PLOMESGATE CYCLING CLUB 

May Club Run

If you were there you know what happened, if not, then where were you?  (i.e. the editors didn’t manage to elicit a paragraph from any of the participants).

June Club run

We’re supporting the RSPB 3 reserves bike ride again this year, so meet at the Eel’s Foot Inn car park at Eastbridge on Sunday 22^nd June at 10am for the club run.  The normal route is approx. 40 miles and goes to Aldeburgh, through Snape to Orford Quay, then returns to Minsmere.

Plomesgate Open 10 & GHS - June 28^th

Trevor is promoting these events on behalf of the club on our usual "10" course.  Your help is needed.  He will need three marshals, one pusher off, one timekeeping assistant, and as Pauline is away some one to look after refreshments please.  The event is on Saturday 28th June.  The GHS event for Under 17s starts at 2pm followed by the open event.  HQ is Sudbourne Village Hall.

5 mile TTs

We ran a 5 mile time trial last year, which seemed to be quite fun, and a bit different, so we're going to try again this year.  These are club training events, and are not conducted under the normal rules, which enables younger riders to have a go.

We are going to try for two this year, the first on Thursday Jun 19th, the second on Thursday July 17th, both starting at 7pm.  I am willing to do the watches for the first of these, if someone else can act as time-keeper for the other.  The start/finish is in roughly the same place as the start of the "25" course, just on Tunstall Common after coming over the "camelback" lumps on the normal "10" course, and before the T junction with the road from Butley/Wantisden.  From there, the 5 mile course follows the path of the "10" up to Bentwaters roundabout and back.

Talent Team Update

Becky's latest training camp was a road camp using a closed road circuit on land owned by the MoD near Bournemouth.  Over 60 riders were taking part from the Midlands, South East and South East Team.  Held over 2 hot and sunny days the work outs were quite intensive.  To make it more realistic the format for the 2 days was based on a stage race scenario, with a TT stage, road stages and a team TT stage.  The older boys even got to practice taking on food from a feeding station and changing wheels and getting back to the bunch.  Other skills practiced were working through a tight bunch of riders, not helped by playful slaps on the backside as you concentrate on following the coach's wheel. !!

Becky's next Talent Team outing is a track meeting at Nottingham on June 7^th when some of the Regional Talent Team Units will be pitching against each other, no doubt there will be some interesting rivalry going on.

Trevor

Foxhall Fridays

After a wet first two evenings, the sun shone on us at the end of May.  Unfortunately the gods weren't smiling on us, but just having a bit of a laugh, as the track was still covered in shale from the speedway meeting the previous night.  A few brave souls managed to do a few laps before the track sweeper turned up, ending the session.  Julie did a couple of cautious laps in the slippery conditions, showing better bike handling than Ipswich BC's Nathan, who forgot he was riding a fixed-wheel bike at the first corner...

Paul Watts (also IBC) put some of his cyclo-cross experience to good use, while young Jimmy Ingram, having thrown his stabilizers away only a few days before, and big brother Gary - a bit of a Foxhall "pro" - were both zipping around the track.

The sessions are every Friday, from 7pm, and are open to all.  See May 03 newsletter for more details.

Plomesgate open 25

After a heavy shower in the morning, the weather had calmed down in time for the start and the breeze had dried the road in some places. However, the field-watering-spray-thing was having the opposite effect on the road to Butley! The two tandems were off first and turned into a bit of a no-contest, as Ken and Julie Baker powered round the course, catching their opponents at the start of the second lap (for two minutes) and continuing to win by over 4 minutes, breaking the course record by two and a half minutes!
The men's event was also a bit of a no-contest, as the withdrawal of the second and third seeds (due to illness and workload respectively) gave visitor Michael Broadwith a fairly easy victory, despite some very iffy road craft at the Bromeswell junction.  Ipswich's Jim Morris was disappointed to be just 4 seconds outside the hour, but happy with 2nd place and his best time on the course, ahead of top "home" rider, Pete Whelan, who was also 3^rd vet.  Mark Broughton also had a good ride to finish 8th, while Jim Hardwicke, Valerio Malenchino and Gary Holden all finished in their first attempts at the distance, Jim taking the "fastest novice" prize to boot.  The women's contest was very close, with only 20 seconds covering the top three, and Bev Whelan finishing as 5th woman.

There were mixed reactions after the race, with some riders claiming not to have noticed the wind too much, while others said it was very hard out past Rendlesham, but very fast across the common to the finish.  The team prize was very close in the absence of any Anglia Velo riders, but unfortunately we came in 2nd, just a couple of minutes behind Ipswich.

My thanks as event secretary go out to Keith and Jon for timekeeping, to Pauline, Kay and Viv for running the kitchen, to Julie, Pete, Hil and Rob for marshalling and to everyone else who helped out.

Steve J

Results

3^rd May Kings Lynn CC ‘10’

Another windy afternoon, Pete did 24.03 and Bev 30.34.

4^th May Ciclos Uno, Eastway

Steve went down to Eastway on Sunday May 4th for a Ciclos Uno event, which are now part of The League International (TLI) and a little more expensive than last year (see below). After riding in the bunch for about 40 minutes, feeling reasonably comfortable, a loud "SSSsssss" from very close behind him and the accompanying feeling of wheel rim meeting tarmac meant the end of his race.

New Ciclos Uno charges:
£6 per race, plus £2 TLI day licence.
£2 one-off charge for a number for the season.
TLI annual licences can also be had for £16.

5^th May VC Barrachi ‘10’

A strong west wind pushed riders to the turn on the Bungay-Harleston road, Pete cycled round in 23.23, Bev 30.02.

5^th May Bungay Crits

Vets / Women
Trevor did his usual "follow a wheel" trick until he found himself in the leading group of 10.  A couple of riders jumped away and with 5 laps to go Trevor put his nose out front and closed the gap.  Unfortunately he had to try harder than expected and "blew a gasket" dropping off the lead with 2 laps to go.  He managed to finish about 7th.

U16s
As usual the fast lads went off like rockets and Becky did well to stay close to them for a lap or so, then like a "chip off the old block" she found some nice wheels to follow.  Abbie Thorrington was "up the road" holding 1st girl position so Becky's aim was to stay in 2nd place which she did finishing about half a lap behind Abbie and about half a lap in front of 3rd and 4th placed girls.

3/4 Cats
 Richard was our man in the last race of the day. As the race hotted up he was dangling on the back of the bunch, which is where he stayed for most of the race.  Two small groups got away but the bunch avoided being lapped.  With a few laps to go we all got excited when the bunch appeared in the main straight with Richard on the front trying to close the gap.  It wasn't to be and after pulling his foot out in the final sprint he finished at the back of the bunch for a very creditable 20th place.

7^th May ICA Stowmarket 10

Tannery Course, Steve J, 27.09, 14^th; Valerio, 27.56, 17^th.  Winner was Jason Everett in 24.24 ahead of Jim Morris and Angus tied with 24.49.

10^th May Wolsey RC ‘10’

Another breezy afternoon saw 8 Plomesgate riders complete the course.  Pete was fastest in 24.43, followed by Steve, Trevor, Mark and Valerio.  Viv was second lady in 28:58, with Becky third and Bev 5^th.

25^th May VC Norwich ‘10’

Pete did 23:43 and Bev was 3^rd lady in 29:38.

Blaenavon Triathlon

The Blaenavon Triathlon prides itself on being tough, despite the fairly ordinary sounding distances: 730m in the pool, 26 miles on the bike and 8 miles running. The toughness comes from the hills of course, with a total of 3000ft climbing on the bike and 900ft on the run.  It was with some trepidation, then, that I joined Dave Copland, Steve Robinson and Anne and Grayhame Fish of Ipswich Tri Club to drive over to Wales on 10th May, ready for the race on 11th.  We arrived in time to drive round the bike course, and I have to say it didn't reduce my worries.  From a tourist point of view it was undeniably spectacular, but as a cyclist I couldn't help noticing the gradients and road surfaces which were going to make things difficult on the morrow.  The next day everything got going as planned with the competitors arranged into 'waves' according to expected total time. However the first (slowest) wave was not long into the swim when tragedy struck - the oldest competitor, and something of a local celebrity who had competed in the triathlon every year since it started in 1983, collapsed in the pool. The pool was cleared and the rest of wave 1 were sent off on their bikes while resuscitation efforts were made.  He was taken to hospital by ambulance, still showing no signs of recovery, and with everyone fearing the worst (sadly it was later confirmed that he had indeed died) the organisers had to make the decision to call the event off or try to continue in some form.  They decided to continue by turning it into a duathlon - 1 minute interval starts on the bike just like a TT followed by the run as planned. I think this was the right decision, although the mood was very sombre by now and I'm sure there would have been no complaints if the event had been stopped.  It was a relief to get started on the bike and concentrate on pedalling.  The first few miles were a 'warm up' climb out of Blaenavon, and then it was on to one of the two really hard climbs.  Cattle grids and a lumpy road surface added to the pain of the kind of gradient you just don't find in Suffolk.  I'd overtaken my 1 and 2 minute men at the foot of the climb, but soon used up my euphoria and ran out of gears (42/23 was as low as I could go).  After suffering most of the way up I shamefacedly gave in and walked the last couple of hundred metres to the top. I didn't seem to be going any slower on foot, quite honestly!  No easy, top-gear run down the other side I'm afraid - steep and winding descent with more cattle grids and hairpins - on the brakes most of the way.  At last down in the valley there was a lovely long flat stretch of smooth tarmac - big gears and a chance to drink.  Then it was up another minor climb, and the second big one.  I managed to stay on the bike this time, while overtaking several more competitors on and off their steeds.  Finally back into Blaenavon was twisty and steep again.  The run was harder than I'd bargained for, again combining hard climbs with descents too steep to enjoy.  Having walked on the bike section I now found myself walking the two steepest parts of the run section (I later learned that this is not as shameful as I thought among amateur fell runners).  Even when just a couple of miles from home I had serious worries that I would cramp or 'bonk' and DNF, but I made it in the end.  The whole thing (without the swim of course) had taken me 2 hours 55, which was 5 mins inside my estimated time, and I was very happy with that.  In fact it turned out I was 5th overall and had recorded the 4th fastest bike time, which was very pleasing and surprising. I'm still aching, but by next year I think I might contemplate doing it again.  I plan to have a couple more gears below 42/23 next time though!

All my Tri Club teammates finished safe and sound.  Admiration and commiseration to Dave Copland who beat me by a minute on the bike and finished the run to find himself placed first in the provisional results.  However in talking to the rest of us about the course Dave realised he'd taken an inadvertent short-cut on the run by following an arrow left over from another event.  Honest as the day is long, Dave DQed himself. He took home a 'sporting gent of the day' spot prize bottle of wine, but of course he would have preferred the podium place that would have been his if he'd run the full course.

Richard

Road Race Champs

The Plomesgate road race championships will be held on Sunday 7th September at the Eastway cycle circuit, London, within the Ciclos Uno/TLI event starting at 11.30am.  This date gives everyone plenty of time to prepare and doesn't seem to clash with any other local races.  The race distance is one hour plus 5 laps and costs up to £10 (£6 + £2 TLI day membership + £2 registration for the series).  The advantages of this race are that it is open to all ages and abilities, it is more affordable than most other road races, it is on a closed circuit and lapped riders are allowed to continue in the race.

The race has two "divisions" - novices, who get a 3/4 lap head start, and the main field.  All riders wishing to be considered for our championship must start in the main field.  Although the race normally allows riders a lap out to fix mechanical problems, this will not be allowed for the championship.

Evening ‘10’s

15^th May

The showers during the day cleared up well before the race, leaving a pleasant sunny evening.

While Becky, Rob Shipman and Steve didn’t make the start with various injuries, Aussie Dave James let nothing stand in his way as he scorched around the course to win by exactly a minute from teammate Jim Morris. In the process, the pair set the two fastest (evening) times on the course so far this year.

Fastest Plomesgate rider was Pete in 3^rd place, giving the tandem a night off and laying down his marker for the vet’s competition, where it already looks like he’ll be hard to beat. Jim managed to stay on course this time out and now has a commanding lead in the chase for the handicap trophy, while Mark H also set a new PB on his new bike. (Yes, it’s finally arrived!)

Bev was top woman on the night, just ahead of Julie, racing clipless for the first time, but Viv keeps her lead in that trophy-chase.

Surprise of the night was Matt, who took some good scalps on his first outing, and may well have an influence on some of the competitions as the season progresses.

29^th May

An early summer evening has inspired the riders, registering an amazing 4 PBs in one go: Matt, Valerio, Stephen and Jon all improve their best time (and Julie gets very close to it).  Everyone riding did their fastest times of the series so far.

Exams stress seems to do wonders for Rob, who takes the win riding a fixed wheel bicycle, takes the lead on the fastest Plomesgate rider competition, and for good measure registers his course best time as well.  The other riders are left hoping for an early end to the exams season.

Pete brings an end to a 70 miles cycling day with some style by increasing his lead on the vet’s competition, and Viv as well improves her lead in the ladies’ one by more than a minute.  No changes in the handicap competition where Jim H. retains the lead, while the points competition stays wide open, with 4 different winners in the 4 events to date.

Three new members join the club: Stephen, Alistair and Jonathan (as second claim member) and bring affiliation to a record level.  To celebrate the event the course facilities on the night have been improved with free showers for everybody. The cold shower on the end stretch has been well received by the riders (even if somebody dared to call the facilities “a sprinkler”), so we will consider making it a permanent feature. That is, of course, if we can convince the farmer …

Ravenswood

Those with long memories may recollect the idea of a cycling facility being built in Ipswich as part of the Ravenswood development of the old airfield.  A bid for Lottery funding had been put into Sport England and initial indications at the end of last year were that the bid was being viewed favourably.  Unfortunately, Sport England have run out of Lottery funding, have laid off about a third of the "lottery funding" staff and suspended all bids until Sept 2003 at the earliest.  This time is to allow the funding issues to be sorted out, as well as determine whether any change to their policy is needed in view of the London Olympic bid.

Suffolk Cycle Show 2003
This year's Suffolk Cycle Show takes place at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich on Sunday, 15th June and will once again incorporate the Elmy Cycles 'test ride a bike day', with bikes from Scott USA, Ridgeback, Orbit, Peugeot, Orbea, Phillips and Family Bike.  The show will run from 9.00am until 4.00pm.  There will also be indoor trade stands, a second hand cycle jumble, various demonstrations, events and information from local cycling organisations and a Suffolk County Council cycle training & road safety course.  The "test ride a bike" is free and includes hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, touring bikes, tandems, trailer bikes, BMX bikes, children’s bikes, cyclo-cross bikes, unicycles and many more.  Ride the bikes around the 1/4 mile flat oval inside the stadium or try mountain bikes on the off road woodland track.

The show is also the start and finish for the CTC Anniversary rides of either 125km or 75km - contact Ray Wand on 01473 747621.

Dates For The Calendar

8^th June, Godric CC Cyclathon, Bungay Sports Centre.  100 miles from 8am, 75, 50 & 25 from 8am to noon.  Entry £4.00.  Contact Geoff Mayne on 01986 893653

15^th June, CTC rides of 125km and 75km from Suffolk Cycle Show, Foxhall Stadium.  Contact Ray Wand on 01473 747621.

18^th June, 1^st ICA ‘10’ on the Wickham Market course.

22^nd June 3 Reserves Bike Ride & club run

28th June – CTC Norfolk District Audax Events: 100, 200, 400km rides. All events start at the Scout HQ, School Lane, Norwich. Entry Forms and further information - Tony Clarke, 19 Churchill Road, Norwich. NR3 4PZ. 01603 407395. Tony@clarket49.fsnet.co.uk.

29^th June charity Norwich 50/100 mile ride, www.bike-events.com, or 0870 7558519.

28^th June Plomesgate Open ‘10’.

29^th June Sunday 7.00 am, Norwich Century Challenge, 50 and 100 miles, details to be announced

29^th June, Ixworth Crits

12^th July, Redgrave Road Race

13^th July, Wolsey Open ‘25’ at Risby.

Suffolk CTC Dinner

Phil Liggett may be coming to the Suffolk CTC annual dinner next year.  The two possible dates are 21st and 28^th February, plus he will ride with the club the following day.  Numbers may be limited to 90 -100, depending what room is available to us at ITFC, hopefully we can get a larger upstairs room.  Now may be the time to join the CTC again.

Pete

Adbu Award

Madonna has obviously heard of the Abdu award and wants in!  She recently fell off her mountain bike while riding in Beverly Hills, spilling the cup of coffee she had been holding.  The jury do not condone drink-riding and have therefore disqualified this entry...

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