Tuesday 31 December 2013

A blog I missed out.

100k 2013 , Should I or Shouldn’t I?

The first reliability of the year has arrived but I am in a bit of a quandary, my chest infection has eased off considerably but will I manage to get round the short but quite arduous circuit of the mighty Pendle Hill.
I made up my mind to do it and posted my intention on Facebook whereupon David Bisset, also a chest infection sufferer decided if I could do it, so could he.
On reaching the town hall square early  for the 8.30 am start I found two other early birds, Dave Bisset and Steve Garthwright, like me Steve was a little unsure about riding but as he is undertaking a short tour in June he is looking for an increase in fitness..
Eventually more and more arrive meaning a healthy number up for a certificate, it was also quite obvious there would be at least two distinct groups making the circuit of Pendle, the fast lads and three others.
The three others comprised of myself, Dave Bisset and Steve Garthwright, two chest infections and an unfit wannabe fit.
The selection of the two groups were made as we reached the bottom of the first long drag of the day, Bradshaw to the old pub at the top. The fast group disappeared up the road while we, the ‘liability’ group got together at the bottom with Dave the volunteer pace maker. By the time we got to the top I felt I need a pace maker of a different sort, the one that’s inserted in the chest. The downhill bit to Ramsbottom was more that welcome allowing recovery before the climb up to Greenfield where a little break was taken, and, the first appearance of the ‘Jelly Babies’.
Off again on the Rawtenstall to Burnley leg with nice downhill stretches, particularly the old Bull and Butcher one into Burnley, wow, what speed down here, it would be hair raising if I had any.
Through Burnley and the fast drop down past Barden Mill is suddenly brought almost to a standstill at the sudden rise over the motorway bridge. This hill has nearly brought me to my knees time after time, the annoying thing is it looks so innocuous. Steve battles up a little off the pace but as Dave says we’ll rest ‘til he catches up, the lad’s back with us.
We climb out of Fence up the short climb that demands a sudden effort to get round the bend near the top then it is nice and rolling along the lane before the dramatic drop down to Roughlee. A female jogger with a dog on an extendable lead is coming up as I career downward at speed, the dog sees me as a threat and lunges at the bike, boy, we both had a lucky escape. I think these mobile trip wires should be banned.
A bit more gasping and wheezing and Barley visitor centre is thankfully reached, break time. My huge saddlebag is packed with enough stuff to feed a platoon, apart from the two water bottles on the bike I have packed 3 oven bottoms, with jam, a banana, six chocolate wafer biscuits, two apples, a bar of chocolate, a can of coke, a can of recovery drink, all stowed in with spare gloves waterproof spare folding tyre, and that’s not counting the bulging side pockets of my Carradice long flap camper bag. No wonder I am puffing up the hills.
While at Barley my tight chest remind me I have foolishly left at home my drugs, namely my asthma reliever, gosh and I am about to climb alongside of the mighty Pendle Hill next, the very thought has me out of breath.
After a decent break I hand out the jelly babes again anf off we go, Dave for some reason or other is clock watching, having decided to score the longest time ever doing our 100k perhaps he is having second thoughts.
Leaving Barley we are immediately on the long climb out and just as quickly I engage ‘Granny Ring’, ok fastlads when you get to seventy five you too will be looking for Granny.
Dave is away up ahead while I, despite being at the side of Lancashire’s most beautiful sight see nothing but tarmac, glancing occasionally up the road at more tarmac wondering when the end will be in sight. Steve is behind me content to also engage a manageable low gear. At the top we are together again with another dramatic drop in front of us, the scenery in front of us is equally dramatic, the Ribble Valley and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales unfold before us.
All too soon the view is gone, descending at speed in the direction of Rimmington, another of Lancashire’s famous beauty spots, before we get there however another pig of a climb must be overcome, short but sweet as they say.
Now if you do not pass the white chapel with the sundial on the wall, you have not completed the 100k route, think about it you guys, did you?
After Rimmington comes Downham, truly god’s own village, a sight to be savoured and photographed too. The day may be overcast but the beauty of the village is in no way demeaned and we drink it all in as we take another short break and more jelly babes. As we pose on the ancient village bridge a guy who is a keen runner around here takes a photo of the three of us on the bridge with the attractive church high on the hill in the background.
Next on our Pendle circuit is another Lancashire gem that has hit the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons, without wanting to ‘speak’ about why, Pendleton village is such an attractive place.
The country lanes take us next to Whiswell, pronounced locally as ‘Wizzell’ and from here it is another nice easy downhill stretch to Whalley.
As usual I bomb down the hill with nary a backward glance, save for a quick look behind as we reach the busy main road we have to cross to continue the downward swoop, I am lucky, a break in the traffic allows me to cross safely.
On reaching Whalley I pause at a spot we use to regroup, out of my saddlebag comes the can of coke, very welcome it is too, and I drink while looking back up the road for Dave and Steve, no, they’re missing.
After a while I realise a problem must have arose and continue to wait, while gazing up the road a group of cyclists are heading toward me, are they among this lot. The jerseys begin to look familiar, Bolton clarion tops dominate and I realise that they are the ‘fast lads’, our lot, I am gobsmacked.
With shouts of recognition and cheery arm waving they carry on and I am left to finish my can of coke.
Eventually it is make your mind up time, finish the cokedeposit the can in the dustbin and begin to retrace back through Whalley to search for the lost boys. I have no sooner set off when two cyclists appear heading toward me, we pause again and the tale of the puncture begins, punctuated by the appearance once more of the jelly babes. Dave declares once more ‘it is the law to eat the heads off first’ before devouring the the body in double quick time.
Now we have the long laborious trundle up to Wilpshire after which another easy stretch into Blackburn, beyond then is the dreaded Bull Hill, what purgatory awaits today?
I have been riding all day with my pulse monitor on, the idea being not to over stretch myself on the climbs of the day, that went out of the window early, as early as Tonge Moor actually, never mind we’ll see what happens up the monster.
We are more or less together up to half way, at the cemetery the road kicks up a little more and I change down a gear, I think Dave was waiting for the moment, as my speed dropped he shot past with a whoop, the swear word ‘bastard’ never really left my lips but it was in my head.
I plugged on, ‘wait ‘til my chest infection is over Bisset and I have a few puffs of  salbutomol, I’ll get my own back’. Back to the trudge I check my pulse rate from time to time, jeeze I’m working harder than I do on a time trial and hardly moving, 182, 183, 185, and still rising, bugger it, just keep going. Steve has dropped off again but Dave has waited at the top so we once more celebrate the ascent with another jelly babe, head first of course. Dave pleads with me not to die yet as a bout of coughing besets me, wait until we get into town.
Now for the real excitement, the downhill rush virtually all the way into Bolton, a mere pimple at Dunscar bottom to overcome, as Steve said, in our younger days we would use our momentum and sprint to the top, but then that was a while ago. However it is nice to get over the last bump, the feeling of ‘I’ve done it’ is there even before entering the town hall square. We arrived back at 3.30 pm bang on, six hours after setting off, not bad when you consider all three of us had set out to ‘attempt’ the ride not knowing the outcome due to our own problems, chest infections and general unfitness. Taking stock as well of our leisurely breaks on route, we have done well on our ’Jelly Babe Circuit’

Dave treated us to a Costa Coffee as we recovered on the marble slabs while discussing our problems prior to the ride, we had all arose that morning with a ‘suck it and see’ philosophy, we had all succeeded.          

Thursday 26 December 2013

My year with the clarion, 2013.

So much has happened in the year and added to that is the fact it has passed so quickly.
As usual my year starts with a will to lose weight for the coming year, as usual that resolution fails within a week.
The Christmas festivities are out of the way but the sense of relief is short lived as we now have to look to ‘Presentation Night’, Clubman of the Year, Guest of Honour, certificates for reliability, awards, medals etc.
The advent of social evenings for club members, introduction of ‘Book Night’ lend lease borrow, Fred’s fitness talks, a really positive move even if we have moved into the den of the traditional enemy for our events, the conservative club premises at Bradshaw. This was largely due to Bolton Council’s price hikes for community premises.
Presentation night, it was a pleasure to receive Peter Lickfold and his wife Val along with Bury clarion in our first joint venture. The night was off to a fantastic start with news of Simon Yates winning the World Points Championship, warm applause greeted the entry of John and Sue Yates, proud parents of Simon.

Easter Meet at Scarborough, the annual get together of all clarion sections, a great meet this time, just wish more of our members would attend. The big news this year was the National Clarion membership target for new members was well above expectations reaching some 1200 plus.

After Easter I was beset with what turned out to be a viral chest infection that turned my summer into a bit of a cycling misery, everything falling to bits beginning with the club ‘10’ championship event, not that I had any chance of winning, but the fact of complete loss of any sort of fitness had me worried. A worthy champion emerged in the shape of Dave Owen.

New members have made a huge contribution to the club this year, new look Sunday club rides, Saturday programme, Southport evening ten mile time trials participation. All this and an eagerness to get involved in distance events and sportives, such enthusiasm augers well for the club future.

Sad news did not escape the club, our presentation night guest of honour, Peter Lickfold passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. This was a blow to many northern cyclists, the huge numbers attending his funeral was testament to the sorrow felt at his passing.




There was successful participation in the club reliability events this year, the 100k, 150k, and the tough 200k, despite my viral infection I managed to complete all three, I was hugely reliant on my inhalers, drug abuse? Boy was I glad to see Bolton town hall on completion of the 200k ride. 

Highlights for me came with the eventual demise of my viral chest infection, use of the prescribed nebulisers and relievers no longer needed. I was able to partake in a few time trials, three ten mile events and the obligatory ‘combined clubs 25’. The very fact that I actually finished the 25 was for me a huge relief, it was a precursor to my 76th birthday ride to Arnside for a hostel weekend. I could now feel comfortable about managing the ride there and back, it was a memorable weekend.

Throughout the year I have kept in touch with John Mann, despite medical setbacks John has battled through and achieved a desire to get back out on the road on his bike. John dedicated himself to getting fit to do so by non stop use of a set rollers, a lesson here to those who decry the use of indoor trainers. Rides to Lymm, Knutsford and Croston, all on nice summer days, were a huge achievement, at eighty three years old this was a fantastic outcome.

The year ended with the usual manic organising of the club Christmas ‘do’. The downhill competition that precedes the Christmas lunch was hugely popular and prayers for good weather were answered with a mainly mild dry day. £100 was raised for Bolton Hospice by the raffle, supported generously by Geoff and Yvonne Smith.
The day ended for a few of us with coffee at the barn, a soaking on the way to the Doffcocker Inn, and a healthy slaking of the thirst getting there. Good beer, good cheer, another good year and here’s wishing the club many more of them.

Finally the members should offer a vote of thanks to the committee, without them we would have no organisation, no club events and no club, but here’s to the members who have made this year a success and helped to secure the club’s future.    


     

Monday 16 December 2013

clarion track night





Clarion Track Night
(and day)

As usual track night was a hit with the riders, Fred Smith doing a sterling job of coaching again, the complete novices definitely getting the biggest buzz, as always.
For the beginner nothing beats conquering the steep banking with heart in mouth and a feeling of impending doom, then gaining in confidence to such a degree they begin to feel comfortable.
Even those with previous experience, the thrill and rush of adrenalin is ever present.
Fred is ever alert to what is going on as riders circle the magic boards, frequent shouts remind those that need reminding, they are under a watchful eye.
Two groups exchange the track, each having time on their own doing the exercises Fred has planned for them, something for everyone and before the night is out all look forward to the ‘one lap sprint’ as a finale.
One by one the flying lap sprints are taken, the beginners in line watch those completing their lap with great interest, wow, the moment of truth, the moment their induction is put to the test.
Times have been relayed by Fred to John Yates, father of the twins newly signed by top pro team Orica Greenedge. John, from Bury clarion, was down on the night as a spectator but volunteered to assist with the timekeeping and despite my plea for him to deduct five seconds from my actual time, he did not.
A great night as usual, all the thrills without the spills, as it should be but unfortunately not always.
The one disappointment was the low numbers attending, but there is always another day and more members wishing to ride the famous boards where so many international records and world events have taken place.
 Just one final note, as the event drew to a finish, I was collecting money, taking names etc, I found myself in a deserted arena and as I changed, one by one the lights were being switched off. Gosh I’d better be quick before I’m locked in for the night and out I rushed. It was only when I got home I realised that the club banner I had put up before the event, (see pic above) had been forgotten, oh my! Saturday morning saw me back at velodrome at 9.45 am. to retrieve the banner, to my surprise, even at that time of the morning the track was packed out with young riders, dozens of them. What a hit this velodrome has been since opening for the Commonwealth games.











clarion Christmas do


Well we got away weather wise very nicely today, you see I arranged for it to be nice and dry for the downhill competition, after all it was the final act of organising the Bolton clarion festive event. Everything went as planned, even the unplanned puncture of our elder member John Mann, you cannot have a clarion event without a puncture. On arrival at the Cherry Tree all I wanted was a pee, but as I entered the door all hell broke loose, manager, 'we start in five minutes' 'who's having the steak, do they want well done medium rare or rare', where's Chris Roach?, where's Rodney? here's the newsletters, 'we need two seats together for Geoff and Yvonne', after all that I finally made to the loo, ah, relief. I had thoughtfully taken three copies of the members orders so everyone could overlook the short term memory, one exception, Ray who managed a sweet causing the manager great consternation, it was like someone had robbed the bank, all was settled amicably with the production of four one pound coins.
I managed to get round with the rafflle tickets as sweets were being served and the members responded in a magnificent manner resulting in a £100.00 donation for the Bolton Hospice. Twice as hard as selling the raffle tickets is the folding of self same tickets, Mandy came to my rescue taking around half the tickets whilst I tucked into my by now cold Christmas pud. the lads around me also chipped in with the folding of the tickets. Time for the draw, as Bradley Wiggins famously put it on the Tour de France podium.
I pressed Yvonne Smith into drawing the tickets for the generously donated gifts, most of which came from Geoff and Yvonnes's shop, gracious thanks are offered.
Lunch over the party began to break up but a hardy few had plans to extend their Christmas festivities with the annual cycling booze up, traditionally preceded with a trip back to Rivi Barn for coffee.
On to the Doffcocker pub via Chorley old road in by now driving rain but as it was very mild it was not too much of a discomfort, especially for me and Charlie bringing up the rear on the long drag from Horwich to the crest before Johnson Fold from where it was a long freewheel into the pub yard.
Lots of beer and lots of cheer, it was a splendid end to another wonderful Bolton clarion Christmas event. Again, as last year Charlie and I were the last out of the pub, and began our wibbly wobbly ride home. Fortunately for me once onto the ring road I can virtually freewheel home, Charlie has a bit further to go but by now the rain had ceased so the trip was not at all bad.
For me the the headache is over, and reflecting on the day I can truly say it has all been worthwhile, again. Another great occasion, thoroughly enjoyed with a very positive charitable outcome for the Bolton Hospice, our adopted charity. Wishing all our members a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Saturday 14 December 2013

clarion track night



Clarion Track Night
(and day)

As usual track night was a hit with the riders, Fred Smith doing a sterling job of coaching again, the complete novices definitely getting the biggest buzz, as always.
For the beginner nothing beats conquering the steep banking with heart in mouth and a feeling of impending doom, then gaining in confidence to such a degree they begin to feel comfortable.
Even those with previous experience, the thrill and rush of adrenalin is ever present.
Fred is ever alert to what is going on as riders circle the magic boards, frequent shouts remind those that need reminding, they are under a watchful eye.
Two groups exchange the track, each having time on their own doing the exercises Fred has planned for them, something for everyone and before the night is out all look forward to the ‘one lap sprint’ as a finale.
One by one the flying lap sprints are taken, the beginners in line watch those completing their lap with great interest, wow, the moment of truth, the moment their induction is put to the test.
Times have been relayed by Fred to John Yates, father of the twins newly signed by top pro team Orica Greenedge. John, from Bury clarion, was down on the night as a spectator but volunteered to assist with the timekeeping and despite my plea for him to deduct five seconds from my actual time, he did not.
A great night as usual, all the thrills without the spills, as it should be but unfortunately not always.
The one disappointment was the low numbers attending, but there is always another day and more members wishing to ride the famous boards where so many international records and world events have taken place.

 Just one final note, as the event drew to a finish, I was collecting money, taking names etc, I found myself in a deserted arena and as I changed, one by one the lights were being switched off. Gosh I’d better be quick before I’m locked in for the night and out I rushed. It was only when I got home I realised that the club banner I had put up before the event, (see pic above) had been forgotten, oh my! Saturday morning saw me back at velodrome at 9.45 am. to retrieve the banner, to my surprise, even at that time of the morning the track was packed out with young riders, dozens of them. What a hit this velodrome has been since opening for the Commonwealth games.