of stands displaying the stallholders wares and it seemed to me that there was an interesting variety of goods apart from foodstuffs. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the small group playing songs
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Cycle Ink #190
from what is known as the Great American Songbook. Most of us, if not all, had spent some time in Wells cathedral, a gothic building with a 14th century clock. The Bishop’s Palace is alongside and this is a medieval building and home to the Bath and Wells bishops. All in all there is plenty to see there. it was then a run back home. Generally there is no formal tea stop but we often stop for an ice-cream at Mark before continuing along the Causeway and back to base. Finally, and our last day, this time to Glastonbury a quirky place with a different ambience where it is possible to get in touch with your inner chakra ( whatever that means ), take yoga lessons, meditate, pursue holistic medicine , reiki or whatever..One poet described the town as a “reservoir of world magic “and another said that “ soul poetry was a good term for describing the charisma of the place”. Take your pick . It is certainly a favourite town of mine.The festival is well known , of course , but this is held well outside the town. The other feature of the area is Glastonbury Tor. Quite a few of us have been to the Tor but others hadn’t and so once more we split up to do our own things. For me and a few others it was lunch as the weather, which all week had been good ,was now threatening. Just as we were reaching our departure time the rain started but that’s life and it didn’t look too bad. In fact to lasted only about 15 minutes. We made our way out of the back of the town and were soon on the little track on which we’d come. However, we now turned off this on to a track which went across Avalon Nature Reserve, used by Natural England, the RSPB and Somerset Wildlife. The gravel track went on for about a couple of miles , quite straight , bounded by small hedges with open views from time to time of lakes and the hides for watching birds , particularly during the migratory season. It was all peaceful and no traffic , just the occasional walker. Eventually we arrived at the point where we were to leave this track and get back on the road. Then it was a route back to Mark once more along quiet lanes. It was my turn to lead that day and I appreciated Colin riding behind me on this section following the instructions on his Garmin and indicating left, right, straight on etc. After Mark and ice-creams it was back to base and a slightly earlier meal for everyone at Wetherspoons as after our meal the caravan of the four musketeers was hosting the last get together with nibbles and alcohol no less. Thank you, however, to those who contributed from their own stores. That was it as next day we were all returning home after an excellent 5 days with good riding, lovely lanes and interesting towns and sights. I shouldn’t like to close, though, without saying thank you to Ralph who has organised this event for a number of years now. It all runs smoothly, he gets the cheapest deals for the vans and everybody has a good time.
By Dave Chesworth Cycle Ink #190
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Sun
Sat
Waitrose, Christchurch
09:00
Poole Leisure Cycling 14:00
09:00
09:00
09:00 09:30
Terry's Sat Ride
Audax
Sunday Rouleurs
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday
6 Oct
6 Oct
7 Oct
7 Oct
7 Oct 7 Oct
Metrley Willett Arms C.P.
Wareham
01747 811767
Upton House, Upton Country Park Winchcombe Falling Leaves Winchcombe Glos (1750m AA1.75Airfield. BPAbbas 108km Tel: Compton Wimborne Rec
Old Farmhouse Burley
Merley Bridge Willett Arms C.P Merley Wimborne Square Wimborne Square
Tuesday Toasters Thursday Rouleurs
09:30 09:30 08:30 09:00
Tue 2 Oct Thurs 4 Oct
4 Oct Thursday Potterers 4 Oct Dorset Dawdlers 6 Oct Saturday Morning 60s 6 Oct Saturday BunRuns
Coffee
Wimborne Square Moreton Dovecote Cafe 01929 462243 01929 405685 West Holme Tel 01929 554716 Poole Sturminster Newton Sweet Pea Pulham Village Hall
Time Start
Blandford Merley Bridge
Group
09:30 09:30
Day Date
Moreton
Preston Lookout Cafe Lulworth Cove Hengistbury Head
Lunch
RUNSLIST FOR October 2018 Wherever
Tea
Sara Davies winchcombecc Rob Ward
Shawn Shaw
Paul M.
Ali Mc
Leader
The ride attracts cyclists from all disciplines and all abilities you are sure to find someone to ride with, contact Terry Walsh on 01202 247888 for more details. There is no leader and no back up, but generally there is an experienced cyclist in the group. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities. Start 09:00 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tearooms, Burley for 10:0
We organise gentle and more demanding rides. Please join one of our groups who ride Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Each group has a different style. Choose the group that suits you best.
CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST FOR Forth Quarter 2018
09:00 09:30 09:30 08:00 09:30 09:30
Hurn Village Stores Broadstone Leisure Blandford Kinson Car Assist Higher Bockhampton Wimborne Rec Merly Willett Arms C.P
09:00 09:45 10:00 09:30 19:30 09:30
09:30
09:30
25 Oct Thursday Potterers
25 Oct Dorset Dawdlers
Ride or Assist Blandford Wimborne Square Hurn Stores Ferndown-Junc Wimborne Rd E & West Moors Rd Upton Country Park Waitrose, Christchurch Sandbanks Ferry
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday PHSG GROUP Tuesday Toasters AGM Thursday Rouleurs
20 Oct Saturday Morning 60s 08:30 09:00 20 Oct Terry's Sat Ride 09:00 21 Oct Sunday Rouleurs
21 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct Tue 23 Oct 24 Oct Thurs 25 Oct
Sun
Sat
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Tuesday Toasters Thursday Rouleurs Thursday Potterers Dorset Dawdlers
Christchurch Waitrose
09:00
14 Oct Sunday Rouleurs
Hyde
Tollard Royal
Child Okeford
Copythorne
Lunch
Larmer Tree Cafe Tel 01725 516971 Wareham Sports Centre
Ringwood-Cafe Velo Lytchett Loop Wimborne Square Kinson Con Club Portland
East Lulworth
Broad Chalke
Abbotsbury
Boldre Wood
Grid Iron Wimborne Square Autumn Century Autumn Century Beaulieu Milford on Sea Whitsbury Wolvercroft-Sticky Bun Tea Rooms Dorchester Engine Room Old Farmhouse Burley Corfe Castle, Model Village Café. Tel: 01929 481234
Fordingbridge, Bridges. Tel: 01425 654149
Waitrose, Christchurch Lymington
09:00 08:30
Wimborne Rec. Hurn Stores
13 Oct Terry's Sat Ride 14 Oct Gridiron
14 Oct 14 Oct Tue 16 Oct Thurs 18 Oct 18 Oct 18 Oct
Sat Sun
09:30 11 Oct Dorset Dawdlers 13 Oct Saturday Morning 60s 08:30
09:30
11 Oct Thursday Potterers
Wimborne Square Lymington The Old School Cafe Tim 07808 920934 Tarrant Gunville Home Farm Tel 01258 830083 Cranborne Garden Centre Brockenhurst Rosie Lea Garden Centre Old Farmhouse Burley Stanley's Own Copythorne
Coffee
Blandford Moyles Court Pre Ride Gridiron Wimborne Rec
Time Start
09:30 09:30
Group
Tue 9 Oct Tuesday Toasters Thurs 11 Oct Thursday Rouleurs
Day Date
Wherever
Wherever
Lymington
Wherever
Tea
T.B.A.
Ali Mc
Dave W
Ali Mc
CTC Wessex Cycling
Ian M
Ali Mc Mike G
Leader
07:00
Tuesday Toasters
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Jubilee
4 Nov 4 Nov 4 Nov
Sun
6 Nov
Saturday BunRuns Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
3 Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov
Tue
Dorset Dawdlers 10:00 Saturday Morning 60s 08:30
1 Nov 3 Nov
Sat
09:30
09:00 10:00 08:30
09:00 09:00 09:00
09:30
Thursday Potterers
1 Nov
09:30
Thursday Rouleurs
Merley Willett Arms C.P. Merley Community Centre BH21 1XE Blandford
Wimborne Square Waitrose, Christchurch Merley Bridge
Hurn Village Stores Christchurch Waitrose
Sandbanks Ferry
Hurn Stores
Time Start
Thurs 1 Nov
Group
Wimborne Rec. Blandford
09:00 09:30 09:30
28 Oct Sunday Inters 28 Oct Pedal Sunday Tue 30 Oct Tuesday Toasters
Day Date
Hurn Stores
09:00
28 Oct Sunday Rouleurs
Lunch
Tea
Leader
Blandford Brasserie 65 Wimborne Square
Iwerne Courtney
Wareham Sports Centre 50 miles 4 hours part of the Reliabilty Series Wimborne Square
Fontmell Magna Tearooms Old Farmhouse Burley Cranborne, Garden Centre. Tel: 01725 517546
Lymington The Old School Cafe Tim 07808 920934 Corfe Castle Courtyard Cafe Tel 01929 481234 Burley Old Farm Ho.Tea Rooms Beaulieu Steph's Kitchen/Pallets
Coffee
Moreton
Rhinefield
Wareham
Eling Tide Mill
Lunch
Wherever
Tea
rides@bjw.org .uk Ali Mc
Rob Pilato
Shawn Shaw
Alan H
Denis E
Leader
Ali Mc
The North Wessex Downs 200km Jon Bamks https://www.aukweb.net/forms/onlineentryform.php?Ride=1 BR 2050m Child Okeford Gold Hill Farm & Café Old Farmhouse Burley David Twigger The Dartmoor Devil 100km BP www.dartmoordevil.co.uk AA2.5 Rob Ward Lyndhurst, Mad Hatter. Tel: 02380 282341
Coffee
RUNSLIST FOR November 2018
Waitrose, Christchurch Bovey Tracey
09:00 08:00
Cleve RFC, The Hayfields, Bristol Wimborne Square
Time Start
27 Oct Saturday Morning 60s 08:30
27 Oct Audax
Group
27 Oct Terry's Sat Ride Sun 28 Oct Audax
Sat
Day Date
Tue
Sun
Sat
09:00 10:00
10:00 09:30
18 Nov Sunday Inters 18 Nov Pedal Sunday
18 Nov PHSG GROUP 20 Nov Tuesday Toasters
Ferndown- Junc.Wimborne Rd.E & West Moors Rd Broadstone Leisure Blandford
Merley Willett Arms C.P. Wimborne Square Waitrose, Christchurch Wimborne Rec
10:00 08:30 09:00 09:00
15 Nov 17 Nov 17 Nov 18 Nov
Dorset Dawdlers Saturday Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
Merley Bridge
09:30
11 Nov 11 Nov Tue 13 Nov 14 Nov Wed 15 Nov
15 Nov Thursday Potterers
Sun
Wimborne Rec. Blandford Kinson Wimborne Square
10 Nov Saturday Morning 60s 08:30 09:00 10 Nov Terry's Sat Ride 09:00 11 Nov Sunday Rouleurs
Sat
09:00 10:00 09:30 19:30 09:30
10:00 09:00
8 Nov Dorset Dawdlers 10 Nov Audax
Upton House
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Tuesday Toasters Committee Thursday Rouleurs
09:30
8 Nov Thursday Potterers
Coffee
Lunch
Poole Park Wimborne Square
West Moors Country Park
Damerham
6d Handley Cranborne Garden Centre Wimborne Square Kinson Con Club Tarrant Gunville Home Farm Shop Stalbridge 01258 830083 Wareham Bovington Matildas Tel 01929 405204 Corfe Castle Wareham Sports Centre Shaftsbury Café TBD Old Farmhouse Burley Alderholt, Sticky Bun. Tel: 01425 625437
West Holme Orchard Tea Rooms Milton Abbas 01929 554716 Burley Old Farmhouse Tel 01425 Minstead Hurn Stores 402218 Keyhaven MacPennys Bransgore Hurn Village Stores Catherington, near Portsmouth Le Bois Ocaud d'Automne 100 BP AA1.5 [1600m] Lulworth Finley's Upton Country Park Old Farmhouse Burley Waitrose, Christchurch Moreton, Tea Rooms. Tel: 01929 Upton House 463647
Time Start
09:30
Group
Thurs 8 Nov Thursday Rouleurs
Day Date
Lawrence S
Leader
Wherever
Ali Mc
T.B.A.
Steve C
Ali Mc
Jonathan Ellis jondse@ntlworld.com
Wherever
Tea
Wimborne Rec Easton Bristol
10:00 22:00
22 Nov Dorset Dawdlers 23 Nov Audax
Sat
Wimborne Square Waitrose, Christchurch
1 Dec Saturday BunRuns 1 Dec Terry's Sat Ride
09:00 09:00
Upton Country Park
Time Start
1 Dec Saturday Morning 60s 09:00
Day Date
Group
Wimborne Rec Hurn Village Stores
09:30 10:00
29 Nov Thursday Potterers 29 Nov Dorset Dawdlers
Bransgore-MacPennys Wimborne Square RSPB Cafe Arne 01929 553360 Blandford Crow Farm Shop
Gilberts Sherfield English 01725 884803 Sherfield English Gilberts Tel 01794 322566 Blandford-Brasserie 65 Moonrakers & Sunseekers BR [2300m] Fordingbridge Fig Tree Old Farmhouse Burley Downton, The Borough. Tel: 01725 238083
Coffee
Ansty Burley
Ansty
Barton-on-Sea
Winterborne Tomson
Downton
Coombe Bissett
Lunch
Blandford Forum Forum/Yellow Bicycle Manston Village Hall Old Farmhouse Burley
Coffee
Lunch
RUNSLIST FOR December 2018
Hurn Village Stores Blandford Merley Bridge
09:00 10:00 09:30 09:30
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Tuesday Toasters Thursday Rouleurs
25 Nov 25 Nov Tue 27 Nov Thurs 29 Nov
Sat
Hurn Stores Waitrose, Christchurch Christchurch Waitrose
Moyles Court
09:30
22 Nov Thursday Potterers
24 Nov Saturday Morning 60s 08:30 09:00 24 Nov Terry's Sat Ride 09:00 Sun 25 Nov Sunday Rouleurs
Moyles Court
Time Start
09:30
Group
Thurs 22 Nov Thursday Rouleurs
Day Date
John J
Leader
Tea
Wherever
Shawn Shaw
Leader
Ian M
Ali Mc Paul Sgt
Rob Ward
Paul M. Will Pomeroy will@audaxclubbristol.co.uk
Wherever
Tea
Merley Willett Arms C.P. Wimborne Square Waitrose, Christchurch Hurn Stores
10:00 09:00 09:00 09:00
Dorset Dawdlers Saturday Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
Waitrose, Christchurch Merley Bridge
Hurn Village Stores Ferndown
09:00 09:00
09:00 10:00 10:00
15 Dec Terry's Sat Ride 16 Dec Sunday Rouleurs
16 Dec Sunday Inters 16 Dec Pedal Sunday 16 Dec PHSG GROUP
Sun
10:00 10:00
13 Dec Thursday Potterers 13 Dec Dorset Dawdlers
15 Dec Saturday Morning 60s 09:00
09:30 10:00
Tue 11 Dec Tuesday Toasters Thurs 13 Dec Thursday Rouleurs
Sat
09:00 10:00 08:30
6 Dec 8 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec
Wimborne Rec. Merley Community Centre BH21 1XE Blandford Stewarts Garden Centre Broomhill Holt Stewarts GC Stewarts Garden Centre Broomhill Christchurch Waitrose
Merley Willett Arms C.P. Blandford Hurn Stores Merley Bridge
09:00 10:00 09:30 09:30 10:00
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Tuesday Toasters Thursday Rouleurs Thursday Potterers
9 Dec Sunday Inters 9 Dec Pedal Sunday 9 Dec Jubilee
Sun
Sat
Sandbanks Ferry
Time Start
09:00
Group
2 Dec Sunday Rouleurs
2 Dec 2 Dec Tue 4 Dec Thurs 6 Dec 6 Dec
Sun
Day Date
Lunch
Ringwood-Cafe Velo Mince Pie Run
Xmas lunch Christmas Lunch Bmth Sports Club Chapel Gate Sherfield English Gilberts/Dandy's Ford Old Farmhouse Burley West Holme, Orchard Tea Room. Tel: 01929 554716
Wimborne Square Stewarts Garden Centre
Blandford- Brasserie 65 100 km 5 hours
Burley
Xmas Lunch Chapel Gate
Child Okeford
Wool Wareham Sports Centre Wimborne Square West Thytherley Fordingbridge Coffee Run Only Hengistbury Head The Hungry Hiker Bere Regis Sturminster Marshall Golf Club Compton Abbas Airfield Old Farmhouse Burley Fordingbridge, Bridges. Tel: 01425 654149
Arne, RSPB CafĂŠ. Tel: 01929 553360
Coffee
Wherever
Tea
Rob Ward
Joan C.
rides@bjw.org .uk Ali Mc
Rob Pilato
T.B.A.
Ali Mc Denis E
Rob Ward
Leader
Group
09:30
Pedal Sunday
Jubilee
Jubilee
6 Jan
6 Jan
3 Feb
Cranborne Garden Centre Wimborne Square Wareham Blandford Blanford-Brasserie 65 Sturminster Newton Sweet Pea Old Farmhouse Burley Holt, Stewarts Garden Centre, Tel: 01202 882462
Wimborne Square Alderholt The Sticky Bun 01425 652437 Fordingbridge Ringwood Briantspuddle Village Hall Old Farmhouse Burley Owermoigne, Galton Garden Centre. Tel: 01305 852324
Coffee
Ferndown junc.Wimborne Rd.E & West Moors Rd Merley Community Centre BH21 1XE Merley Community Centre BH21 1XE
Whitsbury
Bloxworth
Dorchester Coffee Run Only Half Day Ride
Fordingbridge
Coffee Run Only Fordingbridge
Wilton
Lunch
Steve Coombes an experienced trainer and cycle mechanic will deliver a basic maintenance workshop on a weekday evening in B’m’th/Poole. He will cover punctures, snapped chain, broken spoke, check and adjusting brakes, gears, saddle, handlebars, headset, wheel hubs and bearing. Cost £20. For more details and booking contact stevecoombes@hotmail.co.uk or FaceBook Skills and Trails
75 miles 6 hours part of the Reliabilty Series 100 miles 8 hours part of the Reliabilty Series
Wolverscroft Sticky Bun
Merlrey- Willett Arms Car Park Sturminster Marshall Golf Club
Wimborne Rec. Blandford Merley Bridge Wimborne Rec Merley Willett Arms C.P. Wimborne Square Waitrose, Christchurch Wimborne Square
Hurn Stores Hurn Village Stores Sandbanks Waitrose, Christchurch Upton House
Blandford Wimborne Square
Basic Maintenance Workshop
08:00
08:00
09:00 10:00
09:00 10:00 09:30 09:30 10:00 10:00 09:00 09:00 09:00
10:00 10:00 09:00 09:00 09:00
09:30 09:30
Time Start
30 Dec Sunday Inters 30 Dec Pedal Sunday
Sunday Inters Pedal Sunday Tuesday Toasters Thursday Rouleurs Thursday Potterers Dorset Dawdlers Saturday Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
23 Dec 23 Dec Tue 25 Dec Thurs 27 Dec 27 Dec 27 Dec Sat 29 Dec 29 Dec Sun 30 Dec
Sun
Sat
Thursday Potterers Dorset Dawdlers Saturday Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
20 Dec 20 Dec 22 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec
Tue 18 Dec Tuesday Toasters Thurs 20 Dec Thursday Rouleurs
Day Date
Wherever
Wherever
Tea
rides@bjw.org .uk rides@bjw.org .uk
Jim McD
Ali Mc Pete D
Alan H
Ali Mc Keith G
Leader
Right to Ride Report - August 2018
By Paul M. Turner
Bournemouth Town Centre Schemes - The remainder of the improvements to the western side of the Town Centre has now started and should be completed later in the summer. Design work continues on Beale Place, it is hoped to progress this in the new year. Cycle access is planned in all directions at all times. Cycle access past the loading bay by Beales will be made easier, with the gate replaced by bollards. Cycling Schemes. Tuckton Roundabout is going according to programme. Cycle symbols on the centre of the lanes over Tuckton Bridge should be installed shortly. The Riverside Avenue toucan crossing has been postponed, while the implications for traffic flows are considered in more detail. Further consideration is being given to how the proposed cut-through from Alumhurst Road to Seamoor Road might be incorporated into the existing traffic signals. Jewell Road cut-though is complete, as are the works to permit cycling across the Alum Chine suspension bridge. Planning to improve facilities on Magna Road between the Poole boundary and the toucan across Ringwood Road to link with Poole's recent improvements. Work on this years contraflow schemes should commence shortly, including: Cardigan Road, Gladstone Rd, Gladstone Rd East, Ringwood Rd toucan to High Howe Lane & an exemption to the turning ban from Percy Rd into Michelgrove Rd. Considering some minor improvements to reduce conflict between cycles and motor vehicles at the junction Surrey Road and Queens Rd. Improving cycle access to the Curzon Road railway bridge. Renewal of our cycle counters on key routes. Cycle Parking. There are plans for additional cycle parking in: Boscombe near the entrance to Woodland Walk & at the junction with Gloucester Road. Holdenhurst Rd by Lowther Gardens and Victoria Place outside Tesco Express. Westbourne near Tesco Express at the junction of Poole Rd & Milburn Rd. Signage. Signage of NCN 2/25 Bournemouth Pier to Poole Boundary to coordinate with Poole who are signing the route in 2018-19. Design and cost up Lansdowne to Wessex Fields quiet route. Parks News - The path in Tuckton Tea gardens is largely complete.
Poole 2018/19 Programme Ringwood Road: Section between Old Wareham Road Roundabout and Sea View Road to be resurfaced with new cycle lanes. Existing cycle track on east side to be improved, including side road crossings. Alder Hills: Improvements to quieter streets, including direction signing, filtered permeability, and better access to Branksome Recreation Ground. Bourne Valley Greenway: Surface improvement to the existing path between Bishop Aldhelm School and Dalling Road. Foxholes Road: Direction signing in Oakdale, on quite route between Canford Heath and Poole town centre. Poole to Bournemouth Cycle Route – NCN25: A joint project with Bournemouth to replace direction signing between Sandbanks Road and County Gates Gyratory, including the link to Bournemouth Pier via West Cliff Road. Lindsay Road from Country Gates Gyratory to Leicester Road with new surface including a mandatory cycleway.
Cycle Ink #190
20
Christchurch Wayne Sayers, DCC Sustainable Transport Manager was unable to attend but provided the following update. Christchurch Council are currently working on the following schemes: Refresh/improvement of the A35 by-pass shared use paths which should be being undertaken this year. A new bike shelter hopefully going in at Mudeford School. The Council is in the process of re-signing NCN 2 through Christchurch. It was hoped that this would be complete by now but staff shortages in the signage works team has delayed this work. It is hoped to for completion shortly. Delivery of these will take the Council up to LGR and the creation of the new unitary councils at which point responsibility for all services in Christchurch, including cycling, will shift to the new Poole/Bournemouth/Christchurch unitary authority. Bike Share for Bournemouth and Poole Nick Phillips, Accessibility Team Leader with the Borough of Poole stated that Transport for London had launched its public cycle hire scheme in 2010, with stated aims of reducing traffic and congestion and encouraging a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport. The scheme has been a primary catalyst of a cycling revolution in the capital, with demand continuing to grow year on year and over 10 million bike hires per annum. Over 20 UK cities have now followed this lead including Bristol, Bath, Brighton, Eastbourne and Southampton. The majority of these use advances in technology and are therefore App–based, enabling customers to easily access and unlock bikes using a smartphone. This removes the need for docking stations and the costs of providing such infrastructure, and gives far greater flexibility for users as they are not restricted to a limited number of pick up/drop off points. Bournemouth & Poole had been approached by a number of “dockless” bike share operators with a view to operating in the conurbation. Although provided “free of charge” at no cost to the Councils, it is essential that the best potential solution is secured from the outset. A formal tender process has therefore been undertaken to enable a robust evaluation procedure whilst remaining equitable to all potential suppliers. The initial contract term is for one year with options to extend for two years on an annual basis if required. The key advantages of a Bike Share Scheme to the customer are as follows:· Convenience - The easy availability of bikes for instant hire throughout the town provides a useful option for users to get around, particularly for short journeys. · Low cost access – Bike Share schemes typically provide both Pay As You Go (i.e. per trip) and annual subscriptions and are an economical option compared to typical up front cost of bike ownership. · Maintenance – All bikes are regularly maintained by the operator to ensure a high quality ride experience, with no need to fix punctures or adjust gears and brakes. · Storage – Bike sharing solves the problem of many residents living in flats and multiple occupancy housing which have limited storage space for bikes. In addition in areas with limited on street car parking schemes assist with securing modal shift to reduce pressure in busy residential areas. · Combining with public transport – Bike sharing connects trip origins and destinations with rail stations and bus stops, whilst speeding up the last mile of a journey. As an example Bournemouth’s Rail and Coach Station is on the periphery of the town centre, requiring a 20 minute walk to the principal shopping area or the beach. The ability to easily pick up a shared bike at the Station and then cycle into town will significantly ease the through journey by public transport.
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Cycle Ink #190
Complimenting public transport –Bournemouth and Poole have an excellent network of bus/rail services with significant patronage growth in the last decade. However there will always be individual journeys across suburbs that are not served by direct bus services and a bike sharing scheme provides an ideal solution to this. · Alternative to cycle carriage on trains – There is a limited amount of cycle storage on South Western Railway trains (6 spaces on a 5 carriage train). There is latent demand from commuters in particular who would find bike sharing to/from the station far easier than the hassle of regularly finding a space on the train. · One way trips – Bike sharing offers flexible journeys with the advantage that the user does not have to return the bike to its original point. As an example, a user may prefer to walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier but then use a shared bike to return. A contractor has been appointed and an announcement will be made shortly. There was widespread support for the proposal from the Forum and Nick Phillips stated he would let members know the operator as soon as this was released. The operator is fully accredited with the Bikeplus scheme which provides an agreed industry standard. Pavement Parking about dangers and inconvenience of Pavement Parking. The conclusion was that the legal implications are somewhat unclear with responsibility mixed between Police & Councils. Bournemouth Cycling Officer, Lawrence Harrell encouraged individuals to write to their MPs asking for the laws to change. Cycling Without Age - David Smith and Jason Falconer are working with Nicole Nagel on launching this Denmark based project to offer trishaw rides to older citizens, using volunteer ‘pilots’. Jason will train pilots in on road cycling with 2 people on EBikes. Presently funding has been found for first bike as you can see! Potential pilots please contact Nicole Nagel at Nicole@cyclingwithoutage.org.uk Cycling Events Bournemouth and Poole have organised the Poole Bay Sunset rides on the Prom on Monday. The first ride goes from Shore Road Poole to Bournemouth Pier and back, where it joins the second ride which goes from Bournemouth Pier to Shore Road and back. Additional rides are being organised via www.letsride.co.uk – a British Cycling initiative, ·
Right to Ride Representative CTC Wessex Cycling
Velo Domestique
Paul
By Mike Walsh Velo Domestique at 176-180 Seabourne Road (the top end of Southbourne Grove) is not just a café, not just a bike shop, it’s a hub for cyclists in Bournemouth. Velo Domestique , serve delicious coffee, grand food, host film screenings, supper evenings and even roller evening. They are also the venue for French Lessons and Bike Maintenance.
Cycle Ink #190
22
Danube Cycle Path
By Paul Manley
I recently cycled on part of the Danube Cycle Trail with a friend and fellow CTC member. We started in Passau in Germany’s Bavaria and cycled down the Path to Vienna, capital of Austria. Travel for me to Passau was not as originally planned. I had booked a flight to Munich from Southampton but this was discontinued by BMI and I had to re-book with KLM via Schiphol and with only 35 minutes transfer to get to the Munich flight it was a tight call. From Munich airport it was a short bus ride to Freising and then by train to Passau. Passau is an attractive town also known as the town of three rivers as the Danube is joined by the Inn and IIz rivers. Once we had checked into our first accommodation, the Hotel Spitzberg, we had to make our way to a different hotel a few streets away for a meeting with the Eurobike representative. There we were given a briefing about the trip and provided with our bikes, maps and itinerary. In the morning, we crossed to the south bank of the Danube to pick up the Danube Path and begin the ride. In this upper part of Danube, the river is in a steep sided, heavily wooded valley. The Path followed close to the river and has a very well maintained surface, ideal for cycling. Passau is not far from the German border and it was not long before we passed into Austria. At one point, we crossed to the north bank via a lock, continuing on the north side, before crossing back to the south bank via a small ferry. This is where we made our only big mistake. The second day stop was at the Hotel Donauschlinge, located, we thought at Hailbach, a small town, some four kilometres from the river. This does not sound far but involved a very steep climb as we left the river, and probably took some 30 minutes. On reaching Hailbach, no hotel! After a discussion with some other cyclists, we realised that the reference to Hailbach referred to the postal district and not the town and that the hotel was situated a few metres from where we had crossed on the ferry! However, once we had retraced our route, we quickly found the hotel, which was well worth the trouble as we both agreed it was the best accommodation of the trip. The following day we again crossed by bridge to the north bank of the river, eventually reaching Linz after passing through the river side towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering. Linz is the capital of Upper Austria. On the Monday of our arrival, it was a holiday and with beautiful weather, the town was very busy. An artificial beach had been created along the river and it was crowded with sun bathers and people swimming in the river. Our hotel, The Radisson Park Inn, was
23
Cycle Ink #190
close to the centre of town which involved another crossing by the town bridge. We had arrived early enough to allow a walk around the town, which has an attractive town square, with many restaurants and cafes. In common with many of the larger Austrian towns and cities, there was a modern tram service, which is so much less polluting than buses. Day 3 involved a fairly short ride to the town of Grein. There we were picked up by a minibus towing a cycle carrier and taken some way up a steep hill to the Hotel Schatzkammer, situated on high ground and incorporated into a castle. Dinner was served in the Castle, which was higher than the hotel and reached by a second lift from the hotel. It provided great views of the Wachau region, with its picturesque landscape formed by the river Danube. The stopover for day 4 was Melk, which has a huge monastery, the Stift Melk Monastery, on high ground overlooking the town and the Danube. The river which runs through the centre of Melk is no longer in a steep sided valley and the countryside is generally flatter and given over to food production. After leaving Melk we cycled through the attractive Wachau region, known for its orchards and vineyards. We passed through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weibenkirchen and passed the Durnstein Castle ruin before arriving at our destination for the day at Traismauer. It was in Traismauer when we encountered our first experience of rain since starting the ride. Our hotel had an open courtyard in its centre and the rain poured down into the hotel. During the night, there was a violent thunder storm, which loud crashes of thunder and streaks of lightening, which lit up the bedroom. The final day of our ride was from Traismauer to Vienna. The day started wet, although the rain was not heavy now that the storm had passed. Vienna is the largest city in Austria and cycling through it could have been a problem as the map we were provided with left something to be desired. Fortunately, my friend had brought a more detailed map and after asking the way from locals a couple of times, we found our hotel on the Eastern edge of the city. The hotel was situated in a newly developed area called Gasometer, because of three huge brick build gasometers, which had been converted to offices and residential use. Hotel Roomz was a very modern and comfortable hotel. The next day my friend was flying home from Vienna and I travelled by train from Vienna to Munich, where I was able to spend some time in the city before catching my flight back to Southampton via Amsterdam. All in all, a very enjoyable trip in which I had been able to see parts of Germany and Austria new to me. 08.07.18
By Paul Manley Cycle Ink #190
24
Tour de Manche
By Ade Hobbs
Nine cyclists and one driver/cyclist started the Tour de Manche on Thursday 24th May for 10 days cycling in Normandy and Brittany. We all got off to a disastrous start, four of us cycled to the ferry port at Poole at 6.30am in the morning in slight drizzle, only to find that there was no ferry owing to a strike by the French crew of the Balfleur Ferry which was still in Cherbourg. The motorhome arrived about 15 minutes later, not knowing the ferry had been cancelled, all were terribly disappointed, we rode our bikes to the port café for bacon sandwiches, tea and coffee. Denis was determined to get us to France so he managed to get a booking on the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Ouistreham (Caen). The four of us cycled home and discussed ways of getting to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry, we managed this with help and support from Tim’s wife (Ann) and Steve’s wife (Cathy) who drove the four of us and the bikes to Portsmouth, so we owe a huge thank you to them both, we met the motorhome at the ferry port in Portsmouth. The overnight ferry was a calm crossing but the accommodation on the ferry was a lot to be desired, some of us sleeping on the floor of the restaurant, we were woken up at 5.00am and munched our basic breakfast. Unfortunately, this caused us to miss our first day of cycling to Carentan. We then disembarked the ferry at Ouistreham at about 6.30am, regrouping just outside the ferry port, we then started riding along the cycle path, it runs alongside the canal to Caen passing the famous Pegasus Bridge and then heading south west for Mortain; which would have been our second overnight stop. The motorhome driven by Mike Walsh arrived at Municipal campsite before us; we arrived about 4.30pm and managed to get the tents up and showered before Adrian Philpot and Cricket arrived. They had travelled up from Spain in their motorhome taking just two days to meet us! Cricket drove the motorhome on the tour and Adrian cycled with us for the rest of the tour. The rain set in for the whole evening so we decided to eat out in one of the local restaurants, ‘Les Cascades’. We all had a very warm welcome and enjoyed pizzas, beer and plenty of red wine. Saturday, Day 3: Mortain to St-Coulomb. Now we are back on course for a 57 mile ride, passing through some beautiful French villages such as Isigny-le buat, Ducey where we take a quick pit stop for a coffee and cake. We cycled onto Beauvoir and spotted Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance, travelling along the coastline for a further 24 miles to have lunch in Cherrueix, with Cricket making a superb lunch for us all in her motorhome. We went on to pass the famous windmills along the way and headed for our overnight stop at Saint-Coulomb and camping Les Chevrets, which had very narrow roads to find the entrance to the camp site.
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Cycle Ink #190
Paula, Ruth and Nev arrived in Paula’s motorhome at the campsite just after we managed to pitch our tents but we made the mistake of pitching them under trees. Early evening rainfall came upon us rapidly, making us all retreat to our tents. The canopy from the trees made the rain seem to last forever, keeping us awake most of the night. It was a lovely campsite with beautiful sandy beaches and excellent facilities. Sunday, Day 4: St Coulomb to Pleneuf-Val-Andre was 65 miles, a similar ride to yesterday along the exquisite Brittany coast, stopping for coffee on route. Tim bought cakes for us seeing as it was his birthday (‘Happy Birthday Tim’). After leaving the coffee shop, we continued our journey only to find our leader for the day (John Jackson) had left his helmet at the coffee shop, so we made him cycle back on his own to collect it while we all sat on the road side watching the traffic passing by. We travelled onto St Malo and eventually headed towards Cap Frehel Lighthouse where we stopped to take in the scenic and picturesque clifftop views before descending to Plevenon and on to PleneufVal-Andre and the Minihy campsite. Monday, Day 5: Pleneuf-Val-Andre to Penvenan was 63 miles, we stop for coffee and cake at Languexu, before riding on to Plourhan for a lunch break, cycling another 19 miles for a welldeserved tea stop at Paimpol, reaching the campsite in the middle of the afternoon at Penvenan. Tuesday, Day 6: Penvenan to Plougasnou 59 miles, cycling around the coastline of Brittany for approx. 20 miles to Trebeurden for a coffee break, then heading inland to Plestin-les-Graves for lunch. Then back on the coast road towards Plougasnou where we met another cycling group, the Falmouth Wheelers and joined them for tea and cake, a few of our guys actually knew some of the Wheelers, who were staying at Plougasnou at a different camp site to us. We cycled a few more miles down the road to our campsite Tregor. Wednesday, Day 7: Plougasnou to Roscoff 33 miles, a short ride today to catch the 3.00pm ferry to Plymouth where we met the Falmouth Wheelers once again as they were travelling back to Plymouth then by car to Falmouth, not actually cycling home. We had a much-needed dinner on board, not many passengers travelling back to the UK so plenty of room for a quiet rest, the crossing back to Plymouth was very smooth. We arrived at Plymouth around 8.00ish in the evening, we had about a five mile ride to the campsite the light was fading fast and we had to put the tents up almost in darkness. It was a quick shower and into our sleeping bag, ready for the next day cycle back on UK soil. Thursday, Day 8: Plymouth to Cheriton Bishop 54 miles, we left Plymouth and travelling on Drake’s Trail passing through Shaugh Tunnel we all forget to put our lights on (naughty) and onto Clearbrook before reaching Tavistock, making a short stop for coffee before arriving at Oakhampton. Passing through Whiddon Down and Crockerwell to the Springfield Holiday Park at Tedburn St Mary. We had a pleasant night stay with a delightful evening meal prepared by Mike Barrett and Denis. A delicious sweet concocted by John Jackson and a couple of glasses of wine, we were ready for a good nights sleep. Friday, Day 9: Cheriton Bishop to Shave Cross 58 miles, a fairly early start, this being the most hilliest part of the tour. We cycled on the outskirts of Exeter onto Topsham and down the cycle path to Exmouth for coffee, an easy ride to Budleigh Salterton. We encounter a hilly section going to Sidmouth, stopped for a quick lunch in Sidmouth after arriving late. We headed up Salcombe Hill Road and the formidable Salcombe Hill, onto Branscombe. We were now travelling on some very narrow lanes meeting buses and coaches coming down into Branscombe which made us dismount our bikes, we were now heading for Seaton and Axminster,
Cycle Ink #190
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eventually arriving late afternoon at Crabbs Bluntshay Farm Campsite in the heart of the Marshwood Vale. Being the last evening, we all decided to eat out at the Shave Cross Inn which turned out to be a memorable experience for us all, great food and a plenty to drink. We had about half mile walk back to the campsite in total darkness this is where our mobile phones came in very useful as torches!!!!!! Saturday, Day 10: Shave Cross to Home 60 miles, another fairly early start, passing Bridport heading towards Hardy’s Monument a steady climb all the way up. Once we had reached the top we realised it was all down hill to Martinstown and a stop for coffee and another slice of cake, this was the last of many coffee breaks we took on route, travelled on to West Holme for lunch stop before we all said are goodbyes and went are separate way home. I’m sure all of us would like to say a very big thank you to Denis and Angie, Mike and Paula and Adrian and Cricket for the use of their motorhomes on the tour, also a thank you to Dave Langley for all the organisation and planning all the routes and his technical knowledge for phones, laptops and Garmins. We mustn’t forget are driver Mike Walsh who done an excellent job driving the tour motorhome. A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM ALL.
By Ade Hobbs
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Cycle Ink #190
Bikes Beers & Bears
By Alan Young
Ed Extract from Alan Young’s blog crazyguyonabike Bikes Beers & Bears https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1mr&page_id=544244&v=LA Givimg a daily blog of his Trans Canada Adventure with numerous photographs. Day 75: Brigus Junction - St.johns Saturday September 1, 2018, 41 miles (66 km) - Total so far: 4,878 miles (7,850 km) I had a nice lay in with the sun beating down on the dewy tent, it was cool outside. I pulled out with Clive for the final time, the Saturday traffic was lighter than yesterday, a fairly long climb for about a mile or so, with the vehicles speeding up the hill, more and more Blasts on their horns as we got nearer to our destination. I didn't plan to stop before st.Johns, using up the few energy bars I had in the food pouch. At most of the junctions I,d pull over and wait for Clive also using the slip roads as respite from the highway, junction numbers 37,38,39. At Junction 42 we peeled off and headed south onto to Kermount road, just for a short while before picking up the Trans Canada trail. A little stony, but a small price to pay for a laid back relaxing way into St.johns. A slow descent on the trail we shared with the locals on foot and 2 wheels. Just to complete the journey with 4 miles to go I got my 5th flat tyre of the tour. With all the issues I had with my 'new' pump I was glad Clive was around to lend me his. We approach the Terry Fox memorial on Water Street, I didn't notice Clive was out of view so I waited, it seems he bumped into Rob and Felix, who completed the tour today, I,d last seen them in Montreal River ON. The memorial was slightly different from how I imagined tucked away at the end of the dock road by the shipping office. The obligatory photos were taken. Another tour over. So much to take in. I will ride to Cape Spear tomorrow without the bags. To celebrate we joined up with Rob and Felix for a well earned drink at the Yellow Belly brewery.
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Summary Thursday September 6, 2018 With a little under a week since I completed the tour I've had time to take in the trip. Why Bikes,beers & Bears? It all becomes clear after following my tour over the past 75 days, I love Bicycles, I enjoy a great beer and was likely to come across a few bears on my ride across the world's 2nd largest country. I rode across the country at a fairly brisk pace, if I had the time it may of been different, but not every rider has the same idea. Some choose to rest 1 day a week etc... it's just the way I like to tour. The one positive on this trip and in previous tours is the great friendly people I've met on the road. Most people are great throughout, not once was I involved in hostility. Many folk ask why I undertake such a thing ? Even a couple of tourers from Quebec, which I found strange, the answer is simple, at least to me. I enjoy travel and Love Bikes and biking. I could talk bikes for hours and have on many tours. The weather was excellent pretty much all the way, a few days of rain which didn't last caused me no problems. The locals did state the summer was one of the best they've experienced in years. As I had a window of 80 days, the Trans Canada Highway was used extensively, a much more relaxed ride would of put me on smaller roads where possible, at some points there was no alternative. We tried a few times only to meet packed gravel. All 10 province's tested you of which Ontario , toughest and Quebec the kindest. Not going to single out a particular one here. The mountains, Prairies, the Canadian shield, and the maritime 's all individual in their own right. I was lucky enough to be joined by my old friend Clive, the 6th tour we've done together. Yes a few days we got separated along the way, tho a few of those he was with Pete from Calgary, a fellow tourer and a new friend we met in Ontario.
A couple of days after completing the trip I rode out to Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America
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The Kinesis Tripster AT bike performed well, notable mechanical's were: broken rear gear mech cable, I had a spare and replaced in Quebec. X5 flat tyres, mostly when riding highway #1. I repair most flats. I swapped tyres over in Thunder Bay, still some life left in the Panaracer Ribmo's. (700x28mm) The Hunt wheel 's were trouble free. A replacement chain was installed by myself in Owen sound , Ontario. The luggage had issues,: the frame bag zip broke, and replaced in Sault Ste Marie ,Ontario. As for equipment : The sleeping mat failed in Thunder Bay ( it was new when I rode : www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/roundbritain )& had to be replaced, the old one posted home to be returned at a later date. Terra Nova Laser Competition Tent was faultless. Yeti sleeping bag was excellent, tho for many nights I only used the silk liner as the nights were warm. The Mirror broke my fault as wind blew bike over, replaced in Amqui, Quebec. Topeak mini morph pump failed. With the dry summer it dried out.I normally carry x2 pumps when solo touring. I needed a 2nd pump when I was split from Clive. Had it been stored inside as opposed to attached to the downtube, this may not of been a problem. Overall I was happy with everything for the distance covered. A light hearted look at a few stats.; Best meal - merrit family restaurant BC. Best Beer - Montebello Quebec Bear encounters - x3 Black x1 Grizzly Best Coffee - Agassiz BC 2nd Best Beer - Cote du sud - Riviere de loup Quebec. 3rd Best Beer - Lake of the woods - Kenora Ontario. Dog chases - 0 Moose sightings - 0 Obscure place name - Moose Jaw Manitoba Best cheesecake - Humptys Brandon Manitoba Quietest road - #48 White city Saskatchewen to Manitoba border. Seafood - PEI Picturesque - BC/Alberta border. Total calories burned - 282920. Sunscreen bottles used - X4 Mosquito Repellant - x4 Total Days - 75 Riding days- 71 Rest days - 4 Average daily - 68 miles per day. Total average daily - 65 miles per day.
By Alan Young Cycle Ink #190
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