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DE LAUNE CYCLING CLUB

FOUNDED 1889

Sponsored by EVANS CYCLES (UK) Ltd. & SPECIALIZED CYCLES

De Laune News      September 2000       No. 818 -71^st Year

www.delaunecc.org

Don't forget the
O.M.A. lunch
Sunday 24 September

THE PRESIDENTS REPORTS

Has summer arrived? Well it did arrive for one day only. The day was Malcolm Adams BBQ and club run. You can bank on the weather being good for this event. If you missed this one you missed a good day.

It started with the Max Dods Memorial club run from Malcolm's home in Herne Bay. The idea was to ride to a cafe the other side of Canterbury. Well, when I saw the group, all smart in De Laune vests, with bikes ready for a road race, I knew I was on to a loser! Not riding the bike these days, I started doing the elastic bit at the back of the bunch. I was OK until Alan Rowe went to the front, and I went off the back. I said to Alan 'did you realise you had dropped the President?' and he said yes. And after all I had taught him.

The bunch, sorry the club run, had problems with five punctures, so they returned back to Malcolm all in bits and pieces, Just like the old days!

After we all had a shower in Malcolm's torture chamber, (you can not turn the hot water off) we started the BBQ

It was good to see old and new faces, and a lot of them. Thanks to Bill Wright and Mat Goods for making the effort. It was good to see Ken and Dot Fuller. Ken is looking like his old self again, brown as a berry. Thanks to Mary Dods who drove all the way from Fulham to Herne Bay via Portsmouth, Brighton, Dover. She knew if she kept to the coast, she would arrive at Herne Bay eventually!!

Thanks to Lynn for arranging the food for us all, and thanks to Malcolm for burning the food and the hanging baskets.

I attended the last committee meeting, chaired by our Mike Peel. I would like to say we are all pulling in the same direction re the clubroom. Pete Harris gave us a good article in last months DLN that gave us a format to work with. A working group has been set up, so watch this space.

Talking about pulling together, did you hear the one about the Irish tug of war team that got disqualified for pushing!

Do not forget to book with Dot for the O.M.A. (All Members Association) lunch, which is organised this time my Mark. Details in the DLN, if you think you can cross toast, and stand the pace, just turn up, if you dare!!

Kav.

PS. I, like other members, would like to thank Mike Peel for being our President for the last 5 years. Members please do not think that Mike has gone. Mike is still our Chairman, Toast Master, Event organiser and jack-of-all-trades. He is still doing the same amount of work for the club without the title, bless him. Thanks Mike.

O.M.A. NEWS & LUNCH - 24th September

As you all know - well, those of you who have read the last DLN, we are about to have yet another 'D0' - a now venue which sounds and looks very good, as per your last DLN. It will be a Cold Buffet Lunch this time, and the price will he is expected to be £12.95pp, I'm sure it will be very good value for your money! (Mark assures me that it will be!). It should be easy to get to - as per the map (last DLN), and for those of you that know where the Club Hill Climb is held, well its near there. Of course its all round to Marjorie & Marks' place for coffee before lunch, also easy to find from Marks' thoughtfully supplied map details. So - to date I have not had any phone calls to book in - I've had a letter from "The Brighton 3", and I did collect more names when Ken and I went to the annual BBQ and Max Dods Memorial Clubrun, at Home Bay, there were a good number of "The old faithful1s" there - 8 on the ride, which included. Bill & Matt - the new boy, I think the 'old boys' gave them some 'welly' up the hills, at least that's what Stack said! Anyway it was good to see them out at Herne Bay, and we hope they enjoyed both the ride and the BBQ and chat afterwards.

Once again we were lucky with the weather, warm and sunny to lay around in the garden and chat, which we all do very well. So its thanks again to Linda & Malc for allowing us all into your home and garden, hope it didn't take too long to clear up, I know Mary (Dods) is a good 'clearer upper', so she must have come in useful!

Call me on the usual number 01689 851241

DOT………..

TIME TRIAL REPORT

Unfortunately my attempts to E mail Mark with some early season results seems to have failed and I've only just noticed 3 months later, as I'm not too good with the technology yet. I will try to give all a potted history of the season so far.

Firstly I won the first Interclub Hilly on the 12.2 mile hilly course based on the Sevenoaks Weald course, this due to the fact I was the only rider as Bob Loader of the Sydenham Wheelers sportingly gave me the 10 interclub points.

Next Charlie Curthoys and myself were the only riders from De Laune in the Novices 25 on G25/18 back in early May. Charlie did a 1.04.12 whilst I floundered round in 1.12.17 struggling to pull my seventeen stone bulk back from the turn. Steven Flowers of Crawley Wheelers did a 1.04.7 for the fastest time but as Charlie rode circa 1982 equipment down on the drops whilst Mr. Flowers made use of all modem aids known to man, Charlie appeared to me the moral victor.

I then note that Nick Kinsey finished 9th in that real hard mans event the Redmon Hilly 73, only 4 minutes behind National 24 hour champion Dave Shepherd of the Rother Valley, quite some ride. And for those who don't know this is the event that fills those well-known grimpeurs Goodes and O'Brien with dread even at the mention of its name. Well-done Nick.

In late May Alan Rowe, Cliff and myself rode in the Crawley Wheelers Dave Harner 10 on the course based on the A24 Crawley course. This event was promoted by John Double formerly of this club to raise money for a sports wheel chair for Dave Harner, who was a Crawley Wheelers rider before being semi paralysed in a road traffic accident driving back from an event. Alan stormed round in a great 23.30. Cliff did a brilliant first ever time trial of 26.47, whilst I was quite pleased with a 27.07 this early in the season.

Next up in early June myself and Peter Jenn earnt some lnterclub points in the Catford promotion on a nine mile grind around Cudham Lane. On a cold wet, wintry night Peter got 4th with a 26 whilst I rode around in a rain cap with lights on my touring bike believing conditions were too bad to race, finishing with a 31 minute ride. Still there were three behind me. Winning ride was a 24-minute ride from a Catford rider.

In mid July Nick Kinsey was still in top form finishing fourth in the Sussex CCA 100 with a 4.04 again close to Dave Shepherd. I can't be more specific as Nick didn't give me the details I saw them in Cycling Weekly, still top quality ride.

Then came the Fred Peachey 25 mile time trial on G25/47 the Broadbridge Heath to Ockley course based on the A24 and A29 roads. Paul Mills of Edwards Cycles was victorious with 54.09 with D PollIard of In Gear RT second in 55.24. Ian Silvester was third for the San Fairy Ann CC in 56.38 with our own Danny Rudd riding a rare time trial to an excellent 56.51 and fourth place, he clearly looked a little sore afterward. Team winners were Epsom CC (Sanders, Yeates, Mc Carthy) Expected challenger Sean Yates of Team Clean DNF'ed with an early puncture, before locking himself out of his Land Rover at the finish, I guess he had one of those days. Good to see Tony Peachey and Claire Sivester out on a tandem at this event. Thanks to all for help with this event especially to timekeepers Peter Cooke and Don Glover, real stalwarts. Many thanks to Katie as ever for all her help and to Jonothan Vickery for doing the handicapping for me. I know Kay thanked all the marshalls in last months DLN but let me reiterate my gratitude it certainly helps when you get some help.

Next up was my ride in the National 24 Hours promoted as part of The Mersey Road Clubs 24 based on a course around Whitchurch in Cheshire with legs taking riders as far North as Chester as far South as Telford and Shrewsbury and as far east as Newport/Market Drayton. I rode this event, my first 24 without a support team as I felt it best, as I was unsure that I would finish and to drag my girlfriend Chris and Katie or Mart halfway up the country without a fairly guaranteed result seemed unnecessary. I had trained by riding London to York for the CTC Rally and rides up to our new house being built in Norfolk from here in Sidcup so I felt reasonably confident. The lack of support meant I had to carry a large saddlebag and my race jersey was packed full of equipment. At 1439 hours on Saturday 28th of July I set off in torrential rain. I caught my minute man in three miles only for him to beat me by 28 miles by the finish. At 15 miles I was caught by a flying Gethin Butler on his way to an incredible 509 miles the second best ride ever, he offered me a push up a hill as I was struggling. Lynn Taylor of Walsall CC also continually offered her support as she past me on her way to 441 miles and the women's title ably supported by Andy Wilkinson. Over the next twenty-four hours I reveled in the camaraderie of this event, which saw me at my highest and lowest points in my cycling life. I finished with sore feet and a distance of 321 miles. I'd suffered with sugar highs and lows having had to rely on food hand ups and had felt nausea for hours on end. I'd had fourth placed rider Rob Townsend threaten me with violence if I did not get back on my bike and finish in the last 6 hours (Incredibly he interrupted his own ride to help me and was only denied third place by a collapsed wheel during the night.) I was stuck myself for 45 minutes with a puncture and a malfunctioning pump during the night, and was further hindered by my new all singing, all dancing lights failing on some of the darkest roads and was only saved by a head torch that Katie had lent me. At the finish circuit I was treated to the sight of my friend Bob Loader of the Sideman Wheelers chasing and catching the likes of Dave Shepherd as he belied his 67 years and acted like a junior in his first ten, riding to an outstanding 348 miles, truly incredible. I finally finished outside a pub on the finishing circuit were I was immediately given a medal and someone bought me a pint. The friendship was truly overwhelming and a big thanks to Jim Parker the organiser. I can truthfully say I really enjoyed this event and will ride again with a support crew and target four hundred miles. I had so many adventures on my way to the finish I would need another page to list them but one of the best was having my bike chain oiled by that Morley CC stalwart and Yorkshire hard man Nim Carline, just too much. (If you don't know who he is ask me and I'll tell you in tedious detail) I finished 51st with 4 behind me and was the first unsupported rider, mainly because I was the only unsupported rider.

Next up Matt Goodes finished second to Richard Hallet of the Sydenham Wheelers in the latest interclub 10 on Poll Hill. Goodes riding to a long 23 on a cold windy evening with Hallet being about 30 seconds quicker. Still good to see Matt back and going so well.

Finally I would just like to ask that as many OMA members and other club members ride the OMA IO mile TT on Saturday 2/9/2000 on the Ql0/22 Harrietsham to Charing Course starting at 0730 hours. It will be my last event as Time Trial secretary after 3 and a half years of organised / disorganised event running. I will however be out the next day at the Autumn 25 on G25/1 8 if enough folk express a desire to ride and may turn a pedal myself if possible. Can I say that I have enjoyed a lot of my time in this post although sometimes it has proven difficult to balance with shift work and children and I admit to having been an organiser rather than a promoter throughout my term in office. As there is no one at present to fill this post can I ask that if anyone has dates for club events that THEY are prepared to organise for next season they contact me and I'll do the paper work but NOT the organising of the event, we've usually ran a Novices and Autumn 25 an OMA 10 and the club Hill Climb at some time. With new Club records they will need to go to the committee within 6 weeks of their being achieved rather than me. Also with marshalls for our ECCA and SCCU commitments it will be necessary for riders who ride in these associations events to meet our marshalling requirements, having marshalled 4 Southern Counties events and 3 Eastern Counties in the last 3 years despite having never ridden either associations events I think you'll agree l've done a fair share but as I won't be traveling from Norfolk to marshall events the riders really will need to be responsible for this now as I won't be. Finally awards, trophies and medals are now dealt with by the archivist Brian Saxton (well done Stack) and for our prize presentation we will now need to contact him with results. Thanks to all who've helped me in the past, next time I write will be from Norfolk where Chris and me have bought a home together, address to follow.

Yours in sport Jeremy Briggs

Change of Address:

Ben Curley
Flat2, Burnham Court
3/5 Fairhazel Gardens
London NW6 3QG

15 August 2000 - Crystal Palace Tuesday Night Crits

Eddie Wingrave asked if we would help with the promotion of a second Tuesday Crit this year as they were short on volunteers. I 'phoned/emailed the usual crowd and am pleased to say that we had a full turn-out. The racing was one of the best this season and the 3rd/4th/Vets stayed away from most of the 'big lads'. Justin Clarke and Danny Rudd did bridge the gap but the effort proved too much for Danny and he eventually retired. Justin powered away and keep the pressure on and was justly the winner of the final gallop.

A good evenings entertainment, if a little like Autumn. Thanks to the helpers: John Dods, Bill Wright, Roy Savery, Brian Saxton, Katie Chown and Gary?, John O'Brien & son, James Lyon, Ian Cleverly and Dan the Rhino. As usual the Rudds family and the Clarke entourage were there as were Peter Jenn, Brian Dacey, Stuart Shand and of course Michael Moore. Thanks again to you all.

Mike Peel

NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Treasurer's Report:- Steve reported that the water meter has now been fitted and we are already saving money. He also suggested that we upgrade the Clubroom buildings insurance as we currently have little more than cover for fire damage. The Committee agreed that this was done subject to Pete (as a trustee) approving the proposed new cover. Steve also reported that our finances are healthy.

Membership:- Steve reported that there are 17 members who have still not paid their subs.
Website: Mike reported that he has still not received any information from anyone to include in the website. He also reported that the site has received 700 hits.

Track Racing:- Katie reported that Graham Bristow and Derek Percival are organising the inaugural Regional Track Championships of the South East Region BCF on 16 September at Herne Hill. It is open to riders from clubs registered with Kent, Sussex, Surrey and South East London and there are events for all categories.

Off-Road Racing:- Dan reported that in the Red Bull Challenge the A team was 5th and the B team was 27th out of 207 teams. Alan suggested that someone write a piece for DLN about it. Bill volunteered. Bill reported that Beastway finished yesterday. He extended thanks to James Lyon and Andrew King for turning up most weeks and helping. Bill also reported that Matt was 8th last week at Beastway in the Sports Category event and a couple of weeks ago James Lyon was 6th in the Expert Men event and James Lett was 8th. Bill also reported that the London Open Cyclo-Cross Championships was on 29 October at Eastway. He is expecting a good field and he intends to arrange some sponsorship of the event, possibly from Evans.

Club Runs:- Dan reported that Club runs will start in November. Quil reported that he and Patrick Field are riding from Kingston to Winchester to define a leisure cycling route on 18 August. He said that anyone is welcome to join them.

PRODUCED by MARK & JASON BALLAMY
DISTRIBUTED BY BRIAN SAXTON

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