DLN Mar 2002

OFFICIALS
PRESIDENT JOHN KAVANAGH 40 Beverley Road Barming Maidstone Kent ME16 9JP 01622 726959	SECRETARY PETE HARRIS 91 Ashbourne Road Ealing London W5 3DH 020 8997 7852	TREASURER JAMES LETT 102 Park Road Kingston Surrey KT2 5JZ

Happy Birthday Bill Miles. Bill was 90 on the 28th of February. He is our oldest member. He joined the club in March 1937, so he has paid his subs 65 times, (have you paid yours yet?) Well-done Bill.

When you read my report it will be March, and Bill will tell you, how time flies when you retire. We are well into 2002 already. There is an old saying " If you like week ends, you will like retirement ".

This is the time of the year the racing lads should have at least 2000 miles in their legs, or more, and be ready for the new racing season. I found that if you do not get the miles in early, you never catch up. If you started racing later in the year, you still had to get the miles in.

Thoughts now of going down to the coast in bunches of 50 or more in January, in the rain and snow, hanging on to a back wheel for hours makes me shudder, but happy times. I would not have missed them for the world.

I have been talking to Mat Goodes, who tells me he is getting the miles in early this year, so look out for him in the early time trials. Mat, if you go off the boil mid -season, take a rest from racing, but still get the miles in and come back refreshed later in the year when the fast mornings are about. This system works, I can tell you.

I am always saying that we need articles from members for the DLN. How about an article on how and when you joined the De Laune and members you met and have kept in touch with and funny situations always make good reading and so I will start the ball rolling.

When I finished my National Service in Dec. 1954, I wanted to join a cycling club. I was introduced to the Tooting Bec CC and went out on a Sunday club run with them. I was dropped after 4 miles and that was the last I saw of them!

I read an ad. in the Cycling Magazine and it said ' If you want to join a mans' club, join the De Laune'. The telephone contact was Peter Staff. I telephoned Peter who said 'Did you know it is an all male club?' I did not know that. He then said 'Meet me outside of the gentlemen's toilets at Camberwell Green'. I thought 'this is dodgy'. He then went on to say 'the club room is hard to find so follow me'. I met him as arranged on my bike and he then half wheeled me all the way to the clubroom!

One of the first members I was introduced to was Charlie Carlton. He was a club within a club. It was called a drinking club, and he taught me all I know, bless him. As most of the older members will tell you the people you meet in the club in the first few years you never lose touch with.

On Friday 22nd February, we had our Quiz Night down at the clubroom. This was organised by our Club Secretary, Peter Harris. Well done Peter, it was a good night out and well organised.

It all started with a few drinks and a chat and then down to the serious business of answering all of Peter's questions. I did not have a clue on most of them. If he had asked me what chain ring and sprocket I would need for a 72" gear, I could have told him, but it never came up!

Someone with a mobile phone did ask if they could phone a friend, or go 50/ 50. The evening was well supported by the Bec CC and friends of Peters. Francis Rudd brought in his team of wringers, who won the quiz. Francis did say they could be joining the club later?

A good evening, but a lack of De Laune members. We had the same old faces, mostly committee members who attended. You cannot say your club is lacking in giving you entertainment. As the old saying tells you, you can lead a horse to water but a pencil must be lead.

With the advent of the web and e-mail the world has got smaller. The amount of information you can find makes my mind boggle. Let me give you two examples.

I had an e-mail from Kim Cotton, who I do not know. She saw my e-mail address from our club web sight. She wanted to know if her grandfather was in our club, as she had seen the name De Laune CC mentioned in some of his papers. His name G.H. Le Grys (George was our President 1958/67) Brian Saxton our Historian I know will give all the information she requires.

How about this one, I had an e-mail from Steve Brown, who again I do not know, who is building an Internet archive of time trial results in the South DC and so far he has got over 2000 results going back to 1932 (some people love hard work) He would like to add the first names to the riders.

Steve has sent me a list of about 70 De Laune riders, going back to 1938, which he would like to add the Christian names. For instance 1938 Fletcher, 1948 Banham, and 1947 Wynne he has picked up the names from result sheets.

I found this on the Australian Tyco Cycle Racing teams Web Site. One of our ex members Suzanne Ridding (nee Fuller) together with husband Mike both ride for this team. Ed.

I was quite surprised to see my name under the E-grade heading, although my recent performances at OH mean that I deserved no better! We had to do two laps of a 17.5km circuit with a bugger of a hill in it, which suited me down to the ground, although the freezing temperatures didn't.

The first lap was steady with a few attempts at attacks but nothing serious. I found myself away after the first time up the hill but didn't try to stay away as it would have been a long slog. Instead I rode off the front with Audrey Donson the second time up the hill (not attacking with speed in the true Ridding style!) but when I got to the top I found she was not with me. I put the hammer down and made it into a time trial knowing that each hill I came to would be to my advantage.

With 5km to go they were nowhere in sight but I continued to push myself not knowing what those old buggers were capable of!! I crossed the line about 1½ minutes ahead - much to my amazement. The crowd just looked at me not appearing to realise I had won! "Up a grade" was heard at the presentation but I hope that doesn't apply to the Harbour!

Hello welcome to my monthly clothing column. I aim to advertise all available clothing on a monthly basis within these pages. This months stock list is as of 20 Feb 2002. If you wish to purchase an item phone me on 020 7847 6448 (wk) or email james.peckham@ranplc.co.uk (preferred) to reserve your item. Arrangements will then be made for delivery. A spread cheque facility is also available by arrangement.

Hurry we still have 3 £10 discounts to offer. Postage rates will depend on amount ordered £1 - £2.50.

I am opening up the order books for the next order. Remember that this will include winter kit as it is unlikely a 3rd order will be raised before 2003. I prefer an email for orders but phone if not netted up. Sizes seem to come up just a little smaller than TAL, not very helpful but please keep in mind.

With regards to caps I expect delivery mid march sale price £4.75, initial quantity will be 50.

HELP NEEDED
Drivers and Marshals are required for our promotion of the South East Road Race League event on 7th April 2002. This race will be held on the Sevenoaks Weald circuit with the HQ at Weald Scout Hut.

You are cordially invited by the President of the De Laune, the Chairman of the Committee and the Social Secretary to attend the Dinner and Presentation Ceremony on the 29th of March 2002.

Reception, after Good Friday Meeting 6.30pm
Call for Dinner 7.15pm
As the cheese course is served the President will start the Presentation

If you are a guest, please do us the honour of dressing in Club Colours or other suitable attire (e.g.. Black Tie and Medals)*.

We need people to come forward to help make this event a success. Help is required on the days before and after the event and on the evening. If you would like a Volunteer ticket for the evening we have vacancies for these roles;

Table Lay Up (lay tables for Dinner, polish cutlery & glasses, set-up Drinks Service up to 4 hours the day before)

Volunteers only have to work one of the 3 sessions. If you choose the day before, then you will be required to come along on clubnight (the day before event) for 3 1/2 to 4 hours work, on cleaning and preparation. Only a couple of folk will be required to work on the day, but this could be up to 4 hours. Those who come in to clean up the day after will only be required to work 2 hours. Plus a 5 course meal for £5 (about 6.5 euros).

* Guests may choose to wear club colours. This would include a selection of smart casual seperates, with garments to be primarily coloured Blue and Brown and the potential to include black and white garments and accessories. Other colours are not really acceptable (except non-members). Club kit is cool ! Dinner Suits and Formal Evening attire are particulary welcome,

Three De Laune members took part in the Simon Hook Memorial races held at Eastway on 10/2/02, Danny Rudd, Steve Price and myself and we all looked the part in our new team strip. Steve and I rode in the supporting Cat 3, 4 etc. race in a large field of 70 or so riders.

Steve spent about 80% of the race off the front or on the front riding like a man possessed. Sadly I spent the race trying not to be part of the impending pile-up as a nervous bunch tried to remember how to corner after a winter on the turbo. I began to feel it as the pace speeded up for the sprint and Steve headed back my way after a frustrating race trying to convince someone to go off the front with him and we both rolled in with the bunch. I left to weave my way back to Brixton as Danny set off in the main race. Early days.

Charlie Curthoys
There was a large contingent of De Laune members at Charlie's funeral. The club is making a donation to King's College Hospital in his memory.

Good Friday Social Event
On a happier note, Good Friday is the date for the Club Presentation dinner. Club trophies and a sumptuous five course meal will be served at the clubroom. Contact Quil Forbes for details.

Club Clothing
The new kit has arrived and has been selling very fast. We will not be holding stocks of the clothing, so please place any advance orders with James Peckham.

Team & Club Photo Shoot
Good Friday is also the date for team and club photos. We will congregate at the track after the racing finishes (around 5:30 p.m.). Please wear your new kit if you have it, or come along to make up the numbers. All most welcome. In the event of heavy rain, photos will be at the clubroom before the dinner.

Tacx Trainer
The club is purchasing a Tacx Grand Excel trainer using funds from the sponsorship donation. It gives output on power, speed and pulse rate and will be useful for riders who want to measure their fitness throughout the season.

New Chairman
Now that our chair, John O'Brien, has moved down to Dorset, getting to committee meetings could be a bit tricky for him. Alaric Lester will be chairing until the AGM.

AGM
Thursday 20th June is the date for the 2002 AGM. If you are want to volunteer to be a club officer or if you want to suggest a rule change, there is plenty of time to plan ahead.

Subs
In case you haven't paid yet, subs go to Cliff Steele, 23 City View Court, Overhill Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 0PZ.
Rates are: ordinary £31, full time students £15, associate £18, juniors £15, juveniles £6.

The Salisbury Plain Challenge is a 50km off-road race traditionally held around New Years and after no event last year due to foot and mouth, the 2001 edition took place on December 30th. The event uses one loop of the plain that normally only sees tanks and yomping squaddies . It is always very tough but there is nothing like starting off the new year with a few hours of pain in the middle of a field. We planned to compete for the Team prize by entering a strong group of four riders James Lett, James Lyon, new member Steve Price and myself.

Sunday 30th was perfect for the race, frosty with little wind and clear skies and after hanging around at the start we were all desperate to get going and warm up. The first climb split up the 550 riders and we were soon in our small groups trying to negotiate the frozen tank tracks. Steve Price and James Lett managed to get into the first couple of groups with James Lyon and myself just behind. That was the last I was to see of James Lett until the finish but unlucky Steve was one of the many puncture victims and I caught him at 10k fixing a flat. I expected to see Steve later as he caught up but his nightmare day had just started. A second puncture, no replacement tube and riding without water for most of the race forced him to retire with about 10k to go.

James Lyon soon realised that it wasn't going to be his day either and took it easy, enjoying the winter-wonderland views!

I had a smooth race managing to avoid punctures and starry upright on the ice and finished in 2.36, three minutes behind James Lett and 18 minutes behind the winner (Professional rider Daniel Lloyd). James had crashed heavily on the last section of singletrack but still finished in the top 20 overall (5th Expert out of 14). It turns out that he had been altitude-training/skiing over Christmas and was obviously flying. I was 32nd (11th Master out of 224) after a week of over-enthusiastic carbo-loading with Quality Street and Christmas cake.

Southwark Cyclists are the local borough group of the London Cycling Campaign and are well established with over 500 paid up members and at least 20 to 30 attendees at monthly committee meetings. Barry Mason, a key ride organiser/leader and Borough Coordinator for Greenwich Cyclists, got in contact about having a roller evening at the clubroom. Previously Barry hired the track at Herne Hill for a day of track riding which was attended by over 30 people, with a high percentage of female riders. The track meeting was held by Greenwich Cyclists with LCC members coming to attend from Southwark, Lewisham and Lambeth.

The evening itself was a cold and raining, but at least 10 or 11 Southwark Cyclists arrived. Bill Wright, Alaric Lester and Quil Forbes attended on behalf of De Laune. Bill and Quil gave an introduction to the rollers; Alaric supervised the racing and both of the De Laune new coaches (BW & AL) provided excellent support. There were 6 riders and each rider paired up and had 2 races, alternating the rollers (blue and red). Most Southwark members rode mountain bikes (2 Marin's present - does this mean anything?).

In the easy world of stereotypes I have always considered Cycle Campaigners to be anti-sport/competition. In addition, along with the people who run bicycle racing in Britain, you get the impression sometimes they don't even like cycling. Not this crowd, they could not ride hard enough. There's only one winner and nobody else counts.

After the warm up the at the canteen end of the clubroom the riders started to congregate around the racing rollers and the distance clock. There was a brief discussion about how the racing should be conducted and it was settled on riding two rides each, to get a best time, and then a knock out competition to determine the evening's winner. The distance was set at 250 metres (this should be the official distance). The blue rollers quickly presented itself for the fastest times and the competition was electric. In the first race the second placed rider gave up before the line and the subsequent bad time geared up the competition. Riders got times between 15 and 18 seconds. Peter, their fastest rider, in his semi-final round brought his time under 14 seconds and then got an even faster time for the final, 13.4 seconds. The riding definitely got faster as the evening went on and this created a lot of excitement. I look forward to a contingent of Southwark Cyclists racing (over 250m) at the next De Laune Belgium Night or maybe down at the track.

After the racing there was plenty of time to chat and drink beer. The bar made a small profit of £24 (gross) and 2 men presented themselves to me. The first, Dave Haggard was previously a member of the club in 1986 and had brought a membership form (downloaded from the website) and payment so that he could rejoin the club. Another chap Christian, obviously a keen Sports Mountain Biker from Down Under, was very interested in finding out about opportunities to race. He may join the club and I look forward to introducing him to the James. Another fellow is purchasing a track bike so he can race at Herne Hill, he doesn't know it yet, but he too could join the club.

It was an excellent evening, which was enjoyed by all present. I am sure that Southwark Cyclists and the De Laune will be hosting some joint events in the future.

THE LAST DAY FOR COPY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE IS WEDNESDAY 27 March

2002

THIS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
MARK BALLAMY
41 MAYES CLOSE
WARLINGHAM
SURREY CR6 9LB

Phone & Fax 01883 627809 - e-mail mark.ballamy@virgin.net

Founded 1889