Coast and Coastlet 9th April 2017
Winter 2016 The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch
Along the coast west of Ouistreham before turning South at the start of the Manche to Med
After an al fresco lunch leaving Bretteville-sur-Laize
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Cycle Ink #183
Winter 2016
The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch I am looking for a volunteer to edit just one of the future issues of next years newsletter. Please contact me if you think you would like to try. There is still a lot of comments regarding the national office’s changes but little appetite for local change. If you want to make your comment public please send me a note. Well my fifth issue and still unsure if I will receive enough contributions. I am very thankful for all those who have made submissions. A photograph and a few words is enough and in any format. Your editor Mike Walsh
Event Calendar Dates For 2017 8th Jan
Bmth Jubilee Reliability Ride 75miles in 6hrs
www.bjw.org.uk/reliability-trials
5th Feb
Bmth Jubilee Reliability Ride 100miles in 8hrs
www.bjw.org.uk/reliability-trials
8th April
Hard Boiled 300km
Shawn Shore
01202 685014
9th April
Dorset Coast 200km and Coastlet 100km
Peter Loakes
01305 263272
7th May
Porkers 400km
Shawn Shore
01202 685014
27th May
Brimstone 600km
Shawn Shore
01202 685014
“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club. The committee meeting date is the deadline for contributions.
www.wessexctc.org
our mirror site at
www.bournemouthctc.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwessex/
Cycle Ink #183
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Cycle Ink #183
Member’s View
By Alan Baker Is it me ?
Dear Editor, Apart from a brief lapse in the 1960s when time-trialling became an all-consuming passion, I have been a CTC member since the Autumn of 1957, which was when I first rode with a CTC Section. Over that period of time it is inevitable that “my” Club would evolve and I am not so precious as to feel offended by many of the changes during my 59 years of membership. Unfortunately, however, the pace of change has quickened in recent times and I now detect an unhealthy disregard for the membership by senior officials at the national office. Earlier this year I was dismayed to learn that CTC Councillors (elected by us to represent us geographically) had been prevented by their senior colleagues from giving us, the rank and file membership, feedback about the debate in Council that resulted in the change of marketing name of the Club to “Cycling UK”. What was so market-sensitive about this subject that our Councillor had to be gagged? That decision insulted him, and me. More recently, members received the voting paper for the election of a number of Trustees, successors to the Councillors who are being phased out. Two points stand out: 1. The Nominations Committee of CTC rejected a number of valid nominations, so these names do not appear on the voting paper. I strongly object to this form of disenfranchisement – both myself as a voter and the rejected candidates have been disempowered. Be warned: this is how organisations get rid of people who are “not one of us”; people who are “troublemakers”. 2. Ten candidates got on to the shortlist to fight for the two vacancies of “ordinary” Trustee. Surprisingly, only five of these ten were members of CTC at the time of short-listing. So, how did the other five, the nonmembers, come to apply for nomination to be Trustees, and why, as non-members, should they have any interest in doing so? The Nominations Committee, responsible for weeding out the less desirable applicants, says it received an unprecedented number of high-quality applications. Of course it did: it canvassed for interest and application from persons who may be best described as professional Trustees. I object to the governance of CTC being in the hands of a Board of Trustees where a significant minority may not be members of the Club at the time of their election. I am in favour of candidates who offer extra-special expertise being appointed to the Board without being Club members, but that need is
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satisfied by a separate election, to the post(s) of Senior Independent Trustee (one such vacancy was declared in the recent round). So where do we go from here? I predict further alienation of the membership and fat fees for the Trustees. OR, IS IT ME?? Some readers will be aware that I am Minute Secretary to CTC Wessex Cycling Group and so I wish to stress that the views I have expressed above are my own; they are not necessarily shared by other members of the Group’s Committee, and they do not reflect present Committee policy on this subject.
By Alan Baker Kit Master
By Tony Clewes
I’m privileged to have the opportunity to take over the role of kit master from Ralph Huckle who has done a sterling job of ordering and distributing our club kit for many years. I have been a club member for two years and enjoy club runs mainly the Saturday 60s runs but having a busy life, like many, can’t get out as much as I would like to so I decided to take on a role within the club and got the opportunity at the AGM last month. Originally I wanted to order a winter Jersey to wear on club runs. Ralph was manning the kit table at the Grid Iron event and we had a conversation that sparked an interest in moving forward in the club. I have always observed that the club always promotes responsible riding and our ride leaders have always been professional and knowledgeable so wearing our kit is a great way of promoting the club because we as club riders are our biggest advocates. Our club kit is also great value but I cannot place an order with less than ten items, which I feel is less than ideal but I can see why logistically. It would be great to see more CTC Wessex kit being worn on club runs. My details are on the website for information, size charts and orders and I will also be at the Christmas meal at the rugby club with a catalogue. I look forward to meeting you all at some point on club runs. Take care and safe riding.
Cycle Ink #183
By Tony Clewes
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Chairman's Comment (continued)
By Paul Rush
More cycle path madness I was cycling along the cycle path from Turks Lane towards Poole Quay on the way back from a pleasant day at Studland beach. It was a hot day and it was busy so I was travelling slowly calling out (no bell on the fixie) “Coming through, passing on your right” etc. I came upon one person on the left with small dog, one person on the right with small male dog (no lead). Small male dog is fixated on left dog (strong body language) and proceeds to cross the path ahead of me. I call out to the owner of male dog who looks at me without response. I am by this time doing a track stand as male dog continues in front of me. There is nowhere for me to go, male dog stands in front of me between left dog and owner on the right. I nudge male dog lightly with my front wheel to draw his attention and divert him. Female owner of male dog shouts “Did you see that he rode deliberately into my dog” I responded “Control your dog then!” and rode on, her retort was What! What! She seemed to be exhibiting some incredulity that she should have to control her dog’s natural impulses. Clearly there is some conflict between dog walkers and cyclists on that particular stretch of path. Beware! The Zen moment escapes me again. More bad Karma The Rouleurs had a grand day out on Thursday 1st September and chose to stop for lunch in the Sailors Return at East Chaldon. Seven of us sat outside and bought lunches and drinks, three of us had a sandwich so parked ourselves on the grass knoll by the roadside. During lunch the landlady (I assume) came out and took a look at us, a little later her man came out and advised us that we were most definitely not welcome here if we were eating our own food. Not perhaps the friendliest approach to encourage new customers and a good reputation Beware! Good Karma prevailed however as the day ended in fine weather, good company and a grand day out on the bike.
By Paul Rush
Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson. Next committee meeting: 15th February 2017 at 19:30 Committee meetings for 2017:17th May, 16th August, 18th October (AGM) : 15th November Editor Mike Walsh: 17 Grove Gdns, Southbourne Rd, B’mouth BH8 9JQ TEL: (01202) 429985 Email jmichaelwalsh@aol.com
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Highlands West Coast & Glens 1,200 Audax By David Smethurst An extract of a few hours on the Highlands, West Coast and Glens 1200 Audax 2016. (Pardon the asterixes.) The first three days largely consisted of weather. A lot of weather. See Youtube for a few seconds example: https://youtu.be/TfbaZUtiL0o Three days in‌.the rain stopped a few hours ago and smashed exhausted bits of the field are passing each other around Broadford on Skye at 3am in twilight. They are pointing out the Co-op ATM as a source of proof of passage and mumbling incoherent explanations to the local police patrol car, whose response is "Oh yeah, of course. Righto then". I am shattered and have almost been eaten by hallucinatory tree monsters in the forest after Loch Carron, but desperately want to get in range of the 0715 Armadale ferry to the mainland. This would mean a less brutal day tomorrow. Grunts are exchanged at different points with Niel, Doctorafternoon, Rumpy, thesloth, orange bike Chris and others as we apply different strategies to similar objectives. If I bivvy in the heath I may not (ever) wake up, so I grind on down to the small beach next to the ferry. I throw the bag out on the sand and carefully lift the bike onto a nearby rock. I wriggle into the allegedly breathable coffin and zip up the midge net mouth. Jungle formula is ready inside in case the b*****s are biting after the meagre hour I have. The clanking of the ferry will wake me. S**T!! It doesn't. I hear a voice shout "shall I send the bike down now? That isn't me. The ferry's about to go. The next 30 seconds include: Unzip bag, instant massive midge attack (they have been waiting) lose midge spray down bag, curse, fall over in sand, leap up, throw shoes 20 yards to road edge, fall over, curse, pick up bivvy and whirl whole thing around head to disperse midges while dragging bike through sand by the bars. Fall over, curse, clamber over rocks in sock feet carrying bike and dragging bag. Cause gasps of horror among handful of previously tittering observers as I fight for balance
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like a tightrope walker and nearly fall off the rocks. Roll bivvy up from the open end trapping air then attempt to strap the resulting massive balloon to saddlebag while shoving sandy feet into shoes. Hear comforting voice of ferry man's soft highland brogue "Don't worry sir, we'll wait, there's no hurry. Have you got a ticket?" Er...… Just one other bike on that ferry - the team captain of the Belgians - we shared an hour-long breakfast in Mallaig Seaman’s Mission cafe. It was a great last day in glorious sunshine.
By David Smethurst
Chairman's Christmas Appeal
By Paul Rush
It is traditionally the time of year for giving, no gifts required on this occasion only some of your time. It is a fact that the current committee members are ageing although young at heart and cycling is the panacea that keeps us going. The average age, with a few exceptions is perhaps closer to 70 than 60 therefore younger members are needed to join the committee to offer new views and perspectives and to maintain a healthy continuity of our club. It is recognised that younger members are working and perhaps family people with limited spare time. Assistance is required in many varying ways and need not be too onerous, a few examples would be:·
Reconnoitring a potential new ride route or hospitality venue for your ride leader.
·
Distributing some publicity flyers to attract new members.
·
The Gridiron 100 event
·
The annual picnic
· Collating the quarterly runs list Many of the tasks would not take a great deal of time. With the participation of more members in however small a capacity the club would be more enjoyable for us all. If the committee ceases to function through lack of support it would also naturally affect the club and the ride groups. Not wishing to be the purveyor of doom or spread too much pessimism at this time of the year it is reassuring to note that some younger members have already stepped up and volunteered. Two posts have recently been filled namely the Kitmaster role and the Sunday
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Rouleurs ride coordinator which is much appreciated and shows there is a genuine desire for the continuity and support of our club. If we are to continue the current rides schedule and possibly develop new ride opportunities then more members need to be involved. Therefore if you want to know more or wish to offer some help please discuss this with your ride coordinator or any of the committee. Quite often one establishes pleasant camaraderie and gets more out of a club through involvement with other members than is initially obvious. It is also good to note that the various ride groups are looking healthy in numbers for next year with many extracurricular tours and rides organised through networking within the respective groups. The Committee wish you all a very Merry Christmas with good and safe cycling with pleasant company in the New Year, it is, when all said and done what we all love to do!
By Paul Rush
Terry’s Saturday Ride to Burley This ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leader and no back up, but generally an experienced cyclist is somewhere around. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities. Start 09:00 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday. Or make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00
CTC WESSEX CLOTHING
By Tony Clewes
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 !
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This article first appeared in the Dec 16/Jan 17 issue of Cycle the magazine of Cycling UK and is reproduced with kind their permission.
This article first appeared in the Dec 16/Jan 17 issue of Cycle the magazine of Cycling UK and is reproduced with their kind permission.
24th February 2017 at 7:00
By Damian & Penny
You are invited to a talk by Damian and Penny on their 1,225 miles ride from St James, Boscombe to Santiago (St James) de Compostela September/October 2015 With Damian and Penny Buckley’s 44th wedding anniversary approaching, and recognising that they were not getting any younger they thought, what better time to combine what might become their longest-ever bike tour with a pilgrimage of thanksgiving for those years of happy marriage. The talk will be given on the 24th February 17 at 7:00 in the East Christchurch Sports and Social Club Grange Rd, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4JD
Psychling rides into Wimborne Cycling/Café culture arrives at the new venue of Psychling which is located at 44a East Street, Wimborne Psychling’s speciality is vintage with wool jerseys and steel drop bar bikes, it is cycling with a retro twist. The Café has sympathetic rustic appearance. Alongside the cafe, Psychling offer cycle repairs to all bikes, not just retro road, in the workshop facilities behind the café. Contact Robert Degan, 01202 880901 0782 806 1601
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St Adrian’s Tunnel
By Mike Walsh
CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for First Quarter 2017 We organise gentle to hard-riding touring cycling. If you are not a member, you may ride with us a few times, but then we will expect that you join the CTC through our National Office. We have different riding groups who go out on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Each group has a different style. Choose the group that suits you best.
The ride attracts cyclists from all disciplines and all abilities you are sure to find someone to ride with, contact Terry Walsh on 01202 247888 for more details. This ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leader and no back up, but generally there is an experienced cyclist in the group. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities. Start 09:00 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tearooms, Burley for 10:0
CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for January 2017 Day Date Sun
Time Start
Coffee
01-Jan Sunday Rouleurs
Group
09:30 Wimborne Rec
Compton Abbas Airfield. 01747 811767
01-Jan INTERS
10:00 Upton House
Sat
Sun
08-Jan Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Upton House
08-Jan Sunday Dawdlers 08-Jan Jubilee 08-Jan Audax
Sat
Sun
Leader
05-Jan Dorset Dawdlers 07-Jan Saturday Morning 60s 07-Jan BUN RUNS 07-Jan Terry's Sat Ride
01-Jan Sunday Dawdlers 03-Jan Green Hut 05-Jan Thur Rouleurs 05-Jan Thur Potterers
08-Jan INTERS 08-Jan Sunday Potterers
Thurs
Tea
Dorchester, Wimborne, Wetherspoons Costa 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Sturminster Marshall Morning Run Golf Club only 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Sturminster Marshall Golf Club - coffee run only 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 09:30 Hurn Stores Milford on Sea Brockenhurst 10:00 Wimborne Rec Gussage All Saints Coffee run only The Drovers PH 10:00 Hurn Stores Bransgore Ringwood 09:30 Waitrose Christchurch Sherfield English (Gilberts) 09:00 Wimborne Square Hazelbury Bryan 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
01-Jan Sunday Potterers
Tue Thurs
Lunch
Arne RSPB CafĂŠ 01929 553360 09:00 Hurn Stores Milford On Sea Beaulieu 10:00 Ferndown - junction of 3 Legged Cross Garden 6d Handley Wimborne Rd.East & Centre West Moors Rd. 10:00 Ferndown 3 Legged Cross G C Cranborne 08:30- Club Reliability 75M 09:30 09:30 Kings Worthy Watership Down 100km
12-Jan Thur Rouleurs
09:30 Merley Bridge
12-Jan Thur Potterers 12-Jan Dorset Dawdlers
10:00 Wimborne Rec 10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Car Park 09:30 Wimborne Rec
14-Jan Saturday Morning 60s 14-Jan Terry's Sat Ride
West Holme Orchard Tea Rooms 01929 554716 Blandford Wareham
Paul Rush John J Bob McIntosh Ray
Rob Ward Burley
Geoff
coles.sue@gmail.com
Winterborne Stickland
Denis E
Coffee run only Arne
Eric Stevens Paul
Compton Abbas Airfield
09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
15-Jan Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Merley Bridge
15-Jan INTERS 15-Jan Sunday Potterers 15-Jan Sunday Dawdlers 15-Jan Jubilee
09:00 Sandbanks Ferry 10:00 Hurn Village Stores 10:00 Hurn Stores 09:00 Fordingbridge
Owermoigne Galton Garden Centre 01305 852324 Corfe Castle Bransgre - McPennys Bransgore McPennys
Keith Hemming
Bere Regis Burley Ringwood
Wareham
Michael
Day Date Tue Thurs
Group
17-Jan Green Hut 19-Jan Thur Rouleurs 19-Jan Thur Potterers
Sat
Sun
Thurs
Sat
Sun
19-Jan Dorset Dawdlers 21-Jan Saturday Morning 60s 21-Jan Terry's Sat Ride
Time Start
Coffee
11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 09:30 Wimborne Square Cranborne Garden Centre 0725 517546 10:00 Hurn Stores Milford on Sea. The Needles Eye Café Tel 01590 642 458 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Pamphill 09:30 Waitrose Christchurch Lyndhurst (Mad Hatter)
09:30 Wimborne Rec
22-Jan INTERS
09:00 Wimborne Square
22-Jan Sunday Potterers
10:00 Wimborne Rec.
Alderholt, Sticky Bun 01425 625437 Cranborne Garden Centre Blandford -- Cafe 65
22-Jan Sunday Dawdlers
10:00 Wimborne Rec.
Blandford '65'
22-Jan PHSG GROUP 22-Jan Jubilee 26-Jan Thur Rouleurs
10:00 Willet Arms 09:00 Weymouth 09:30 Moyles Court
Christchurch
26-Jan Thur Potterers
10:00 Merley Bridge
26-Jan Dorset Dawdlers 28-Jan Saturday Morning 60s 28-Jan Terry's Sat Ride
10:00 Wimborne Rec. 09:30 Sandbanks Ferry
29-Jan Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Christchurch Waitrose Fordingbridge Bridges 01425 654149 09:00 Merley Bridge Wareham, Harry's Cafe
29-Jan Sunday Potterers 29-Jan Sunday Dawdlers 29-Jan Jubilee
Tea
Leader
Coombe Bissett
Paul Rush Geoff S
Coffee run only
Maggie Ross
Blandford
Tracey
09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
22-Jan Sunday Rouleurs
29-Jan INTERS
Lunch
Mike Barrett Tarrant Monkton Wimborne Winterborne Stickland Winterborne Stickland
Broad Chalke Chalke Valley Stores
Sixpenny Handley The Roebuck Sturminster Golf Course Coffee run only
David S
Maggie Ross
Witchampton Cranborne Lulworth Cove (Main Car Park Cafe) 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
10:00 Merley- Willett Arms Car Park 10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Car Park 09:00 Dandy’s Ford
Lytchett Minster Courtyard Centre Courtyard Centre
Steph
Eric
Paula Kirk Dorchester, Wetherspoons
Lytchett Minster, Dylans
Colin
Tea
Leader
Corfe Castle Wareham
CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for February 2017 Day Date Thurs
Group
02-Feb Thur Rouleurs
Sun
02-Feb Dorset Dawdlers 04-Feb Saturday Morning 60s 04-Feb BUN RUNS 04-Feb Terry's Sat Ride 05-Feb Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Hurn Stores
05-Feb INTERS
09:00 Hurn Stores
05-Feb Sunday Potterers
10:00 Wimborne Rec.
05-Feb Sunday Dawdlers 05-Feb Jubilee Tue
Coffee
Kimmeridge Clavells Café 01929 480701 09:30 Wimborne Rec Cranborne GC 01725 The Snowdrop Run 517 546 10:00 Hurn Stores Bransgore, McPennys 09:30 Waitrose Christchurch Sherfield English (Gilberts) 09:00 Wimborne Square Sturminster Newton 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
02-Feb Thur Potterers
Sat
Time Start
07-Feb Green Hut
09:30 Sandbanks Ferry
Beaulieu, Old Bakehouse. Tel: 01590 612777 Brockenhurst Witchampton - Village Stores Witchampton
10:00 Wimborne Rec 08:00- Club Reliability 100M 9:00 or 100km 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room
Lunch West Knighton
Graham D
Whitsbury via Damerham Highcliffe Castle
Ann Edwards Brian
Mike Barrett
Alderholt
Wimborne
Anna and Graham
Tollard Royal 6d Handley
Paul Rush
Day Date Thurs
Group
09-Feb Thur Rouleurs 09-Feb Thur Potterers
09-Feb Dorset Dawdlers Sat
Sun
Thurs
11-Feb Saturday Morning 60s 11-Feb Terry's Sat Ride
Sun
Tue Thurs
Fri
Coffee
Lunch
09:30 Hurn Stores
Fordingbridge Bridges Café 01425 654149 Corfe Castle Courtyard 01929 481 234
Timsbury
John J
Wool
Stephen Maycock
Poole Quay
Shore Road
Eric
09:30 Sandbanks Ferry for 09:40 Ferry 10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Car Park 09:30 Wimborne Rec
09:30 Sandbanks Ferry
12-Feb INTERS 12-Feb Sunday Potterers
09:00 Wimborne Square 10:00 Ferndown- Junction of Wimborne Rd.East & West Moors Road 10:00 Ferndown 19:30 Kinson 09:30 Merley Bridge
12-Feb Sunday Dawdlers 15-Feb Committee 16-Feb Thur Rouleurs
16-Feb Dorset Dawdlers 18-Feb Saturday Morning 60s 18-Feb Terry's Sat Ride
Leader
Compton Abbas Airfield
Kimmeridge, Clavell's. Tel: 01929 480701 Compton Abbas Ringwood - Boston Tea Party
Ringwood Kinson Con Club Wool Ruby's Café 01929 288050 09:30 Wimborne Rec Blandford via Witchampton 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Blandford 09:30 Waitrose Christchurch Lyndhurst (Mad Hatter)
Judy Gordon Shaftesbury Fordingbridge
Wimborne
Tris
Fordingbridge Higher Bockhampton Trailway to Child Okeford Shillingstone
Ade H Peter Lockwood Joy
09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
19-Feb Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Upton House
19-Feb INTERS
09:00 Merley Bridge
19-Feb Sunday Potterers 19-Feb Sunday Dawdlers 19-Feb PHSG GROUP 21-Feb Green Hut 23-Feb Thur Rouleurs
10:00 Hurn Village Stores Crow Farm Shop Barton -on-Sea 10:00 Hurn Stores Crow Farm Shop Barton-on-Sea 10:00 Wareham Quay Purbeck Loop 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 09:30 Moyles Court Sherfield English Gilberts Alderbury 1725884803
23-Feb Thur Potterers
09:30 Hurn Stores
23-Feb Dorset Dawdlers 24-Feb Camino Talk
10:00 Hurn Stores 19:00 East Christchurch Grange Road 09:30 Sandbanks Ferry
Sat
25-Feb Saturday Morning 60s 25-Feb Terry's Sat Ride
Sun
26-Feb Sunday Rouleurs
09:30 Merley Bridge
26-Feb INTERS
09:00 Hurn Stores
26-Feb Sunday Potterers
10:00 Merley- Willett Arms Car Park 10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Car Park
26-Feb Sunday Dawdlers
Tea
09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
12-Feb Sunday Rouleurs
16-Feb Thur Potterers
Sat
Time Start
Poundbury, Engine Room. Tel: 01305 257250 Dorchester, Wetherspoons
Keith Hemming
Milton Abbas
Wimborne, Costa Coffee
Jackie
Paul Rush David S
Burley Old Farmhouse Brockenhurst 01425 402 218 Stewarts, Somerford Burley Talk by Damian & Penny on their 1,225 mile ride,
John Hayter Tracey
Lulworth Cove (Main Car Park Cafe) 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley TBA, Check back here later! Fordingbridge
Tollard Royal
Wareham- Harry's Bar
Moreton
Wareham
Wool
Holt Stewarts
Steph
Runs Organisers PLEASE NOTE All completed RUNS LISTS for April, May and June 2017 TO BE ENTERED ON THE WEBSITE BY 1st June 2017 at the very latest Contact for all groups Telephone: - Terry Walsh 01202 247888 or go to www.wessexctc.org
CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for March 2017 Day Date Thurs
Sat
Sun
Tue Thurs
Sat
Sun
Time Start
Coffee
Lunch
02-Mar Thur Rouleurs
Group
09:30 Wimborne Square
Dinton
Paul Sgt
02-Mar Thur Potterers
09:30 Merley Bridge
Wareham Quay
Dave Gracey
02-Mar Dorset Dawdlers
Compton Abbas Airfield 01747 811767 Bovington Matildas 01929 405 204 Wareham
10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Corfe Castle Alan Car Park 09:00 Wimborne Square Fontwell Magna 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley 08:30 Waitrose Christchurch Sherfield English (Gilberts) 09:00 Wimborne Rec Shaftesbury, Ugly Duck. Tel: 07772 Keith Hemming 09:00 Wimborne Square Compton Abbas Sturminster Wimborne Geoff Newton 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Blandford - Cafe 65 Winterborne Thomson 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Blandford '65' Winterborne Thomson 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room Paul Rush 09:30 Sandbanks Ferry Arne Piddletrenthide Denis E 09:30 Wimborne Rec Alderholt Sticky Bun Woodgreen 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Cranborne Damerham Tracey 08:30 Wimborne Rec Compton Abbas Airfield 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley 07:30 Grazeley (Reading) Kennet Valley Run Mick Simmons mes84uk@gmail.com 09:00 Grazeley (Reading) Kennet Valley 100km Mick Simmons mes84uk@gmail.com 09:00 Christchurch Waitrose Alderholt, Sticky Bun. Tel: 01425 625437 Judy Gordon 09:00 Upton House Arne Lulworth Cove Swanage, Anna and Durlston Graham Country P 10:00 Ferndown- Junction of Verwood - Morrisons Rockbounre Wimborne Rd.East & West Moors Rd. 10:00 Ferndown Verwood, Morrisons Damerham 09:30 Car Assist TBD TBD 09:30 9:40 Sandbanks Ferry Corfe Castle Courtyard Kimmeridge Graham Bolton 01929 481 234 10:00 Hurn Stores Crow Farm Shop Frogham Lawrence 08:30 Waitrose Christchurch Lyndhurst (Mad Hatter) 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley 09:00 Hurn Stores Lyndhurst, Mad Hatter. Paula Kirk Tel: 02380 282341 09:00 Merley Bridge Dorchester, Tolpuddle Wimborne Tris Wetherspoons 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Cranborne G C Tollard Royal 10:00 Wimborne Rec. Cranborne 6d Handley 10:00 Ferndown Ringwood Sweep 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room Paul Rush 09:30 Hurn Stores Beaulieu Hamptworth John J 09:30 Hurn Stores Fordingbridge Downton 10:00 Merley, Willett Arms Courtyard Centre Poole Quay Ray Car Park 08:30 Sandbanks Ferry Lulworth Cove (Main Car Park Cafe) 09:00 Waitrose Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley 09:00 Sandbanks Ferry West Holme, Orchard Tea Rooms. Tel: 01929 554716 Mike Barrett 09:00 Hurn Stores Minstead Hamptworth, Breamore Nicky Cuckoo Inn House 10:00 Hurn Village Stores Burley- Old Farmhouse Brockenhurst Tea Rooms 10:00 Hurn Stores Burley Brockenhurst 09:30 Merley Bridge Bovington Matilda's CafĂŠ Langton Herring Geoff S 01929 405204 09:30 Wimborne Rec Blandford Puddletown John Hayter 09:30 Hurn Stores Ringwood Meeting Fordingbridge John House 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch Old Farmhouse Burley
04-Mar BUN RUNS 04-Mar Terry's Sat Ride 04-Mar Saturday Morning 60s 05-Mar Sunday Rouleurs 05-Mar INTERS 05-Mar 05-Mar 07-Mar 09-Mar 09-Mar 09-Mar 11-Mar 11-Mar 11-Mar 11-Mar 12-Mar 12-Mar
Sunday Potterers Sunday Dawdlers Green Hut Thur Rouleurs Thur Potterers Dorset Dawdlers Sat Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Audax Audax Sunday Rouleurs INTERS
12-Mar Sunday Potterers
Thurs
Sat Sun
12-Mar Sunday Dawdlers 16-Mar Thur Rouleurs 16-Mar Thur Potterers 16-Mar 18-Mar 18-Mar 19-Mar
Dorset Dawdlers Sat Morning 60s Terry's Sat Ride Sunday Rouleurs
19-Mar INTERS
Tue Thurs
Sat
Sun
19-Mar 19-Mar 19-Mar 21-Mar 23-Mar 23-Mar 23-Mar
Sunday Potterers Sunday Dawdlers PHSG GROUP Green Hut Thur Rouleurs Thur Potterers Dorset Dawdlers
25-Mar Saturday Morning 60s 25-Mar Terry's Sat Ride 26-Mar Sunday Rouleurs 26-Mar INTERS 26-Mar Sunday Potterers
Thurs
26-Mar Sunday Dawdlers 30-Mar Thur Rouleurs 30-Mar Thur Potterers 30-Mar Dorset Dawdlers
Sat
01-Apr Terry's Sat Ride
Sun
01-Apr Poole Leisure Cycling 02-Apr Audax 03-Apr Audax 03-Apr Audax
Tea
Leader
14:00 Poole Leisure Cycling who meet in Upton House, Upton Country Park at 2 p.m 02:00 Poole 07:45 Wareham 09:00 Wareham
Hard Boiled 300km Coast 200km Coastlet 100km
Shawn Shaw Peter Loakes Peter Loakes
http://www.bombproofwheels.com/
Photographs from this years Gridiron
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By Mike Walsh
Right to Ride Report - November 2016 By Paul M. Turner I attend both Bournemouth Cycling Forum and CLAG (Poole Cycling Group) quarterly for this report. I monitor Dorset CC website occasionlly. I also administer CTC Wessex Facebook page. I am grateful to see posts alerting problems on Dorset, Hampshire and indeed Wilshire roads. Please keep it going! Bournemouth Traffic Orders - a potential work programme from the cyclists’ wish list to include exemptions to turning bans, one-way streets and street closures. A number of these exemptions would help to create a series of new quiet alternative routes like the Lansdowne to Hospital (Wessex Fields) route. Cyclist Safety on Iford Lane – Bournemouth Council has looked at the accident stats for the last 5 years for Iford Lane and in particular at the chicanes and railway bridge. There were only three accidents, but they were not associated with these features and there was no obvious trend. None of the accidents involved cyclists. It may, however be possible to improve the design of the chicanes to help address the issues raised. This year's programme is already set, but it may be possible to make some improvements to the islands next year if this is considered a priority to reduce conflicts. Lansdowne to Hospital (Wessex Fields) - Bournemouth Council has done some more background work on signage and have been considering following the example of Transport for London and using their branding creating this as an official Quiet Route. To do this, the route has to pass an auditing process used by TfL. The Council recently audited the route, but there was some difficulty applying their process to Bournemouth. Bournemouth Council is considering several additional quiet routes and would like to brand them consistently. In the meantime they are considering creating downloadable maps for the routes, as well as virtual signage (i.e. gps files, QR codes). The Forum is keen to see physical signage as soon as it can be installed. As well as making it physically easier to follow a cycle route, it also helps make it clear that that cycling is welcomed in that area. Lansdowne Holdenhurst Road to Wellington Road. - There are proposals to make significant improvements to this stretch of road. This will have significant benefits to pedestrians and cyclists. There will be additional crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. The new design should have cycle lanes on both sides which link to existing cycle routes like the Lansdowne to Hospital route. The new design should see a reduction in the speeds of motor vehicles and hopefully a reduction in casualties. Bournemouth Town Centre Proposals. - Significant improvements are proposed for the highway network in the very centre of the town. This involves the creation of a 20mph zone along significant stretches of Braidely Road, Bourne Avenue and most of Avenue Road. There will be some traffic calming and upgraded pedestrian crossing points. Getting across the square along NCN 25 past Debenhams will be eased. The lower traffic speeds should also make it less intimidating for cyclists. Cycle parking will be reconfigured and we have carried out some survey work on use of existing stands in relation to this. Bournemouth CC Parks Department have completed consultations and Kings Park, Queens Park and Tuckton Tea Gardens - the results will all shortly be on the Council's consultation pages. Also Parks Department have completed works on a new length of shared use cycleway between Hengistbury Head and Wick Village - this is called Roebury Lane and forms part of the developing Stour Valley Trail. Parks Department will be developing detailed plans for a new route through Tuckton Tea Gardens shortly and have drawn up plans for a new route through Iford Playing Fields and Iford Meadows. Poole New walking and cycling team - Peter Wickett and Emily Cooper. Peter will be concentrating on infrastructure and strategy, whilst Emily will be concentrating on training, promotion and marketing, although there will be overlap.
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Replacement of Byke bins with Streetpods - All of the Byke bins have now been removed. Streetpod installation has begun and should be completed tomorrow (Wednesday 5 October). It’s intended to carry out promotion later in October, with a potential “bike security” event with the Police in the half-term school holiday. Dorset Police have offered to provide two PCSOs and bike- tagging equipment for the event. Townside access improvement - The comments provided by CLAG (Poole Cycling Group) have been incorporated into the design process and a further workshop has been held with Sustrans and Living Streets; their report is due shortly. A further design workshop is planned before any final public engagement. A point was raised about the plans for future quayside development. They are ambiguous about whether paths/routes through the area are for pedestrians only or also intended for use by cycles Bournemouth CC Parks Department have completed consultations and Kings Park, Queens Park and Tuckton Tea Gardens - the results will all shortly be on the Council's consultation pages. Also Parks Department have completed works on a new length of shared use cycleway between Hengistbury Head and Wick Village - this is called Roebury Lane and forms part of the developing Stour Valley Trail. Parks Department will be developing detailed plans for a new route through Tuckton Tea Gardens shortly and have drawn up plans for a new route through Iford Playing Fields and Iford Meadows. Poole New walking and cycling team - Peter Wickett and Emily Cooper. Peter will be concentrating on infrastructure and strategy, whilst Emily will be concentrating on training, promotion and marketing, although there will be overlap. Replacement of Byke bins with Streetpods - All of the Byke bins have now been removed. Streetpod installation has begun and should be completed tomorrow (Wednesday 5 October). It’s intended to carry out promotion later in October, with a potential “bike security” event with the Police in the half-term school holiday. Dorset Police have offered to provide two PCSOs and bike- tagging equipment for the event. Townside access improvement - The comments provided by CLAG (Poole Cycling Group) have been incorporated into the design process and a further workshop has been held with Sustrans and Living Streets; their report is due shortly. A further design workshop is planned before any final public engagement. A point was raised about the plans for future quayside development. They are ambiguous about whether paths/routes through the area are for pedestrians only or also intended for use by cycles Hamworthy cycle route - It was raised that the “friends” of the park don’t want any cycling at this location, hence the proposed route via Lulworth Avenue, rather than through the park. The group expressed their preference for the route via Lake Drive. Despite a steep gradient approaching Napier Road roundabout, it is much quieter. The additional route via Lake Road, to meet up with the existing quiet route on the other side of Blandford Road (to Upton Country Park via Symes Road). Short lengths of advisory cycle lane are proposed on both sides of Blandford Road, between Lake Road and Inglesham Way. All routes in this project will have new direction signing. It was raised that the disused railway bridge over Blandford Road had been investigated as a potential walking and cycling link into Upton Country Park. Extending Gravel Hill benefits - Poole Cycling Officers updated the group on the work taking place at Gravel Hill to construct a new, shared-use cycle track between Dunyeats Road and Queen Anne Drive. They had already visited the site to look at options for a new cycle route on the north side of Dunyeats Road, to link to Broadstone School and is also looking at options to extend the route on Gravel Hill, beyond Queen Anne Drive, to link up with the Castleman Trailway (NCN 25) and towards Wimborne. There was some discussion about potential links on bridleways in the area. A site visit is required and DCN agreed to offer assistance in surveying and scoping options. Ringwood Road improvements - Poole Cycling Officers advised the group that a major maintenance scheme is programmed on this route for 2017/18. Resurfacing would take place between Sea View Road and Old Wareham Road, but there is also an opportunity to look at markings on the gap between Sea View Road and Dorchester Road.
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Due to the extensive nature of the work, there is scope to substantially reconfigure the existing roadspace. At this stage, nothing has been ruled out and the Poole Group were invited to look at a plan of the existing road, to comment on current issues and offer suggestions for improvement. This could also include the existing shared use facility on the east side. The following key issues were identified: · Visibility and layout issues at the junctions with Parkstone Heights, Dorchester Road and Dale Road. · Conflict risk between cycles travelling fast in the downhill direction and vehicles entering/leaving the service road for Kinson Pottery Industrial Estate. · Steep climb towards Sea View Road junction on wide carriageway, where traffic is travelling fast. · Difficult to enter cycle lane between two traffic lanes on downhill approach to Sea View Road junction. · Northbound traffic accelerating away from stop line at Sea View Road junction trying to merge where cyclists are moving slowly uphill. · Sea View Road is unpleasant to cycle on. · Existing shared use, segregated path on east side: o Ends before Old Wareham Road junction, with no safe facilities for onward journey. o Littered with obstructions (bus shelters, trees etc) that reduce cycle width to less than 300mm. o Crosses several side roads that, although part of residential 20 zone, are very wide. o Obstructed by significant amount of waiting and loading on wide sections. · Old Wareham Road roundabout very daunting, even for experienced and confident cyclists. · Despite very wide carriageway, poor lane discipline when the road is congested restricts progress by cyclists. · The following suggestions were made: · Opportunity for better integration with quiet route along Foxholes Road. · Use of Balston Road / Hermitage Road to avoid Sea View Road. · Northbound use of Lacey Crescent to avoid Ringwood Road / Sea View Road junction. · One lane northbound from Sea View Road removes need for merging lane at Ringwood Road / Lacey Crescent junction. · Remove right turn ghost islands and reallocate space for cycle lanes (whole length). · Investigate removal / reallocation of on-street parking for cycle lanes (southern end). · Reconfigure sequence of signals at Sea View Road junction: o “hold the left” layout on southbound approach to protect cyclists staying on Ringwood Road. o Crossing on Sea View Road arm, for cyclists joining and leaving shared use track on east side. · Widen cycle track on east side to improve space around obstructions. · To reduce conflict and change priority in favour of pedestrians and cyclists, reduce carriageway width and corner radii to Haskells Road, Cynthia Road and Rosemary Road (possibly even close these junctions to motors). · Reduce widths and corner radii at other side roads. Provide raised crossings and priority for pedestrians and cyclists, where appropriate. · Continental style roundabout at Old Wareham Road junction. If funding limited, consider Zebra crossings (on all arms) as close to junction as possible. Link existing cycle track to Old Wareham roundabout. · Consider link towards Tower Park area. Overall, the Poole Cycling Group expressed a preference for prioritising on-road improvements, with a better off-road facility where funds permit. The group acknowledged that finding a satisfactory surface for side roads would be difficult. The layout on roads around Castlepoint was cited as an example Right to Ride Representative CTC Wessex Cycling
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Paul
CTC WESSEX CYCLING MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 19 OCTOBER 2016 1. PRESENT:- 23 members of the Group were present. The President, Paul Rush, took the Chair. 2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:- were received from Graham Baines; Penny and David Buckley; Joan and Bob Courtney; Paul Lucas; Gavin Sharp; David Smethurst; Paul Turner; Terry Walsh. 3. MINUTES OF AGM 2015:- were approved as a true record of the Meeting, proposed by John Jackson and seconded by Jill Burden. 4. MATTERS ARISING:- there were no matters arising from the Minutes not covered elsewhere on the Agenda. 5. REPORTS:(i) PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN:- Paul Rush reported that the Group had been active in the period under review with members touring far and wide, both within the UK and abroad. The various riding groups on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays were well supported. The Right to Ride and Cycle Training programmes were active, and the Group’s principal promotion, The Gridiron, had recently successfully taken place. The President warned, however, that most office holders and helpers in the Group were in the older age categories and there was a general shortage of younger, active helpers, without whom the Group would not be able to continue to function successfully as older members became less active. He gave, as examples, vacancies for Gridiron Event Organiser, to succeed John Jackson, and Kit Master, to succeed Ralph Huckle. (ii) TREASURER:- Mike Walsh reported that the Group’s financial position was healthy with cash reserves amounting to £1,800. He said that the final subsidy towards the cost of the Christmas Lunch had been made (£318 in December 2015); and also that it was hoped a visit by members of the Group to St Lô would be arranged for late Spring/early Summer next year. The accounts were accepted as a true record of the Group’s financial situation, proposed by Julian James and seconded by Steve Gray. (iii) WELFARE OFFICER / REGISTRAR / MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY / WEBSITE MASTER:- Keith Matthews reported that he was willing to continue in all four posts. (iv) RIGHT TO RIDE / FACEBOOK ADMINISTATOR:- Paul Turner (in absentia) reported that he had attended quarterly meetings of both Bournemouth Cycling Forum and CLAG (Poole Cycling Group) and had prepared reports for “Cycle Ink” throughout the year. As one of the Wessex Group’s Facebook Page Administrators he monitored and approved or rejected postings. (v) CYCLE TRAINING COORDINATOR:- Steve Gray summarised developments during the period under review and prospects for the period ahead. His report is attached as Appendix 1. (vi) CTC COUNCILLOR:- Julian James reported that although he had applied to become a Trustee of CTC, his application was one of those that did not reach the shortlist, and his final attendance at a CTC Council Meeting would take place shortly. He noted that there had recently been many changes at CTC HQ, some of which he found disquieting and not in members’ interests. John Jackson commented that we may be reaching a natural conclusion following the change in the CTC’s emphasis from a Club representing its members to a Charity with wider aims that implied a decrease in support for active touring cyclists. It was noted that CTC membership had recently decreased slightly. (vii) RIDE COORDINATORS:- A number of reports were submitted and these are summarised in Appendix 2. (viii) DAMERHAM PICNIC:- Mike Walsh thanked Jill Burden for serving the drinks and Bournemouth Arrow CC members who had set up signs for the event. He reported that the venue could accommodate more riders.
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(ix) GRIDIRON:- John Jackson reported that the event had run successfully on Sunday 09 October using a revised route of 109 km. Over 1,000 entries, with some from overseas, had been received. The entry fee had been set at £6, which included an entitlement to refreshments. On a day of good weather it was disappointing that a quarter of entrants did not start. John thanked his many helpers, particularly those involved with catering who had been placed under a lot of pressure, and including Keith Matthews for help with advertising, and Jim Kelly and Mike Walsh for taking photographs and displaying them (together with photos from previous editions of the event) at the Event HQ. The photographs may now be viewed using a link on the Group website. John reported that he had received a lot of positive feedback from participants regarding the organisation, volunteer helpers, route, scenery and weather! John reported that he had received two complaints about poor riding etiquette, and he had personally seen participants taking bends on the wrong side of the road. There had been one serious accident: a participant had fallen and was taken to hospital with potentially serious injuries, but was now recovering and expressing a wish to complete the route when able to. Disappointingly, one of the warning signs placed on the route to indicate potential danger ahead had been removed by a resident. Finally, John reported that after organising the event for six consecutive years, and after introducing a number of time-saving changes to the entry process, he was stepping down. He was in discussions with a possible successor, but urged others to put themselves forward. There was a catering firm willing to replace the voluntary effort of this year’s catering team, making organisation on the day much less stressful. 6. 2017 EVENTS:- The events already in preparation for next year were noted. The Gridiron will be held on Sunday 08 October, subject to a new organiser stepping forward. The Group Picnic also requires an organiser. 7. VOLUNTEERS:- Paul Rush reiterated his plea for more volunteers, particularly younger members, to offer their help to the Group. 8. BURSARIES:- Mike Walsh explained that the Group had funds available to promote cycling, including cycle training and seed funding to help the establishment of new groups. He asked the Meeting to give the Group’s Committee discretion to make funding available as it saw fit. AGREED nem con proposed by Mike Walsh, seconded by Maggie Ross. 9. CHRISTMAS LUNCH:- Mike Walsh reported that the Potterers/Rouleurs Christmas Lunch had received its final subsidy from the Group in 2015. Dave Langley and Denis Eveleigh were organising this year’s event, to be held once again at the Bournemouth Sports Centre, on Thursday 15 December. 10. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:- Paul Rush made presentations as follows: (i) The Sartain Cup – presented to Jo Gordon for her work over a number of years as Committee member, including as Minute Secretary; assisting in the organisation and running of the Gridiron event; and for numerous other voluntary efforts. In Jo’s absence the Cup was accepted on her behalf by her husband Mike. (ii) The Riders’ Cup – presented to David Smethurst for completing the 1200 km Paris – Brest – Paris Randonnée in 79 hours 33 minutes and, prior to that, for successfully completing the Super Randonneur series of qualifying events at 200, 300, 400 and 600 km. In David’s absence the Cup was accepted on his behalf by John Jackson. (iii) The Tourist Shield – presented to Graham Dore for being the pilot rider on the first tandem to complete the “100 Cols Tour”, a route of 4081 km encompassing all the mountainous areas of France and including over 200 summits. Graham rode with his blind stoker Steve and they completed the route in 28 days, raising money for Cancer Research UK.
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11. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:- Officers and Committee Members were re-elected nem con, proposed by Keith Matthews, seconded by Denis Eveleigh, as follows: President/Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Minute Secretary Welfare Officer Registrar Membership Secretary Website Master
Paul Rush Jill Burden Mike Walsh Mike Walsh Alan Baker ) )) )
Auditor Newsletter Editor Cycle Training Coordinator Right to Ride Rep (nomination) Committee Members
Keith Matthews
Ralph Huckle Mike Walsh Steve Gray Paul Turner Bob Courtney Julian James John Jackson Jim McDonald John Ward
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:(i) Mike Walsh reported that Blackmore Vale and Yeo Valley CTC Member Group was ceasing to exist, and that a replacement group was being formed. Mike also reported that a new national club, The Touring Cyclists’ Club, had formed. Paul Rush commented that it was a pity to see such fragmentation occurring, and a pity that the focus of Cycling UK had changed. (ii) Jim McDonald reported on behalf of Bob Frew to remind all Runs Leaders that prior permission was needed to cycle on private estate roads through Rushmore Park on the Rushmore Estate; and also on the private road from East Martin to Stoke Farthing past Knighton Hill Farm. Runs Leaders should contact Bob Frew in good time to enable him to seek and obtain prior permission, via bobfrew36@yahoo.com or 01202 693480. (iii) Maggie Ross reported that British Cycling Ride Social has had a contract with Sky to run local rides on behalf of Sky, free of charge to participants, in Bournemouth for many years. The Sky partnership with British Cycling will finish at the end of this year and the new joint sponsor will be HSBC. It is unlikely that Bournemouth will continue to participate but there are still local rides available listed on the British Cycling website under Ride Local Social. Maggie has been a voluntary ride leader for Sky and ambassador for the past few years. This has encouraged both new and returning cyclists to ride. APPENDIX 1
CYCLE TRAINING
Definitions Bikeability Level 2 is aimed at year 5 and 6 children 10 and 11 year olds and gives them techniques to cycle safely on single lane relatively quiet roads. The level 2 training given at schools includes level 1 which is to ensure that riders have sufficient control of their bikes to be allowed out on to the road. Bikeability Level 3 is aimed at older children (teenagers who have done level 2 training and ride regularly and are fairly confident on quiet roads) It teaches them more advanced techniques on busier multi-lane roads and roundabouts. Balancability is a new scheme aimed at getting young children to ride using "balance bikes" which are preferential to learning with stabilisers. Borough of Poole Bikeability Poole has a well established scheme delivering Bikeability Level 2 to Poole schools mostly as an after-school activity. There are currently 5 regular trainers. Poole delivered Bikeability Level 2 to just short of 400 places in 2014/15 but the DfT cut the budget by about 10 to 15% for all schemes in 2016/17 so fewer sessions were delivered. However, the DfT has now moved to funding places on a 3-year budget allowing Poole to ramp up planned delivery from 407 places in 2017/18 to 523 places in 2019/2020. Additionally there is funding available for 41 Bikeability Level 3 places in 2017/8 ramping up to 52 in 2019/20 and 63 Balanceability places in 2017/8 ramping up to 68 in 2019/20.
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Borough of Poole Adult Cycle Training Poole used to operate (until about 2014) a scheme call "Pedal Again in Poole" aimed at adults returning to cycling and wanting to increase their confidence. Back in 2008(ish) Mike Walsh and I were the "instructors" on the scheme but eventually were joined by Andre Barber (Bournemouth Jubilee) and latterly Pail Rush to help out. We helped people to regain confidence to cycle on road again with by far the largest percentage of participants being women in the 40 to 60 age range but covering both males and females from teenagers right up to seventy somethings. As a result of some people turning up who had never learned to ride a bicycle, we also took on teaching participants to ride from scratch. A spin-off of this is the monthly (during BST) Poole Leisure Cycling rides (see “Other Rides” on Wessex CTC website. Unfortunately since the base for the course was moved to Poole Civic Centre (owing to the theft of all the bicycles from Upton House over the winter 3 or 4 years ago) and it started to be marketed as a Bikeability course, it has become less popular and in 2014 dwindled to very few takers and sometimes no-one turned up on the day of the course. As a result in 2015 the team at Poole decided to charge for the courses and no course ran at all owing to a lack of demand. There has now been a change of personnel at Poole and there seems to be some willingness from the new team to have another go at re-establishing an adult training course. Bournemouth Borough Bikeability Although the King's Park Saturday course has been running for a long while it only became a Bikeability course fully funded by the DfT the year before last. It continues to operate on weekends with extra courses during school holidays. The Bournemouth Bikeability scheme delivered to Bournemouth Schools is less well established having only re-started delivering to schools again the year before last. Having said that, it is ramping up and with an increase to ten of the number of trainers available, more schools have been delivered to this year than in previous years and some schools have had four or five courses delivered in each of the last 3 years. The way the DfT provide funding based upon quotas and the number of pupils delivered to in previous years makes it difficult to ramp up quickly to cover more of the Bournemouth schools. However the trainers are keen to keep the momentum going and are actively pursuing business by visiting the schools themselves to promote take-up. This year Bournemouth have contracted the delivery of Bikeability Level 3 to 100 pupils to Lifecycle who have started delivering courses via the local cycle trainers. Bournemouth Borough Adult Cycle Training The year before last Bournemouth contracted the delivery of some adult cycle training to Lifecycle (of Bristol) who then recruited from the established local cycle trainers to deliver one-to-one and some groups sessions. Over 180 adults have now received training and there is still a trickle of interest which Bournemouth are continuing to fund. You may ask what relevance all this has to Wessex CTC! Well, Wessex provided bursaries to help train a good number of the local cycle trainers (at least 5 of us) who are delivering all of the above as a way of getting more people cycling and hopefully more of them joining local cycling groups such as ours. It is a slow process but it is working as evidenced by some people from Pedal in Poole taking part in the Gridiron this year. Currently there seem to be sufficient trainers for the amount of training being delivered but as more training is being delivered each year, there may be future demand for more trainers and Wessex will continue to provide help via bursaries as and when demand warrants it. Steve Gray Cycle Training Coordinator APPENDIX 2
RIDE COORDINATORS’ REPORTS
Inters (Bob and Jackie Courtney): All holding steady as last year with about 10 riders out on a Sunday usually ranging from 60 to 80 miles across the three counties. There was no cross- France camping trip this year but a couple of weekends away compensated while two intrepid Inters did several major alpine climbs before dashing south to conquer the mighty Ventoux, all with the correct photographic evidence.
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Sunday Dawdlers and Potterers (Jeanette King & Jim McDonald): Following the indisposition of Bob Chittenden and Derek Phillips at the beginning of the year, coinciding with falling attendance, it was thought prudent to combine the Potterers rides with those of the Sunday Dawdlers. Start points and coffee stops are shared with the option of extending the ride, if desired, for some of the group. Ride distances are of necessity reduced in the winter months. Attendance over the last 3 months has varied from 4 to 12 on any one day, with about half of the group electing to extend the ride and this may be set to continue. It is recommended this arrangement should continue, unless attendance increases to such extent as to justify separate start points and coffee stops. Green Hut Rides (Paul Rush): These rides are more a designated meeting point for a coffee stop rather than the usual scheduled rides with a leader from a given start location. On the first and third Tuesday of each month anyone can meet at the Green Hut in Alderholt at 11.00hrs. The venue is actually the Forest Edge Coffee Shop in Station Road. If this is not open the default position is the Sticky Bun about a mile east of Alderholt. The philosophy behind this idea was an opportunity for any rider (whatever ability) to make their own way there and meet up with other members to effect a little social networking within our club. Riders could after meeting on occasions naturally make small groups from various areas and arrange to ride in together if convenient. In essence it may suit your needs on the day for a run out for coffee and other riders from the club may or may not turn up on the day. See you there, perhaps! Thursday Rouleurs (Mike Gordon): The Thursday Rouleurs continue with a variable programme of weekly rides. Both the Spring and Autumn Century rides led by Shawn Shaw were well attended. There have been regular car assisted rides that have enabled us to explore pastures new and also to give the mile eaters amongst us the chance to ride to the start as well. We have had several new members join us in the past year. All rides have been well supported and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have led rides. Thursday Potterers (John Hayter & Maggie Ross): The Thursday Potterers continues as a strong riding group with about 15 riders each week of whom about 8 go on to lunch. Saturday Sixties (Mike Barrett): Saturday Sixties continue to receive varying levels of support, ranging from 3 to 14 riders in the last quarter. Many are regular riders, riding most weeks depending on commitments. Some have only ridden once, never to be seen again. Never been given a reason. Overall still happy with the format and the support shown. Saturday BunRuns (Shawn Shaw): Billed as an improvers ride BunRun is intended to take those who wish to go there somewhere outside their comfort zone. To go where the road leads and to enjoy whatever it offers along the way. Generally sections will opt for routes that are less demanding. Whilst offering the fledgling tourist much, such routes will of themselves be limiting. There comes a time when the wings want to stretch out and touch the sky. That’s what we do. It is five years since the regular ride to Holwell and the café in the old chicken shack at Honeybuns started. This year we had to do without Honeybuns and have a number of regular stops which we use instead: Fontwell Magna, Sturminster Newton, and over the border to Ansty. How to gauge the success of a ride section? Usually the number of regular riders out every ride. By such criteria BunRuns are a miserable failure with just one regular, Steve Gould, who is often sweeper, for which I thank him. Never the aim to be a clique of regular ‘cycling buds’ our success is measured by how many come and then pass on to other things widening the touring experience. Faces return with tales of their new adventures awheel before going off on more. With this aim and result I see the group as still ‘fit for purpose’.
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Channel to the Med (ridden by Mike Walsh)
Report by Mark Waters
The Manche to Med – a proper holiday for the lucky ones who have reached a certain level of fitness this early in the year, and a challenge for those who haven’t! It’s a long way – 700 miles (1120 kms) – and it’s quite hilly. The tour has been run every year for quite some time – it’s a rare staple in the cornucopia of CTC cycling holidays, probably because it’s a natural step up from doing Land’s End to John o’Groats, despite being slightly shorter, and a lot of people seem to fancy having a go at it. And why not – it’s a brilliant ride! Starting from the ferry port of Ouistreham, on the fringes of the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy, the first objective is the crossing of the river Loire. The scenery up to this point does not scintillate but we enjoyed good weather over the first couple of days, albeit with a headwind to contend with, and the quiet roads, green Normandy pastureland and the usual silky smooth French roads all contributed to a relatively gentle start to our journey south. That said, day 3 saw us riding the longest day of the tour – 74 miles / 119 kms: good to get it done, and they weren’t hard miles. Some of the towns we passed through are worth a look around, although rides such as this don’t allow much time for that sort of thing. Vendôme was a particularly attractive place and worthy of a future visit. The hotel we stayed in was good too. The Loire Valley is ‘chateau’ country and it was good that a short day was built into the itinerary so that we could visit one – the Chateau Chenonceau, a very lovely place and undoubtedly even lovelier when it’s not raining. Loches, where we stopped that night is also most attractive and well worth another visit. Rain seemed to dominate that first week but it was never too heavy and the relatively flat terrain of the first week saw us all in good spirits at the halfway point, day-wise, which was at Peyrat-le-Château, where the hosts at our Logis hotel turned out to be an English couple. My room overlooked the beautiful lake, which unfortunately looked less beautiful than it should have in the existing conditions. This point was also the start of more interesting scenery and the end point of the first of two consecutive 100km+ days. Of course more interesting scenery inevitably announces the arrival of more hilly terrain and it’s probably fair to say that life got a bit harder from here on in, but not desperately so, because we were now that much fitter. The following day, our eighth on the the road, saw a little better weather coming our way, which helped us climb the first really big climb of the tour, which took us round one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, the lac de Vassivière. Before our long awaited day off, we had one more hurdle to cross – the Dordogne River. The descent from the heights of our morning’s endeavours actually started before the lunch stop at Meymac, and continued all afternoon. Sadly the recently repaired road still had a lot of gravel on it, requiring great care for much of the final drop into the Dordogne gorge.
Link to Mark’s blog:- https://bikeridesmw.wordpress.com/2016/05/
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Expecting a long tough climb out I was surprised to find it less long and taxing than predicted. I’m not sure everyone felt the same way but no one arrived in a dishevelled heap, which is always a good sign. On our day off most rested, but a few rode 25 miles to the pretty village of Salers, whilst others walked round a local lake. There’s not much to do in Mauriac, but it’s always good to lie around and get some chores done (like writing this blog!). And the sun shone out of a cloudless sky on this day of Pentecost. The second phase of our epic ride started as it intended to go on: better scenery on the whole, bigger hills and a few astounding natural features. As with most tours, after the first week the memory starts getting a bit confused and everything becomes a little blurry, but I will mention several notable sites and experiences. Firstly, although the second half is undoubtedly harder than the first, it’s not that bad. Sure there are several big climbs but taken slowly, they’re easily ascended. Whilst some are steep, not all are; stuck particularly in my memory was the long, very photogenic, and extremely gentle climb up the gorge of the river Jonte from Le Rosier, situated at the point where we finally stop following the wonderful river Tarn, to our night’s stop at Meyrueis. And talking of the Tarn, this really is a lovely river; we spent a night at Estaing, which is situated very picturesquely on its banks and where many photos were taken. The weather certainly played its part, even in the second week when we might have expected better weather. In fact we experienced our coldest ride as we crossed the massif of the Cevennes, reaching our high point on the tour at the Col de Serreyrede (1299m), a mere four kms from the summit of Mont Aigoual. Descending into warmer climes quickly was essential; and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves consuming plates of omlette and chips; someone, who will remain nameless, actually had two helpings! Hotels were always good to reach and we all enjoyed our pre-prandial Leffes before tucking into the usual insubstantial French fayre, consisting of far too few carbs, necessitating augmentation with masses of accompanying bread. But that’s not to say that the food wasn’t generally delicious – it was! The wine, which our leader generously provided nightly out of tour funds, thanks to a strongish pound, varied interestingly depending on whether we were passing through a wine area or not. Breakfasts varied too, seemingly getting worse as we moved south. Of course the other highlight of our meals was the chance to enjoy a good bit of banter and it would be true to say that we enjoyed a very amiable and happy tour.
Link to Mark’s blog:- https://bikeridesmw.wordpress.com/2016/05/
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Scenically, the clear winner in the gawping stakes was the Cirque de Navacelles, which we descended into and then out of, on our penultimate day. Cyclists often talk of the hardships of climbing hills, but let’s not forget the ‘pay back’ – the descents; we enjoyed several magnificent ones, notably the final one down towards the coast, with only one small line of hills to surmount on the final day.
And on this final day’s ride we enjoyed our second day of the kind of weather you expect in the south of France, enabling us to sunbathe on the beach, having ridden out between the ‘etangs’ prevelant on this part of the coastline, just south of Montpellier. It was lovely to relax knowing that all the hard work was behind us. A ride from the north coast of France to the south has to be high on many people’s ‘must do’ list. It’s no mean challenge if you’re going to take just two weeks to do it and there are arguments in favour of lingering longer and savouring the delights you’ll encounter in a more leisurely fashion for maximum enjoyment!
By Mark Waters
Link to Mark’s blog:- https://bikeridesmw.wordpress.com/2016/05/
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Cirque de Navacelles.The road is only wide enough for one vehicle, an exhilarating, road which weaves down into the valley and clings to the sheer cliff face on the way back up.
The Mediterranean at La Plage du Pilou
Vimenet Aveyron
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