THE WESSEX NEWSLETTER Edited independently in three of the CTC Wessex member group areas and published quarterly. Please contact your nearest member group or access the club website for information on any events www.wessexctc.org for all CTC Wessex activities
CTC WESSEX SECRETARY Peter Loakes, Church Cottage, West Stafford, DT2 8AB (01305) 263272 CTC BOURNEMOUTH Cheryl Owen, 1 Bond Road, Poole BH15 3RT (01202) 738428 Margaret Phillpotts, Onair, 9 Bucklers Way, Bournemouth BH8 0EW CTC SALISBURY Alan Clarke, “Hill House”, Kelsey Road, Salisbury SP1 1JR (01722) 322188 CTC WEST DORSET Angela Price, 41 Garfield Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2EY CTC BLACKMORE VALE Richard Gow, Wildfell, Crown Rd, Marnhull, DT10 1LN (01258) 821391
Main Calendar Dates For 2011 April 10th
Dorset Coastlet 100km
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
April 10th
Dorset Coast 200km
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
Apr 23rd
3D300km Audax
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
May 8th
New Forest Spring Challenge 50km
John Ward
01590 671205
May 8th
New Forest Day Out 100km
John Ward
01590 671205
May 8th
New Forest 150km
John Ward
01590 671205
May 8th
New Forest Excursion 200km
John Ward
01590 671205
May 14th
CTC NATIONAL AGM & DINNER AT WEYMOUTH
May 15th
CTC Wessex Centenary Celebration Rides at Weymouth 01305772654
May 15th
Dorset Downs 100km
Justin Oakley
07968 213833
May 15th
Dorset Downs “Jake the Peg” 150km Justin Oakley
07968 213833
Sept 4th
New Forest Autumn Challenge 50km John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest & Coast 100km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest 150km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 4th
New Forest On & Off Shore 200km
John Ward
01590 671205
Sept 11th
Dorset Dirt 50km Off-Road
Ken Reed
01305 772654
Sept TBA
Bournemouth Square 200km
Brian Callow
Oct 9th
Gridiron 100km
Terry Walsh
01202 247888
Well, the poll of the whole club went for the fluffy comforting charity option, so CTC has the go ahead now to form itself into a major National charity. It isn’t one yet as it still has a lot of preparatory paperwork to do and then must apply. Ah well I suppose that’s democracy, but pardon my cynicism. I know a bit about professional charities and how 85p in every pound you donate goes in overheads. On the matter of charities, a professional charity called Headway has a campaign to make cycle helmets compulsory. They have sneaked it into legislation in Jersey, and are trying to sneak it in in Northern Ireland next. Compulsion is against the CTC policy of voluntary wearing. Kevin Mayne tells me that its the first time CTC has come up against a well funded professional campaign and is difficult to counter it without being seen as the “bad guys” Your support needed at the CTC AGM - 14th and 15th May Please come and help us run the rides that the Wessex members’ group is organising for the CTC AGM. We need volunteers to lead and marshal the rides and also of course as many local participants as possible. Full details of the rides are on: http://www.wessexctc.org/events.htm. If you can help in any way please contact Anne or Ken email anneandken@neale.net Tel 01305 772654.
Keith Matthews - Editor 3
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CTC Blackmore Vale Rides These take place every week alternating between Saturday & Sunday Meet 10am, set off at 10.30am. Lunches: Cafés in Winter; Picnics during BST 01963 32840 - Richard & Margaret Nicholl or 01258 821391 - Richard Gow
Day Date Sat 26th Mar Sun 3rd Apr Sat 9th Apr
Sun 17th Apr Sat
23rd Apr
Fri
29th Apr
Sun 1st May
Sat
7th May
Meet Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury (just N of A303) Waitrose supermarket, Gillingham The Place, Market Place, Castle Cary - in High St on R just before covered market NT cafe, Stourhead Café Elodie, Swans Yard,Shaftesbury (opp Boots) NT cafe, Stourhead The Cake Tin, Gold Hill Farm, Child Okeford Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury
Sun 15th May Weymouth area: Several rides Details available in April. st Sat 21 May Castle Gardens, Sherborne Sun 29th May Pythouse Kitchen Garden. N of Semley Sat 4th Jun Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury. Mtg with Cycle Somerset Group th Sun 12 Jun The Cake Tin, Gold Hill Farm, Child Okeford th Sat 18 Jun Airfield restaurant, Compton Abbas Sun 26th Jun Top o’Town café, Dorchester
Sat
2st Jul
RNAS Museum, Yeovilton
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Lunch & Tea 20 Landmead, Glastonbury (Bernard White’s home) Crown Inn PH, Alvediston Steam Railway station, Cranmore
Lead BW
Picnic in the park, Warminster Sixpenny Handley, Tea: Shaftesbury Mystery Ride
RH
Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford, Tea: Shillingstone railway Muchelney Abbey, Tea: South Cadbury
RG
Evershot, Tea: Sherborne Broad Chalke, Tea: Pythouse High Ham, Tea: South Cadbury Winterborne Tomson, Tea: Shillingstone railway Cranborne Garden Centre Tea: Compton Abbas Weymouth/Portland. To view Olympic sailing facilities Barrington Court, Tea: Yeovilton or S.
ME-R BW
ME-R RN
BW CTC WD RN RH RN PW RG RH Ken Anne BW
Twinning Visit from St Lô Postponed Malcolm Howell (aka Badger) CTC Wessex President We suggested the original date in Sept 2011 to avoid clashing with our main CTC AGM at Weymouth in May 2011. September proved unpopular as there was no Bank Holiday Monday in France to give a long weekend. So Pentacost 13 June seemed promising, and we suggested weekend 11-13 June 2011. To reduce the problems of transport for both hosts and visitors, we offered to subsidise their costs of 2 nights in a hotel in Poole, to include a grand dinner. This would facilitate embarking on the very early Monday ferry, and allow us to lead them to join the Saturday ride to Burley, and on Sunday to cross the chain ferry to Swanage / Corfe/ Purbecks. This also proved unpopular, especially as they have a 600km PBP qualifying event to organize that weekend! They have suggested postponing to 2012. I’m sorry for those of you who were looking forward to meeting old friends and hosting new ones. So we will try again for Saturday, 26 May to Monday, 28 May 2012. The St Loists are happier with these dates, but are canvassing their members. If you are keen to take part in 2012, as hosts, or by joining in rides, please let me know at: malcolm_howell@hotmail.com or on 01305 756094 or at 1 Garland Crescent, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2SX I have sent some of this information already to some previous participants, but my contact details are not complete. Please do not assume that previous participation means that I have your contact details. It is safer to re-contact me.
New Cafe We have recently taken over Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop 106 High St. Keyhaven Rd, Milford on Sea Tel: 01950 643518 or 07539224119 Open 9-5 Tuesday to Saturday We were visited recently by a local cyclist who commented on our facilities and space to park bikes. We provide good coffee, tea, snacks, hot dishes and soups and look forward to welcoming CTC members Groups with advance notice please.
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Hope2Cycle is a charitable community partnership promoting cycling, recycling, health and well-being. We have a fantastically dedicated team of skilled, trained volunteers and paid staff who offer a comprehensive and personal service. We service and repair unwanted bikes and put them back on the road. We also offer service, repairs to customers bikes in addition to new and recycled parts, cycle hire and maintenance training. Most of our work is undertaken at our workshop in Shaftesbury, we also visit other localities offering a mobile service to customers in their work settings, college, university or their own home. If you are in need of a bike, want to hire, need a repair or service then look us up or give us a call. We can offer very competitive and personal service. We can be found at: www.hope2cycle.org.uk or call us on 01747 851397
This is what we have in Wiltshire now for checking rights of way. It appears to work very well. www.wiltshire.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/rightsofway/rightsofwaymap.htm
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Saturday Morning Burton to Burley Ride This ride continues every Saturday regardless of the weather. Initially organised by Terry Walsh under the auspices of the local CTC for people new to club cycling it has taken a life of it’s own. The range of abilities is immense but newcomers are still arriving and on the day are looked after by someone like Terry. Starting from Waitrose in Christchurch at 9:00 and collecting more riders at Burton by the Oak, it can be a gentle 10 mile ride into the countryside including the New Forest and stopping at Burley for coffee. I always have tea. The cafÊ has changed over the years because of capacity, opening hours, etc. Once we had to move because of CJD and foot and mouth. The current chosen watering hole is the Old Farmhouse where we are well received. They are cyclist friendly as can be seen from their own blurb below. Come and experience the buzz (noise of a playground) or direct any new cyclist to this ride. To be sure of a mentor on their first ride call Terry on 01202 247888.
Located in the centre of Burley, a popular New Forest village, The Old Farmhouse is an ideal place to stop during a cycle trip. We are very cycle friendly with a garden that has a cycle rail for you to safely lock your bike on to, and delicious cakes and drinks to refresh you. We are also a refilling station for tapwater.org so you can get free water from us too! We are open every day from 9.00 so come and visit us! (large parties please phone ahead if possible!) 01425 402218 www.oldfarmhouseinburley.co.uk
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Right to Ride - February
By Paul Turner
The new link road, connecting Blandford Road in Hamworthy to the Twin Sails Bridge, will ease traffic flows and reduce congestion in Hamworthy and the town centre when Poole's much-needed second harbour crossing opens in early 2012. Work on the new road started in January and is scheduled for completion by the autumn. The designs look wonderful. The west approach to the new bridge has not been formalised yet.
On the Campaign Trail
By Peter Du Lieu
It’s been a very busy period of late. The main item, Local Transport Plan 3 which sets out visions, aims, objectives and goals – much the same as previous Local Transport Plans. Well, I guess some of those visions were realised because believe it or not, it is claimed cycling has increased in S E Dorset by 80% in the last 5 years. I was inclined to ignore this LTP but was overcome with CTC pride and gave in. Don’t think we shall see the great modal shift to commuter cycling the government spout on about – it’s just too comfortable in a car. One thing I think we must keep an eye on – is the proposal to allow Powered Two Wheelers to share bus lanes. It’s already bad enough having taxis pass close – too close sometimes. Most of you will have heard of Connect 2: The Sustrans scheme for a cycle route across the fields from Throop to Hurn. As an ex resident of Throop, although I never opposed this scheme, I never supported it. The scheme has now been cancelled. For many years I have been involved with trying to get a simple crossing across the river for HORSES. There are 150 stabled on the Bournemouth side of the river. I didn’t do this because I love horses: I did it because cyclists can use bridleways. Dorset County Council now propose to put a secondhand bridge across the river and I have started negotiating with DCC to take immediate action on getting the footpaths reclassified as bridleways. Great news received today. The 40mph speed limit will be extended at West Parley to include the cycle/pedestrian crossing. Some months ago I was informed Bournemouth Council were looking at possible cycle routes around the Town Centre. I was not too happy. If you hear of any proposals with which you do not agree either contact me or the Bournemouth Cycling Officer, Mrs Lucy Marstrand lucy.marstrand@bournemouth.gov.uk. Finally, for those who ride in the West Moors Area, the BOAT (Byway open to all traffic) which runs from Pinehurst Road to Station Road has been reclassified as a Restricted Byway. So, if you do use it, you should not see any motorised vehicles on it in future.Many of you will know I am no longer riding – so, if you see something happening which you consider detrimental to cyclists it will be a great help if you will tell me about it.
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To: Martin Caton,MP, House of Commons
19 January 2011
Stricter Liability I am writing, not only on behalf of Wheelrights but I think of cyclists and vulnerable road users in general, to ask for your support for measures to get the law changed to incorporate stricter liability (also referred to as strict liability.) Stricter liability means that in the event of a collision between a powered vehicle and a cyclist or pedestrian the vehicle driver is assumed liable unless proven otherwise; similarly if a cyclist hits a pedestrian the cyclist would be liable. The major problem with the law as it stands is that the onus is on the weaker party to prove their innocence. This has resulted in numerous cases where cyclists and pedestrians have been killed or seriously injured and the motorist who caused the accident has got off with nothing more than points on their license and a fine, or at the most a limited driving ban. We are one of only four European countries that do not apply stricter liability; the other three are Ireland, Cyprus and Malta. The CTC (I am their Right to Ride rep. for the Swansea area.) have at the National level had stricter liability on their agenda for some time but have held back because they felt it would get nowhere due to opposition from the motoring lobby, but there are two recent developments which make them think that now might be a good time to take action. The first is that the Commons Transport Select Committee has an enquiry underway on motor insurance costs and that this committee is willing to consider evidence of the effect of stricter liability laws. Proponents argue that such a law change would cut compensation claims as it would lead to more careful driving with a consequent reduction in accidents. The second is a letter from the Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker, to Richard Burden MP who had received a letter from a constituent of his (Clive Chapman) making the case for stricter liability. I have printed a copy of Norman Bakers’ letter overleaf. It is telling in that in essence he accepts the case, but notes that it is “likely to be very contentious” and that “strong evidence” is required before the law can be changed. I believe we have that evidence. The website www.stricterliabilityforus.org.uk provides further information. Finally I note that such a law change would arguably be the single most effective measure to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians – outweighing infrastructure changes, much as these are also needed. With regards, David Naylor (Wheelrights Secretary) Thank you for your letter of 19th January, urging me to press for the adoption of ‘Stricter Liability’ provision in UK law to apply when a motor vehicle is in an accident with a cyclist or pedestrian. I believe that you make a very strong case that appears to be accepted in large part, by the Minister on the evidence of his reply to my colleague Richard Burden MP. Yours sincerely, Martin Caton M.P.
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Charity Begins at Home
By Big Bob
I am scrawling this article lolling in my favourite armchair, the inevitable steaming mug of tea at hand after a brisk days riding in the depth of winter with a midweek group of the usual reprobates who have more in common with “Just William” than the mature dignified persona they try to project in their normal or working lives, those that have working lives that is. For truth to tell, it is a well known fact that dedicated Bikies make but indifferent employees and offer sad returns for their long suffering masters. The plethora of Cycling Mags at the work station, the sniffing of the early spring air at the open office window, the unkempt garden, the complete lack of interest in current Football conversation, all highlight the hopeless case. Age is no barrier to the deep affliction in fact this brings us to a little realized facet of our “Wheeled Delight”. It is a strange Time Machine. A solid group of mature riders (or bloody old men, take your choice) can be transported, during the course of a days ride, into boisterous boys at the first downhill swoop or echoing railway underpass. Strutting their stuff in front of long suffering Barmaids and Café waitresses, who’s upturned eyes say it all, is also par for the course. Thus you are able to see the amazing time travelling capabilities of the humble bike at first hand. In my own case, on more than one occasion, while quietly peddling alone along some familiar deserted winding lane, a powerful memory will place beside me a past laughing riding companion, no longer with us alas, and I will have to curb the urge to sprint for the village road sign as we used to of old. Funny things these Cycling Time Slips so if you see me talking to myself, don’t interrupt, the conversation could be a pleasant one. Oh! Before I forget to tell you, a momentous event occurred on today’s ride, it occurs every year and always grabs me with a sharp intensity. The first sighting of Snowdrops. A carpet of them gleaming in a lonely Dorset country churchyard. They hit me like a, so English, deep chord of Vaughan Williams music. Why such a small fragile flower should effect me so I’ll never understand,but it does, and I know as long as they continue to bob and smile in Dorset Churchyards, all will be well. Now on to more pressing matters. I refer of course to the buzz of concern regarding the CTC’s powers that be’s efforts to convert our 120 year old Cycling
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Club into a Charity. You will not be surprised to hear the talk is of nothing else at our Residential Retirement Hotel “Le Hotel du Velo Sportif” mentioned in previous articles. The intense discussions usually migrate from the library to the bar area as the evenings progress where much sipping of the rougher end of the Dorset Real Ale spectrum takes place. Does it mean if the conversion succeeds we will be concerned with larger green issues? Yes it does. Four pints Dave queried.”What about my favourite Suffolk Brewery, Green King”? We all agreed that would need supporting. David L was next to take the floor being somewhat concerned whether support would be provided for his favourite charity “The Rescue Mission for Fallen Ladies of Easy Virtue.” Mike L quickly responded to the effect that all his life he had endeavoured to make Ladies fall so the least the CTC could do for his exorbitant membership subscription was rescue a few. After a puzzled silence David C remembered seeing a film or advertisement of a group of monkeys riding bikes and hoped the CTC Charity would further the training and the use of the bike in the animal world. He was assured this would be so as Mike W was in the process of augmenting the Saturday Burley Ride with a troop of various members of the animal kingdom. With Terry’s help, and if the reluctance of some of the Ant Eater section could be overcome, he was sure good work could be done. What would happen upon arrival at the café was anyone’s guess but he felt sure the excellent staff there would cope. A particular ungallant member of our community, who shall be nameless enquired whether his ex wife who savaged him on more then one occasion could, join such a group. He was assured this could be so as long as proof of toilet training could be shown as per the animal contingent. He seemed happy with this and wandered back to his fireside game of Dominoes. Steve G wondered whether the Christchurch Bicycle Club could become a registered charity also and with all the government funding that would then flow all the members could retire and never work again. This it was thought was not the probable intention. As the evening matured it was generally agreed that should conversion occur more and more staff would be added to headquarters, the monster would grow and eventually take over the Liberal Democratic Party and be led by leaders with no more idea about true cycling than a pork pie. But somewhere out there a lone rider will be seen, deep in the lanes, wearing a well used CTC road jersey and who, it was thought, would focus in all the excited mayhem on his quality of daily Club Life. Would he have to leave and join a . . . what could you call it . . . a Cycling Club? A long silence descended,the large log fire settled and crackled,and all stared into their beer tankards. . . . RIDE HARD. BIG BOB.
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Freewheeling Competition
By Dave Langley
6th
January was the day of the joint Potterers and Alternatives freewheeling competition to be held at Tarrant Crawford. In past years there have been as many as 40 competitors out on the day, all keen to perform well in this event and hopefully for one lucky person, to receive the trophy presented to the winner at the AGM later in the year. Unfortunately, after several weeks of extremely cold, icy and snowy weather conditions, this particular day turned out to be very, very wet. The ride started at Wimborne Rec and upon arrival we found there were only five riders brave or foolhardy enough to go out on the day. These were in no particular order: Peter Durant (of course), Denis Everleigh, Jim McDonald, Dave Langley and Chas Lewis who had come out with his 19 month old son Morgan “happily” sitting in his Co-Pilot child seat atop the pannier rack; a ruse clearly aimed to introduce him to the joys of club cycling on this fine day. Sadly, Morgan didn’t think the 20 mile round trip to Blandford, even with the prospect of helping his dad win the downhill competition by adding the extra weight plus the enjoyment of the cafe stop for his equivalent to tea and toasted teacake, quite justified the amount of time still to be spent out in the rain. So Chas decided to head straight home for an early drying off. When the four remaining riders got to the top of the hill above Tarrant Crawford, very wet by now as the rain had not let up at all, we collectively decide to get on with the competition as quickly as possible. In the past we’ve had the expert assistance of very capable people like Alan Dodson and Bob Courtney to perform the supporting and releasing process for each competitor but for some strange reason they were missing on this day. So we just got on with it and balanced ourselves momentarily at the top and then let go to descend the hill as rapidly as possible. First off was Dave Langley who managed to cover quite a reasonable distance to stop some few metres beyond the entrance to Tarrant Crawford farm and church on the right hand side. In rapid succession Denis and Jim then followed both stopping just a few feet behind Dave. Peter then appeared and sailed past all three and stopped another few metres beyond Dave; Peter can now claim the title of 2011 freewheeling Champion and look forward to the awards ceremony later in the year. Following the competition we all hurried off to Scruples cafe in Blandford to dry off briefly and enjoy our own versions of tea and teacake. Three of us then hurried off home as quickly as possible to get dried off properly, but Jim decided he wasn’t wet enough yet or maybe too wet to care any more, and took off for a longer ride towards Child Okeford before eventually heading back home later in the day. One salutary lesson from this experience is that the first week of January is not the ideal time for this competition. Even if snow and ice don’t get us, pouring rain will. Maybe we’ll look seriously at running it later in the year.
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Potterers’ Christmas Lunch The Thursday Potters and Alternatives met at The Albion in Verwood for their annual Christmas Lunch on the 16th December. A good number rode out but the majority took their cars. I think the smiles in the photographs confirm that all who
attended had a grand time. A big thank you to Rob Garnet and Dave Langley for getting us all together and again to Rob for organising the event with The Albion.
A Month on the Costa Blanca
By John Hayter
In January eight from Bournemouth met up with 20 other cyclists for an informal cycling month in Denia on the Costa Blanca. Denia is mid sized Spanish town with Castle, Old Town, Daily car ferry to Ibiza and two good bike shops. The cycling starts easily enough through six miles of orange groves and then up and down and up again. A special award for Internationalism is due to Colin and Sarah Barrett who went out with the Denia ex-pats and showed them some real riding. They also get the Alternative International award for getting the bikes safely to Spain but leaving the wheel skewers in Bournemouth. Whoops! Ralph Huckle gets the Going Native award. Not being able to ride as much as hoped Ralph signed up for two weeks intensive Spanish lessons in readiness for future cycling adventures in Spain. Most Deceptive Cyclist goes to Rosalie Hayter who after protesting that six miles to coffee was enough was then seen at a variety of distant cafes, all needing to get over 300 metre climbs. What was going on? The Hard Rider award goes to Allan Lilley who went out with a small group doing fast speeds, long distances, major climbs and unmade mountain roads. Respect, Allan! I was just pleased to get up some of the big climbs such as the Maserof 640m, Col de Rates 626m and Castell de Castells 803m. Our thanks are due to Mike Walsh who provided team transport to and from Gatwick for four of us and a van load of bikes.
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Welcome to the AGM rides
By Ken Reed
Everyone Welcome at the AGM Rides. The AGM is part of our centenary celebrations and we will be organising four rides on 14th and 15th May. Please come and ride and help if you can. We expect that many of our AGM visitors will join us. On 14th May we will be leading a short ride from Weymouth rail
station to the AGM venue. This will leave at 11h15 to arrive at the National Sailing Academy in time for the start of the AGM at 12h30. On 15th May we will be organising two on road rides and one mountain bike ride. The meeting place for the road rides on 15th May will be at the RSPB centre in the Swannery car park in Weymouth town centre, map reference SY67555 79605. We will meet at 09h30 with the longer ride leaving at 09h45 and the shorter family and grandparents ride starting at 10h00. Both rides will return to the Swannery car park by 15h30. The rides will explore the lanes and byways of Dorset and visit the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The leaders and assistants are locals with huge enthusiasm for the county. They will show you the hidden Dorset which still exists away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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The family ride will be about 22 miles. Walking up the steeper hills will be the order of the day and all will have time to stop and stare. The ride is suitable for anyone, adults or accompanied children, who are reasonably fit. We will follow the coast to Abbotsbury, visiting Fleet church famously featured in Faulkner’s book The Moonfleet. We will look down on the famous Abbotsbury Swannery before stopping to explore the ancient village of Abbotsbury. There will be ample time to have coffee or an early lunch in one of the many cafés. On the return journey we will pass close to Hardy’s Monument and visit Portesham before tea at the Wishing Well café Upwey. Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Family_Ride The link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm The longer ride will be 36 hilly miles. It is ideal for regular club riders who enjoy the challenge of some steep hills and can average around 10mph in hilly country. We will climb over the Downs for coffee in the farm shop at Martinstown. After coffee we will go up to Hardy’s Monument which on a clear day gives views of over 60 miles. When you can see the Isle of Wight it is going to rain. We then descend to sea level via the lovely Bredy Valley, one of Dorset’s hidden gems. Lunch is at the Beehive Café on the beach at Burton
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Bradstock. We then take the direct route to Abbotsbury and onwards to Portesham. Tea will be taken at one of the many cafĂŠs in Abbotsbury. Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Road_Ride The link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm The mountain bike ride will start at 09h45 from the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy car park nearest to the entrance to the blue building, map reference SY67645 74630. Portland offers superb technical mountain biking right along the very cliff edge. If you can take your mind off the trail there are spectacular coastal views in every direction. We locals want to make the ride available for any competent mountain biker without spoiling the fun for the experts. If you are up for it you can do the cliff top route several times or you may prefer to test yourself on the rocky sections near the Bill. It will be your choice. We will probably be waiting for you in the Lobster Pot CafĂŠ overlooking the famous Portland Bill tidal race. Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Offroad_ride The link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm
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RIP Bill McMullen
By Eamonn Deane
Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers founder member and former president Bill McMullen (pictured centre in club sweatshirt) sadly passed away December 21st age 96. Along with a few other local enthusiasts, including his future wife, Dee, they formed the club in 1935, the Jubilee year of King George V. It was to be a club catering for social and touring only. All racing was prohibited, a good job really because nobody owned a cycle that could possibly be used for racing. Within a month well attended club runs of 40 or more were riding to places as far away as Devon and Bristol. Bill, as secretary would book the cafes for the tea stops and the traffic free roads made it a golden era for British club cycling. Whilst Bill and Dee were away touring in the Lake District in the summer of 35 the club held its first time trial and it was obvious the club rules would have to be changed. A lot of furious training took place through the winter and in the spring of 1936 the club held its first official Time Trial, a “25”. The advent of a new club in the area was viewed with suspicion from the other already established clubs. However as Bill mischievously remarked in 1985, when reminiscing about the early years “Other clubs began to miss their most dashing men members who were drawn to the bevy of beauties who made up the numbers in the Jubilee” Bill served the club in almost every capacity from secretary, treasurer to president but it was his willingness to promote, marshal and help out at all the club and open events that set him apart. Bill’s other love was golf, and after retirement as well as cycling he would play nearly everyday. Bill McMullen is survived by wife Dee, three sons & two daughters. The Cortege was led to the chapel by members of the Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers.
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BJW Reliability Rides
By Mike Walsh
The last Reliability Ride in the winter series was the 100 miles in eight hours. The Sunday brought a very wet and windy day which limited the field to 32. Most of the riders cut the ride short and returned before completing the 100 miles. The photograph is of the Rowes coming up to High Lea Corner just over 40 miles around the route. Peter Warhurst wrote to the Rowes:Congratulations to young George (and dad) for completing the 100 on Sunday. This would have been quite an achievement for a 14 year old in decent weather but in Sunday's attrocious conditions it was remarkable, demanding huge grit and determination Very well done. I think it likely that George is the youngest ever to complete the BJW 100. Cliff Rowe replied:- Thank you for your congratulations. It was quiet an eventful day. Several times I gave George options to either cut short, and ride the 100k, or wait in a pub with a hot chocolate while I went and got the car. The low point for George came after we left Plush. George descended the hill to Piddletrenthide and could not make the bend, he just missed the crash barriers, and rode down a steep grass bank until he went over the handlebars. He jumped up more worried about his bike than himself. After this incident I was concerned for him, and in my panic I misread the route instructions (again) and we found ourselves in Dorchester! I suffered a couple of punctures, and with the strong wind not letting up I started to get concerned about fading light, and Georges stamina. However after 107.5 miles we finally made it back to the club house. I was mentally exhausted and we both were really pleased to see friendly faces who insisted that we walked over a freshly mopped floor and had a cup of coffee. I always appreciate the work that goes into running any BJW events, but our reception just rammed home what a great club I belong to. It was a day George and myself will never forget. We will now have to wait to see if he wants to do it again. Cliff They deserved coffee and cake when they returned after such a day and if that meant mopping the floor again well! Mike.
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From Eric’s Archive
By Eric Watson
The tree at Minstead. Martin and Jeanette King, Duncan, Peter Collins, Ron Lewis, Vicki Hinchcliffe & Eric Dayman
Witchampton the Thursday Potterer's birthday ride 1979
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Certificate of Merit
By Keith Matthews
Under the guise of a club night, which the Blackmore Vale Section held at Marnhull at the end of February, assembled members surprised Richard and Margaret with the Certificate of Merit which had been applied for to the CTC. They receive the certificate shown in the photograph and also a written citation, the text of which is printed below. A very happy evening was had by all. Richard and Margaret are Life Members of CTC in every sense. Richard joined in 1955 and Margaret in 1966. Wherever they have lived; from Yorkshire, Devon, Kent, Wiltshire, Scotland and now Somerset, they have been active CTC local officials, or started new sections where none existed. Margaret’s caring and generous nature has supported the welfare of Club members in all their groups. Richard’s skill as a ride planner and leader is legendary. Throughout his CTC life, members have benefited from his thorough research and remarkable knowledge to enhance rides. Margaret and Richard led CTC Tours in Europe and at home, organised Youth Hostel trips, social events and attend the Birthday Rides every year. They keep abreast of campaigns for local cycling facilities and seek out potential routes to encourage cycling in their area. For the last ten years Richard has been CTC Wessex Treasurer and Margaret a CTC Wessex Vice President. They created and ran the Blackmore Vale Section for ten years and are now positively encouraging the growing group. Richard and Margaret exemplify the altruism of a true CTC local Group Member, and have the respect of all cyclists who know them.
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FOR SALE THINKING OF LONG DISTANCE CYCLE TOURING.? COMPLETELY KITTED LIGHT WEIGHT TOURING BIKE. Dawes (Handbuilt) Horizon, almost as good as new, sadly ridden only a few hundred miles. Frame 21” Double butted 501 tubing. Rear pannier carrier. Shimano Altus A20 Rear Mech 21 gears. Alesa Rims with Exage HB-RM50 hubs and Sprint tyres. Quick release. Shimano calips brakes with hooded levers. Vetta Lite Gel Saddle. Vetta computer. Carradice Long Flap Touring saddlebag – well used but in vgc. Twin Tention Pannier bags. Manuals for bike and computer.
Bargain at £250 Peter Du Lieu Tel 01202 745472 Pedpet75@yahoo.com..
WANTED Power Assisted Bke. - Peter Du Lieu. Contact as above.
WANTED Gents 1950's/60's roadster, 21 inch frame with hub gears, condition isn't so important because I can restore it. Bob Colman (CTC Member) TEL: 01202 761228
I have some cycling books to give away. First come basis, collect from my home.
Big Eric Watson. (01202) 581669 ficwaso@gmail.com The Great Races by Eddy Merckx & Leon Michaux (1985) Classic Cycle Races of Europe by Rudolf Geser (1993) El Mundo Fabuloso Ciclismo by Tonnoir & Merckx (1982) in Spanish The Fabulous World of Cycling 1983 Season by Eddy Merckx The Cycling Year, 1990 cycle racing season by Phil Liggett (1990) Tony Doyle 6 Day Rider by Geoffrey Nicholson. Signed first edition. In High Gear by Samuel Abt (1989) Paperback Sprinter by Malcolm Elliott (1990) A Rough Ride by Paul Kimmage(1990)
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Cycle Ink #160
Informal Wayfarers Rides to Burley This ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leader and no back up, but generally an experienced cyclist somewhere around. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities.
Start 08:45 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday Or 09:00 at The Oak PH, Burton
Or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00
Contributions and Photographs The committee meeting date is the deadline for Newsletter contributions. Editorial policy is to print all contributions, with minimal editing for the purposes of layout only. Contribute by any way you like. Photographs are welcome in any form.
http://www.bournemouthctc.org “CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Bournemouth a division of the CTC Wessex Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year for members. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club.
Cycle Ink #160
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