Sport

Technology offers a smarter way to ride

BOTHwalkers and cyclists are increasingly relying on technology to navigate a route. Now, some may argue that by doing so we are losing our navigational and observational skills and becoming too reliant on technology. Conversely the argument could be made that our minds are adapting and learning to absorb complex information streams quicker.

Whichever side of that argument you side with it is safe to say that being lost on a bike ride is not much fun.

There was a time when navigation on a bike ride relied on using signposts and taking a paper map – not the easiest thing to manage in the wind or rain! Cyclists recorded their rides with dedicated devices that by today’s standard were incredibly rudimentary, only measuring distance and speed.

Nowadays you can plan and record a ride by using a GPS bike computer or smartphone mounted on the handlebars. They also collect what feels like every metric under the sun to get an incredible amount of insight into how you have performed on your ride.

Routes can be built or copied online at dedicated cycling websites like Komoot and then transferred to the device. Once the route is started the screen then displays a route line on a map and warns of turnings ahead – just like a sat nav in a car.

Although bike computers and smartphone cycling apps both help with navigation there are several differences between the two.

The most obvious one is that bike computers are smaller. Although they take up less space on the handlebar it means that the screen might not be as good for reading detailed maps.

The battery life of each device matters depending on how far the ride is. Using GPS tracking on a smartphone will significantly impact its battery life. As a result, it is unlikely to be able to record long rides.

However, bike computers are designed to be used for extended periods and have a longer battery life. It’s also a good idea to preserve your phone’s battery life in case of an emergency.

Price is an important consideration. There are bike computers which are inexpensive that provide some useful metrics. But to get feature-packed GPS computers that also monitor your performance, will cost more.

Investing in a bike computer may seem an unnecessary luxury when navigation apps for a smartphone are free or have a small annual subscription fee. However, they are designed to be waterproof, withstand impacts and harsh conditions so keeping your smartphone out of harm’s way may seem a worthy investment.

After the ride, data can be uploaded onto cycling websites like Strava to compare against previous riders – and either held privately or published for others to view.

Both bike computers and smartphones have their pros and cons.

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

Bike computers are weatherproof, crash resistant and have sufficient battery life to collect data during long rides. Bike computers also link up to other cycling smart devices.

So, if you’re looking to up your training to the next level with a power meter or cadence sensor, it’s unlikely you’ll have to worry about compatibility issues.

There aren’t really any disadvantages to bike computers when it comes to cycling, but the cost might be off-putting.

The big advantage with a smartphone is that you may already own one. So, all it will take to start planning and recording rides is to download an app like Strava or Komoot at no extra cost. This makes a phone a brilliantly easy and affordable way to get greater insight into your riding.

The downside is the limited battery life when using GPS tracking and the risk of damage from rain and any knocks.

So, which is the best option? The answer is both – it depends on your needs.

Bike computers are made for the job. If you spend a good amount of time riding your bike, then a bike computer will give you far more insight.

A smartphone is an ideal way to dip your toes into recording rides and on-bike navigation. If you are just starting out or don’t fancy spending money on another smart device yet, a smartphone is the place to start.

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Flying high at practice weekend

SEVERAL hundred motocross riders took advantage of the latest practice weekend organised by Frome MCC to hone their skills – and have some fun.

Bikes and sidecars were joined by quads for the two days of high-speed action at Leighton. Support from Aggregate Industries and Kelston Sparkes enabled the weekend to go ahead with perfect track conditions.

Riders were split into classes such as “speedy” and “not so speedy” Rising above the opposition

Flying high over one of the most dramatic sections

Sidecars have their turn on the track One of the quad bikes

Riders travelled from a wide area for the weekend

Safety marshals play a vital role during the weekend

Record entries for Mendip marathon

THEMendip Hills Hash House Harriers held their 13th annual relay race from Uphill beach near Weston-superMare to Wells Cathedral Green. The route follows the West Mendip Way footpath and covers 29 miles of the beautiful Somerset countryside.

The relay can be run as an ultra-marathon or in teams of up to five runners; entries were up this year and saw 25 teams take on the challenge. The event is non-profit making and all monies raised are donated to the club’s chosen charity, which this year was Boys in Mind.

It was particularly poignant as one of the club’s members had tragically lost their son earlier this year.

The overall winners were from Clevedon running club and the ladies prize went to Burgess Salmon Solicitors; mixed relay was won by Burnham and the ultra by Avon Valley.

The total raised this year from race entries and tea and cake sales was £1500.

Mark Allemby, the Hash’s grand master, said he wanted to thank Morrisons for donating water and Rugatinos restaurant for providing power for the tea and cake stall.

Team CRY (Crazy Running Yogis) from Wells at the finish

The most popular start time at Uphill beach Roaring trade at the Tea and Cake stall Wells City Harriers finishing the whole 29 miles

Boot swap scheme will be back

A NOVEL scheme to allow youngsters who have outgrown their sports boots to swap them for a bigger size for free will return next summer.

The boot swap was organised by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club who say hundreds of pairs of boots of all types and sizes and in good condition were exchanged at a rotary stall outside Sainsbury’s in Midsomer Norton. The programme ran from the middle of August until the end of September.

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Successful season

Damon Smith in action

DAMON Smith, of DS Racing Kawasaki, has had a successful season, finishing fourth overall in his class out of 22 competitors.

The final round was on the Anglesey circuit in North Wales. The Street-based rider said: “We had an excellent weekend, PB laptime has been smashed by almost two seconds. The bike felt good and performed without any problems.”

Trust’s lifesaving gift to football club

Bryn Hawkins (centre), chairman of the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust, presenting the lifesaving equipment to Peasedown manager Nick Young and captain Theo Avis

SOMERSET Miners Welfare Trust has presented Peasedown Miners FC with a defibrillator for use at its ground on the edge of the village.

Ground trustees Peasedown Parish Council has recently carried out improvements to the facilities on the trust field, including a tea hut and toilet. Money for the defibrillator came from miners trust funds.

Winscombe are champions

WINSCOMBEU-13s had their most successful cricket season ever winning every match they played, beating their nearest challengers Blagdon by three points in the league.

They played 13 games and won all of them, scoring over 1500 runs. Top scorers were Ben Osmand, Ethan D’Ovidio and Josh Palmer, with top bowling figures from captain Fin Bawden, Noah Shoesmith and Adam Shoesmith.

There were many other noticeable batting and bowling performances. In the final league game of the season needing to win Winscombe batted first against Uphill Castle and scored an amazing 224-0 with all the top five batsmen having to retire on 30 not out. Winscombe also won the plate cup final. Playing Clevedon U13s in the final Winscombe batted first scoring 138-6, with top scorers Ethan D’Ovidio 33 not out and josh Palmer 31 not out. In reply Clevedon were bowled out for 72 in an outstanding bowling and fielding performance with Sai Patel taking three wickets for nine runs in his two overs. The U-13 team had four players representing Somerset during the summer, all doing well. These players were Emmy Griffiths, Winscombe u13s Josh Palmer, Adam Shoesmith and Om Patel.

Chew Valley beat league leaders

CHEW Valley have beaten previously unbeaten league leaders Camborne 18-14 to go one point behind them in their first season since promotion to the Tribute South West 1 rugby division. The Chew Valley side showed five changes since the last outing due to injury and unavailability, with first appearances at this level for Jack Summers at scrum half and Ross Harding at openside. Player coach Dean Brooker scored the try that clinched the game.

After losing their first away fixture at Exmouth 20-15, Chew Valley have been rampant, beating Weston-super-Mare 51-10, Lydney 53-15 and Drybrook 41-26.

Soccer winners

CHEWStoke Church School were winners of the Chew Valley Football Tournament held in Stockwood.

The mixed team played four matches against teams from other primary schools in the Chew Valley area.

Head teacher, Ben Hewett, said: “We are so proud of the whole team. This is one of the first matches they have played together and, not only did they play some brilliant football. but they also showed great team spirit.”

A fond farewell

THEREwas a standing ovation for Nigel and Rita Day at the annual presentation evening of Timsbury Cricket Club which was held at Camerton Village Hall. After serving both the cricket and football clubs behind the bar at the clubroom for the last 23 years, the pair have decided to take a Nigel and Rita Day well earned rest and warm tributes were paid for the great contribution they have both made to the development of the club.

Club chairman, Ben Hosford, who was celebrating his second year at the helm, said he was delighted at the way the club had developed over the last year.

The main award winners were: First team player of the year, Mark Sage; second team, Adam Workman; third team, Martin Richards; club person of the year, Dan Hill; junior club person, George Webb.

Young award winners First team player of the year Mark Sage (right) with third team player of the year Martin Richards

Panto time

Club president Jackie Emm with Tim Mayo

THEladies of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel group were entertained at the Old Down Inn by pantomime dame Tim Mayo.

Tim is a retired assistant headmaster with three children and six grandchildren. Since retiring he has become a major contributor to Avon tapes and books for the blind.

But all this has not stopped his pantomime dame activities and he has just started rehearsals for this year’s season as Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk.

It was unanimously agreed that it had been one of the most entertaining evenings of the Inner Wheel Year.

Several other speakers are lined up for November, including a very entertaining evening of humorous Christmas poems.

Details: Sue Hopkins 07944 298036 or Elaine Muir 07543 973666

Fun and frolics

THE Croscombe & Dinder Frolics Society put on an evening performing funny sketches and some very silly songs to a packed Croscombe Village Hall that raised £1,680 for the DEC Ukraine Appeal.

The Frolics also staged a very successful murder mystery play last winter created by one of the group. They continue to invite touring professional shows to Croscombe via Take Art and are also now busily preparing their February 2023 pantomime of Aladdin.

Frukes festival fundraiser

The Frukes with Karen Stewart, vice-chair of Fair Frome trustees

UKELELE group The Frukes – The Frome Ukelele Club – have donated £351 to Fair Frome after a performance at the Tree House during this year’s Frome Festival.

Meanwhile, Frome-based musician and singer Paul Kirtley has launched a year-long £10,000 fundraiser for Fair Frome through busking and charity gigs with his “Fair Frome Tribe” of fellow musicians. Fair Frome champions greater financial, educational, social and health equality for people living in Frome and the surrounding areas.

For details, find Fair Frome, The Frukes and Paul Kirtley on Facebook

Boost for crisis fund

BRENT Knoll’s singing postman, Timothy Dean, delivered his “Songs of Somerset” programme to a sell-out audience at The Princess Theatre, Burnhamon-Sea raising more than £1,000 for the Somerset Crisis Fund. Well known on the local folk circuit, Tim has spent years researching the many A letter and a laugh for Rita Hopkins myths, legends, and stories of Somerset’s history.

Event organiser, David Stugess, said: “We could not have been more pleased. The theatre was full to hear the extraordinary talent of Timothy Dean and learn so much more about our county’s history.

“This also enabled us to raise more than £1,000 for the Somerset Crisis Fund, which will be crucial for too many of our neighbours facing the dire choice between heating and eating in the coming months of the cost-of-living crisis.”