The Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling
Summer 2014
Picture Caption (L to R):Bridport Mayor Maggie Ray, Kevin Humphreys (Sustrans), Clare Marshall (Dorset County Council), George Sartin (Sustrans), Julian Brooks (Friends of the Trailway group), Colin James (Chargehand, Dorset Highways), Daryl Chambers (Town Surveyor, Bridport Town Council) and Martin Ray (Bridport Town Council).
PTM Tour Day 2- Chateau at St Sauveur-le-Vicomte
Summer 2014
The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch A bumper issue this time! Our CTC Wessex cyclists have been out there touring . . . and what’s more have stopped to write it up. Keep it up for future issues please!
Keith The big news is that construction work started on the Bridport-Bradpole section of the Maiden Newton to Bridport Trailway on 17th March. As planned, this starts from Sea Road North, runs around the bottom of the Co-op car park then along the top of the flood bank through Happy Island to the wood behind Wellfields Drive in Bradpole, emerging through the existing alleyway. The construction should be complete by early May, and there was a formal ribbon cutting ceremony in mid-May. Bridport mayor Maggie Ray said: “This is great news, especially as a safe route to school. We'd like to thank Sustrans for all their hard work and persistence.” Daryl Chambers, Bridport's Town Surveyor added: “This new path will be another link in a great cycle and walking network around Bridport, and there's more to come.” Many of you will know George Sartin, who has worked on the Trailway project from its outset. He was delighted that construction work has finally begun: “This couldn't have happened without the help of the landowners involved between Bridport and Bradpole. Travis Perkins, the Co-op and private landowners had all been very supportive, as have Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council and Bridport Town Council.” As long-term supporters will know, Sustrans' eventual aim is to build a path with landowner consent all the way from Bridport to Maiden Newton, using the route of the disused railway wherever possible. A short stretch of Trailway already exists at Maiden Newton, and negotiations are ongoing between Maiden Newton and Toller Porcorum, and Bradpole to Loders. Any questions/comments: Contact Peter Henshaw (01935) 389357 peterpodd@yahoo.co.uk Members might remember that the old Wessex DA (the forerunner of CTC Weesex Cycling and CTC West Dorset gave money in support of this development.
Calendar Dates For 2014 Apr 12th Apr 13th
Hardboiled 300km Dorset Coast 200km Dorset Coastlet 100km
Shawn Shaw Peter Loakes Peter Loakes
01202 685014 01305 263272 01305 263272
Apr 13th May 4th May 11th May 11th May 11th May 11th May 24th Jun 28th Aug 10th Aug 10th Sept 7th Sept 7th Sept 7th Sept Sept 7th Oct 12th
Porkers 400km New Forest Challenge 50km New Forest Day Out 100km New Forest 150km New Forest Excursion 200km Brimstone 600km Devon and Dorset Downs Dorset Downs 100km Dorset Downs 150km New Forest Challenge 50km New Forest and Coast 100km New Forest Century 150km New Forest On/Off Shore 200km Dorset Dirt 50km offroad The Gridiron 100km
Shawn Shaw John Ward John Ward John Ward John Ward Shawn Shaw Peter Loakes Justin Oakley Justin Oakley John Ward John Ward John Ward John Ward Ken Reed John Jackson
01202 685014 01590 671205 01590 671205 01590 671205 01590 671205 01202 685014 01305 263272 07968 213833 07968 213833 01590 671205 01590 671205 01590 671205 01590 671205 01305 772654 01590 683815
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 make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00
Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson. Next committee meeting: 20th August 2014 at 19:30 Committee meetings 2014; 22nd Oct (AGM) ; 19th Nov Secretary: Mike Walsh: 17 Grove Gdns, Southbourne Rd, B’mouth BH8 9JQ TEL: (01202) 429985 Email jmichaelwalsh@aol.com Editor: Keith Matthews: 10 Hill View Road, Ferndown, BH22 9QY TEL: (01202) 855001 Email keithjanet@btinternet.com “CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year for members. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club. Contributions and Photographs: The committee meeting date is the deadline for Newsletter contributions. Contribute by any way you like. Photographs are welcome in any form.
www.bournemouthctc.org
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www.wessexctc.org
The PTM Tour 2014
By Paul Rush
Participants:- Michael, Andre, Steve, Jill and Paul Real names have not been used to protect the innocent. 29th March: I awoke to a fine sunny day all the bike and kit had been packed the night before. I left the house at 07:15 to rendezvous with Andre just outside the Rose & Crown. A good down hill run to Poole to meet the others at 07:45 at the entrance to the ferry for Cherbourg. All the team were in good spirits in anticipation of our adventure ahead. All went smoothly boarding and we sat in the dining room discussing the route over the full English breakfast in anticipation of using up the calories later in the day. We arrived in Cherbourg at 12:45 GMT and then converted to French time GMT + 1hr. We all had typed and shrink wrapped maps and instructions from the PTM book along with Garmins set to full alert. None of this prepared us for the self inflicted confusion that resulted in us getting lost within the first mile. Once we had established that different Garmin routes where being followed and no one was paying attention assuming others knew the way we got back on course. Overconfidence expelled full attention now reigned for the entire trip. Once we had got up the hill out of Cherbourg it was long straight and wide cycle paths that followed the old railway line on firm gravel surfaces. We arrived together in St-Sauveur-le-Vicomte at 19:30 some 57km from home after the compulsory coffee stop in Bricquebec for refuelling. The paths were peppered with primroses to compliment the French countryside views. Michael had one puncture en-route which was to prove a regular feature until a split tyre was established as the eventual culprit. The hotel Auberge-Vieux-Chateau was just that, overlooking a fine medieval structure, this soon paled into insignificance after a good shower followed by 6 huites, pork hock, crème brulee, wine and coffee. Philippe looked after us well and locked the bikes in a garage therefore an early night to satisfy the dropping heads was required to round off our first day. 30th March: We all had a satisfying fuel loading breakfast and were on the road by 09:30, photos in front the Chateau and back on the PTM trail. All went well until after the lunch stop in Carentan when the signage became a little confusing. The Garmins indicated 100m to the left for the PTM, Andre and I ignored this advice and followed the PTM signage indicating ‘Walkers’ which eventually turned into a rough stone track, having total disregard for going in the wrong direction we hammered on. The
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others had the good sense to backtrack as the footpath became rough and continued on the Garmin route to enjoy a better surface around to Pellerin and the actual PTM. Andre and I rejoined the cycle PTM a little further on and raced along the very twisting route through the salt marshes to Jean-de-Daye hoping to meet up with the others. We did not meet up with the others (although we covered a longer route) so continued on to St-Lo as this was the only location we had not booked an overnight stay and needed time to investigate the options. The cycle track to St-Lo winds itself along and follows the spectacular river La Vire. We enquired in the boulangerie directions for a hotel other than the Mercure in the town centre, our limited appreciation of the French spoken word sent us around the town and up a steep hill – no hotels were sighted and we arrived back down in the town. A quick call to Michael who happened from a previous visit to know that the Mercure hotel was the same chain as the Ibis budget we were seeking. The Reception staff at the Mercure were prepared and gave us a street map of the town with other hotel locations. Back up the same hill and on further we then booked in to the Ibis. The others arrived a little later after experiencing two more punctures and a split tyre to Michael’s rear wheel. The next door building was a steak house which served us well for dinner. It was decided that the following morning Michael and I would go to Decathlon (a bike shop) just down the hill whilst the others would proceed on to Sourdeval. Another early night after some 55miles, we all felt by now that riding on the tracks instead of the road was much harder won miles than we anticipated. 31st March: Up at 08:00 to the patter of rain on the window, and a very nice help yourself breakfast (how do we eat so much!) Michael and I left the hotel at 09:00 in full waterproof gear and set off down the hill to Decathlon. Michael purchased a tyre, a folding tyre, tubes and a gilet I purchased a pair of gloves and a nice blue colour french cycling short sleeve shirt. We only went in for a tyre! (bike porn works!!). We left the shop at 10:00 and decided to stick to the road, the trade in effort is road + hills or track + flat (the choice is yours). We rejoined the trail at Les Roches-de-Ham and on to coffee at Tessy-Sur-Vire. We were a little late and the restaurant was filling up with trades people for lunch, it certainly looked the place to eat a good French lunch, however our purist instincts drove us on. We remained on the trail until Pont-Farcy then returned to the road into
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Vire. We had escaped the rain and were now stripped down to shorts and short sleeves in bright sunshine, we located a boulangerie and tucked into baguette with cheese and bacon+ pain au chocolat + the most delicious citrus tart decorated with a lemon slice (this is the life!) Up the hill out of Vire and rejoined the trail with a good surface into Sourdeval the trail passed through some fine straightThe treesLoire decorated with Mistletoe as we enjoyed some 53miles for the day. We arrived at 16:45 with the others arriving a little later. David and Teresa Hobbs accommodated us well with a room in the old mill and a gite alongside which was originally the engine house. We were entertained by their border collie rescue dog before we sat down to a grand home cooked meal consisting of beef stew with lashings of potatoes and vegetables followed by apple tart and ice cream. There was a little whingeing from the others in the group sharing the gite during dinner, as I had inadvertently used most of the hot water blissfully unaware that it would not re-heat before they arrived. Unfortunately the system was on a night storage tariff and would not re-heat until 12 o’clock that night, what could I say to placate them as they sat down to dinner with a ruddy glow after a cold bath, ‘it is reputed to be good for you’ was not received with the usual bon-accord! The location of the property was low down by a river which also made for a damp atmosphere inside and out unless a fire was going. Our spirits were lifted in the morning by a superb help yourself breakfast with fantastic boiled eggs sat around the huge ornate wood burner stove. 1st April: We thanked our English and Polish host and set off down the trail at 09:30. We were all bowling along the beautiful trail 10k from Mortain when my free wheel fell apart sprinkling bearings and pawls along the track and ceasing my forward momentum. I must say it had lasted well for 40yrs Was the date relevant in this occurrence? We removed the rear wheel and noted the cogs flapping around the spindle like a harlot’s bracelet from which we deduced that it was not repairable. There was some discussion as to whether I should be left in the wilderness for using the hot water the previous night, fortunately they took pity on my plight. It did in fact evolve into a great team effort, Steve extracted a length of bailing twine from a farmers gate to use as a tow line, Andre towed, Michael went ahead to raise the ‘no traffic’ barriers crossing the trails at each road crossing, Jill directed any traffic at the road crossings and Steve assisted the tow at the uphill bits by cycling alongside and pushing me with one arm, then dropping back to close the barriers behind us. In this slick
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fashion we achieved an uninterrupted tandem ride into Mortain, I must say there is nothing as self effacing as being towed on a cycle unable to propel one’s self in the natural way of things. Michael went ahead to enquire as to a cycle shop in the town. We could not believe our luck that just outside Mortain (back up the hill which we had coasted down) was the most fantastically equipped cycle workshop which also ran a cycle race team with sponsored car! The mechanic located a 6 speed CW that fitted to replace the original 5 speed (I think he was more used to cassettes!) In very quick time we were back on the road so we walked across the road to celebrate our good fortune with a cup of coffee, Andre’s legs were mighty relieved and so took additional sustenance by an added Calvados. We again set off only to find that the existing chain was too wide or too worn (In the excitement of repair we all forgot the adage ‘new cogs/new chain’) I returned with Andre to the bike shop (I think he really wanted to ensure that he would not have to tow me to St Malo) where my team mechanic fitted a new chain in minutes (eat your heart out Sky team) and we caught up with the Pelaton on the trail just before the lunch stop in St-Hilaire-du-Harcouet. PHEW! What a relief for the bike to be working again! After a good lunch from the boulangerie hot pizza and yet more tarts (Steve favoured a bright pink number) a good afternoon was had rolling along the coast road into Ardevon some 67km for the day’s run. After a shower we heard sheep outside the window for some time, upon opening the window blinds hundreds of sheep were seen being herded down the road by two sheep dogs followed by two shepherds on quad bikes, an amazing sight. The local delicacy of the area on the dinner menu was lamb, which was amazing supplemented with some good wine. 2nd April: After our last look at Mont-St-Michel we said goodbye to other PTM travellers and set off at 09:00 for an easy run of 34miles into St Malo. We did stop regardless of distance, for the usual pit stop at a fine Charcuterie and once again sat in a typical French square watching the world go by. The hotel Quic-en-Groine (not pronounced ‘kick in the ****) was a great spot within the Citadel. After a walk around the town and putting
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the world to rights in a local bar we all met up for dinner at a chosen restaurant, unfortunately it was closed so we went to a nearby bar for dinner. My French was not improving as my expected small starter of ‘Terrine of sardines’ turned out to be tinned sardines on toast upon a huge pile of green salad (we live and learn!) 3rd April: At 05.15hrs to the sound of birdsong we set off without breakfast for the short ride in the rain to the ferry port. The hotel manager operated the garage door by phone to let us gain access to the bikes, much to our relief. We then stood in the cold wind and rain for about and hour (where were the facilities for cyclists!) until boarding the Condor fast-cat. Revived by hot tea and pain au chocolat we arrived in Jersey. Andre and I decided despite the force 6 westerly wind and heavy rain to go for a ride. We headed west from St Helier. Not the best of ideas but we felt like the ‘Tour de France’ on a rest day. After some 37km into the wind and rain and up some very steep hills we decided to return to the others located happily in the café in the Old Market and ate some very nice lasagne. We should know better at our age to go out in such conditions! Very wet we again stood about in the cold wet carpark before boarding the Condor fast-cat where we changed and dried out. A nice flat crossing to Weymouth allowed us to eat plenty for the short ride to the Weymouth train station. Andre and I said a sad farewell to the others and caught the train to Wareham. We had a brisk ride in the rain again, but it did not matter as we were soon home in Lytchett Matravers. Upon reflection it was a great six days cycling in good company with many adventures to elaborate to our friends and family in the weeks ahead. The enjoyment of experiencing the greater family of cycling and the incredible courtesy of French motorists was an immense pleasure to be recommended.
Pail 9
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Enigmas All Around Us
By Shawn Shaw
“As we bicycle the lanes and byways we see all manner of things to raise our curiosity and we promise ourselves to find out more, and sometimes we actually do!”
ROADSIDE STONES: The first wayside marker is passed by the Wayfarers on the outskirts of Burley each Saturday. Carved on one side ‘To Ringwood’ and then: PEACE ‘Reƒt and be thankful’ underneath. On Reƒtored the opposite face is inscribed ‘To 27th March Crow’. The face between bears the 1802 wording: Celebrating the Treaty of Amiens (signed on that day and so ending 9 years of war with Napoleon) the stone is witness to the heartfelt relief and public rejoicing of the time. Thomas Eyre of Burley Manor is credited with the placement of this stone and others in and around Burley. In the treaty Spain secures Minorca and cedes Trinidad to Britain: Britain gains Ceylon from the Batavian Republic: Britain retrocedes all conquered French Colonies to France complete with the internationally condemned practice of slavery. The Treaty provided respite, a hiatus, enabling Britain to prepare for further military actions with Napoleonic France. PEACE ended 16th May 1803 and is dubbed, by some historians, the Phoney Peace. The second marker is passed monthly on Mike’s Saturday Morning 60 to Moreton. Down Yearlings Drove, up Brock Hill on past Throop Clump atop the ridge twixt Piddle and Frome stands another wayside marker. On the west face of the stone are the Broad Arrow and WD indicating ‘Military’. Bought on 16 Feb 1899 to be a rifle range from the Frampton estate for £4,300 the stone marks the NW limit of the 1,000+ acre parcel, and, the start of Bovington Garrison. Wrapped over the top and down the front face of the stone the weather worn inscription reads: THE CORRECT POSITION FOR THIS STONE IS 25 FEET DISTANT IN A DIRECTION 20° WEST OF NORTH ←
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Niki and the Inters passed our third marker on Sunday Feb 2nd this year. The stone stands at the roadside after Rockborne on the first rise toward Coombe Bissett. Informative, we are told that we are 22 miles from Poole Gate. Poole Gate once stood where Town Gate Bridge now passes over the railway as a plaque built into the bridge pier attests. From the Gate Towngate Lane, converged with Market St and High St at the seating area close to Halfords. Site of a Civil War battle the Towne Gate was demolished by order of Charles II after the restoration but remains a main access point into the ‘Old Town’ area of Poole. Also, six miles from Cranborne: having ridden directly it is more than that! Follow back down the hill and the modern road turns left along the valley to Rockborne. The road of the marker does not; it runs on across Toyd Down to Tidpit Cross. A B.O.A.T., unmettled & rough, further stones mark the Salisbury / Poole Gate coach road. Most are complete but bear the wear of time, some have been broken. Beside the mettled road from Tidpit into Cranborne the 2mile marker stone has been painted white, the letters in black, and stands where the woods enwrap the road. These stones have all stood intact through many generations; weather worn, less conspicuous, their job done and overlooked now, if not forgotten. Once the labourer cutting back the vegetation to allow sight of the information did the job by hand and little was the damage occasioned. Mechanised hedge cutting methods (for speed and efficiency no doubt) have not been so mindful of the wayside markers. Will the Peace stone be there in another 200 yrs? Or the others? Will they continue to remind us from whence we come and guide our way ahead? Is there more to tell? Citation for further reading: www.Britannica.com www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk From Rifle Range to Garrison by G E Lanning (1970) History of Poole by H P Smith (1958) Shawn Colour snaps: 2014 © Shawn Shaw
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Rouleurs Car Assisted Ride . . . Thursday
15th
By Michael Woodhall
May
For the last year or so the Thursday Rouleurs have been holding a car assisted ride, usually once a quarter. The aim is to get ourselves further afield and explore more. Chief route-finders for these rides are Dave Langley and John Jackson. Because it’s a question of new terrain, we aim to reconnoitre the route some 3 weeks beforehand. Our latest ride started at Bishop’s Waltham and took a clockwise route through Cheriton, Alresford, Farringdon, Selborne, Petersfield and returning along the Meon Valley. Lots of climbing for the most part, followed by a glorious downhill finish for the last 5 miles or so. All done in the most glorious cycling weather. The nine of us Dave Langley, Adrian Hobbs, Judy Gordon, Paul Rush, Michael Woodhall, John Jackson, Mike (all the way from Wimborne) and Jo Gordon, and Denis Eveleigh. Coffee was in Alresford at the Courtyard Tea Rooms which is highly recommended. Lunch was at the Trooper Inn, Froxfield, just above Petersfield. Our tea stop was in a delightfully hidden café in West Meon, just behind the village shop. One of the highlights of the day was to meet up with John Hayter, Maggie Ross and Peter Rattue - they had ridden all the way from Bournemouth, eventually clocking up 120 miles on the day. On the reconnaissance ride some 3 weeks ago, ridden in some of the wettest conditions ever, we stopped at this café and were given such a warm welcome on a cold day by the young lady owner that Denis Eveleigh completely lost his heart to her. The only downside of our ride on Thursday was that it was not the lady but her equally welcoming sister who was was there to serve us. Ah well, you can’t have everything!
Michael
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A Delightful Day
By Jo Gordon
The weather forecast persuaded us that it was a good day for embarking on Shawn Shaw's Dorset Delight run as a Permanent 200km Audax. We had a clear blue sky all day for the ride which starts in Poole and goes via the Tarrant villages up to Shaftesbury. The John Peel Cafe's lovely bacon sandwich replenished our stores to continue on our way. All the villages we passed through were colourful with spring flowers and the sunshine had brought out the gardeners. The hedgerows sported masses of celandine, wild daffodils, violets in blue and white, primroses and Germander speedwell. The birdsong competed with the church bells it being a Sunday. We reached Stalbridge at lunchtime and stopped at Dike's, a traditional store that has been running for years, for a cuppa and then faced the hilly part of the ride. The good thing about hills (I hear you say are there any good things!) are the views afforded of the green valleys and the little villages – very picturesque. I also enjoyed the fields of sheep with Germander Speedwell tiny new born lambs. The longest part of the ride is then onto Dorchester through some really beautiful villages with lovely old houses to admire and take the mind off the straining leg muscles. Funnily enough the section from Grimstone up to the last roundabout before Dorchester had a solitary motorist shouting out of the car window at us- this is the third time on this particular piece of road this has happened – and not the same motorist! Mike had been looking forward, since we last did this ride in July 2013, to the warm chocolate fudge cake in The Royal Oak in Dorchester but was a little disappointed that my apple crumble tasted better. The last leg is back to Poole on such familiar territory that it seems easy and relaxing. Dorset is such a lovely county and this ride takes in so many pretty, quaint and beautiful areas no wonder it is called the Dorset Delight. Must not tell too many people though else they will all want to come here.
Jo
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The Magnificent Obsession
By Big Bob
When this short series of articles (not short enough I hear someone growling) was first commissioned for our beloved C.T.C. Bournemouth Newsletter the only stipulation made was that a concentration should be placed on the cultural and motivational drives of our chosen pastime; in other words, the mental aspects of the Bikies life. Nowhere is this made more manifest than in the differing approaches to the game exhibited by various Clubmen and Clubwomen and this is as it should be, but there is one class of rider who always moves me more than any other. They come in all shapes and sizes and indeed can be of any age although usually in order to have garnered the requisite life experience they are from middle age upwards. They are, in the main, quiet people often seen seated in distant CafÊ’s with bike outside, given to long periods of absence from the local scene and reappearing with sun tanned skin, battered saddlebags and well worn bikes. I refer of course to the rare obsessives among our great family of Cyclists. Their lives are not coloured by a love of Cycling, they are Cycling! Their motivation in rising from their beds is the bike and the lonely road into the hills and distant places. Although enjoying the society of fellow bikies and good natured banter when encountered they do not actively seek it and sometimes it is only their raised hand when passing that acknowledges your presence. Their knowledge of obscure far flung watering holes is extensive and when encouraged a vast experience of tiny villages, remote lanes and passes climbed is revealed. Among the general herd they are the ones whose head will kick up and hear the siren call beckoning them over the horizon, while we ordinaries are reaching for the next slice of cafÊ cake and after a period of restlessness they will be gone until satisfied. I remember a while ago standing excitedly behind a security barrier in France with a group of fellow Cyclists watching the start of a Tour de France individual prologue when I saw such a one. In my head the uproar around me died as I recognized briefly a face in the crowd on the opposite side of the road behind a further security barrier. The years rolled away and I remembered sharing a pot of tea with him one morning in a Youth Hostel in Kent, at the time when they were really hostels, while he was en route returning from France after weeks spent wandering in some European mountain chain or other. What travels he must have had in the intervening years. The crowds were dense and by the time the road could be crossed with a moving throng we had moved apart. So we never did meet up and I will never know, which leaves a strange ache. The rest of that stay in France with my companions was a merry one with good riding and good roads but occasionally on that trip I would wonder where that face in the
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crowd was heading and what strange byways were rolling under his wheels. He was, no doubt, as my favourite Irish Poet would say As mad as the mist and snow, but what a madness and what a life to live. Lets all remember to rise above the humdrum and take a slice of that life occasionally. Enough of these vapourings I hear you cry what news of Le Hotel du Velo Sportif Cyclists Retirement Manor and I would agree. It must be some four years ago now when, rejected among men, I pedaled up its curving tree lined driveway to join a like minded group of Cycling nuts and realized I was home. Therefore I was especially pleased when at a house committee meeting recently our President Terry proposed a “Great Birds On Bikes Day” to spread the joy of country pedaling to the ladies of the area and the uniqueness of the Manors services. The suggestion was enthusiastically received by all around the table and I’m sure if we had stuck to the original proposition a great day would have been enjoyed, indeed, a good number of ladies signed up for the day from the surrounding villages. About two weeks before the off a representation was made to the effect that it was wrong to isolate specific genders and that men also should be included. This was reasonable so therefore the ride was to become “The Great Birds And Blokes On Bikes Day” Two days later a further request was received from a charming gentleman as to why the exclusion of the vibrant local gay scene? It was at this point that the House Committee seemed to lose interest and it was suggested that maybe I should be given the singular honour of organizing and running the ride on my own. This was confusing as I am normally entrusted with nothing but this did not dampen the sense of pride I felt at their sudden show of trust in me with much patting of my back and sudden bursts of hilarity. So now MY ride had become The Great Birds, Blokes, And Gays On Bikes Day. To celebrate my promotion I pedaled down to the village pub that evening and stood at the bar with a pint of our glorious local brew “ The Dogs Knackers” clutched firmly in hand. Within minutes I felt the overwhelming presence of “ Bonzo” towering by the side of me. “ Bonzo” stands some 6ft 3ins tall and must be almost as wide across the shoulders not counting the hair and is our local contract agricultural tractor driver and not to be trifled with. “Bonzo” is also a full on, all bells ringing, up front throbbing transvestite and to have “Bonzo” chatting by your side in the bar wearing full women’s makeup, black tights and ra-ra skirt is a life changing experience. “Ere Bob, what’s this bike ride then, all right if I have a go with a few mates?” “Of course Bonzo”, I hesitantly croaked back. “I’m sure your little group will bring a certain élan to our petite jour ferie.” “Petty jor bloody what?” Bonzo’s brow darkened. “If you’re taking the piss a mouthful of handbag can soon be arranged.” “No,no, I assure you Bonzo, I merely meant your distinctive presence would add to the day”. Backing out of the bar with a sickly smile I grabbed the bike and set off for the manor almost colliding with Miss Featherton who was in the process of shutting up our local charity shop. Miss Featherton also runs our village charity “ Sunny Little Helpers”.
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“Ah Bob”. She chirped. “Just the man, don’t forget the Sunny Little Helpers will be on your wonderful bike day”. I smiled weakly. Back at the manor I tried to ignore the queasy feeling in my stomach and recapped. The ride pre-publicity handouts would now have to read, The Great Birds, Blokes, Gays, Bonzo’s Tranvestites and Sunny Little Helpers Bike Day. It hardly tripped off the tongue! That evening in the dining hall I asked if anyone would care to ride back-marker on the day to help keep Bonzo etc in order. There was a stony silence as everyone stared at their empty plates and coffee cups. Later I grabbed a mug of cocoa from the servery and made my way up to bed with a rising tide of apprehension about the whole thing. Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention on the house answer-phone the County Vegetarian Society and our local UKIP pressure group had also expressed a keen interest in participating for the publicity. At this rate the publicity banner will be longer than the bloody ride! So now I had “ The Great Birds, Blokes, Gays, Bonzo’s Travestites, Sunny Little Helpers, County Vegetarian Society and UKIP Bike Day OH LETS FORGET IT !!! Ride with as much harmony as possible.
It Could Happen to You . . . or perhaps it already has.
Big Bob
By Jim McDonald
Many will have heard how I came off my bike on Thursday 24th April, during a Group ride to Swanage, but I thought the circumstances might be of wider interest. I was descending through Studland village en-route to Sandbanks Ferry in the company of the Courtneys , Bob Frew and Eric. We were well spaced out and approaching 20 mph. The next thing I knew I was on the deck and only dimly conscious of those around me. The ambulance appeared to arrive in a very short space of time and I was carted off to A & E Poole Hospital. The usual checks were carried out and nothing serious found, so I was released into the care of Bob Frew. That was the easy bit – the pain came later. The sun was shining at the time and the road was slightly damp in places from a previous shower. I have no recollection of hitting a pothole, stone or swerving to avoid anything. The presence of two metal manhole covers and some uneven tarmac in the vicinity have been mentioned. The resident with whom Bob Frew left my bike said I was the second cyclist to have come off at that spot in as many days. The bike sustained only minor damage with the stem twisted round and scrapes on the brake levers . My new helmet,however, only purchased two days before, was smashed with a chunk torn out of the side. My cycle computer records a maximum speed of 48mph – is this the speed I hit the ground? I consider myself very lucky, as without the helmet I might been in a far more serious state. Needless to say I am very grateful l to all those who assisted me and enquired about me during my recovery.
Jim
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Right to Ride Report - May
By Paul M. Turner
Events : The Quay Cycle Celebration, Thursday 24th July 7 to 10pm Fun, free event where you can try the trick cycles and crazy bikes, browse around a wide range of cycle stalls, have your say on where new cycle lanes should be built in Poole and get your bike health-checked for free with a Dr Bike session. Momentum Cycle Challenge, 8th to 28th September. Workplaces compete for the highest proportion of employees cycling during the challenge period. Register your workplace www.lovetoride.net/momentum POOLE : Tatnam Road & St Margaret’s Road - Give Way road junctions are to be installed as these have been known to cause difficulties for cyclists when vehicles protrude over the lines into the cycle lane. Parts of Wimborne Road are due for repairs to the surface, and the road markings between Garland and Serpentine will then be reviewed after those works.
Wimborne Rd & Dorchester Road – this area is very controversial Wimborne Road southbound: there is the change in lanes from 3 to 2 and the provision of a new section of cycle lane and ASL (Advanced Stop Line) with feed in lane but removing widened central hatching Dorchester Road approach: remove proposed ASL’s and associated feed-in lanes. Wimborne Road northbound: retains proposed ASL without feed-in lane for the time being Vicarage Road approach: the benefit to cyclists being able to filter to the front of the queue here is worthwhile, and the revised layout would
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only lose stacking capacity for only approx. 3 cars - an issue at peak time only. The plans are below but have been modified as shown:
BOURNEMOUTH: Castle Lane West - As part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s commitment to making travel in and around Bournemouth easier, safer and more attractive, we will be carrying out major improvements on Castle Lane West between Broadway roundabout and Yeomans roundabout. Recognized as a key commuter route for those travelling to major employment sites and schools in Bournemouth, these improvements will benefit those who already travel to work and school
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by bike, bus and walking, and will help encourage others to travel more sustainably. As part of these major improvements we will: • Improve road safety for all commuters • Create high quality walking and cycling routes which separate cyclists from traffic and provide them with priority at side roads • Improve journey times for cyclists by using innovative technology including a cycle bypass to help cyclists travelling through the East Way junction • Enhance the area by de-cluttering and removing existing physical and visual barriers along pavements • Provide faster and safer crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists • Improve bus passenger waiting areas Bournemouth was labelled the second most dangerous place for cyclists outside of London. Police statistics for the past five years show cyclists between January 2008 and December 2012 hit nine pedestrians and none of these incidents occurred in pedestrian areas. In the same period, 638 cyclists were hit by vehicles last year. Bournemouth Square - CYCLING restrictions are to be lifted in Bournemouth in the hope of making the town more bike-friendly. Cyclists will be allowed to ride through Bournemouth Square and across Pier Approach for a 12- month trial period, to try and combat the town’s reputation as a dangerous place for cyclists. The council’s transport chief Cllr Michael Filer has appealed to cyclists to act responsibly to ensure the initiative is a success and has promised to stop the trial if there are accidents. Pokesdown to Iford Bridge – There are proposals to install Armadillos to separate motorised traffic and cycles!
Paul Right to Ride Representative Bournemouth & Poole
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MINUTES FOR COMMITTEE MEETING 'CTC WESSEX CYCLING' Wednesday 21st May 2014 19.30 1. PRESENT – Mike Walsh, Jo Gordon, Keith Matthews, Paul Turner (acting Chair) 2. APOLOGIES – Bob and Joan Courtney, Stephen Gray, John Jackson, Ralph Huckle, Terry Walsh, Julian James, Jim McDonald. 3. MATTERS ARISING – none from previous minutes 4. TREASURERS REPORT – £2.500 in the bank. £200 was received back from the National Office 5. NEWSLETTER – Keith has sufficient contributions at the moment. 6. RIGHT TO RIDE – Paul’s report will be published in the newsletter – a great deal going on 7. RUNS LEADERS REPORTS Thursday Potterers rides during February attracted minimal attendance due to poor weather, but since then have been well supported and on occasion exceed 20 in number, which necessitates splitting the ride into at least two groups on the road. It is noticeable that some stronger riders tend to migrate to the Potterers, when presumably the start point or coffee stop is more to their liking, but unfortunately the pace is not. This tends to further split the group over some distance, with odd riders in-between . This situation is more prevalent on the run out to coffee and is unhelpful to the designated rides leaders, does not set a good example to newcomers and is contrary to the good name and public image of the CTC. The approval of the Committee is sought for members to be reminded of the Group Code of Conduct, in the preamble to the Group’s web page. Breakdown of rides attendance to date :Mar 6 Start/ Coffee 13 Lunch 6 Apr 3 Start/ Coffee ? Lunch ? Mar 13 22 15 Apr 10 Start/ Coffee ? Lunch ? Mar 20 28 13 Apr 17 8 9 Mar 27 14 9 Apr 24 20 ? May 1 9 5 May 8 Aborted due to bad weather A joint group meet with the Rouleurs on 9th Sept. and a car assisted ride on 11th. Sept. Is proposed in the next programme. Jim McDonald 8.5.14 Thursday Rouleurs Runs Leaders Report for period from February to May 2014 Summary numbers: average = 8, maximum = 12, total different riders=25. Ride leaders: different leaders=4, rides without pre-allocated leader=4. General Observations: Numbers increased slightly over this period as weather slowly improved and a few brave stalwarts continue to turn up for even the wettest of rides. Continued difficulty getting ride leaders and the same 3 people are still leading 2-3 rides each. Car Assist:- Two car-assisted rides during this period; the first in March from Wilton to Upavon and Westbury returning via the Wylie Valley and the second last week from Bishops Waltham to Alresford and Petersfield returning via West Meon and Beacon Hill. 5 people rode the first one and 9 the second one and both seemed to be enjoyed by all participants. Sunday Rouleurs Runs Leaders Report for period from February to May 2014 Summary numbers: average = 4, maximum = 9 (last Sunday), total different riders=12. General Observations: Majority of riders return home after coffee. Small number sometimes go on to meet Inters at lunch time but don't always meet up due to timing and choice of lunch stop location. Gridiron Online Entries Currently 113 compared with 122 at this time last year. Entries started to come in faster around this time last year with 150 by end May and 235 by end June. Dave Langley Dawdlers Despite the recent inclement weather the Dawdlers have had runs to join every week – some were cancelled when we saw the weather forecast and others cut short when we got too wet and the only place to go was home. We are lucky that we get enough different leaders to make the rides nicely varied and numbers are holding up well. We had had a fe. We also have our annual picnic planned, this year on Christchurch Quay, again to which everyone is invited (and of course significant others are included!) Jeanette King Saturday Bun Run Buns Runs – very good: Wessex Series Randonee:- Hardboiled 300 went well; Porkers 400 - pleasing; Shawn Shaw PHSG Group The Heart Group rides continue to be popular although we ran out of Sundays in April to hold our monthly meeting. Easter took one and the BHF ride took another. We would have done the BHF instead, but the weather was pretty dire so we scratched anyway. Regular attendance each month now is about 10 people, we are getting new ones and older one are becoming less frequent. Keith Matthews 8. GRIDIRON UPDATE: John Jackson was not present but please see Dave Langleys report in the Rouleurs section
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9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Paul Turner commented that even though he had sent contribrutions to the groups Facebook set up by Kathy and Kevin Moore they did not seem to appear – Keith will discuss this with Kathy and see if the moderation can be taken off so this can be active for the whole group. Easier and quicker access could lead to more interest for the group. Keith said the membership records are coming through monthly now and any new members since the last emailing would get a free newsletter. Keith is to add any local rides to the monthly lists to make it easier to see if there are any Audax etc rides that any one may be interested in. 10. DATE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING – Wednesday 20th August 7.30 Kinson Conservative Club The meeting closed at 20.20
Gridiron 100 - Volunteers Lunch By John Jackson Saturday 17th May saw 30 volunteers enjoying lunch at The Old Farmhouse, Burley in recognition of the contribution they make to the success of our Gridiron 100. It also provides the opportunity for the volunteers from the different controls to compare their experiences. As usual Peter Cutler and staff provided a great meal. Last year I inaugurated an award for the volunteer who goes the extra mile, whose performance stands out from the rest – to make the award cycling themed I named them the ‘Gridiron 100 Super-Domestique’. This year there were many candidates: Denis Eveleigh for acting as my deputy on the day in my enforced absence; Jo Gordon for organising the volunteers as well as booking the riders out in the morning and back in the afternoon; Jim McDonald for ferrying the injured to hospital; John Hayter, Terry Walsh. No, let me stop there, every one of the volunteers – some year after year – deserve a special mention. It would not happen without them! But nobody disagreed with my choice for Super-Domestique this year. He helped develop and subsequently transform the on-line entry system as well as running the Colbury Control for a number of years. He is also one of the nicest men you could wish to meet and someone who always looks to help. This year’s Gridiron 100 Super-Domestique is Dave Langley. Don’t forget this year’s event is on Sunday 12th October. There is a new route and we are back at Boldre War Memorial Hall but this time we are using it as the second control. Entry is on-line only and limited to 1,000 riders, there will be no ‘on the day’ entries so go to our CTC Wessex Cycling website and make your entry in plenty of time. Good weather is forecast for this year!
John
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Le Havre to Paris & Back
By Lauren Barber
Nine days of beautiful views, amazing food, great company… and not forgetting, 293 miles of cycling! Ever wonder what cycling to Paris would be like If you’re looking for some quality miles at a reasonably leisurely pace, then read away! Before the adventure: Our adventure started from Portsmouth Ferry Terminal. There’s not many times in life when you really take a step back and think, “yep, the world really is a small place”. Of all the people sat in the ferry terminal (and I’d say around 30 odd) there sat two other touring cyclists – in white and orange kit. I thought to myself, I recognise that kit, they must be Chippenham Wheelers. After listening to them share some of their past adventures, I suddenly thought, my life needs more excitement. What better way to start with a cycle to Paris and back – definitely something not everyone can say they’ve achieved! To start, the statistics There’s nothing worse than having to plan the ins and outs of an adventure, especially if you’re going by bike. However, fear not… If this trip tickles your fancy, it’s all planned out for you! Not wanting to bore anyone, here’s some quick statistics of the trip. Activity
Start
Time
Distance
Elev. Gain
Avg Speed
Max Speed
Avg. HR
Max HR
Calories
Le Havre -Le Neuborg
Wed Apr 30 8:14 am
05:07:29
53.98
1320
10.5
30.6
84
163
923
Le Neuborg -Herbeville
Thu May 1 9:29am
06:09:05
60.26
2206
9.8
32
119
173
1444
Herbeville - Paris
Fri May 2 10:04am
03:30:41
30.94
850
8.8
28.5
100
148
606
ParisPacy sur Eure
Mon May 5 9:19am
06;32:30
61.7
2463
9.4
33.9
124
174
1407
Pacy sur Eure - Brionne
Tue May 6 9:46am
04:08:06
40.74
1188
9.9
25.1
119
172
799
Brionne Le Havre
Wed May 7 8:55am
04:37:36
45.48
749
9.8
25.2
121
180
954
Day 1: Le Harve – Le Neuborg After a thankfully very smooth 8 hours night crossing, we arrived in Le Harve at 8am. I must mention, I am a person that cannot function without a cuppa tea in the morning. Therefore, to satisfy my ever growing fuzzy head (lack of caffeine), the first stop was for tea – plus this gave me the opportunity to steady my nerves before venturing up the Pont de Normandie! Now, you may think this bridge looks like nothing – and when I say that the bridge was only 200 foot of climbing, you’d still be thinking that’s nothing. However, throw two pannier bags on the back, add a couple of lorries, vans and cars doing 70 kph past you, oh and not forgetting – having to cycle up the opposite side of the road… the wind blasts could very easily knock you off your bike. This bridge is not for the faint hearted, you need fairly good bike handling skills to negotiate this. However, if you’re crazy enough to enjoy heights – I’ve heard the top of
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the bridge provides a wonderfully vast landscape of the surrounding villages. After tackling the Pont de Normandie, we decided it was time for another tea stop. However, I decided to mix things up a bit this time, and I had a chocolat chaud and croissant (now you can start to understand why I need to add some excitement into my life). Anyway, our journey takes us for through some truly breathtaking scenes between Conteville and Foulbec, past some abstract artwork painted on to the side of a small hideout cabin across from a very small bridge, (in comparison to Pont de Normandie) in to Pont-Audemer for some lunch. Here is where I found a few of my soon to be French getaway castles… Finally, our ride for the day ended with a refreshing Affligem beer in Le Neubourg – and boy-oboy was that beer well deserved! The hotel for the night was a normal Travelodge style hotel. After not a lot of food, we were desperate for some dinner. Mike was determined that this hotel provided us with a buffet for dinner, but fortunately it didn’t, as we got to dine in a nearby ‘Table de Tom’. This restaurant provided us weary travelers with the best service and exceptional food we could have wished for (I would definitely recommend this place)! Day 2: Le Neubourg to Herbeville Opening the curtains that day, the weather looked less than favourable… dull and cloudy. But ever an optimist, we continued on with our journey. From Le Neubourg there’s a lovely 1% inclining cycle path that takes you 10k down the road to Quittebeuf. They say what goes down, must go up! For me, the two highest points in Brosville were one of my most favourite parts of the trip. Words can’t describe the feeling I get when looking down on the small and quaint villages, which are perfectly landscaped – you literally feel on top of the world! I like to think my timing is always impeccable… Having already done nearly 60 miles, we were all starting to tire, but before we could reach our beds for the night, I decided to throw a spanner in the works and acquire a puncture half way up a fairly steep incline that lead to our bed and breakfast – 3 slightly tiresome tourists trying to all gather round and fix one puncture proved a little challenging. But, we knew that just round the corner, our beds were waiting for us. This was our bed and breakfast for the night – Louis 15th’s country Petit Palace.
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Day 3: Herbeville to Paris Now, breakfast in France… can I just ask, why do French people love bread and pastries so much? Every morning we’re confronted with bread, yoghurt, Earl Grey tea and more bread. Why can you never find good old English Breakfast tea and a bowl of cereal? By this time, day 3, I was starting to feel quite deprived of my usual 5-7 cups of tea a day… This was no doubt the hardest part of the whole entire trip for me. And yes, I am going to make a big fuss about my love for English Breakfast tea (now that I’ve been back home for 2 weeks, I will never ever take a cuppa tea for granted again – long live the English Breakfast tea)!! Anyway, back to the article… At last we were fully rested, taking the morning in our stride we settled down to the last leisurely 30 miles in to the center of Paris. As we got closer to Paris, I realised Mike was getting faster and faster, it was though he had truly returned home. I could see the excitement in Mike’s face as his eyes light up when even mentioning the word Paris. He’s obviously collected so many fond memories there, it’s really refreshing to see. As we reached the Bois-de-Boulogne, I was developing some serious hunger pains… It was time to eat and boom- just like that, we had found a lovely alfresco pop-up café, and my gosh…. They had English Breakfast tea, and the most amazing croque monsieur (cheese and ham toasty). Our first night in Paris, and you’d think we’d go for a traditional French restaurant… Well you’d be wrong, to an Italian we went! With the wine flowing, all I could think about was the décor of the room. The whole restaurant was covered in posters from films and musicals, very inspiring. The highlight of the night for me was coming across a live playing jazz club. As a real music lover, any live music and I fall into a sense of escapism, and this place was no exception. As you get closer to the music, the deeper into the cave you go, the louder and livelier the atmosphere. The range of the singer was spectacular – I’ve been to a lot of live concerts and he was by far the best vocalist I’ve heard sing live, and not forgetting the pianist. I am extremely jealous of any musicians that can improvise on the spot; a skill I have never managed to develop, even though I’ve tried for several years! The weekend in Paris. The two days you spend in Paris allows you to fully recharge your batteries and get some chores done (washing your cycling kit ready for the next 3 days). Our hotel was an Ibis budget – by with a double bunk, bathroom and shelves, you can even get two bikes in to your room! The hotel is situated behind the canal – Saint Martin, and luckily the weather was warm all weekend. We found a small café looking on to the canal, where we could enjoy a freshly made roll, chips and you guessed it – another English Breakfast tea. Followed by a quick afternoon power nap, we all meet up for an evening by the Sacre Coeur. I lost count how many steps there are up to the Sacre Coeur, but the view you get over Paris is spectacular (just a shame you can’t see the Eiffel Tower). If you go up and round the corner from the Sacre Coeur, there’s a great bar with a great selection of beers to choose from - a nice aperitif before our exciting evening we had planned started. We’d managed to book a table at ‘Le Lamarck’, a Corsican styled restaurant. As you walk in, you’re walking in to
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someone’s front room, with about 30 people all squeezed in. The food was of a very homecooked style, and once again, the wine was flowing. Every meal was cooked to perfectly, the lamb just melted off the bone, and the white fish was soft and drizzled in an amazing pistachio oil. However, the best was yet to come… The restaurant owner had surveyed his diners, and began to perform. As soon as he opened his mouth and played the first string on his guitar, everyone knew what was to come – singing, dancing shouting and bobbing along to the one-hit wonders of French, Spanish and English music. I’ve never seen such good audience participation; this place was definitely a night I’ll always remember! The Return Journey As our return journey began, I was having a large sense of déjà vu, it’s like I’d be along these roads before… Oh wait, that’s because I had. Cycling along the same roads from Paris through to Maule, Septeil, Breval, Pacy-sur-Eure, Jouy-sur-Eure, Brosville, Le Neubourg and in to Brionne adds a completely different perspective of the country side – everything looks so different. Cycling back the way you came has its advantages; it’s easier to spot and recognise if you’re on the right road; you’ll subconsciously notice little landmarks along the way. I must mention our last evening meal of the journey. We reached Brionne after 61 miles, several downpours and not a lot of food later. I was told we’d be having a small early lunch as our dinner for the night was in a class of it’s own. We were welcomed with a warm and friendly service. With our bags taken to our rooms for us, the only thing we could do was to slump in to the memory foam mattress before having to think about getting ready for dinner. We met for dinner in the piano/bar for a pre-dinner aperitif, naturally I had a gin and tonic, which came on a beautiful silver tray with 3 bite-sized nibbles – a pea mouse, duck parfait and pickled veg. Once I had a quick tinkle on the piano, we were shown to our table; which was obviously beautiful laid out. Before our starter, we were given another mushroom mouse, which was deliciously creamy! Followed by two starters, the first chicken liver which melted away in the mouth, and a gorgeous white fish grilled with a white wine sauce and scattered razor clams. For main, it was a choice of either a fillet of beef, or sweetbreads (thymus gland near the throat). The desserts, wow – they were certainly a masterpiece. I decided to go for a chocolate surprise – my bowl was presented to me with a milk and white chocolate dome, where the waiter proceeded to pour over the best home-made crème anglaise I’ve ever tasted. The chocolate so very elegantly melted away to reveal some amazing poached pears inside. After dessert it’s a French tradition to have a coffee, but our espressos came with more treats – a ‘profitamacaroon’ (not it’s real name, just something I’ve made up - it’s a cross between a macaroon and profiteroles) and a refreshing sorbet of some sort. After polishing off a bottle of 2009 Graves Chateau, I was ready for bed. I slept like a baby! It’s always nice to end an adventure and look back on all the highs and lows. It’s the beginning of many more adventures, whether on or off the bike. I would like to say a huge thank you to Michael Walsh for organising the whole trip – the leisurely pace allowed me to rejuvenate my batteries and to really appreciate the beautiful countryside and culture that seems like worlds apart.
Lauren
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CTC WESSEX CLOTHING
By Ralph Huckle
The Club is still offering kit at heavily subsidised prices. Quality kit at bargain prices! Take a look at the website under For Sale and check out the order form to see what's available. Go to: www.bournemouthctc.org/clothing.htm to download the sizing chart and order form. Get your order in while the offer is still on !
OBITUARY - RAY LOWE Our clubmate and lifetime cyclist Ray Lowe of CTC Wessex passed away on Thursday 15th May 2014, aged 84, a few weeks after suffering a stroke. He last rode the Gridiron event when he was 80 and on that occasion was accompanied by his grandson. He was also a keen gardener and one of my memories is of him calling round to the house to enter an event, only to get into deep conversation with Janet about gardening. He was still gardening up to a few weeks before his stroke. Ray’s funeral was held on Monday 2nd June, and a large number of his cycling friends were in attendance, and as requested by Ray’s wife Sylvia, had turned out in full cycling gear. He was always a cheerful person, and will be missed by his many cycling friends.
Keith
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Gathering at Portesham 1977 © Clive Gerrard How many in the group do you remember? Ray Lowe is in here, can you spot him?
The Lymington bunch at the start of this year’s Dorset Coastlet. A typical scene from the busy check-in desk on the 200km “Dorset Coast” 2014
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