Sam Jackson collects the Arthur Moss Junior Shield.
THE WESSEX NEWSLETTER Edited independently in our three areas and published quarterly. Please contact your section or the access the club website for information on any events
DA SECRETARY Peter Loakes, Church Cottage, West Stafford, DT2 8AB (01305) 263272 BOURNEMOUTH & DISTRICT CTC David Chesworth, 52 Newstead Road, Bournemouth BH6 3HL (01202) 432852 SALISBURY CTC Alan Clarke, “Hill House”, Kelsey Road, Salisbury SP1 1JR (01722) 322188 WEST DORSET CTC Mike Durham, 74 Westhill, Wyke Regis, Weymouth DT4 9NE (01305) 770140
Main Calendar Dates For 2008 Sunday 6th Apr Sunday 6th Apr
Dorset Coastlet 100km Dorset Coast 200km
Peter Loakes Peter Loakes
01305 263272 01305 263272
Saturday 26th Apr
Cycle Jumble Sale, Burley
Jim Hatton
01202 280889
Sunday 11th May Sunday 11th May Sunday 11th May Sunday 11th May
New Forest Challenge 50km New Forest Day Out 100km New Forest 150km New Forest Excursion 200km
John Ward John Ward John Ward John Ward
01590 671855 01590 671855 01590 671855 01590 671855
Sunday 18th May Sunday 25th May
Dorset Downs 100km 50 in 4
Mike Walsh Shawn Shaw
01202 429985 01202 685014
W/E 14th -15th Jun St Lo Twinning in Normandy
Norman Payne
01202 695179
Saturday 28th Jun
Corscombe 300km
See website
Sunday 13th Jul Monday 21st Jul
100 in 8 Sunrise at Stonehenge
Shawn Shaw Gill Anlezark
01202 685014
Sunday 7th Sep Sunday 7th Sep Sunday 7th Sep Sunday 7th Sep
New Forest 50km New Forest and Coast 100km New Forest 150km New Forest On & Off Shore 200km
John Ward John Ward John Ward John Ward
01590 671855 01590 671855 01590 671855 01590 671855
Sunday 14th Sep
Dorset Dirt 50km offroad
Ken Reed
01305 772654
Sunday 21st Sep
Bournemouth Square 200km
Brian Callow
01202 526606
Sunday 5th Oct
Gridiron 100km
Terry Walsh
01202 247888
ALL WESSEX ACTIVITIES CAN BE FOUND ON:
www.wessexctc.org
Winter 2007 My hearing’s not a hundred per cent these days and I understood Jimmy to ask if I wanted to be resident. I thought - what on earth is the chap talking about? But better humour him, he’s been under a lot of pressure lately; biochemistry coupled with world travel and getting Salisbury’s cycling problems sorted out must be a draining combination – so I said ‘yes’. Next thing I know ……….! So here I am and with it all to learn. The only message at this stage is firstly to thank Jimmy for his considerable contribution to the D.A over the last three years (and before that) – Jimmy always has been great value, great company and great fun in the appropriate circumstances. Secondly - enjoy the festive season and whatever cycling you can grab from the shortened days. Behave yourselves on the roads like most CTC members do. Get angry with those (far too many) idiots on two wheels who let the cycling side down and thus make life harder for the excellent, and already difficult enough work being done by Ken Reed, Peter DeLieu, Jimmy and Gill and all the others engaged in trying to ensure that cyclists’ rights and cycling facilities are kept on the agenda and given the correct prominence. Finally, in the Payne household as elsewhere there is sadness following the death of Colin Foster. His fight against illness can only be described as astonishing: how many people go into a hospice and come out again, twice! Colin and Heidi have been close friends of Velda and myself for the best part of fifteen years, breaking bread together on many occasions quite apart from all of the cycling activity. He contributed greatly to friendships and to the cycling world in general and will be greatly missed by many people.
Norman Payne, President Wessex CTC 3 Cycle Ink #147
WESSEX CTC - Secretary’s Report 2006/7 There have been 3 DA Committee meetings over the past year, with an average of 10 attending from the 4 Sections. I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their efforts, and in particular we are indebted to our retiring president, Jimmy Walker, for his enthusiasm in all things cycling, and for his dress sense at formal occasions. Apart from taking minutes and arranging agendas I have had little to do in my capacity as secretary, due to the large number of volunteers throughout Wessex DA who keep the Club vibrant and active. Wessex DA has 1314 members, an increase of 40 from last year, of which 660 belong to Bournemouth & District Section, 289 to West Dorset Section, 178 to Salisbury Section and 91 to Blackmore Vale Section. There are also 96 in the dormant Yeovil Section. Due to increased interest in AUDAX riding, Wessex DA are well up the national rankings in the DATC and AUDAX UK listings. Wessex DA was also well represented in what is possibly the largest, longest and most prestigious touring event, the Paris Brest Paris, with 5 Wessex riders competing in atrocious conditions. In September, Wessex DA was invited to attend UC St Lo’s 40th birthday celebrations. Over 60 members travelled to France for the weekend to cement old friendships and form new ones, and we have just received notification of the proposed date for a twinning invitation in 2008. We are most grateful to Norman Payne for co-ordinating the gathering. In contrast, the 2 Inter-Section events were a disaster, with few if any members braving the foul Summer weather to attend on those days. As usual, Wessex DA put on a full calendar of events, ranging from the popular offroad Dorset Dirt to the 30th Dorset Coast 200k. The largest participation was over 600 for the New Forest Gridiron. In all, 14 AUDAX type events were held. Of the new ventures, West Dorset’s Thursday Folders are going from strength to strength, with public transport and minibus assisted rides. And Bournemouth & Section are increasing their range with several day rides starting from Cherbourg, making use of cheap ferry offers. At a rough estimate, throughout Wessex DA in 2006/7 there were 100 Wednesday rides, 160 Thursday rides, 100 Saturday rides, and over 300 Sunday rides. Quite an achievement. There were also 2 Cycle Jumbles held. All these rides, along with the other events organised by Wessex DA, are presented on the new improved Wessex DA website, courtesy of Keith Matthews. This much praised facility is increasingly becoming our main window to the cycling community at large. Our two Right To Ride reps have worked tirelessly on our behalf. Ken Reed, in West Dorset, has tackled numerous issues, and is heavily involved in the Connect2 Project, with votes being sought for a £100 million national series of innovative cycling projects. Please cast your vote soon, and urge others to do so. And Peter Dulieu has
Cycle Ink #147
4
been involved in several projects in the Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch conurbation, and reports remarkable success in on road facilities in Poole. So, it would seem that Wessex DA is thriving. We all do our own “Thing”, whether it is long distance rides or sociable café to café rides, but over the year Wessex DA has proved to be a focus for our diverse activities. But the main problem is that we are an aging population. We need new blood! Peter Loakes, Secretary, Wessex DA, CTC
CONNECT2 This issue will not be out in time for you to join the big vote, but we hope you did and the event needs recording. "A total of seventy-nine Connect2 schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will create new cycling and walking routes, and build bridges over busy roads, railways and rivers. Connect2 is all about making it easier for people to walk and cycle for everyday trips to school, work, shops and green spaces," says charity Chief Executive John Grimshaw. Connect2 is being short listed for a grant of up to £50m in the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks 'The People's Millions' competition, up against four other organisations' projects. The winner will ultimately be decided by a televised public vote on ITV1 starting 3rd December until about the 10th. One of the Connect2 schemes is in Bournemouth and Hurn, and makes a direct link from Bournemouth to its International Airport and Hurn Forest beyond. The River Stour has very few crossings and most of those that do exist aren't suitable for walking and cycling. The proposed Connect2 route here would cross the Stour via the existing bridge over the Weir at Throop Mill to create an attractive route suitable for everyday journeys by foot and by bike. Critically it would lead back into the centre of the built up area to the complex of schools and sports centre at Charminster, which will give students access to an excellent network, benefiting both their health, and the local environment. It is one of 79 projects and its not just the £50 million that the lottery is being asked to give us that will be spent, but with match funding pledged by all of the local authorities involved, it will mean more than £100m will be spent on cycling facilities. For the Throop crossing, as well as links into the surrounding area, the bridge itself will be improved for cyclists; either by widening the existing bridge or by building a new one.
5
Cycle Ink #147
What’s On ? Blackmore Vale Section Rides Cycle Rides arranged by Richard & Margaret Nicholl. All rides meet at the Cafe at 10:00am for coffee, departing at 10:30am. Please note that some rides are on a Saturday and some on a Sunday. Details (01963) 32840 Sun 2nd DEC Sat 15th DEC Sun 30th DEC Sat 12th JAN Sun 27th JAN Sat 9th FEB Sun 24th FEB Sat 8th MAR Sun 23rd MAR Sat 5th APR Sun 20th APR
MEET: SHALFORD, Crestmoor Garden, nr Wincanton Races LUNCH: Cranmore, Steam Railway MEET: GILLINGHAM, Waitrose Supermarket LUNCH: Sturminster Newton MEET: WINCANTON, Morrisons Supermarket LUNCH: Sherborne MEET: CASTLE CARY, The Old Bakehouse, High Street LUNCH: Shepton Mallet, Fish & Chips MEET: SUTTON MONTIS, Bramble & Sage, Home Farm LUNCH: Yeovil, Brimsmore Garden Centre MEET: MERE, Angel Corner Tea Room LUNCH: Shaftesbury MEET: WINCANTON, Morrisons Supermarket LUNCH: Yeovilton, RNAS Museum MEET: EAST STOUR, Udder Farm Shop LUNCH: Shillingstone or Child Okeford MEET: STOURHEAD, National Trust Cafe LUNCH: Longleat, Cellar Cafe MEET: MILBORNE PORT, Wheathill Lane Garden Centre LUNCH: Yetminster, Crafty Times Art MEET: STOURHEAD, National Trust Cafe LUNCH: Crockerton, Furniture Store
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 Pioneer Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday
Or just make your own way to the New Forest Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00
Cycle Ink #147
6
CTC Bournemouth Section
Cycle Jumble
Village Hall, Burley. 10:00 to 14:00 Saturday 26th April 2008 All CTC members and Everyone Welcome Contact Jim Hatton 01425 280889
Do You Recognise Anyone? My eye was caught by a group of middle-aged cyclists at the edge of the market square taking a break from their exertions. Their gleaming bicycles bristled with gears and gadgets, including small computers fixed to the handlebars, giving information ranging from the time of day to the riders heart rate to say nothing of speed, distance etc. and attached to the saddles were small bags carrying emergency repair kits. The owners of these machines were middle aged gentlemen encased in too-tight lycra, resembling plump multicoloured sausages topped off with lightweight crash helmets the shape of insect’s heads. They all wore fingerless gloves and narrow wrap round sunglasses favoured by riders in the Tour de France, and were verbally slapping one and other on the back for completing their gruelling ride. Dave Wiseman
7
Cycle Ink #147
The Algarve Did anyone read the letter in the September/October edition of “Cycle” about cycling in the Algarve as a possible alternative to Majorca? I thought it pretty interesting. If any CTC members would be interested in this, I speak fluent Portuguese so I’d like to offer my assistance in any arrangements if it would be helpful. David Anderson (CTC member living in Broadstone) dta@gotadsl.co.uk
Operation Spoke. Poole and Bournemouth Police Divisions are running a joint Project to prevent pedal cycle thefts called Operation Spoke. This project has many parts to it, one part being the supply of Trovan Cycle tags. These can be issued free of charge to anyone such as schools, community groups or the general public. Any questions regarding the day-to-day workings of the project should be addressed to either PC John Pearce for Poole or PC Jonathan Williams for Bournemouth. Poole Division PC1470 John Pearce on 01202 227833 Bournemouth Division PC638 Jonathan Williams on 01202 222731
New Cafe Dikes Supermarket, Ring Street, Stalbridge TEL: 01963 362204 Open Daily 10 to 4 Good Cycle Parking Richard Nicholl
Cycle Ink #147
8
The Saint-Lô Connection - 2008
Norman Payne
Members present at the Saint-Lô club’s 40th anniversary weekend will recall that their President, Loïc Vaudry issued an invitation for CTC Wessex to return to Saint-Lô in 2008 for a weekend like those enjoyed on a number of occasions during the last 14 years under the twinning arrangement between the two clubs. Loïc has now confirmed the invite for the weekend of June 14th/15th. It can be anticipated that the format for the weekend will be similar to those of earlier meets both in Wessex and Saint-Lô, and indeed will be broadly similar to that of the 40th anniversary event The difference of course is that this is a twinning weekend where as far as is possible we will be accommodated in the homes of our French friends. In exactly the same way as for this year’s visit, I am seeking early notification of real interest. As before, no perhaps or maybes at this stage : I am seeking those who can say that – yes, I/we certainly intend to participate assuming nothing arises which makes such participation impossible. Because of the nature of the weekend, certain criteria apply – Firstly, participants must be members of the CTC and ideally should also be active members in one of the Wessex sections. Secondly, we need a group where the majority, but not necessarily all, are willing and able to reciprocate the hospitality on the next occasion when the Saintlois are our guests. Clearly if we have a group of (say) 30 none of whom feel able to reciprocate when our friends visit us then a future problem can be foreseen. On the other hand if it’s only a relatively small percentage that feel unable to do so then likely we could cope without too much difficulty. Btittany Ferries’ schedule is available and those with internet facilities can log into their (very clear) website. At some point after having established a feel as to numbers of people seriously interested, I will be approaching the Poole Ferry Terminal for special terms. I feel a degree of confidence here because this is a formal twinning occasion which can be supported by paperwork and from previous experience, the Poole Terminal people are supportive in these circumstances. This may be in the form of special weekend terms and/or a simple - not large but useful - discount for longer stays. So as referred to above can you say to me - yes, I/we certainly intend to participate assuming nothing arises which makes such participation impossible.
normvel.payne@virgin.net
9
Cycle Ink #147
CYCLE UP DOWN UNDER
David Bond
A funny thing happened to me on the way to Burley from Christchurch on a recent wet Saturday: While dodging New Forest ponies having their customary doze in the middle of the road, I thought I saw a roadside sign reading: " Right of way for kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, giant monitor lizards and koalas." I did a double take, I wasn't back in Sydney, Oz, where we'd spent the last 11 years, but back in delighful Dorset, which was Happy Hampshire the last time I saw it! Cycling in Oz is very different to British Biking. The Oz variety can be much more dangerous - motorists are fast as in Britain, the difference is that in Oz they are often unskilled and not considerate to two-wheelers. "GET OFF THE ROAD YOU *@!~#!!" is the sort of greeting hurled from fast-revving Hoons (a cross between a hooligan and a lunatic.) On the other hand government and local authorities are much more generous to cyclists. In Greater Sydney alone there are 300 to 400 miles of traffic-free dedicated hard-surface cycle tracks. (Think Castleman Cycleway). Most motorways have generous cycle paths; the latest have cycle paths completely fenced-off from all traffic, and recently more than A$20 million was spent on a cycle-only Duck River Bridge route which also spans railways and a huge "spaghetti-junction"of roads. The State of Queensland goes one better: cyclists can ride anywhere roads, pavements, pedestrian precincts; with one proviso, it's forbidden to ride on a pavement or pedestrian precinct within 30 metres of an open shop or restaurant. But on bridges a drastic protocol is firmly enforced on a shared pathway segregated from traffic, the generous path is divided into three: pedestrians, cyclists moving one way, and cyclists moving in the opposite direction. Heavy fines for anyone crossing the marked dividing lines. All this is apart from the thousands of firetrails - rough, boulder-strewn tracks used by 4-wheel drive vehicles and fire engines to fight Australia's horrendous bush fires. Normally (perhaps abnormally) these are open to intrepid mountain bikers who have enough suspension and nerve to suspend all fear and caution! On these firetrails a cyclist in
Cycle Ink #147
10
search of thrills might experience a different kind of thill - an encounter with one of the world's five most venomous snakes - some of these are said to be able to move as fast as a cycle on this terrain! Spiders, too, are plentiful and include three of the world's most poisonous. However, most of these creatures slither or scuttle out of the way when detecting the approach of something as uneatable as a bicycle! A more likely hazard in Sydney is magpies. In the nesting season cycle paths may pass close to a female's chicks. A defensive magpie mother frequently dives on to cycle helmets which can cause loss of control . An effective defence used by many is to paint a huge pair of eyes on the back of their helmet, and to always wear sunglasses or plain glass protective glasses. It seemed to work in my club - Bike North - which has around 500 members aged 8 to 80. BN is the largest of 70 cycling clubs - known as BUGS (Bicycle User groups) in New South Wales. These Bugs are in addition to the club events organised by the parent body - Bicycle NSW. These events can be pretty massive - one of the biggest is "The Big Ride", in which more than 3000 riders on every imaginable type of cycle, including tandems, recumbants and even unicycles take more than half an hour to crawl past the starting line on a "Cook's Tour" of Sydney, passing over 5 bridges including the famous Sydney Harbour "Coat Hanger" Bridge, ending at Sydney's Olympic Park. Another kind of Big Ride is organised by NSW and Queensland States every year. This is over 7 to 8 days, takes in noted beaches and tourist attractions; three meals a day and tented or chalet accommodation is provided for riders. Cycling in Oz is pretty well controlled - helmets are compulsory at all times, with fines for non-compliance. With every club, riders without helmets are refused, and the discipline is that everyone on the ride signs on, agrees not to ride ahead of the leader or behind sweep, and writes down the phone number of a relative or friend who can be contacted in
11
Cycle Ink #147
case of accident. The advantages are that you are automatically insured by the club for third party damage; and are assured you will never be left behind after a puncture or breakdown (it's not unusual for a club member to ride fast to where he'd left his car, and return with his car to transport you home or to a cycle repair shop.) Kiddies are not left out of it Sydney's huge Olympic Park Big Bike Ride 2006 - perhaps 5 times as big as King's Park and Queen's Park together - includes a very large mountain bike facility with several tracks and scary undulating hills. An indication of this facility's size: marked parking is provided for nearly a thousand cars. On many club rides kids as young as 3 tag along in the comfort of an enclosed kiddiemobile or seat behind mum. Unfortunately, as in many countries, when young cyclists start to notice the attractions of girls they either switch to mountain bikes or quit cycling. So cycling in Australia seems mainly confined to the 20 to 80 group. Why not, one asks, don't the youngsters enjoy both! A growing number of cyclists from international destinations are deciding to try cycling Down Under. The obstacle is the airflight costs both of the riders and their cycles. Increasingly enthusiasts are adopting a novel solution - lightweight folding bikes. One enterprising American maker, Bike Friday, has been so successful that BF owners internationally have started a thriving club near Melbourne (the second biggest city) and the BEST for restaurants and shops say feisty Melburnians. If you've got the time and the cash you could be in for the time of your life in this cycling revolution Down Under, says this ex-ozzie.
Cycle Ink #147
12
I Mounted my Carlton Longfellow!
Eric Watson
I had joined the CTC in May 1978 a new group had been formed called the Thursday Potterers and I had become a regular rider. Jack Merchant and Ron Trill had always given me encouragement to lead and take part in many events but Sunday cycling was not for me as Sunday was always a family day. However he (Jack) talked about this ride a lot and I felt that perhaps just once I should have a go. I was 36 years old a fit Potterer, and raring to have a go at this new (2nd Year) prestigious event.
An Early Dorset Coast Start on the old Ferry Seven o'clock start, said Jack so the first Sunday after Easter 1979 I put my cycle clips on, mounted my Carlton Longfellow and set off for Sandbanks Ferry. And along with about a hundred other cyclists (none of whom were wearing cycle clips) I boarded the Ferry. I had literally no idea what was in store but to ride in the company of so many very skilled cyclists was a great occasion for me. We rode over the Purbeck to Corfe Castle at a heck of a pace then toward Tyneham and over Creech Hill down to Lulworth and past Durdle Door coming out at Winfrith Newburgh where Ruth was waiting in a lay-by with cold rice pudding and apricots. On the main road to Weymouth Jack dropped me but
13
Cycle Ink #147
between Portesham and Abbotsbury I caught up again. This for me was new territory a horizon I had not crossed before. A friendly face greeted me on Abbotsbury Hill, that of Dudley Walton with refreshing ice cold lemon barley a bottle refill and a stamp for the card. The road undulates all the way to Burton Bradstock and here noticeably the cyclists were strung out way into the distance. It was a beautiful day and my only regret now is that I had not taken my camera. Through West Bay and up past Palmers Brewery, alas no time to stop for a tasting but press on into Bridport. Now for a bit of map-reading to find the way through Dottery to Shave Cross and on to Marshwood stopping for sandwiches and the last of Dudley's lemon barley. I met Jack again and we dropped into Lyme Regis and back out up Dragon Hill (strangely it was St George's Day as well) and it is a bit of a drag isn't it. As I cycled into Wootton Fitzpaine I met Keith Matthews and John Burrows both elite cyclists who were rather astonished to see me there in my cycle clips. Back up to Marshwood, Pilsdon Pen, Birdsmoor Gate, Broadwindsor, Beamister up to Tollergate Down was a bit too much for me I had to walk most of it only to be reassured "there ain't a hill in Dorset I can’t walk up" my second encounter with the legendary George Fox. He along with others stamped my card and dished out tea, orange squash and bread pudding. It was virtually downhill into Dorchester a pleasant ride but I was beginning to feel the ache in my legs after all I was just approaching the 100 mile point and the furthest I had done as a Potterer was 60 miles. Top o' Town cafÊ for a card stamp, and in the garage behind, Ruth was there yet again with rice pudding, apricots and bread pudding "power to your pedals". From here through Tincleton, Waddock Cross, Worgret and Wareham, Upton and finally up the Old Wareham Road in the dark. I staggered into the BDH sports club reception full of pride, checking in to Jean and Ron Trill with my now much worn card and in time as well. I had ridden my first Dorset Coast 200 Audax and claimed my medal (the first of thirteen with eventually two 300's and the first National 400 to boot). If my first Audax had been the following year I doubt if I would have ridden another but that's another story.
Cycle Ink #147
14
A BRIEF ACCOUNT . . . Debbie and Ted set off from home to do the End to End on Monday 30th July on their bikes at 3pm. Colin and Sarah saw them off, along with one or two neighbours, who I’m sure were pleased to see us go. To familiarise ourselves with panniers, we decided to cycle to Salisbury, for an overnight stay in the Youth Hostel. We managed 50 yards down the road, when Ted realised he couldn’t pedal as he’d put the panniers on the wrong way round! Not the best of starts, to say the least! We took back roads all the way to Salisbury. We thought the journey would be 30 miles, instead it turned out to be nearer 50.We took 4 ¼ hours, arriving at the Youth Hostel at 7.15pm. A meal in the grounds, followed by a glass of wine and an ‘Old Peculiar’ in the Common Room set us up nicely, pretty good so far! Next morning we caught the train from Salisbury to Exeter. Here we met up with Colin, who had come down from Westbury, and the 6 of us – 3 humans and 3 bicycles – travelled on down to Penzance. We cycled to Logan Rock Inn, had a much needed drink, and left Colin in the B & B next door. Deb and Ted’s B & B was 2 miles down the road. From our room we could see the Scilly Isles, which had us thinking ‘will we really see the Orkney Isles at the other end of Great Britain?’ We certainly hope so! Back to the pub and Colin for an enjoyable evening meal. Went to sleep that night full of expectation of what lay ahead of us! The big day, Wednesday 1st August, has arrived! A very leisurely breakfast meant Colin was at our B & B urging us to ‘get a move on as we had a long way to go’! He was quite right of course, but what’s the rush, it’s only a 1,000 miles or so! Arrived Land’s End 9.30am. After the obligatory photo session, we finally left the start line at 10.30am, on a beautiful, sunny day. Ted was leader for the day (no laughing please!) and we set off on the A30 to Penzance. Our first mishap of the day happened here – Ted stuck to the A30, by-passing Penzance, Colin and Debbie went INTO Penzance. Mobile phones got us out of trouble. Will the underlings ever learn to follow the leader? So started our never-to-be-forgotten holiday. Each day from there-on proved to be an exciting adventure. The sun shone until Hadrian’s Wall, but from there the heavens opened, we had head-on gale force winds and hailstones peppering our helmets. There were highlights each day, from watching salmon leaping at Shin Falls in the Highlands to a four mile downhill ride through Glencoe. We met so many interesting, helpful and friendly characters along the route, too numerous to mention. We eventually arrived at John o’Groats on Saturday 18th August, in what could only be described as Arctic-like weather. It was a wonderful feeling to complete this famous cycle ride and we had a celebratory drink in the John o’Groats House Hotel. The whiskeys and brandy went down a treat and have never tasted better!
15
Cycle Ink #147
Total mileage was 1,057. We averaged 65 miles a day. Our accommodation was varied to say the least, staying in Youth Hostels, farms, converted mills, a Swallow Hotel, a mobile home on our rest day, pubs, a Holiday Inn, a two-bedroomed apartment and quite a few B & Bs. On the puncture front, Colin had 3, Debbie 2, Ted NONE! It’s all down to maintenance I suppose. We caught the ferry from John O’Groats to the Orkneys and had 4 wonderful days there. Debbie ran the Kirkwall half marathon on the Sunday, as she had nothing better to do. This was less than 24 hours after completing LEJOG! Colin and Ted found supporting her on our bikes, up and down the hills, harder work than LE-SLOG! A highlight after the ride on our return to Thurso was calling in at the Castle of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s old home. A tour of the castle and the wonderful gardens were followed by a delicious cream tea in the newly opened Visitors Centre! At £6.50 for concessions, there were rumblings at the beginning from the 2 old codgers, but in the end they conceded it was good value for money! The journey back home on the train from Thurso on Thursday 23rd August took about 15 hours involving 4 different rail companies. Our bikes were also booked on each train and we had pre-booked seats. Not bad at £40, even for a Yorkshire born man!
Bikes in the Paris à Vélo scheme as reported last issue http://www.parisvelosympa.com/GB/index.html Cycle Ink #147 16
Off-Road Cycling
John Vaugniaux
A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE THE NEW FOREST Off-road cycling should not be confused with Mountain Biking. Off-Road means cycling disused railway tracks, forest trails, country lanes and the like, within the capability of an All Terrain Bike [ATB], a Trekking bike or Tourer. Inferior surfaces are only a small price worth paying to access the freedom of the New Forest which provides off-road cyclists with some of the best Forestry Commission cycle trails in the South of England. Real mountain biking [MTB] definitely implies something more challenging and full suspension mountain bikes are first choice here. Mountain bikers want to get even further away from it all, into places where the only trail is rough, rocky and rooty. Most mountain bikers view the challenge of the trail as more important than the places they visit. They crave all the latest trail-taming technology, and are far happier riding wild routes with all of their natural imperfections, rather than purpose-built off-road cycle tracks. Traditional “Rough-Stuff” cyclists are the other extreme. They love wild secluded places and ride many miles on road to reach the wilderness and are content to push or carry their bikes. Traditional rough-stuffers do not use mountain bikes, reasoning that a tourer is the only approach. Off-Road fits somewhere between these two extremes, deriving equal pleasure from wild or backwoods places and the cycling challenges they offer. Britain’s unique infrastructure of byways, bridleways, canal towpaths, disused railway tracks and forest cycle trails provide the off-roader with limitless opportunities for independent exploration. Off-Road mileage counts double, and a good rule of thumb. Rough or soft trail surfaces increase the effort required to roll-awheel, reducing how far one can comfortably travel in the planned time. Off-Road cycling is a great way to explore remote corners of the New Forest. It’s fast enough to cover the ground and THE CASTLEMAN “CORKSCREW” TRAILWAY provide a continual change of http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4180853 scenery, but slow enough to take it all in. You really embrace the New Forest at its best, in all seasons, and can stop
17
Cycle Ink #147
wherever you want to take a closer look. Surely this is incentive enough to try offroad cycling. ATB’s are basic, common or garden mountain bikes with fat (45 to 60mm) knobbly tyres for cushioning on rough surfaces and flotation plus grip on soft surfaces (tyres are front-line suspension). They have very low gears (down to 20in) to overcome the drag of ploughing through loose material whilst climbing gradients, straight handlebars for wrenching the front wheel around obstacles and against the grip of vegetation or mud (wrists in-line maximises leverage), stronger frames in case of accidents and nowadays almost all have front suspension at least. These common, low to mid-priced all terrain bikes [ATB’s] still sell in greater numbers than any other sort of bicycle. It is likely that most of them are never used for their design purpose. Trekking Bikes - these come with all the accessories you'd otherwise have to buy separately in order to do something useful with it – something useful like ride to work or the shops or go touring. The Bike-savvy Danes, Dutch and German consumers know this and why fully equipped trekking bikes are so common in Northern Europe - but not here. Trekking bikes are general purpose bicycles and make a pretty good starting point for any cycling beginner - they are the middle ground of bicycle design. The wheels are large, commonly 700c size and shod with tyres of medium width (35 to 42mm) for easy and comfortable rolling on roads and decent forest tracks, without the added weight of front and seatpost suspension – although an increasing number of upmarket trekking bikes also have this feature. These ‘jack-of-all-trades’ will do most things well enough and come with mudguards and a rear carrier. Tourer these bikes transcend the usual parameters by combining trekking bike practicality with racing bike performance. At first glance a touring bike looks just like a racer due to the dropped handlebars. Then you notice the mudguards, the rear carrier, a third chainring, bigger rear sprockets, cantilever brakes and slightly wider tyres - this is the ‘Rough Stuffers’ choice. MTB mountain-bikes are designed to go as quickly as possible over whatever nature may throw in their path. A truly competitive mountain-bike provides a forward-leaning body position close to that of a road-racing bike; and since it has to go uphill fast as well as down, it will be reasonably light and expensive.
Off-road cycling is sociable - Off-road cycling sharpens experiences Sharing both is even better. Why not give it a try sometime?
Cycle Ink #147
18
Borough of Christchurch Possible On-Road Cycle Routes Survey 2007 By John W R Vuagniaux - Accredited CTC Cyclists’ Touring Club [RtR] Right to Ride Representative Christchurch Borough and DCN Dorset Cyclists’ Network ‘Christchurch Branch’ member.
Introduction 2.17 Cycle facilities/crossings - Cyclists can be particularly vulnerable on our urban road network. We will try to provide attractive off road routes for cyclists who would like to keep away from traffic but we will also seek to improve safety for those cyclists who want to remain on the road. We will look at undertaking engineering measures at junctions to facilitate safer cycling. We will provide cycle lanes, advance cycle stop lines, cycle gateways, cycle parking and storage facilities etc. wherever these facilities might reduce accidents and improve the conditions for cyclists. 3.27 Being a largely urban area we will need to concentrate more on the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, although we will consider horse riders where appropriate. Making it easier for people to walk or cycle short journeys is a key part of integrated transport strategy and of wider Government objectives. As pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable road users, improving their safety is an important part of our Local Transport Plan. We will liaise and consult with local walking and cycling groups to ensure that there is a well planned network of pedestrian and cycle routes, with adequate lighting for safety and personal security. Crossing points will be positioned where required and signal controlled junctions improved where necessary. The reduction of vehicle speeds (Theme 5) in key areas, by engineering means, will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The above are just two extracts from the LTP2 Appendix South East Dorset Road Safety Strategy DRAFT 11 – 09/06/2005 URBAN SAFETY MANAGEMENT SCHEMES - CHRISTCHURCH. These extracts from the LTP2 prompted me to survey on-road cycle routes frequently used by cyclists. A staggering twenty-six on-road routes were identified. These on-road routes could form the basis of a Christchurch Cycle Network. During my 2007 survey, none of these roads provided provision for cyclists: i.e. cycle lanes, advanced stop lines or cycle gateways. I also surveyed existing cycle tracks. [See - lack of cycle track continuity]
19
Cycle Ink #147
Completion of the National Cycle Network - NCN 2 in Christchurch from the borough’s northern boundary near the hamlet of Waterditch, Waterditch Road to its southern boundary with Bournemouth, at Tuckton Bridge. The National Cycle Network NCN 2 route would provide a national link to all urban and rural cycle routes proposed in my on-road cycle route survey. Twenty-one on road routes marked with a (*) below would provide links to the National Cycle Network. On-road cycle routes frequently used by commuting cyclists’, utility cyclists’ and leisure cyclists’ with no provision for cyclists’. These routes also link to the public transport infrastructure. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Bridge/Castle Streets to High St [600 cyclists] - Avge movements by Dorset CC (*) Somerford Road to Purewell Cross Roundabout [B3059] (*) Purewell Cross Road [B3059] to Stoney Lane Roundabout [A35 By-Pass] (*) Christchurch Road, Iford to The Grove Roundabout [A35] Barrack Road to Fountain Way[A35] and the High Street (*) Riverway/The Grove [from A35] to Hurn Road [B3073 Cycle Track] Tuckton Bridge, Stour Road Roundabout [B3059] to Barrack Road [A35] (*) Stour Road to Christchurch Railway Station and Bargates [B3073] (*) Fairmile Road to Bargates [B3073] and the High Street (*) Fountain Way Rbout [A35] to Waitrose and [A35] By-Pass Cycle Track (*) Stony Lane Roundabout [A35 By-Pass] to Stony Lane [B&Q/Curry’s Superstores] (*) Stony Lane Roundabout [B3347] to Winkton Village [B3347] (*) Purewell to Civic Offices, Bridge Street (*) Stony Lane South to 2-Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Civic Offices (*) Burton Road to Purewell Health Centre at Purewell Cross St Margaret’s Avenue to Wick Lane [One Way System] (*) Wick Lane [One Way System] to High Street/Castle Street/ Bridge Street (*) Church Street to Church Lane/Whitehall [One Way System] (*) Quay Road to Queens Avenue [One Way System] (*) Willow Drive/Sopers Lane to Fountain Way/High Street (*) Friars Cliff Beach/Avon Beach/Mudeford Quay to Purewell Roundabout (*) The Runway/De Havilland Way to Mudeford Lane (*) Bure Lane to Friars Cliff and Highcliffe Fairmile Road to St Catherines Way Roundabout [B3073] Stony Lane [B3347] to Martins Hill Lane/ Salisbury Road, Burton (*) Summers Lane, Burton to Hawthorn Road, Burton (*)
Cycle Ink #147
20
Missing safe routes to school 1. Salisbury Road/ Burton Road to the Grange Comprehensive School (*) 2. Tuckton Bridge/Willow Drive/Sopers Lane to Tywnham School (*) Cycle track continuity 1. Directness and continuity make cycle tracks successful. However, it was observed that cyclists lose priority [Give Way] in direction of travel to all motorised traffic. 2. Commuting cyclists (the majority) demonstrate their discontent and ignore them for this reason, and continue to cycle on the road. Cycle track signage 1. Existing cycle track signage throughout the borough is of a very poor standard and non-existent in too many places. 2. Cycle track signage should be of high quality and include destinations and mileages. A dedicated Christchurch Cycle Route Map The existing Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Area Cycle Map is totally inadequate due to its large scale and lack of detail.
1. The existing Christchurch Street Map would provide an excellent basis for a cycle route network map. 2. The ‘Network of Cycle Routes’ mentioned above could easily be highlighted at a future re-print stage. Cyclists dismount signs infer cyclists are NOT welcome The use of these signs should always be avoided unless there is a proven need. [Cycling England Design Document] These advisory signs (not mandatory) are used indiscriminately and incorrectly by many local authorities, of which Christchurch is no exception, but provide a huge stick with which pedestrians’ wave threatenly at cyclists. 1. Two illegal ‘Cyclists Please Dismount’ signs have been recently installed on the proposed National Cycle Network Route NCN 2 at Civic Offices. With thoughtful and careful design of the new Civic Offices ‘One Stop’ entrance, it should have been possible to re-design these access points, and avoid the use of these unfriendly ‘get off your bike’ signs.
Christchurch Travel & Access Cycling Sub-Group member
21
Cycle Ink #147
RECYCLING ! FOR A TRULY BESPOKE CITY RIDE, ABANDON YOUR GEARS AND AQUIRE A VINTAGE ITALIAN FIXED-WHEEL BIKE, SAYS CATHERINE GORDON Catherine Gordon is a writer and urban cyclist who spent most of her youth riding the streets of London on a 1982 Mongoose BMX
PHOTOGRAPHY TIF HUNTER It's easy to spot someone riding 'fixie'- they won't have any gears. The new breed of fixed-wheel cycles are the perfect solution to massproduccd, hi-tech riding machines. But why give up gears in favour of a fixie? For flat, urban environments, there really is no call for gears, and the thrill of learning to ride a fixie - you have to pedal constantly and use clip-in pedals - is a mental and physical challenge which can take up to a month to master. But the main reason is the fact that it provides you with the opportunity to make your bike a genuine one-off. The fixation with fixies started in San Francisco in the Eighties, when cycle couriers in need of cheap, fast and low-maintenance transport started building distinctive fixed-wheel bikes. And in the last few years, similar cycles, but with a vintage twist, have taken off here. These
Cycle Ink #147
22
stripped-down creations, free of cables, derailleurs and shift levers, not only look good, but deliver an unforgettable ride. A fixie has no freewheel facility, so whenever the bike is in motion, the pedals turn. To stop, you use the single front brake and apply back pressure to the pedals. Riders talk of experiencing a closer communion between bike and road, which this oldest and simplest form of cycling offers. These bikes particularly come into their own in the winter, as they provide a direct feel for traction on slippery surfaces, so perform well in wet and icy weather. Securing a bespoke fixie starts with a trip to a bike builder, where you can pick up a vintage Italian steel racing frame such as a Colnago or Guerciotti. London's Brick Lane Bikes specialises in just such a service. Set up in 2006 by ex-lawyer and bike courier Jan Milewski and Feya Buchwald, a former graphic designer, the shop's basement is packed with vintage frames sourced from Europe. 'Italy is full of master frame builders,' says Buchwald, 'and they have bikes stockpiled from the Seventies and Eighties, all in perfect condition with Campagnoli components.' Purists choose to accessorise their frame with components from the period. 'People sometimes take a year to build a fixie, making sure they have all the parts from a specific era' says Buchwald. The adventurous go for a more urban look, with the help of wheels crafted by expert wheel builder Harry Rowland, teamed with coloured Velocity rims from Australia. A bespoke fixie will set you back from £600 - £1000; get carried away and you could spend £2,000. 'The fixie market is getting like vintage cars, but it's more do-it-yourself,' says Buchwald.' You need knowledge to build your own car. You need less knowledge to build a bike.' Of course, riding a fixie isn't without its dangers, including the risk of going head over heels if you forget to keep pedaling. But as you fly through the city, free from the sound of crunching gears, hidden dangers will be the last thing on your mind. www.bricklanebikes.co.uk Reporoduced by permission of “The Quarterly” www.showmedia.net
23
Cycle Ink #147
FOR SALE FOR SALE A Sturmey Archer dynohub built into a 700 Mavic module E-E2 wheel plus front and rear lamps. £25. Contact Tony Silver 01202 886971
A PAIR OF WHEELS FOR SALE Mavic MA3 rims on Campagnolo hubs (rear cassette) complete with new Michelin tyres and tubes, perfect condition. £65. 00. Contact Dave Wiseman 01258 452716 Mobile 07767082481 CYCLING BOOKS FOR SALE Four books all in pristine condition. A Significant Other by Matt Rendell (Hardback) £6 Indurain: A tempered passion by J. G. Sanchez £6 Serious Cycling by Edmund Burke £7 The Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel £7 Contact David LG 01202 527266
DATC Competition Wessex CTC are currently 21st in this competition. There are a few more rides to be added to the results. The riders recorded for Wessex DA are:NAME DA Mike Pain Wessex DA Ray Haswell (V) Wessex DA Margaret Phillpotts (LV) Wessex DA Stephen Gould (V) Wessex DA Peter Loakes Wessex DA Arthur Vince (V) Wessex DA Jason Clark Wessex DA Jeff Mogg Wessex DA Peter Jones Wessex DA Mike Walsh Wessex DA David Ryder Wessex DA
Cycle Ink #147
POINTS 81 58 56 50 42 40 38 37 36 32 31
24
EVENTS 10 6 7 6 5 5 4 5 4 4 4
ADVERTISEMENT
25
Cycle Ink #147
Dates of next Meetings
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 email, disk, CD-ROM, typed or handwritten. Photographs are now welcome in any form. We can scan them and they will be returned safely.
Editor:
http://www.wessexctc.org CTC, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX http://www.ctc.org.uk “CycleInk” is the Newsletter of the Bournemouth & District Section, Wessex District Association of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year for members. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club.
Cycle Ink #147
26