DLN Apr 2002

Matt Goodes on his way to 10th place in
Redhill CC Open 19.4 mile Sporting TT
Sunday 24th February 2002
New Season - New Kit

By the time you read this report, Easter will have come and gone. On Good Friday I will visit the holy shrine at Herne Hill Track to watch the track racing. I have done this for many years, but this could be the last of the Good Friday meetings forever. It is the old problem of cash. The Council, who own the track, feel that rate payers cash could be spent elsewhere. We have cycling groups who are fighting to keep the track open. We will see. When I lived in South London it was the place to be for 'Monday Night Comp.' and every Wednesday a London club would put on a track meeting, including the De Laune. You would read about your heroes in The Cycling, be they time trials or road races and see them in the flesh on the Wednesday. The De Laune would take over the stand just after the finishing line. On a warm summer evening in a pair of shorts, and with a glass of beer, what could be better. We had our own Mr Herne Hill. This was our own Ken Hill who would get involved in everything. No matter what club, he would be there to help out. He was a one off. Over the years members of our club have not only paid their subs but have also made donations. In 1998 we collected £2182 in subs and £1068 in donations. That is like having a third more members. Sadly, over the years, this amount has dwindled, as have the members, but we still have regular members who donate year in and year out, bless them.

I would like to say thanks to these people. Malcolm Adams, George Woods, Pat Burns, Mike Peel, Michael Moore, Brian Shambrook, Chris Coker, Geoff Sinnet, David Dulake and Monty Watkins. I will thank you all as the names come in.

On the 7th of April, Ben Neville will be running the club open road race in the Sevenoaks Weald. Ben would like all the support he can get. Why not come out and make a day of it. Perhaps have a pub lunch?

Another date for your diary is Saturday the 20th of April. Dot Fuller will be organising the Old members supper at the Blackheath club room. You do not have to be an old member, just a De Laune member. You can also bring a guest. Be warned, this can be a sell-out, so phone Dot soon ( she is now back from Australia and brown all over, so she tells me ! ) Also be warned, the cross-toasting can be a little near the mark !

Can confirm that Saturday 20 April has been booked for an OMA Supper at Blackheath Harriers. More details to follow when Dot is back. The Supper will be open to all members and their guests.

In the latest edition of the DLN Kav has invited stories on how members came to join the De Laune.

To the best of my recollection I joined the Club back in 1952, (sorry John according to the records you joined 24th April 1953, so you have to wait another year before I congratulate you on 50 years of membership ED.) before joining the De Laune I was in the Kentish Wheelers.

I joined the Kentish Wheelers as a junior back in 1950, I was a poor kid living in West Norwood, my road bike was a "bitzer" bits of this and bits of that.

The lads in the KW's used to make fun of me, said my bike was a pile of junk, looking back they were right!

I was also rather short and skinny; my Mom made me some cycling shorts, these were rather baggy and did not fit well. I always had a lot to say for myself so the lads in the KW's called me "mouth and trousers" (I can just hear Kav saying "he hasn't changed much")

Anyway I resigned from the KW's and joined the De Laune, cannot exactly recall why I chose the De Laune, think Ken Hill who was the unofficial track team manager, had a lot to do with it. The De Laune had a nice cabin and a nice bunch of guys that rode regularly at Herne Hill Track. I admired Alan Jackson "Jacko" who was just starting to become known. Derek Boon (had hair in those days!) Alf Wason, Dick Ansell, Ken Fuller, Chip, Don White, Arthur Howe and many others were more kind to me than the KW crowd.

I used to go on the weekend Club runs, started at Clapham Common as I recall. A sedate club run would inevitably end up as a "burn up" On one trip to Brighton I devoured a "knickerboker glory" in an ice cream shop near Palace Pier. We all set off back home and as usual it ended up a race. At the top of Handcross I vomited everything up, that was the longest run back to West Norwood I can ever remember.

I had ten years of competitive racing and took everything that I could from the Club. When I retired from racing my conscience pricked so in return I did many jobs in the Club over a period of years. I was Track Secretary, committee member, Memorial Trustee and Track Racing Promoter. I was always proud of the fact that none of my promotions ever lost the Club money, some broke even but most made a profit. My best promotion was the National 100 metres Sprint Championship, I think Lloyd Binch won.

I moved up to Alvechurch in Worcestershire when I started my first business in 1963 but somehow could never bring myself to resigning from the Club. I would meet up once a year at the Newnham Weekend, I became very friendly with Frank Holland who used to come with me to Club meetings. I would pick him up in Chipping Campden and we would drive down to London together.

I greatly admired "Chip" who did a great deal for cycling, he was instrumental in reorganizing the NCU (National Cyclists Union) he put the finances in great shape and steered through the amalgamation with the BLRC (British League of Racing Cyclists.

In 1976 I took my family and immigrated to California USA, I still remained in the Club. Now I live in Thailand and have come to appreciate the De Laune even more. When recently in England Don and Beryl put on a gathering of old friends at their house, an event I shall never forget.

To anyone thinking of joining a cycling club, think De Laune, there cannot be a better or equal Club anywhere. It is quite amazing that after 50 years I still have friends I can count on.

My heartiest congratulations to Bill Miles on reaching his 90th birthday, wish you many more happy birthdays Bill.

OBITUARY

RON HOARE (OSCAR)
1910 - 2001

It was very sad to hear of the passing of Ron Hoare, who was a genuine club member. I first met Oscar about 65 years ago. Bernard Palastanga, Reg Howard and I were at school together and all left at the same time. We had started getting interested in cycling, with our Hercules touring cycles. These cost, if I remember rightly £3.10.0d. Five shillings down and 2/6d weekly repayments! One day Reg picked up the 'weekly bible' called Cycling and glancing through the pages he spotted clubs that required new members. Why he picked the De Laune cycling club I do not know, but most unusual for those days there was a telephone number and when Reg phoned he got hold of either Ken Hill or Chip, who invited us to the 'Red Cow' at Lambeth, the DLCC met there where they had the use of a very large room on the first floor. All the cycles had to be left in the passageway, and how anyone got in or out I do not know (health & safety!). The three of us duly arrived and to see all those racing cycles and our tuggo's we had visions of being shown the door.

We went upstairs to the club room where a hell of a noise greeted us as some 30 plus members were sat around playing cards or dominoes others were at the dart board. When they saw us 3 waifs come through the door everything stopped for a few seconds, but we were very quickly welcomed by Chip followed by Ken Hill who introduced us to other members. I can certainly remember Beefy Russell, Ken and Rob Fletcher, Fred Hooper, Butcher Watkins, Les Pyne, Bill Miles, Harry Edmonds, Frank Holland, Frank Wynne and many other members whose names escape me, apart from the one that I am now writing about, Ron Hoare and there began a friendship that lasted a lifetime.

While we were all chatting Oscar discovered that we were all from Barnes, he mentioned that he was from Chiswick and Beefy Russell lived next door to the Fulham football ground. So he wanted to know why we had come so far across the river to their club as opposed to one nearer home. Reg said that the DLCC caught his eye and from that day on Oscar and us three would meet up each Saturday and Sunday to ride over to the Windmill at Clapham Common.

Often when we arrived, there were other members and sometimes too many for one group, so Ken Hill who was club captain would organise things. I can remember the first Sunday run we met up with Oscar for a steady ride over to the common and sharp at 0900 we peddled off with Oscar keeping a beady eye on us. I cannot remember exactly, but when we stopped for elevenses we were pleased to arrive, at I think, Mrs. Curds at Godstone. Talk about the quick and the hungry, but Oscar had warned us about this. During our break he chatted to us about club life and the activities, but most of all the evils of smoking and I must say that was the best advice anyone could have given us. Even though Oscar smoked a pipe with very little tobacoo in the bowl, anyway after a cup of tea and if lucky a piece of cake we were off to the lunch venue.

We had never cycled so many miles in a day, let alone a morning, but Oscar would keep talking to us in turn, about what we should and should not do until we duly arrived at the venue where we had our sandwiches and a lemonade. The older members had a pint of beer! once again we set off around the country lanes arriving for tea, which was bread and margarine with jam and as much tea as one could consume, all for 1/6d, then some lighthearted horseplay which included filling some ones saddle bag with bricks and then we all headed for home. Oscar departed at Sheen for Chiswick and we carried on to Barnes.

I am surprised that this first club run did not put us off cycling for life, as we had never cycled so many miles in one day and we were really tired. But from then on we got deeper into cycling and eventually the racing started. Oscar used to go out training twice a week and once we had found our 'cycle legs' we joined him once a week as this was about our limit.

Oscar worked for Chiswick Borough Council as a borough architect, and we would meet him at the cafe, near where he lived in Chiswick High Road at about 18.30 hours when we pottered out to the Great West Road, then headed west for Staines, Stanwell and Slough covering about 30 miles and eventually back to Chiswick. During these runs we would often pass a group of young lads, and as any one who knew Oscar he had a very large parting, and the lads would shout 'go on dad have a go' or something similar!! One night riding over Staines level crossing, I finished up on the road, stunned and having no idea where I was or how I got there. Oscar came over with the others and lifted me off the crossing and Oscar then inspected the bike, he allowed me a few minutes rest and then tried to help me back on the bike but my right arm would not let me. It was so painful bearing down on the handle bars that I had to ride home one handed, ably assisted by Oscar. When I arrived home my mother took one look at me and whisked me off straight to Hammersmith hospital, to be told that I had broken my collar bone. That put a stop to my cycle runs with Oscar for a couple of weeks.

As I mentioned at the beginning Oscar was a genuine club member, a very good all-rounder covering all the events including the 25 mile to the 12 hour, I do not actually remember him riding a 24 hour, but he may well have done with Ken Hill and Frank Wynne. On one particular 12 hour run over the Essex roads, Oscar stayed overnight and we cycled over the following day when he was hopefully within an hour of the finish. The weather was terrible, it had been raining most of the time and when we eventually found him we followed until the 12 hours expired, he was soaked to the skin and when we got back to the HQ Oscar managed a bath, a change of clothes and a quick snack and it was now about 1800 hours and still raining hard, fortunately, as we lacked the courage to, Oscar suggested we caught the train back to London, which we of course readily agreed.

Oscar also took us to the presentation of trophies etc. (BAR) which a few of you may remember these were held at the Royal Albert Hall, this was always filled to capacity with cyclists and friends. Does this event still take place? Oscar for a few years was always mentioned in the tables, being placed about the plus or minus 150 mark, which was quite an achievment.

After the racing season there was always a party of at least 12 members, who spent Saturday nights at youth hostels for about 1/-d a night, but you had to cook your own food and line up the following morning to be given a task by the hostel master. Above all, you had to be back at the hostel by midnight, though those of us fortunate enough to be sleeping on the ground floor could return late via the lower windows. Oscar, Bill Miles, Ken Hill, Chip, Harold Edmonds and many others were very keen on hostelling and we always met up with other members on a club run, for lunch or tea. In the summer, Oscar, Bill, Ken and Chip always managed to fit in two weeks touring abroad, between their racing schedules. In 1938 they went from Victoria station to Newhaven and catch the boat to Dieppe where they caught the train to Paris. From there they would cycle down through France, just touching Switzerland over the Alps and then down to Nice. Stopping off at various towns and villages, eventually cycling to Marseille where they caught the train back to Paris and home.

On their return they would relate to us all their escapades Ken Fletcher asked me whether I would be interested in joining him on a trip which of course I jumped at. First time abroad, but before I could go I had to change my old Hercules in part exchange for a Russ with all the gears. I also had to obtain the metal badge from the CTC to fit on the cross bar, which I still have to this day. On my return, I was then able to relate to Oscar about our escapades.

In 1939 with war on the horizon, which saw our ranks somewhat depleted, Oscar was called up for the army, where he served in France and the desert. The De Laune was very fortunate to have members who carried the club through to 1946, when most members who survived the war returned to the fold. Sadly, a few did not including Bernard Palastanga. Oscar soon got back in the saddle taking up where he left off. By 1947/8 we all thought that along with Bill Miles, Ken Hill and Chip, Oscar would remain a bachelor. I think it was about the middle of 1948 when one weekend, Oscar was nowhere to be seen and on the Sunday we had a 50 mile TT at Guildford. We were all standing around the start when Oscar arrived and during the course of conversation, and having been given the third degree as to where he had been, he admitted he had got married. This took us all completely by surprise, for he had never brought a girl to any of the social events, he had never even mentioned knowing one. Now it was time to push off and we all had to wait until after the 50 and get back to Mrs. Macs for further details. The lady Oscar had married was Margery and she was private secretary to the Chiswick borough surveyor.

Oscar still carried on with his cycling, in spite of his marriage, continuing with time trials, touring and club runs until eventually on his retirement, he and Margery moved to Bournemouth. However he still continued to support the services at Newnham, staying with his cousin at Tonbridge overnight. Unfortunately, once he stopped driving, he never strayed far from home, but I would telephone him regularly, updating him with all the news.

Looking back over those 65 years, Oscar was quite a private person he never mentioned his parents, though I did meet his sister a couple of times when we called on her at Aldershot for Sunday tea. Later on he mentioned that his sister had emigrated to Australia. When I received a letter from Oscar's solicitor informing me of his death, I did write back enquiring whether he knew the whereabouts of the sister. I received a negative reply which left only the cousin.

I have obviously missed out a lot of things about Oscar, but one important thing I must mention, it was he that prepared plans for the De Laune headquarters and obtained planning permission, which was a great help. He was also, along with a couple of other members invited to take part in what I suppose was one of the first mass start meetings at Donnington, though I stand to be corrected.

Great days with great memories.

George Wood

Thank you George Ed.

Ron got the nickname of Oscar because he was going prematurely bald, and reminded people of a continental roadman of the time Oscar Egg who had no hair at all.

Ron was the first member of the De Laune to qualify for the BAR, in 1935 he was 101st and 1936, 80th.

Ron put his name in the club record books - August 1938 recording 227.75 miles in 12hours, a month later 230.5 miles and then a week after with Ken Hill set SRRA tandem record of 253.5 miles which was unbeaten for 12 years.

In 1938 Ron was awarded the clubs Gold Badge of Honour.

MY 24-HOUR EPIC A few months ago my good friend KATIE CHOWN posted a picture in the DLN of me having a drink and a cigar after competing in the 2001 National 24 hour time trial, again this event was held in Cheshire around the Whitchurch area, and promoted by Doug Clark and Jim Turner on behalf of the Mersey Road Club. This is now the only 24-hour event promoted and is for the National Championship.

I had written a long detailed report about the event but on reflection felt it too wordy to publish in the DLN, so here is my synopsis.

On the weekend of the 28th and 29th July 2001 I raced in the National 24 hour time trial promoted by the Mersey R.C. Despite this being a national championship and the only remaining 24-hour event it was very much under subscribed with only 60 entries and eventually 50 starters.

So on the hottest weekend of the year at 14,13 hours precisely wearing number 13 I set out on this odyssey. After a mere eight weeks training and still weighing in at a distinctly un-athletic 15½ stone and this may account for this being one of the toughest rides I ever undertaken. Supported by Katie Chown and my future wife Christine and hindered by a third member of the crew, whom I feel so angry even 8 months later; I shall not mention his name (he is not a member of the club or an associate). However Katie and Christine dealt with his attempted mutiny, my three punctures in 45 miles, my riding in trainers due to sore feet for over 300miles and my being lost on the course for 4 hours during the night (due to our unmentioned crew member) and admirably supported me to an undistinguished 342 miles.

It was however 31 miles further than my personal best and for this I was pleased. It however shrinks in comparison to Gethin Butlers 485 miles winning ride, or indeed Lynne Taylor's 436 miles who appeared completely unstressed at the finish. Both Lynne and Gethin later set new RRA records for the End to End, (Lands End to John O'Groats).

I knew that the year previous I had been much fitter but unsupported and managed only 312 miles. I had hoped 400miles was within my grasp but not this time. I hope I will get a chance to ride one more 24 hour event although I will not race this year due to my impending marriage to Christine, and unfortunately due to police concern over night riding and traffic I do not know whether there will be an event for me in 2003.

Doug Clarke assured me in his letter that he sent me; along with a beautiful trophy for finishing24th in the National that this year's race will take place on the weekend of the 27th and 28th July2002. It seems clear in this age of demanding jobs, difficult road conditions and family living that people willing to ride such events are on the wane. Those of you who rode the Kent C.A. 12 hour will know the commitment required for a half-day event never mind a whole day. I just hope this unique event is not lost, like many other cycling events in the past.

Cliff Steele De Laune CC
Chris Jackson Diss + District
Steve Corbutt Diss + District
Nick Poole Brechen CC

On Sunday the 17th of March I, Cliff Steel, and the other member shown above took part in a 50km 4 up time trial. We began at 09:20am at Swaffham just as the down pour started, for the first five miles we strove our way through a harsh head wind, after much time we arrived at a down hill area where we made up much time. As we went by the massive crowd cheered us on, the most noise from the crowd was heard from Jeremy, Christine and it goes without say the lovely Carol. These three noisy and over excited people helped us with are speed as we attempted to get out of earshot. After 20 miles the noise final seemed to dimmer and the birds could be heard again. The end of the race came to us as a big relief and we were thankful only one of the teams passed us. We were of course distracted by all that noise from those over excited spectators of whom the main culprits will remain unnamed! (SEE ABOVE) A big thanks you to Jeremy Briggs managing to swindle me into the race at such short notice.

This event was won by API Bikes.com A Team, in 1-09-35, time for the above team 1-27-00 Ed.

Seeing that this event started in Swaffham, this is where the late Reg Dawkins and is wife Min moved to when he retired, their daughter Jean still lives there. Reg named his little cottage De Laune, I remember staying with them for a weekend soon after they move, we went out to the local for a drink in the evening and were joined by Evelyn Hamilton a well-known South London cyclist of about 50 to 60years ago. Evelyn also had a cycle shop opposite Streatham Common for many years, and I believe it is still there trading under the same name but now selling motorbikes. Ed.

It nice to see that those members who so generously make donations to the club funds are getting a mention once again in the DLN, a large donation was lost to the club due to a member making the following remark.

A few months ago it was recorded in the committee minutes that one of the committee suggested that to cut the cost of producing the DLN that it was sent out by E-Mail. This member should have got his facts right before making this suggestion, since, back in 1996 in memory of the late Ken Hill a fund was started, and it was agreed that the monies raised would be used to cover the costs of producing the club magazine. These monies ran out towards the end of 2000 and it had been my intention to donate the costs I had incurred up to the end of 2001 to the club, however due to the remark made at the committee meeting I rendered an account.

I would also like to remind members that there has been no increase in producing the DLN since I purchase a photocopying machine at my own expense in 1995, which as any one knows needs regular servicing, the cost of which I have been able to maintain at 1p per copy for over six years.

"I'll just do some sums on the back of an envelope while Sean translates for you". d.duffield

Road Race News 2002
We're back, Yipeeee!. The new kit is out and getting an airing, and very good it looks too. It's almost like you don't want to wear it in case it gets dirty, but dirty it must get so read on and enjoy. It's mainly Ross and James' Lyon and Lett out there for us at the moment. Dan Rudd's out there somewhere too but I've not heard anything from him. I hope that's a big enough hint! Matt's still on his early season time trial diet (check the web page for pictures and results) and James P. and I are on the road to recovery from operation and injury respectively, so we should be back to full strength soon. If anyone else wants to get in on the act, please feel free.

I still need a few more volunteers for our promotion of the 7/4/02 South East Road Race League event on the Sevenoaks Weald circuit so please get in touch, a big pre event thank you to those who have already. I'm sorry to have to say that yes, it does clash with Eurosport's coverage of the Tour of Flanders but I will be videoing it should anyone need a copy. Which leads us nicely into…….. Eurosport

You know, you can just imagine that David sits in some studio in Europe all winter continuing to natter away to his/our hearts content and the Eurosport producers just turn his microphone on as and when cycling appears on their schedule at the start of the spring. When coverage of the Paris - Nice started there was no hello and welcome, just straight into the race like he'd never been away. Seamless! Vinoukorov won it after an excellent ride in the hills on day three after some early season flashiness by Jalabert. Jalabert kept threatening until day 5 when he went backwards faster than an Italian tank, not since an SERRL event early in my racing career have I seen/felt someone get the bonk so badly. Coverage of the Queen of the Classics, Paris - Roubaix, will be an absolute must on 14/4/02. Eurosport should be doing their usual all day coverage so let's hope for some foul weather so we can all sit back in our favourite armchairs and revel in the carnage that is the Arenberg Forest.

Race Reports
Round 1 SERRL 2/3/4 Brenchley 101k By James Lett
For me this was the season's opener and having got a kicking at the Perfs, I was keen to ensure that I was fully prepared. I have put some solid winter training in and was hoping that all those hours of riding in the wind and rain was finally going to seem worthwhile. Joining me was James Lyon, who was fresh from Majorca and had put 400 miles in a week. He was looking fit and it was great to see him signing on. I had been told that the circuit was less than friendly and sure enough discovered that there was a very steep climb at the end of a nasty gradual, all against the wind. As I passed the finish line, I was wondering how my legs were going to take another 9 laps of this circuit. I had decided that it would be best to stick in the bunch and hold out for points, however realised that breaks would most likely go at the top of the climb, so I would stay near the front and see what happened. In the early laps, James Lyon was in fine attacking form and strung us out on several occasions. He was obviously feeling strong, however the moves proved to be somewhat suicidal. With 50k to go, a small gap developed at the top of the climb and 6 riders somehow got away. I decided to try and get across, but could not bridge the gap and was then joined by 4 other riders. We spent the rest of the race trying to chase down the front group but could not make any impression. Eventually there were three of us and we continued to ride hard to the finish. On the last climb up to the finish I was too tired to contest the sprint and was more than happy to have taken 9th and 7 points. Just 23 points left to find for the 2nd cat license-roll on.

Many thanks to the O.M.A. member who sent me cards on my 90th birthday, and a special thank you to President Kav and Pat also Maureen Jackson, Roy Chittleborough and Brian Saxton for taking me out for a celebration dinner. It was a lively evening with the Vino flowing freely, which I shall remember for a long time to come.

On Sunday the 9th June The Veterans Cycling Association are holding their Annual Meeting at Herne Hill Track.

It kicks off in the morning with stall selling bike bits, this is then followed by racing on vintage machines including penny farthings. This is a great occasion to meet up with old friends, so make a note of the date for this years event in your diary.

NEW · Front wheel 26'' time trial. TEC hub with rigida deep rim aero rim. Smooth and lightweight . New £35

· Sugino 500 MTB triple chainset. 42/32/22 As new £18
· Shimano LX servowave 2 finger brake levers- Light and responsive. £10 Pair
· Look pedals £8
· Pair of road ultegra brake levers-non STI £6
· Ritchey 30.9mm seat post MTB black £7
· No label seat post 27.2 black £4
· Pair of gripshift £4
· Ambrosio road 1"A-headset £7
Cane Creek 1" A-headset £15
· Continental MTB rear tyre traction pro- £6
· Commuter bike, 53cm centre to centre. Columbus tubing, Ultegra 600 components-£85

Founded 1889