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DE LAUNE CYCLING CLUB

FOUNDED 1889

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De Laune News       June 2000        No. 816 -71^st Year

www.delaunecc.org

OUR NEW PRESIDENT

OUR NEW PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

I would like to thank you all for allowing me to be your new President. After many years with the club, my first love was racing and, as Mike Peel explained at the AGM, I have taken most club trophies and club records, but this is the pinnacle for me and I am "absolutely chuffed' believe me.

When I was asked if I would stand for President I agreed that I would but I did think why me? I have been with the club for over 40 years but so have a lot of other members. Over the years I have carried out some of what I like to think are the compulsory jobs for a club members such as Committee Member, Club Captain, and I also ran the open 25 for many years, but then so have many others

Looking back at past Presidents, the mind boggles at the names of men who did so much for the club and the clubroom, people such as Chip, Ken Hill, Ken Fletcher, Bill Miles, Mark Ballamy, Derek Boon, Ken Fuller, Don White, and our out-going President Mike Peel who, along with Mark, are still involved with the club. As they say in show business they are "a tough act to follow".

I would like to think that I was chosen because I was part of the 1950/60 De Laune racing teams, which swept the board in the south east, and brought the name of the De Laune to the front and brought in many new members. If so, its all thanks to guys like Jacko, Dennis Tarr, Ken Fuller, Brian Dacey, Roy Chittleborough and even Alan Rowe - just to mention a few!

What are my aims as your President? As I am now retired, I want to get more involved with the club on a day to day basis (yes, that includes being available for marshalling). Over the last 6 months, I have been talking to the younger groups (anyone under 30 is young to me) and we have a great group of people with the odd character like Rhino who has raised so much for charity. We had them in our day, we still have, like Brian Saxton for instance.

We have our open and club events coming up soon and so let us all make the effort to get out to marshal, or just come out and get involved, and perhaps afterwards, if the weather is tine, a picnic or perhaps a pub lunch; I hate to say this but "just like the old days?"

Kav.

CONGRATULATIONS

Sorry that this month's mag is a little late, but I have been away on holiday.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY AND I AM SURE THAT I SPEAK FOR ALL THE MEMBERS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MIKE PEEL FOR ALL THE WORK HE HAS DONE OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.

WELL DONE MIKE

Mark

Hi Mark,

Tuesday 16th May 2000.

I noticed in this months DLN that things are moving with regard to the Clubroom, I don't know exactly what but I am sure that it will work out well in the long run. I also saw that the current Trustees have resigned and that new Trustees are going to be required, if few names are forthcoming I would make myself available for this job if the membership wished it.  Yes I am many thousands of miles away but with e-mail and fax really only seconds by our latest electronic devices.

Although I have expressed views in the past I am really quite neutral as far as the Clubroom is concerned, I would listen carefully and follow the wishes of the majority of the membership. What I would try to do is make sure that any hair-brained schemes are not put through without full debate and consideration.

Life here in Phuket continues on very pleasantly, my new house is now finished and I have moved in, everything turned out the way I had hoped for. My son John is here right now, we met up in Taiwan for three days to do some business and then came on here. We hope to go scuba diving together to the Similan Islands at the end of this week, although right now the weather is questionable with quite heavy seas.

I am looking to replace my old road bike, cannot buy any 27" tubs anymore, will probably buy something in America and ship it out here. I like riding my bike, have some nice coastal runs here which also encompass some hilly bits. Have made up a nice little quite hilly circuit of about 28 KM, takes me about an hour to ride. I don't go at racing speed as I don't want to "blow a gasket" at my age.

Hope your golf is going well, regards to all.

John Darroch

******************

Just a quickie to say that my email address is misprinted in DLN - it is in fact wxwright@msn.com. Sorry Ed.

THE MAX DODS MEMORIAL RUN
FOLLOWED BY THE ANNUAL BARBECUE WILL BE
ON THE 30th JULY

We would be pleased to see some new faces everyone is welcome. Bringing your bike is not compulsory but a few more out on the run would be great.

If getting to Herne Bay by9.00 is too early just turn up for the BBQ at about 1.00pm.

Give us a ring on 01227 373045 so we know how many to expect.

LYN & MALCOLM ADAMS

CONGRATULATIONS to JAMES PECKHAM & PARTNER (sorry I don't know her name,Ed) on the birth of daughter.

KATIE

SALINAS 45 MILE CRIT

A couple of weeks ago I decided to drive south to Salinas and compete in the Salinas Bike Week Crits, promoted by the Monterey Velo club.

The Senior 4 event started at 09:00, the mercury was already showing 70 degrees and there was a small field, just 20 of us, of which 8 came from the promoting club. Race distance was 20 miles on a 0.7 mile 4 corner flat course, in short my sort of race.

So we start and within a few laps we start to pick up the pace, which see's a few pieces of dead wood float off the back and we are down to 15. I'm cruising along and as per my m.o. I go for some gaps, hoping to drag a partner or three for a break. Unfortunately no one wants to play so we keep riding around and around, with my only problem being getting salty sweat in my eyes. I've watched the primes come and go, keeping my eyes on the prize and assessing who's strong and I'm VERY CONFIDENT I can get top three. And then disaster, less than five laps to go and the back tire goes hiss and all I can do is watch the sprint, won by a guy in the AV who I regularly beat.

Second event, Masters 35+ all cats starts within 10 mins, I've changed drinking bottles, put a cap on under the helmet to prevent the salty sweat problem suffered in the first race and I'm determined to have a better race. I'm using the training wheel, no aero advantage and a heavy tire, but who cares, these guys are mine for the taking.

Race distance is 25 miles, and we set off at a brisk 28 mph, sorting the wheat from the chaff and after 6 laps we slow down so I take off, hoping again for company. I dangle out there for 4 laps and I'm terribly lonely so throttle back and rejoin the 40 person peloton. At about half distance following several nulified attacks two guys get away and manage to stay the distance. I'm wallowing at the back following Mike Devors wheel, (where else would you find him) and follow him to the front with a lap to go. However when he attacks, I can't follow and just slowly speed up, managing 9th on the line.

Bottom line, Low key races ($10 for two races), reasonable races, bloody hot but worth the drive.

Gaz

(Garry J. Birch)

Mt HAMILTON RR

Prologue

When I joined the team some three years ago I filled out a questionnaire, one of the questions being "What is your nemesis ride"? Well at the time I was too new to the area to know, but one fine and sunny day I went for a ride with Mark King up Mt Ham, I had a very bad time and the ascent became my nemesis. Since then I have been to the top twice, each ride being a confidence rebuilding exercise rather than the destination just being another place to see. Well all was well with the rebuilding until I fell off descending the backside last summer so once again my confidence was back in the depths.

So it was with some trepidation that I began to formulate a plan to ride the Mt. Hamilton RR. I began training in earnest in April, with rides to work over Palomares and plenty of hard miles plus road racing as and when I could (I rode Copperopollis again) and I began to feel that perhaps it was not out of reach. My final act of commitment was to ask for assistance and Bob and Joe Linderman stepped up to the plate without even asking what it entailed.

So in my mind I now had no choice but to ride. I knew my bike was no lightweight thorobred, (sorry Francesco, but you make really heavy, but classy, bikes) so I asked Andy Payne whether I could possibly use his lightweight wheels. Andy was there when I fell off the hill, but bless him, he agreed so all was now set. Three days before I went to Livermore Cycles to test ride a Serotta for a friend, and while there got some essentials for the race such as Gu and leg rub, and just for a giggle I weighed my bike which was a big mistake. Now I knew that I had to propel 24.12# up the 4500 ft. climb plus the additional 1600 ft. on the back side.

Race Day

I arrived at the HQ way to late, but just in time to give my ice box with all my race drinks to Bob and Joe, who had to leave ahead of the first group to leave, the Pro's/1/2 race starting at 8:00 AM. Then it was register and prepare and at 08:40 the 55 senior 4 riders left to the roar of the crowd and my wife's look of concern masked by a smile. Linda was concerned as soon as I told of my plans but was supportive all the way.

We received the usual talk from the chief judge, plus a nice word from the promoter (from the San Jose B.C.), both with request's to be good citizens, not to cross the divider and not to leave Gu wrappers and drinking bottles along the route. apparently the race is under pressure from the CHP and other concerned groups that threaten the continued running of this classic.

The Race

We left at an easy 11-12 mph, climbing straight out of the HQ area. The CHP guided us onto Alum rock road and then onto Mt. Ham road and the speed crept up, not by much but you knew the race was on and we all looked up to find our position in the field and to see where the hill was going. The first pith is about 4 1/2 miles long and we were doing 12-14 mph and at times I was breathing hard, but I was in control. Several riders were already off the back, it was going to be a long day for them and I hoped I would not be joining them anytime soon. We crested the first pitch and descended at 45 into the valley by Joseph Grant Park, everybody was drinking and I was feeling o.k.

We started the next pitch and I was near the back, watching the lightweight dudes around me dance on the pedals as I labored my way up. Life was getting more difficult and the field strung out and eventually the elastic snapped and I was on the wrong end. I immediately slowed down and took stock . I was o.k. at speeds upto about 14 - 15 mph but when the "grimpeurs" get going I was not in the game.  So with a long ride still to be done I rode at my own speed to the top of the second pitch and then the second, collecting other shot out riders along the way, who either speeded up again or slowed down, never to seen again.  I met with several guys near the top, just as the Masters 35+ leaders blew by at 17-18 mph. We hatched a plan to form an "autobus" on the back side and paceline to the finish, still some 40 miles away, but it never came together. I descended with 1 other rider, hoping that the others would catch up, ( we were not going hard), but no-one arrived. I passed the place of my previous demise, just why I fell off there I could not figure out either then or now and headed east into the bad lands.

I jettisoned my empty bottles and grabbed my refills from Bob and Joe and Isabel Creek and then 1/2 mile further took a neutral bottle of nice cold water, which mostly went over my head before being discarded.  My new partner and I where well matched and the speed was averaging 23 mph, we picked up other Sen 4 riders, all of whom became meat for the grinder as we sped on. Then my day got hard, hard, hard. Just after the second feed at "The Junction" I hit my traditional bad patch at about 40 miles, which unfortunately coincided with the second major climb. I tried to hang on this time, slurping back Gu and cytomax but to no avail and waved goodbye to Bill, my two up partner for the last 20 miles. Oh well, just ride up the hill and see how you go, and that's what I did. I got by the bad patch and finished strong, dropping a group of 4 Cat 3's and just kept on trucking all the way to the line, where I gave my self a little cheer and gratefully stopped by Linda and the sanctuary of the car, cold water and shade.

Epilogue

65 miles long, somewhere around 6000 ft. of climbing, 55 senior cat 4 starters, 41 finishers, I came 26th at a big time gap. Linda took such good care of me at the finish (food, drink, massage, well done kiss to a not to inviting face) that she made others look on enviously.  This is truly a great race, and if I can lose another 10lbs I think I stand a good chance of getting in on the action. The course along Mines Road is beautiful if you have time to look and is virtually traffic free, a big
plus.

I intend to do this again next year, so TEAM, take this as an invitation to join me. I want to say a big Hankyu to Bob and Joe Linderman, great seconds in my corner, Andy Payne for the wheels, which rode superbly, and to Linda for letting me ride on our wedding anniversary weekend.

Gaz (Garry J. Birch)

O.M.A.NEWS

O.M.A. Lunch Sunday 28th May - BRIGHTON & HOVE GOLF CLUB

I AM SURE THAT SOMEWHERE IN THIS EDITION OF THE DE LAUNE NEWS THERE WILL BE A REPORT FROM DOT ON THE DAYS PROCEEDINGS, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO IT.

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU THAT ATTENDED, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTIES EN ROUTE. THAT M25 HAS A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. UNFORTUNATELY WE HAD TO START WITHOUT TITCH, AND AS OUR PRESIDENT WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT HIM ON THE MOBILE, WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HE DULY ARRIVED JUST IN TIME TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE CARVERY, ALONG WITH THE REST HIS TABLE.

45 OF US SAT DOWN FOR AN EXCELLENT LUNCH, (I THOUGHT SO AND I HOPE THE REST OF YOU AGREE!) PREPARED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED BY COLIN, THE BRIAN TURNER LOOKALIKE, SORRY MIKE NOT GARY RHODES! JOHN KAVANAGH, HAVING MADE A SPEECH WHICH WAS UP TO HIS USUAL STANDARD, MADE A PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE 'OLD MEMBERS' TO OUR PRESIDENT, AS THIS WAS HIS LAST OFFICIAL FUNCTION. AT THIS POINT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY WELL DONE TO MIKE FOR A JOB WELL DONE, WHICH I AM SURE HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN EASY, BUT HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

I MUST ADMIT THAT I WAS A LITTLE BIT ANXIOUS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT WE HAD TO SHARE THE DINING ROOM WITH A PARTY OF 22 FROM THE GOLF CLUB, BUT I NEED NOT HAVE WORRIED, AND MY THANKS GO TO KAV FOR SPEAKING TO THE PARTY, INFORMING THEM OF WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, AND THEN INCLUDING THEM IN HIS SPEECH, WHICH WENT DOWN VERY WELL WITH ALL 67 OF US!

I HOPE THAT EVERYONE THOUGHT THEIR JOURNEY WAS WORTH IT, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AT THE NEXT GET~TOGETHER. OVER TO YOU MARK.

I MUST SAY A FINAL THANK YOU TO DOT, FOR ALL HER HELP IN ORGANISING THE LUNCH. THE FARNBOROUGH/HENFIELD HOT LINE TOOK A BASHING.

PATRICIA

(A.K.A. PAT TO BERYL WILLIAMSON x)

A good time was had by all (I'm sure) at the O.M. Lunch held at the Brighton & Hove Golf Club. Thanks must go to Pat (George's girl) for liasing with the Golf Club to put on, what was a very good Carvery Lunch, and to George -for "you know what" (at least those who attended do!).

We had a good number, finally - of 45 sitting down to lunch, most of whom had arrived by 1.00.for our usual pre-lunch chat & drinks in the Bar, apart from Ticht who had endured a terrible journey from Dedharn in Essex, due to floods along the way but finally joined us in time to queue for his lunch! It was really good to see Doreen & Bill amongst us once more after Doreen's setbacks over the past year, get ready for the next one Dor. It was also good to see Maureen & Brian Tidbury join us but living so close they couldn't really miss it, Brian Dacey came along with them, we hear he is out and about on an ATB, so watch out at the O.M.A.10, he may well challenge Roy Savery in this!

A speech to "Our Pres" Mike - was made by 'Kav' - as always causing much hilarity as we heard a "potted history" of Mike's exploits and achievements during his 42years as a member of our Club culminating of course with his 6 years as our President. What a wonderful job he has made of it too, as of course he has done with all the positions he has held - and that is quite a few. A- "great guy" everyone agrees, he was then duly presented with an engraved tankard and a bottle of Champagne to show a little of our thanks to him - from the 0.M.A. We then all adjourned to the Bar (again) for more chat, then we finally left for home about 5.00p.m. After yet another successful 'get together'.

The next 'Do' will be in September, another Golf Club Lunch - date and venue to be arranged so read your DLN from cover to cover until you find my-next DATE.

Have a good summer! DOT

BESIDE THE SEASIDE

Everyone at the O.M.A lunch at the Brighton & Hove Golf Club I am sure had a very enjoyable time. Doreen and I certainly did. It was her first outing since a recent operation and I think she was rather overwhelmed by the well wishers.

Thanks to the organisers, Pat at the Brighton end and Dot at the London end. Roy and Maureen picked us up on a boisterous and breezy day with sunshine and showers forecast, sort of four seasons weather in one day.

We drove down in the luxury of a Lexus Limo, thanks to Roy and his new car; one interesting safety feature was a bleep from the car on reversing, similar to that on H.G.V's.  An invitation to coffee at Pat's lovely country home full of interesting things set the scene for the day. On the way to the venue we passed a sign which said, or words to that effect, 'YOU ARE NOW IN A HIGH CRIME AREA' suddenly the countryside did not seem so peaceful any more.

The Brighton & Hove G.C is situated high on the South Downs with distant views of the sea, quite a pretty picture. Over forty of us sat down to lunch thanks to generous George for supplying the Vino. There was a brief hold up whilst we waited for the arrival of Tich Shambrock on his long haul from somewhere in Suffolk, he was held up on the M25.  That notorious stretch of tarmac most have many tales to tell, like the one of the motorist driving to London for the first time from the north of England, and unused to heavy traffic, got onto the M25 and was to scared to get off it. He went round the circuit three times before being spotted by the police.

How about the lady motorist who was to scared to turn right and planned all her journeys for left hand turns only. How on earth did she pass the driving test?  During lunch Kav in a speech to our President Mike Peel, reminded us that he had run in every London Marathon since it started in 1981, I think said, and presented him an inscribed tankard for doing what has been a great job as our president for the past six years.

Who will be the next president when the A.G.M comes round, It does seem that several officers are standing after doing sterling service. The life line of the club the De Laune News is in safe hands, there was a brief scare when it seemed that Mark and Jason were looking for a replacement but they reconsidered and decided to carry on doing the job they do so well. (Thank you Bill from both of us Ed.)

One thing does seem incurable and that is the closer of the clubroom, several years of lack of interest and maintenance have taken there toll, and the fabric of the building is showing signs of serious deterioration. No doubt other premises will be found, a back room in a Pub perhaps.  I can remember when the H.Q was in a Pub called "The Red Cow" on the Embankment and the proprietor was a De Laune Member, Johnson I think his name was. There is a trophy in his name.  Whatever the outcome I am sure that the De Laune has a role to play in the 21st Century.

BILL MILES

NOTES FROM THE JUNE COMMITTEE MEETING

Time Trials:- Jeremy reported that Nick Kinsey was 9th in the Redmon CC Hilly 73 mile time trial, 9 minutes behind the winner. He also reported that he, Cliff Steele and Alan Rowe rode the Crawley Wheelers 10 benefit event for a Crawley Wheelers member, Dave Harmer, who is now confined to a wheelchair after being involved in an accident with a car whilst on his bike. The event was organized by John Double. It was won by Keith Reed.

Jeremy also reported that he and Pete Jenn rode the Catford CC interclub evening 10. He was 12th and Pete was 6th. The Novices 25 was ridden by Charlie Curthoys (eventual 2nd), Jeremy (eventual 3rd) and a private member (eventual winner) from the Crawley Wheelers.

Circuit Racing:- Mike reported that the Club's Crystal Palace event on 9 May was very successful. The event made £73.10 for the Supporters' League. It was won be Danny Rudd, with Justin Clarke in 3rd place.

Track Racing:- Katie reported that the All London Track Championships will take place on 24 June at Herne Hill

Road Racing:- Katie reported that the BCE have a special new 50% discounted offer for membership and racing licences. She has left application forms at the Clubroom. The clubs of members who join using this will benefit as follows~

o If the club recruits between 10 and 20 cyclists, their BCF affiliation for 2001 will be discounted by £25

o If the club recruits 20 or more cyclists, their BCF affiliation for 2001 will be discounted by £50

Ian reported that he has resurrected a season-long points-based road race league within the Club as advertised in the last DLN. So far Danny Rudd is leading it. Ian also reported that Bill won a recent Surrey League event.

PLEASE FIND ENCLOSED MINUTES OF THE A.G.M

ROAD RACING NEWS
The hot news this month is, obviously, BILL WRIGHTS' awesome win in the Surrey League at Ottershaw. After a stiltingly nullified 45 miles, Bill jumped on the right wheel and emerged to take the bunch sprint. He can now be found in the many bars of Camberwell, retelling the story of his epic victory.

DANNY RUDDS' good form continues with a 2nd place at Eastway at one of the Thursday races, Tony Gibb winning it, as he often does.  I haven't spotted any other placings this month, so scores for the club road race championship are:

MASSAGE

The next evening of free massage is at the club room, Thursday 13th July. This may change to the following week due to other commitments but phone me and check nearer the date.

PUB QUIZ NEWS

The De Laune quiz team won with a staggering 20 out of 20 at the Wishing Well and waltzed off with a case of beer. Here are the 19 questions that I can remember!

1. Which island is otherwise known as the George Cross Island
2. How many lines are in a musical stave?
3. In what month is the state opening of parliament?
4. What letter represents a soft pencil?
5. Who wrote the Tales Of The Unexpected?
6. What colour is the live wire in a modern plug?
7. What country lies to the east of Chile?
8. Whos' catchphrase was 'Ooh, you are awful'?
9. What is the main sourse of energy for the earths' ecosystem?
10. Where does rubber come from?
Ii. What do the letters E.T.A stand for? (Not the Basque seperatists,
stupid!)
12. Which English port carries the most passengers?
13. Whose constituency is Sedgefield?
14. Which two continents compete for the Ryder Cup?
15. What are the first names of Reeves and Mortimer?
16. Who of the bodies' organs produces bile9
17. Which Swiss football team is named after an insect?
18. What was Paul Youngs only number 1 hit?
19. What alcohol is produced in Jerez?

ANSWERS

I. Malta
2. 5
3. November
4. B
5 Roald Dahl
6. Brown
7. Argentina
8. Dick Emery
9. Sunlight
10. Trees
11. Estimated time of arrival
13. Dover
14. Tony Blair
15. America and Europe
16. Vic and Bob
17 . Liver
18. Grasshopper Zurich
19. Wherever I Lay My Hat

PRODUCED by MARK & JASON BALLAMY
DISTRIBUTED BY BRIAN SAXTON

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