Rovers September Newsletter

The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 1 - Issue No 47 September 2012

Championship Special CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Please take care of the environment, print only if necessary

Peter Moon is the National Vets 24 hour Champion. Congratulations

from everyone. He narrowly missed the podium, being placed 4th

overall with a new outright club record of 471.18 miles, beating

Charles Robson's record of 447.891 miles which has stood since 1982,

by nearly 24miles. Peter also took the Club's Vet on Std record with a

plus of 131.36 miles based on the new standards (beating the equivalent

on the new standard of +113.37 by Charles).

A new 100 mile Team Vets record has been set by John

Cordner, Peter Moon and Geoff Smith. With a combined time of 12

hours 56 minutes 17 seconds, they knocked 13 minutes and six seconds

off the 2010 record. John was the fastest Eastbourne rider with a time

of 4:10:22, good enough for seventh overall and he becomes the

Eastbourne Rovers 100-mile champion.

The Club Evening Series time trials have now ended with Iain

and Matt joint winners,6 points each, Emma Richards, 1st Lady,

Jack Priddle 1st Junior and brother Ollie Priddle 1st Juvenile

There is lots to read in this issue, with several press reports

containing a lot of racing news. Hence I have not had room to put in

any of the Open and Association results but these can be accessed from

the CTT website

The Club is providing more non racing events with evening

rides twice a week plus a Saturday off road ride and two rides on a

Sunday. See Ann Human's regular Rovers Updates in this issue and

via E mail.

Rob Rickson has been involved in a horrific accident in the

Wessex VTTA 25 at Fontwell on 26 August. The event cancelled and

Rob was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London. He is in

Intensive Care with neck injuries although tests show that he has no

broken bones.

On a sad note, Roly Wickham died on 14th August, after going

to hospital the day before. He had been marshalling that weekend and

said he felt unwell. His funeral was on 3 September.

Chris Colyer reports that the Geoff Butler bike as advertised in

the last edition has been sold via the Newsletter.

Finally, your Hon Ed has been virtually out of action for 2

months due to illness. He is very frustrated and wonders if he will ever

be well again. He did venture to France but came back with yet another

sore throat and headcold! Hon Ed.

Page

Club News 2

From our General Secretary 3

Clubrun Report 19/8/2012

by Alan Symonds 5

Stan Nash and Charles Robson

by Jane Lade 6

Amusing Stan Nash article re

ESCA 50 from early 1950's 6

Jane Lade ESCA 100 8

Press reports 8

100 mile Vets record 8

Open 10&25 weekend9

Geoff Smith's

SCCU 100 10

Peter Moon's 24 hr

victory 11

Evening Series TT Results and

final standings 12

Reports

Summer feature.

Roving Abroad

Dieppe Raid 2012 14

Touring in Brittany Riders of

the D28 17

Audax News

Apology to Jack Williams 22

AUK National 400km Norfolk

22

Fairies Half Flat 200km Kent23

Bradley Wiggins v Piers

Morgan 24

New Kontour Cycles Shop 24

Next Edition October 2012

The Official Newsletter of the Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Issue No 47 September 2012


Useful Contact Info:

Ann Human: Secretary : 01323 485180

Graham Lade: Chairman: 01323 509408

Peter Moon: Treasurer and Club Kit: 01323 485180

Stuart Davis: Time Trials Secretary: 01323 469188

Iain Brogden Website: 01323 520590

Dave Cox: Club Captain & Evening Time Trial Series: 01323 507916

Tony Murphy Press Secretary and Sunday Rides: 01323 410376

CLUB NEWS

NewMembers

The Club extends a very warm welcome to Rosie Ford, Nick Adlam and Joseph Ball, they all joined the

Club in June. Welcome back Andy Eaton and Ian Hanniford (2nd Claim). The membership has increased

significantly this year and the Club is expanding it's activities to cater for the wider range of interests of

members, as detailed below, with off road and cyclo cross back in the programme along with a greater

frequency of clubruns (Monday and Thursday evenings, Saturday and two on Sundays).

Club Runs:.

These are now being held in various guises throughout the week, details on pages 3&4

Ride with Rovers – Monday evenings – Come and join in!

Wattbike Challenge – Monday evenings after the Monday evening rides.

Race Pace Ride with Rovers Thursday

Off Road with Rovers – Saturday

Roam with Rovers – Sunday

Sunday Club Run – Sunday

This is not the same as Roam with Rovers – this is for the faster riders with variations to the type and length

of ride.

Club Night: Every Monday evening from 8.00pm – 10.30pm (excluding bank holidays) at the Stone Cross

Memorial Hall (opposite the Red Lion Public House). Chance to meet and socialise, catch up with recent

news and gossip. Refreshments available.

The website photo gallery is back and now works in the latest web browsers:

http://www.eastbournerovers.com/gallery.php

Please continue to send Iain any photos you would like added to the gallery. Iain has sprinkled some of his

magic techno dust over the site and added a new section for the wattbikes with items of interest including

regular updates of the club’s Monday night wattbike challenge table

On the front page you will find a live twitter feed to get a glimpse of what’s being chirped about. Click the

logo on the top banner to follow, or click ‘join the conversation’ at the bottom to go to our main twitter

board. Tweet, tweet! – Follow us on twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/RoversCycling

CTT Entry form.

Don’t forget that for open events you need to enter in advance on a CTT entry form (see last

Newsletter). If you are unfamiliar with the procedure for entering open events and want to know more,

please contact our Time Trial Secretary, Stuart Davis, [email protected] who will be happy to help.

Club Records

The current Club Records are shown in the 2012 Handbook.

Club Clothing: Peter Moon has the order forms for your kit, including bib shorts. Money with order

please.

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mailto:[email protected]


Update "Cycle Seahaven 100km" on 10 June 2012

David Howard Houston let me know that he was riding tubs, got a puncture, hence dnf.

Hmm, lanes a bit rough for tubs, David (Hon Ed.) Hi Richard I have just read your newsletter. About the Seaford ride. I got a puncture and as I was the only one on tubs and had

no more spares, I turned back rather than risk another puncture, a long way from home. That ride made me change my wheels to clinchers David

From our General Secretary

This is the second instalment of this feature. Ann puts a lot of time into producing these bulletins which

may not be seen by everyone.

Our heartfelt wishes to Rob for a full and speedy recovery

Unfortunately Rob Rickson was involved in a serious accident while racing at the VTTA Wessex event on

Sunday 26th August at West Sussex. We believe he was either hit side on by, or went into the side of a

vehicle turning right through a turn on the A27 dual carriageway central reservation on the west bound side.

Emergency services were on the scene fairly quickly and he was air lifted to Kings College Hospital. Last

we heard, from Rob’s mum, was although he had neck injuries, thankfully the scans didn’t show any broken

bones. He is currently undergoing further tests and awaiting results. We have received messages of support

via email and twitter from his many cycling friends as well as personal wishes for a full and speedy recovery

on the time trialling forum.

Read about Rovers – In the headlines again

Iain has been sprinkling even more magic media dust and got two more hits in the Eastbourne Herald. See

Press reports. Don’t forget, if you have anything of interest to report please let Iain or me know by email

on a Sunday evening so there is a chance of getting it in the papers. It doesn’t need to be about time trials, it

can be about any cycle events as it all helps to build the profile of the club and get the message across that

Eastbourne Rovers is a club that caters for all types of cyclists and encourages others to join. Pictures are a

great help too, so if you have any good ones please send them in.

Eastbourne Rovers on Facebook – get connected

Keep up to date with what’s going on by joining us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/roverscycling –

make sure you click to like us so you can keep updated. Check out the Events link for details of organised

rides etc. Please feel free to post anything that might be of interest to other members including suggestions

for unscheduled or ad hoc rides etc.

Race Pace Ride with Rovers – Thursday

Now that the Club Time Trials have come to an end we don’t want you racing types getting bored or out of

condition! Some of the fast guys and girls like to keep the momentum going and their fitness levels up, with

a Thursday evening chain gang style ride at race pace intensity. The ride will be at least an hour – maybe

two, at an average pace of 20mph – the route will be decided on the evening, but will generally be flat to

keep the group rolling. Lights and helmets are compulsory and riders need to be race fit and able to keep up.

Meet at Stone Cross Memorial Hall, Thursday evenings at 6:45pm for 7:00 start – Lights and helmets

compulsory

Please be aware that there is no access to the hall and under no circumstances should members use the car

park as it is booked for use by others on a Thursday evening.

On 23rd August it was a really good ride including Jack, Ollie, Simon, Adam, Stuart D, Eddie, Kevin and Shane. The route was Stone Cross, Normans Bay, Bexhill Seafront, to Hastings Sealife Centre with a quick

stop before returning to Stone Cross on same roads. Route covered about 32 miles at an average 20 mph

and with interspersed sprints along the way – everyone thought it was just about perfect

http://www.facebook.com/roverscycling


Off Road with Rovers – Saturday 1st September

We are delighted to announce that Andy Seviour has put forward some exciting suggestions for mountain

bike runs starting on Saturday 1st September. So no more excuses – get on your mountain bike!

To get us started Andy has come up with a 14km route out towards West Firle incorporating 90% off road

on bridleways for a relatively easy 1½ hour ride out to a refreshment stop at a suitable venue such as Middle

Farm. Returning on a more technical and testing 21km route of 80% off road in about 2 hours. This would

be total riding time, without stops, of about 3½ hours covering 35km.

Meet at Cacklebury Stores, South Road, Hailsham Saturday mornings at 8:00am for 8:15 start – Helmets

compulsory

Roam with Rovers – Sunday 2nd September

For those who want to get out and about on their bikes to enjoy the local scenery with some good, like-

minded company, Peter Moon led a Roam with Rovers on Sunday 2nd September.

This is a great introduction for new members who are unsure about group riding or non-racing members

who enjoy a more leisurely pace. Rides are of a social nature and a great opportunity to get to know each

other and exchange banter as you go along. Newcomers to the sport can learn so much from the more

experienced cyclists who are only too keen to offer encouragement by way of support or advice. Variations

to the type and length of ride will be made to suit the ability of the riders present on the day, but will

generally be in the region of 3 hours, covering between 35 and 45 miles, paced at about 12 – 15 mph, and

highly likely to include a coffee stop.

Meet at Horse and Groom, Polegate Crossroads, Sunday Mornings at 9:00am for 9:15 start – Helmets

compulsory

Sunday 26th August, Peter, Jack, Ollie, Will, Shane and Joe covered about 50 miles out to Laughton,

Chiddingly, Pevensey with a coffee stop at Chilley Farm before returning to Polegate

Sunday Club Run – Sunday 2nd September

This is not the same as Roam with Rovers – this is for the faster riders with variations to the type and length

of ride will be made to suit the weather, ability of the riders and time of year, but will generally be in the

region of 3-4 hours, covering between 50 and 70 miles, paced at about 17 mph.

Meet at Horse and Groom, Polegate Crossroads, Sunday Mornings at 9:00am for 9:15 start – Helmets

compulsory

There is no official club run organised as yet – please post your suggestions on our facebook site to register

your interest in this otherwise it will just be the Roam with Rovers ride.

Ride with Rovers – Monday 3rd September

This is a social ride of about 15 miles at an easy pace suitable for all fitness and experience levels from

newcomer onwards. It also makes a suitable easy pace recovery ride for the more experienced riders. The

routes are predominantly very quiet lanes and there is always a mixture of bikes including MTB, cross,

tourer, hybrid and racing bikes. Newcomers are very welcome and actively encouraged as it is a great way to

meet club members and find out more about the club and cycling in general.

Meet at Stone Cross Memorial Hall, Monday evenings at 6:45pm for 7:00 start – Lights and helmets

compulsory

On Monday 27th August we had record numbers for the Ride with Rovers – 28 in total thoroughly enjoyed

the Herstmonceux Loop


Are you ready for Cyclo-Cross?

Eastbourne Rovers have affiliated to the London & SE Cyclo-Cross League for 2012/13 so get ready for

some of the dirty stuff! If you want to know all the ins and outs of Cyclo-Cross, Ted’s the man in the know,

but in the meantime see the British Cycling Cyclo-Cross calendar for the South East on their web site.

The Small Print

As a member or guest of Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club, you participate in club runs, rides or training

sessions entirely at your own risk. You must accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety at all

times, including the roadworthiness, safety and security of your bike and equipment. We strongly

recommend you take out appropriate third party insurance such as that offered by the CTC or British

Cycling.

Keep Informed

Visit the website: www.eastbournerovers.com

Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/RoversCycling

Join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/roverscycling

19 August 2012 Clubrun report from Alan Symonds

The last time I went on a club run was some years ago when i was younger (and fitter) but not as fit as some,

so having heard all the hype about how gentile the new format was I thought I would give it another go

especially as the jenou had been pretty good for a couple of weeks and survived Thursdays 10 .

I was encouraged by the sunshine and warmth of Sunday 19th

Aug. as well, something we hav’nt seen a lot

of this year so taking advantage of the weather I decided to take out my 1990 Freccia. I nipped along Ersham Rd up Sayerlands Rd and on to the Cuckoo trail. I arrived at Polegate at 8.20 to find a number of

riders already there raring to go and of course all on bikes somewhat lighter than my choice and looking

serious.

Tony Murphy with Shane Hills led us off back to Hailsham (could have stayed in bed another ½ hour)

through to the A22 and down Arlington Rd to Upper Dicker. Once over the small rise the pace picked up a

bit and it was down to a right turn at Berwick and along to Laughton where the pace increased.

Just before Ringmer a regroup was needed. Unfortunately I went to stop and found I could not get my left

cleat out. Well unfortunate for Les Femme in the form of Charlotte who was having her own problem which

I solved by falling on her (sorry but thanks Charlotte). Ignore that Graham I'm sure it was just my

imagination.

We wended our way through Ringmer and on to Lewes then out on the Beddingham Rd towards Newhaven.

Being an undulating road the lighter,faster,fitter ones like Adam Ford. Shane Hills, Ollie Priddle plus others

and some visitors and new members who I didn’t know were off like the proverbial Rats up Drainpipes. I

seemed to be in “No Mans Land” with some still behind me and others in front. I managed to catch one rider

by default as his chain came off on the last rise before Newhaven and at the top there was the breakaway,

patiently waiting. Les Femme and couple of others shortly arrived and we were off to Seaford via the cycle

route with its numerous posts about which Richard can offer advice on avoidance and arrived at Seaford

Prom Cafe where there were numerous cars and sun worshippers. We had a short stop for bottle filling as it

was too busy to wait with the queue. Along to Exceat Hill and a nice downhill run to the Galleon.

The group was going off up the footpath which I didn’t fancy with my nice new tyres so myself and Joe

decided to opt out as he had a party to attend. He chose to take the Eastbourne road and I went via Chapel

Hill and Arlington back to Hailsham. The ride did what it says on the box and whilst as one would expect

from a group comprising a number of fast guys needing to unleash the power, there were catch up stops and

as far as I am aware we didn’t lose anyone so all in all it was an enjoyable morning out in the warm with just

a few spots of wet stuff which were hardly noticeable.

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I arrived back at 12.50 and my computer as usual had decided to non function so just doing some mapping, I

estimate my ride was approx 47 miles. The moral of this story is that if I can do it almost anyone can, so if

you are stuck for something to do on a Sunday or you want to get a bit fitter come and try it

Stan Nash and Charles Robson

Jane Lade found the following article amongst Charles' collection of cycling memorabilia. I hope you

enjoy reading it as Stan could be mischievous at times!

Jane writes;

I am attaching a lovely article by Stan Nash about a 1951 ‘50’ which we have found amongst Charles’

cycling stuff – we collected lots and lots of files and boxes from his house last Thursday in response to his

son John’s plea for help in sorting out. His office is full of files, papers etc. on shelves covering three walls

and the floor!! We took anything to do with the Rovers, CTT etc. and Esther took all VTTA and 24hr

Fellowship things but there’s still a lot of priceless gems lurking there!!

We told John to call us back if needed. Graham has sorted most of it, the majority of which has been

‘recycled’ but we have kept little gems like this article.

I loved reading it (not a lot changes, except perhaps the breakfast afterwards followed by the easy potter for

the rest of the day) and thought it could go in the Newsletter if you agree.

Article written about an ESCA 50 in the early 1950’s by Stan Nash.

“ESCA 50”.

Reveille at 4.15 – what an ungodly hour! Creep about the house, making tea and boiling an egg, then out

into a darkened town peopled by prowling cats and clattering milkfloats; out into a countryside steadily

wakening to the dawn – through chilling patches of ground fog clinging eerily in the hollows.

Why the activity? Only the Time Trial Bug can get cyclists out of bed at this hour and he has succeeded in

getting 60 entries for today’s “50”. I am an early starter and No.1 comes revving out of the gloom as I

approach the start.

I am on the line – 15 seconds to go. Tighten straps – check watch – 3, 2, 1 – a hefty shove from behind and

I’m off! Out of the saddle to get ‘em moving – better leave it in third till I’m round the bend, then into top.

Not so fast – this is a “50” not a “10”! Down past the Rosemary* – people changing wheels, pumping up

tubulars board hard. Breath comes short and fast. Now the first bit of agony – down into “79”, start

honking* but it doesn’t last long. The Roundabout* – left down the concrete*, and there is a little black

figure breasting the hill ahead – my minute man! Be seeing you, mate! The scratchman is two minutes

behind me and he’ll probably soon be seeing me! Don’t look round – it’s bad for morale! Now a glorious

swipe downhill, my 90 top is really turning and I must be doing over 30’s. Over the railway bridge* and –

careful now, this is tricky – a sharp right turn and into a hard westerly breeze. Who says cycling isn’t hard

work; this kind is!

A slight noise, a sizzle of tyres, a sinister shadow moves up from behind and the scratchman surges by.

Riding a machine of unorthodox construction*, propelling a gear in the high 90’s, he gives a grunt of

recognition on passing and steadily draws away into the distance. No good trying to hang on – he’s

probably doing a “2-8”. Still – there’s always the handicap section for us slow types!

The first turn, and the breeze turns from enemy to friend for a couple of miles. Think the man behind me

must be DNS – no sign of him – but now a succession of struggling riders start passing in the opposite

direction – some I know, some not, but all are fighting for the few seconds which mean the difference

between a personal best, and perhaps an award, or – just another time!

And so it goes on. At intervals I see groups of enthusiasts who have turned out to marshal, or just to watch

and cheer their clubmates; one lady – known to us all – stands at a road junction with a word of cheer to all


riders – (“He’s catching you”!) – What an enthusiast she is – and what an example to some lie-abed

clubmen!

The road is lumpy now, and the breeze is once more making things hard, but I am cheered by the sight of a

black-garbed figure slowly coming back to me. The distance between us lessens, and on a rise just before

the second turn I forge triumphantly ahead. I feel Fast – I am a Ken Joy, a Keith Bently! I top the rise and

slap my gear lever into top to ensure that my getaway is not challenged.

I did 1-12 for the first 25, but it is a flyer coming back from the second turn and I reckon I should do a 2-21

if I don’t sell out. Some good folk have organised a feeding station at the top of a sharp rise, but I feel good

and only take a sponge. Down to 10’s now for a sharp

left-hand turn on to the “25” course and now a fast few miles up sheltered roads to the last turn. A discarded

sandwich on the road reminds me of my tomatoes and I snatch the chance for a quick snack. Tomatoes are

just the job for a “50”, but the skins are a nuisance.

The scratchman has gained another five minutes on me at the turn and is still going well. Only 12 and a half

miles now and the procession in the opposite direction starts again. Here’s an old friend clinging with

bulldog tenacity to a shortmarker who started three minutes behind him. One of our busiest officials, he still

finds time for his weekly battle against the watch.

But now I am on concrete* again. A side wind gives no help and the road ascends in steps to its summit

two miles ahead. No time for dreaming now – this is the time for maximum effort. The spirit is willing, but

the legs are feeling a bit weak! So slowly the hill crest comes toward me and suddenly I’m over. Up into

top – and now she’ll stay there whatever happens. Twinges of hunger knock make themselves felt but that

doesn’t matter now; this is the home stretch and I should be finished in 8 minutes. Under the bridge*, up

and then round that nasty bend – (wonder what happens when a tub. rolls off?) Finally the long, long mile

to the Finish. No. 1 – lucky fellow- is pottering back to Event HQ – but now I can see the timekeeper.

Move, man MOVE! “Numbers?” – “Number 8” – A voice yells in my ear – “Number 12”. Number 12

flashes past me and the timekeeper but I am past worrying. I can now free-wheel - what a lovely sensation!

I drop down to bottom and potter back. Casually glance over the huddle round the result board. Time not

up yet. What’s that – a “20” – ah well, could be worse. At steady “5’s” I make my way towards racing’s

great compensations – second breakfast and an easy potter for the rest of the day.

“One Who Suffers”

*The Rosemary – Rosemary Café, Magham Down – where a lot of ESCA events started and finished and

where breakfasts were served – now a house called Rosemary House. ESCA Rosemary Shield donated by

the ladies who ran the café

*honking – riding out of the saddle

*The Roundabout – Boship

*1 concrete road to Polegate (single carriageway at the time)

*Over the railway bridge – Polegate railway bridge, turning right on A27!

*scratchman – riding a machine of unorthodox construction – Charles Robson ERCC (or ERC&AC in

1951) riding his Paris Galibier.

*2 concrete – the Dicker – new concrete road

*Under the bridge – this is the railway bridge at Horsebridge which was the line to Tunbridge Wells from

Eastbourne, now of course the Cuckoo Trail (bridge demolished years ago)


Jane Lade reported on the 100. It was a good morning for the 100, although it was very hot!. Iain punctured and retired again, but John Cordner did a 4.10, with Peter 4.13 and Geoff 4.32. Didn’t stay long enough to find out if they got any awards. Rob Pelham won it with 3.54. although he was ‘on call’ throughout the event as his second child is due next Sunday – apparently Mark Winton was helping him and had instructions that if ‘things got moving’ he was to drag Rob away from the event to witness the birth!! Super weekend for the Club’s 2 Open time trials, with 21 under the hour for the 25. Rob Rickson was especially pleased as he improved his 10 time by 2 minutes and his 25 by 3 minutes+ also. Bronwen Ewing did a short 59 in the 25, which we believe is the first time a lady has got under the hour on the ESCA course.

PRESS REPORTS

Iain Brogden kindly found time in his busy life to submit these reports to the Herald. Many thanks for that,

Iain, Hon Ed

Vet Rovers on a roll to smash 100-mile record

Published on Thursday 23 August 2012 13:36

The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club team of John Cordner, Peter Moon and Geoff Smith set a new Eastbourne veteran team record in the East Sussex 100-mile time trial on Sunday.

With a combined time of 12 hours 56 minutes 17 seconds, they knocked 13 minutes and six seconds off the 2010 record.

Cordner was the fastest Eastbourne rider with a time of 4:10:22, good enough for seventh overall and he becomes the Eastbourne Rovers 100-mile champion.

Long distance expert and 24-hour Champion Moon was the fastest Sussex veteran rider on standard time with a plus of 43:39 and eighth overall.

Smith, as usual, put in a strong performance with 04:32:32, which gave him 19th place.

The event was won by the defending East Sussex 100-mile champion Rob Pelham of Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club with a stunning time of 03:54:52.

Cordner said, “After I crashed out of the Sussex 100 two weeks ago, I was determined to finish this race with a good performance and after fighting cramp at the 80 mile mark I was thrilled to find I was the fastest Eastbourne rider.”

http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/other-sport/vet-rovers-on-a-roll-to-smash-100-mile-record-1-4194478


Saturday saw Eastbourne’s Iain Brogden competing against an elite field of riders at Blenheim Palace. This demanding 20km time trial is part of a weekend long programme of Bike Blenheim cycling events in the grounds of the stately home, hosted by The Duke of Marlborough.

Brogden was sixth with a time of 28:26, a creditable result among 300 riders including a number of professional, elite, Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

National time-trial champion Michael Hutchinson was beaten into second place by 21-year-old time-trial specialist Joe Perrett of the cyclos uno racing team.

Brogden said, “This event showcases the future of bicycle time trialling on a traffic free route lined with spectators.

“You need to be able to climb, descend and handle your bike to get a good result in this event because the course is very challenging.”

Thursday saw more records broken as the final Eastbourne Rovers Evening Series time trial of the season took place at Pevensey. 35 riders took up the challenge of this 10-mile race and joint series leaders Iain Brogden and Matt Woods were motivated to put in a blistering performance.

Close rivalry lead to an astonishing result with both Brogden and Woods posting exactly the same time of 20:48 to jointly smash the course record of 20:54 held by TrainSharp coach John Sharples since 2001.

Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club will at Sportsbourne on Saturday, August 25 at The Sports Grounds, Hampden Park.

They will be running the popular wattbike challenge with a 250 metre sprint competition.

The club invite the public to come along and test their speed and talk to experienced club members about sport and leisure cycling. More details at www.sportsbourne.com.

Eastbourne Rovers are working in tandem with Eastbourne Borough Council to promote cycling in the area and encourage cyclists of all experience levels to join in.

Rovers meet on a Monday evening at Stone Cross Memorial Hall. More information can be found at www.eastbournerovers.com and on Twitter @RoversCycling.

Record numbers for cycling weekend


Eastbourne Rovers hosted their annual racing weekend with the Stan Nash 10-mile time-trial on Saturday and the Cliff Sharp 25-mile on Sunday.

A record entry of 80 riders for the 10-mile and 90 for the 25-mile saw some exciting racing for generous cash prizes awarded to the top riders on the day.

Starting at Maresfield, the race followed the A22 to Boship and then back up past East Hoathly and Uckfield to the steep finishing straight South of Maresfield.

The race was won by Nick Dwyer of Lewes Wanderers, in the process smashing his course PB by 50 seconds to complete the course in 52:17 at an average speed of just under 29 mph.

Eastbourne Rovers scored a 2-3 with Iain Brogden in second at 54:06 and Matt Woods third in 55:09. 12 riders from the Eastbourne host team took part and four were under the hour with John Cordner making the top 10 with an impressive time of 57:24.

On Saturday, 80 riders started at East Hoathly for the 10-mile race. Connall Yates of the In Gear Quick Vit Race Team (younger brother of Tour de France star and Sky Team Director Sportif Sean Yates) won the event in 20:22. Eastbourne riders Matthew Woods and Iain Brogden were third and fourth with times of 21:37 and 21:42 respectively. John Cordner was again in the top 10 with a superb sixth place finish in 22:15.

These results were good enough to put Brogden in second position overall for the racing weekend, Woods third and

Cordner fifth. Thursday saw the weekly Eastbourne Rovers club time trial return to Pevensey.

This 10-mile race takes the A259 to Little Common and back. 30 riders took up the challenge and with Brogden pulling up with a problem in the first mile, Woods took an easy club win with 21:25.


Smith is last man standing in 100 mile time trials


Geoff Smith was the only Eastbourne rider to

finish the Southern Counties 100-mile time

trial on Sunday at Dial Post.

His time of 04:30:53 was good enough for

third place in the veteran competition and 31st

overall.

Eastbourne’s Iain Brogden and John Cordner

both started the event but Cordner crashed out

after 60 miles during a torrential downpour.

Brogden retired at 75 miles even though in

third place at the time.

Brogden said “I started to suffer badly after 70

miles and when I realised I was over three

hours at the 75 mile mark I decided to retire.”

The event was won by Lewes rider Rob

Pelham with a stunning time of 03:54:59.

The Eastbourne Rovers team will be

competing in the East Sussex 100-mile time trial in two weeks time.

On Saturday, the Eastbourne team of Iain Brogden, Matt Woods, Tony Murphy, Geoff Smith, Emma

Richards, Adam Ford, Andrew Stobbart and Kevin Burton raced the Epsom Cycling Club 10-mile time trial

at Crawley.

Brogden and Woods both finished in the top 10. Woods was fourth with a time of 21:04 and Brogden sixth

with 21:15.

Next week, Eastbourne host a weekend of racing starting with the Stan Nash 10-mile Time Trial on

Saturday, August 11 from East Hoathly.

On Sunday 12, the Cliff Sharpe 25-mile Time Trial is at Maresfield.

Peter Moon, Eastbourne’s long distance champion and organiser of the 10 mile race said, “The Eastbourne

Rovers racing weekend attracts a quality field from Sussex and beyond.

“With 80 riders entered on Saturday and 90 on Sunday we will see some close racing.”

The course record for the 25 mile event has stood since Olympic champion and hour record holder Graham

Obree set an astonishing time of 48:55 in 1996 on his bike ‘Old Faithful’, famously home made using parts

from his washing machine.

Eastbourne Rovers have welcomed many new members over the last few months as cycling continues to

benefit from growth stimulated by Bradley Wiggins’ historic Tour de France victory and Team GB Olympic

success.

Peter Moon comments as follows on his 24 hour success, having received our congratulations.

Thank you Gavin and Richard, A lot of training, sacrifice and well planned preparation went into this ride, also a very well drilled support team of three and most of all good luck on the day! My coach Dan Henchy of PBscience had planned this event for me since last November, gradually increasing my workout durations and intensities’ studying the training data then setting me an achievable schedule of at least 460 miles for the big day. There were obviously periods during the event when energy was low or I felt tired and at these times I asked Charles for strength. Charles had always encouraged me to break his long standing record and I have fond memories of his stories like the one where he practiced changing his front light bulb under his bedcovers in the dark! He also gave me copies of his equipment check sheets; he would take six pairs of mitts with him; why would I need mitts? These days you spend all of your time on or elbows! These days with all of the technological advantages we have it really strikes home how impressive Charles’s record was. When I was a 19 year old training at Shape Health Studios in Eastbourne there was, what I

http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/other-sport/smith-is-last-man-standing-in-100-mile-time-trials-1-4146665


thought a mad sweaty 50 year old guy flogging himself on the gym bike (Charles) I’m now that same guy; and I too see those questioning faces in the gym? I feel this ride was probably a lot easier for me than Charles, I had all the modern day advantages, basically all I had to do was pedal a bike for 24 hours and concentrate on my computer, the team done all the hard work for me, following Dan’s schedule he was convinced we would (in his words) “smash the record”. I am absolutely made up with result and still can’t believe I have a National Champions jersey and cap hanging up in the bedroom ‘amazing’ and testament that commitment, good luck and having good friends and family close by we can all achieve our dreams. Best regards, Peter

Below is the spread that Peter's ride received in the Herald


Evening Series Club Time Trials. Results to end of series. Also on our website

Dave Cox reports as follows;

26th

July 2012

10 MILE TT

With roadwork’s finished we were back on the ten

course tonight. A perfect evening with Iain

Brogden and Matt Woods only four seconds apart.

Very good times were ridden by fourteen of the

eighteen riders who completed the course doing so

with their fastesttimes of the year to date for 10

miles.

Iain Brogden 21.19

Matt Woods 21.23

John Cordner 22.27

Michael Valks 23.17

Stuart Davis 23.23

Tony Murphy 24.01

Jack Priddle 24.05

Ian Hannaford 24.29

Ollie Priddle 24.31

Shane Hills 24.32

Adam Ford 25.05

Andy Stobbart 25.26

Bruce English 25.27

Kevin Burton 25.30

Paul Hanratty 26.48

Steve Hunt 27.19

Rob Rickson 27.31

Ross Weeden 29.17

Points After 15 Rides 16 Rides

Iain Brogden 6 6

Matt Woods 6 6

John Cordner 17 17

Michael Valks 22 22

Stuart Davis 23 22

Shane Hills 25 25

Adam Rogers 26 26

Tony Murphy 30 30

Jack Priddle 35 35

Adam Ford 38 38

Ollie Priddle 45 40

Kevin Burton 46 46

Emma Richards 47 47

Andy Stobbart 54 54

Bruce English 63 63

Rob Rickson 70 67

Paul Hanratty 76 74

Sam Houghton 78

Steve Hunt 87

Ross Weeden 88 88

26th

July 2012 (cont.)

PRIVATE TIME TRIALS

Thomas Key 23.36

Mark Brittle 24.48

Bob Coleman 27.07

Ali Eaton 27.09

Faye Mcclelland 27.54

Shaun Reed D.N.S

Timekeepers

Graham Lade, Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith

Pusher Off Stuart Crabb

Marshals Peter Moon Harry Featherstone &

Ken Beckett

Numbers Sponsored By Kontour Cycles

2nd

August 2012

7.2 MILES BIRLING GAP CIRCUIT

On a another fine night Matt Woods smashed the

Club Record on the Birling Gap circuit. Iain

Brogden also beat his previous Club record.

Several PBs were also ridden including Ollie

Priddle who had fine ride with 20.06. There was

also a Hill Climb included this week, but Gavin

Smiths 1980 record of 5.39.8s remains intact.

The course record was also beaten by Pete Morris

from Lewes Wanderers with a 16.58.

HILL CLIMB

Matt Woods 17.26 5.56

Club Record

Iain Brogden 17.37 6.02

John Cordner 18.19 6.16

Stuart Davis 18.45 6.27

Adam Rogers 19.25 6.42

Ollie Priddle 20.06 6.34

Michael Valks 20.22 6.54

Shane Hills 20.31 7.46

Adam Ford 20.39 7.20

Tony Murphy 20.37 8.00

Andy Stobbart 20.53 7.33

Emma Richards 21.16 7.50

Rob Rickson 23.19 8.18

Paul Hanratty 23.30 8.24

Steve Hunt 23.53 8.35

Sam Houghton 24.51 9.05

Private Time Trials Hill Climb

Peter Morris 16.58 5.43

Thomas Key 19.26 6.32

Steve Head 19.33 6.48

Timekeepers Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith

Hill Climb Jane & Graham Lade

Marshals Peter Moon, Harry Featherstone &

Stuart Crabb

9th August 2012


10 MILES

Conditions: Temp 16ºC | Air Pressure 1026Hpa |

Wind SE 5.6 km/h | Dry

Matt Woods 21.25

Stuart Davis 23.00

John Cordner 23.05

Michael Valks 23.48

Adam Rogers 23.52

Tony Murphy 23.56

Emma Richards 24.17

Andy Eaton 24.24

Shane Hills 24.27

Callum Mckee 24.41

Ollie Priddle 24.41

Andy Stobbart 24.55

Bruce English 25.26

Slawomir Giecewicz 25.35

Kevin Burton 25.45

Jim Hennessy 26.30

Rob Rickson 26.49

Paul Hanratty 27.11

Steve Hunt 28.10

Sam Houghton 29.22

Iain Brogden D.N.F

Points After 17 Rides

(only improvements shown)

Stuart Davis 19

Tony Murphy 29

Emma Richards 44

Slawomir Giecewicz 44

Private Time Trials

Felix English 20.15 Course Record

Steve Head 23.39


John Mankelow 26.01

Bob Coleman 27.28

Michaela Furlong 27.29

George Smith 28.18

Ian Guthrie 28.36

Bob Smith 30.18

Timekeepers Dave Dunbar & Graham Lade


Marshals Dave Cox, Peter Moon,

Ken Beckett & Harry Featherstone

Final Points Total

Iain Brogden 6 Adam Rogers 26

Matt Woods 6 Tony Murphy 29

John Cordner 17 Jack Priddle 35

Stuart Davis 19 Adam Ford 38

Michael Valks 22 Ollie Priddle 38

Shane Hills 25 Emma Richards 44

16th August 2012

10 MILES

Conditions: Temp 19ºc Air Pressure 1016Hpa

Wind S 9.3 Km/H Dry

Iain Brogden 20.48 Course Record

Matt Woods 20.48 Course Record

John Cordner 22.22

Stuart Davis 22.56

Michael Valks 23.26

Adam Rogers 23.30

Ollie Priddle 23.38

Shane Hills 23.45

Tony Murphy 23.52

Jack Priddle 24.22

Emma Richards 24.28

Adam Ford 24.40

Eddie Bell 24.47

Andy Stobbart 24.45

Jamie Faulkner 24.50

Slawomir Giecewicz 25.11

Bruce English 25.18

Kevin Burton 25.24

Rob Rickson 26.07

Liz Lumber 26.56

Alan Symonds 28.57

Private Time Trials

Felix English 21.29 (Road Bike)

Marc Townsend 21.57

Neil Midgley 23.05

Steve Head 23.38


Kim English 26.20

Till Sanderson 26.24

Bob Coleman 26.31

Michaela Furlong 27.34

Ian Guthrie 27.50

George Smith 28.30

Jo Benton 28.36

Bob Smith 29.53

Timekeepers

Graham Lade, Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith

Assistant Timekeeper Harvey


Marshals Dave Cox Ken Beckett &

Harry Featherstone

Slawomir Giecewicz 44 Sam Houghton 78

Kevin Burton 46 Steve Hunt 87

Andy Stobbart 54 Ross Weeden 88

Bruce English 63

Rob Rickson 67

Paul Hanratty 74

Numbers Sponsored By Kontour Cycles

The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 14 - Issue No 47 September

2012

SUMMER FEATURE ROVING ABROAD As a sequel to the report last month on our trip to the Tour, here is the chance to catch up on a couple of

other trips by members this Summer.

DIEPPE RAID JUNE 2012 by Richard Thomas Half of L'equipe Eastbourne Rovers for the Raid, Richard aka "le Capitaine Lent" (chef d'equipe), Kevin

Burton and Rob Rickson made a rendevous a la maison du Capitaine in Park Lane at just after 8am on

Wednesday 20th June 2012. The mini peleton rode down to Newhaven via Polegate, then along A27

"Death Valley" to Wilmington cross roads, turning left into the relatively quiet lanes to Exceat before the

climb up to Seaford. We met Dave Cox here (Sue had given him a lift to here to avoid the climbs on a

luggage laden bike) and we then rode towards the seafront road and cycleway to Newhaven. As in the

past, we met up with Stu Greenway at the port, having been taken there by car by his son.

There were a whole load of cyclists waiting to board the ferry but we never did find out what they were

going to do. The ferry left a bit later than its 10am departure time but we arrived in Dieppe on time,

having lunched aboard. We took the usual route to the Ave Verte at Arques La Bataille, then down to

Neufchatel to be warmly greeted by Le Patron d'hotel. We are now regulars, this being our fourth annual

visit.

On the way down the Avenue, we met, at the chateau still being renovated (see last year's account), a

couple from up north (of Angleterre) who had been on a six week trek across Europe on a MTB tandem

with trailer and camping gear, they had done 140km the day before! Some do it the hard way!

Once we had settled in at the hotel, and as Mike Horner had not yet arrived, having got off the train from

Paris at Rouen and was riding to the hotel, we decamped for a biere or deux, (peut-etre trois, apres

l'arrivee de Mike). A fine dinner from the 30 Euro menu, included in the demi pension, washed down

with a rose and a red, plus coffee, and we were ready for a stroll before bed.

Up bright and early next morning, petit dejeuner at 8am , on the bikes and away by 9:30, revisiting the V1

bomber site at Pommerval, then coffee at our usual cafe in Bellencombre. This had changed ownership

since last year to a younger patron, and been done up a bit. We then sauntered down to Forge les Eaux

for lunch, where our usual restaurant was closed as the proprietor was "en vacances", so we had no choice

but to find another in the square. We then made the obligatory visit to the local bike shop, which also

sold lawnmowers!

We chose to ride back via the Avenue Verte, and took the opportunity to investigate whether it had been

extended south as promised by the latest brochure. Sadly it hadn't, still the old rusty railway tracks firmly

in place and covered in grass, so we trundled

back to Neufchatel, only to be caught in some

heavy rain 1km from our destination. Back at

the hotel we visited another bar, across the

square from the hotel, for a biere and a coffee.

Rob also had a croque monsieur (toasted

cheese and ham sandwich). Then it was time

for dinner, what a grand day out, this cycling

lark is eh!

The hotel was unable to accommodate us on

Friday night due to being fully booked by a

group of cyclists! Hence we packed our bags on

Friday and headed for Dieppe via the Avenue

(see photo left) and our hotel, the 1 star (and

that's debatable!)"Hotel les Galets". We had


2012

booked two rooms this year to give us a bit of space. I was surprised to see that the former dining room was

still in the same state of renovation as when I visited last August on my way to PBP. On closer inspection we

all concluded that the local building inspector may have cast some doubt on the structural integrity of the

supporting beams, which sag generously and the floors above are being supported on wedges and

supplementary beams. How

it all remains in place is a

miracle. We learned that

the dining room for the pdj

is new and in the opposite

corner of the courtyard.

Friday afternoon we had a

look at some of the Dieppe

Raid beaches as it is 70

years since the abortive

raids took place. At each

site there are photos of the

devastation.

Shown below is the same

beach today.

Saturday morning we visited the market in the centre of Dieppe before lunch and then preparing for the

afternoon's 60km event, which started at 2pm, from the same place as would the Raid tomorrow, the Salle

Paul Eluard.

We had to be back at the hall for 5pm so had just 3 hours for the ride. Kevin, Dave and I chose to ride whilst

Rob, Stu and Mike visited the Dieppe Raid museum.

The organisers had chosen a particularly lumpy start and one short sharp climb near the start saw Dave opting

out wishing to protect his ankle. Kevin and I rode on westwards from Dieppe, in the company of other Brits,

from Ascot, a group who were lead-out men for "Banzai Bob!" but no French riders in sight?. We returned to


2012

Dieppe on the other leg of the Avenue Verte and then proceeded up to the Canadian cemetery via a tough little

climb before returning to the start. 59km in 2 hours 30 minutes, a nice warm up for tomorrow.

Sunday morning and the weather had taken a turn for the worse.

We had rain right from the start, and on my Birthday to boot! Stu

and Mike set off on their 100km route whilst we had opted for the

slightly longer 140km ride. By the time we were approaching the

lunch stop at St Aubin le Cauf we were in very heavy rain. Kevin

and Rob decided to abandon here. Dave said he could not

abandon 2 days in a row and I said I would go with him for the

afternoon's 70km. As it turned out the weather did improve, the

route was very picturesque, the best route I have done in all the

years since 2005, so that was a bonus. The organisers even threw

in an extra "ravitaillement" stop half way through the afternoon

which was very welcome. Dave just asked me to tell him when

we had done the next 10km! as the wind was still making things

difficult for us.

Perhaps this sign that we encountered on our way from

Neufchatel on Friday was a precursor to today's sojourn.

Mike and Stu completed the 100km

and Stu won the cup for the oldest

participant in the 100km ride. Well

done Stu.

Here is a shot of Dave and I at the end

of our 143kms, collecting our raffle

prizes.

In the evening the sun came out as we walked to

our restaurant for the evening, the Louisiania

again, and to clebrate the completion of a good

few days riding and also my Birthday. The lads

from Ascot were also there and I nearly died of

embarrassment when our litle groupetto sang

"Happy Birthday" to me!

We all took the ferry on the Monday morning at

the reasonably civilised time of 7:30am. Five of

us (not Stu who got a lift) rode from Newhaven,

kevin punctured so I rode on with Mike up to the

cafe in Heathfield via the Cuckoo Trail, hoping to

meet George henty but we missed him. Mike

kindly bought me lunch for acting as guide and

we then parted, he to Tunbridge Wells and me to

Eastbourne.


2012

Touring in Brittany (Breizh) Riders of the D28 by Richard Thomas How could I resist a invitation to cycle in Brittany

(Breizh in the Breton language), in an area very

close to the PBP route. And so it came to pass,

following an invite from Jack and Sabine

Williams, Audax UK friends who have retired to

live there, that Chris Tracey ( my AUK riding

companion on many ventures, both here and

abroad) and I set off, panniers on board, from

Chris's house in Seaford, taking the train to

Portsmouth then the overnight ferry to St Malo.

Suitably refreshed from a good sound sleep in our

cabin on board, we left St Malo at around 8:30am

(temps francais) via the Barrage de la Rance, on a

rather scary main road at morning rush hour. We

were planning to use main roads for the first 70km

of the ride as we had some 180km to cover that

day to our destination near Carhaix-Plouguer,

which is the control before the turn at Brest on

PBP.

However, we soon decided to look for a quieter road and "stumbled" across the D28 just after Plancoet, a

left turn off D768 after some 30km of main road "bashing". What a quiet, pleasant road, which took us

first to our coffee stop at Lamballe, 50km done by 11am (temps francais). The road then "undulated" in

typical Breton style, and we were traversing roads with little arrows on them, which I understand means

they either go up or down but not flat! Quite a challenge on heavily loaded bikes, and Chris on 63" fixed

to boot. He has become a "fixed" convert, espousing gears as unnecessary. I am not so sure. He does

envy my ability to freewheel down hills, yet he says the momentum helps him "sling shot" uphill.

I was concerned about my stamina as I had been off the bike since 6th July due to bronchitis and only did

my first ride the day before we left for this holiday. I knew that the further we got into Brittany the

lumpier it would become and so I tried to save something for later. The technique I employed was to

freewheel past Chris on a downhill then take it steady uphill, as I knew he would soon catch me up and

go past, leaving me to catch up on the flat bits. And so we rode on, through Meslin to Quessoy, where

roadworks in it's centre meant we could not find the D28 out of the ville. After doing a circuit of the

town we opted to take the D81 to Henon then back on the D25 to meet the D 28 again at St Carreuc. This

was a lumpy little detour and lunchtime had nearly

passed so we resolved to stop as soon as we found

somewhere to eat, which turned out to be in Plaintel.

The restaurant had a menu "wine", and on enquiring

"manger" our patron, the very nice lady answered in the affirmative, said the entrees were over there and so we

found a table, went and got our entrees, cold meats, salad

etc and sat down again, we were then brought a large

bottle of water and an opened bottle of wine. We then

had a main course of omelette fromage and chips, a

cheese course, a dessert and coffee, all for 14 euros each.

We declined the wine as the day was hot and we still had

a long way to go. What good value.

Late afternoon, coast near Morlaix


2012

We got a bit lost finding the D 28 out of town as it had become the D22! but after a short retour were on

our way towards Quintin, entering via the D 790 main road. Through the town we were now climbing up

to the high point of the ride at 308m just after le Vieux Bourg. The climbs became more frequent, the sun

was still blazing down on us. our water was becoming depleted and a replenishment was required. Not a

lot of opportunities presented themselves and desperation set in! In Mael-Pestivan we found a restaurant

and went in as the door was open. However, it was "closed", but the owner, a Scots lady, was there and

gave us some water, and explained they had moved there at least 20 years ago when the building was a

wreck and had spent some time doing it up. She did say there was a bar in St Servais, some 5km distant,

which would be open so we stopped there for a coca.

We then had to decide whether to take a loop going NE then SW or SW then NE to our destination. We

chose the latter as it looked a bit shorter but, on arrival at our hosts they said we should have gone the

other way as it is not so hilly! The final 6km was all uphill, some of it on the PBP route out of Carhaix,

and this climb took its toll on tired legs. We even had to stop for a banana at the outskirts of the ville,

about 1km from our destination, as we were so tired we could go no further without sustenance! We had

ridden 178km at an average riding speed of 20.1km/hr.

A great welcome from our hosts bucked us up and we spent a very convivial evening.

The following day was a non cycling, walking day. This gave us the chance to use other muscles and

relax. Thursday dawned sunny so a short bike ride was in order, with a picnic lunch just after halfway

into the ride. The roads are very traffic free and we visited some of the memorials to the French

Resistance, as this area caused the occupying German army a lot of problems. Many of the Resistance

were caught and shot.

There is a memorial at Tredudon, see photo left, which

roughly translated says "This village became, from

June 1940 to August 1994, a piece of Free France. On

June 16, the clandestine organization of the PCF,

headed by Pierre Plassart stockpiled weapons there

with the complicity and support of its entire

population. Tredulon became a weapons depot, a

refuge for the resistance, a meeting place and a centre

of decision making for the leaders of the national and

regional FTPF. That is why the village was awarded

the title of the premier village of resistant France,

inaugurated in 1947 by Professor Marcel Prenant,

Chief of Staff FTPF and regional leaders in the

presence of all the resistance from the Department".

We rode part of the PBP route near the Roc Trevezal, but I had

difficulty in recalling it despite having ridden along it on four

occasions, just goes to show what a state of mind long rides put

you in!

This part of Brittany has rolling rather than steep climbs. I

would say that it felt easier than our ride out there from St maol ,

where Chris and I had to struggle up some of the hills. It may

have been that it felt easier without panniers on.

Photo shows Chris (left) in 1997 PBP top and Jack in 1993 PBP

top, on our way through the local lanes. I had to rush on ahead

to get the photo!


2012

To complete the PBP ensemble I wore my 2011

PBP top (as shown photo right), where Chris and

I are enjoying our lunch, being served by Sabine,

Jack's wife.

A local cyclist from the Carhaix Club stopped

for a chat whilst we were having lunch. Jack is

aiming to join them next year when he has honed

his fitness to a suitable level.

A pleasant ride back in the afternoon rounded off

a pleasant 60km in the Brittany countryside.

On Friday we experienced some good honest

Finistere rain, but did manage to get out to the

coast by car in the late afternoon for a walk.

See photo at the head of this story.

Jack also showed us some of the photos he and

Sabine had taken over the years of us all on

Audax rides, some of which demonstrate the

state in which I and other riders can find

themselves when the weather, terrain and

distance conspire against you!

Saturday we visited a local market in Morlaix,

where all sorts of seafoods were for sale, some

still alive, such as these langoustines (lobsters).

On Sunday we went to watch the UCI

WorldTour GP Plouay, won by Team Sky rider

Edvald Boasson Hagen, as reported below.

Both Sabine and I predicted Edvald would win.

Should have put money on it!

This is the report on the UCI

website;

"Edvald Boasson Hagen

(Team Sky) showed off his

Norwegian national

champion’s jersey and his

immense class as a rider by

winning the GP Ouest-

France-Plouay with a

powerful attack in the final

two kilometres of the hotly

contested French UCI

WorldTour race. Boasson

Hagen could have waited for

the expected sprint finish.

Instead he took the initiative


2012

and got his reward. He surged across a gap to Portugal’s Rui Alberto Faria da Costa (Movistar Team) and

then after briefly catching his breath, he accelerated clear alone and powered to the line. The peloton had

Boasson Hagen in their sight but could not catch him and he celebrated with his arms in the air, as he

took his first victory since winning the Norwegian title in June.

Faria Costa managed to hang on to finish second, with Australia’s Heinrich Haussler (Garmin-Sharp)

winning the sprint for third place. Compatriot Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) was fourth, with Jurgen

Roelandts (Lotto Belisol) fifth.

The hilly route of the GP Ouest-France-Plouay inspired several attacks and yet again created an

enthralling race, with French hero Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) one of the main protagonists. He

was part of a breakaway and then jumped away alone at the start of the last lap, cheered on by the huge

French crowd. He was joined by other riders and put on a show of panache by going clear with yet

another late move. However the race reshuffled when Faria da Costa made a move on the last climb.

Boasson Hagen was the only one able to get across to him and then went on to win.

Boasson Hagen scored 80 points for his victory at the GP Ouest-France-Plouay, boosting his points total

in the UCI WorldTour individual ranking to 211 points and climbing from 30th to 11th place. Faria Costa

scored 60 points and climbed to ninth place with 243 points. The talented Portuguese rider had shown his

all-round ability earlier in the season by winning a stage and the overall classification of the Tour de

Suisse.

Boasson Hagen sacrificed his own chances to help Bradley Wiggins win the Tour de France but he has

recovered well from his effort in July. He showed his form by finishing fifth in the recent Vattenfalls

Cyclassics in Germany and looks set for a great final part of the season. He must be a favourite for the

UCI world road race championships in

the Netherlands.

“I’m really happy. It was nice to get the

win,” Boasson Hagen said. “The team

did a really good job to keep me up

there all day and heading into the finish.

I felt good when I jumped clear and I

felt confident that I could take the win.

It has been quite a while since my last

victory so it was nice to see the form is

good. Hopefully it can continue.” "

It was a very warm day and before the

race we looked around the paddock at

all the delectable machinery (Team

Nissan Trek shown left)

Many of the bikes used by the teams were equipped with Shimano Dura Ace electric gears.

We then took up our positions near the start/finish line and were able to snap a few British riders, see next

page.


2012

David Millar has his saddle clamp

adjusted before riding to the start

Sean Yates about to get into the Team

Sky car at the start.

Photo left

Jeremy Hunt (former winner) at the

start.


2012

And so on Monday morning Chris and I packed our bags in readiness for the return journey to St Malo.

Jack suggested we take a different way back from their village, which he says is easier, and to prove a

point rode with us. I must admit it was less undulating but did include a couple of telling climbs for us,

loaded down with panniers. We rode with Jack to Callac, then picked up our outward route. Being

Monday everything was closed, and we were very grateful to Sabine, who insisted we take some

sandwiches and a couple of bananas. Without those we would have been sunk! As it was, the day was

quite warm and we ran out of water. We were saved by the Marie in St Carreuc, which was open and

gave us some water and the use of their loo. Imagine going into a Town Hall in the UK!

Our ride to St Malo continued well, with a tail wind some of the way, and the road seemed to "flow"

easier this way than on our way out. It must be the way the gradients go. We did find a bar open in

Lamballe around 6pm so availed ourselves of a refreshing coca.

All continued well until we were over the Barrage de la Rance, as we found a very quiet road up to the

barrage via the D12 to la Richardais. The main road uphill once over the barrage was very steep, we

stopped at a slip road that went to St Servan sur Mer, which was near our hotel, but in our tired state went

on down the main road and into the town centre whereas it may have been prudent to take the slip road!.

Obviously we then could not find the Formula 1 hotel but we found a map in a bus shelter (garages

closed!) and only had to retrace 4km and eventually got to the hotel at 10pm, used my pre-booking and

my card to get the entry code and so that was fine. We ended up doing 188km at an average riding speed

of 20.6km/hr.

Next morning, apres petit dejeuner a l'hotel, we rode the few kilometres to the ferry, having booked the

reclining chairs for an extra £10 each this made the 8 hour journey more pleasant and we duly arrived in

Portsmouth, then took the train to Seaford via a change in Brighton, where we legged it across the width

of the Station concourse and just caught the local train before it left. I said "au revoir" to Chris at Seaford

Station and chose to ride home via the coast

road to Friston Pond then through Jevington to

Wannock to home, ariving just before 11pm.

It was a bit hard hauling my luggage up from

Exceat to Friston Pond!

Post script

Here is a bit of the PBP route through

Huelgoat, on the outward bound route just after

the Carhaix control. The route becomes

common to both directions just east of the

town (D764). I don't recall this either, I did

ride through it in the dark last year but not in

other years (1999, 2003 and 2007).

AUDAX NEWS by Richard Thomas

An Apology to Jack Williams In Issue No 7 (May 2007) of the Newsletter I left Jack out of the Easter Arrow team mentioned on page 6,

substituting Mark Heffer, despite the photo showing Jack as part of the team on page 7!. Many apologies,

but Jack does now have our website in his "favourites"

16 June 2012 The AUK National 400km Hempnall Norfolk Organised by NorfolknGood audax on behalf of AUK

This event was a must for me, my 23rd National. It was my longest ride of the year, as I have decided to

have a "year off" after 13 years of continuous SR's, 4 PBP's, BMB, LEL and HBKH (1500km). I drove


2012

up to Seething (the event overnight HQ) on Friday afternoon, enjoyed a pleasant evening chatting and

being well fed and watered by the organising team, then slept in the hall overnight and breakfasted there

(all included in the entry fee). I then readied myself before riding down to the 9am start at Hempnall in a

group containing Julian Dyson and Mark Fairweather (both on fixed) and Colin Mildwater.

Several well known faces were at the hall and the usual pleasantries were exchanged. I had arranged to

meet Rob Bullyment there as we were to do the ride together. Mark and Colin tagged along with us, as

did Garry King (on fixed). We have all ridden together in the past so know each other's strengths and

weaknesses. The weather forecast may have deterred some of the 90+ entrants, reducing the field of

starters to around 75 souls.

Hence we set off into the teeth of a very strong south westerly wind (45 to 50 mph gusts!) which made

the first 2 stages, out to the coast at Dunwich then back inland to the control at Thorndon quite

challenging (Ian Hennesey was already leaving as we arrived!). Several of the faster riders (Judith

Swallow, Dave Minter and Paul Whitehead) were getting ready to leave as we arrived and that was the

last we saw of them until the finish!

The second leg to Long Melford (162km) was hard and took quite a lot out of us, due to the headwind

and the short steep climb of Hartest Hill. Along the way we passed through a small dust storm whipped

up by the wind blowing across the unprotected flatlands. We did then get some respite going to Barnham

Broom (244km) and were able to recover with the wind at our backs. Rob had dropped off the back

leaving the three of us, Mark and I (and another rider on his first 400km Audax (maybe a Mr Smith, who

said his son was also doing the ride but was up the road somewhat!)). I managed a navigational error and

missed the right turn to North Lopham and by the time I rechecked the route sheet we were nearly 1km

down the wrong road. Mark and I shouted to "Mr Smith" who fortunately did hear us and turned round

but did not catch us up. I eventually caught up again with Rob but Mark was a bit off the pace, got caught

by the level crossing 9km down the road from our deviation and then went wrong again! It was still just

about light when Rob and I arrived at the Barnham Broom control at 9pm. Eventually the rest of our now

wayward and disintegrated group arrived.

Another good feed and the donning of suitably warm attire saw us departing for the night leg to Salthouse

on the north Norfolk coast in a good grupetto containing, amongst others, the five of us plus Dick and

Lucy McTaggart. At least the wind was still more of less in our favour but showed little signs of abating

so most of the final leg was going to be hard as we were going south again before the wind assisted

"dash" to the finish. With this in mind we did not stay too long and the same group, less Colin

Mildwater, who was resting there until dawn, departed in darkness into the lanes, where there was quite a

bit of debris lying around and thankfully we had no punctures.

There seemed to be an impromptu rave at Wymondom, and we were expecting the usual"abuse" but were

greeted with high fives, very uplifting! This final leg found us in need of a short stop half way as well as

another at the final info, after the slog into the wind to get there. We then had just 20km to go mainly

wind assisted. At the finish in Hempnall, the brevet cards were validated via computer, stickered and

given back to us immediately, plus a key ring with the new logo on it. Well done to the organisation,

NorfolknGood audax, just as their name implies. This was a very well run event. with accurate route

sheets, friendly helpful volunteers and lots of appropriate food at each of the controls, all of which were

indoors, no outside catering thankfully. Anyone doing their first Audax 400 should congratulate

themselves for choosing this event and the riders should thank all involved with the event for making it

such a success.

2 July 2012 Fairies Half Flat 200km San Fairy Ann CC

I rode this with a group of well known Lewes Wanderers, being Ian Landless, Tony Gale and Peter Price.

I did see my good friend Rob Bullyment at the start but he went off like a rocket never to be seen again! I

did not chase him down as I had arranged to ride with Equipe Lewes.


2012

There were a few variations to the route previously used, together with a new first control, the Blue Boys

a transport cafe on the busy A21 at Kippings Cross. This was rather difficult to access due to the volume

of traffic and leaving was no easier, so not a good choice. The rest of the route was similar to that used

previously. However there were 6 information controls which consumed some of the time stopped. The

weather turned against us before we got to the first control, with very heavy rain meaning that we chose

to shelter rather than get soaked. This weather pattern of heavy showers continued for most of the

morning. Eventually the sun came out but the wind was very strong, from the W/SW, side to head on, so

the ride down to Dungeness was quite challenging hence we arrived for a late lunch. Tony had an impact

puncture near to the control so arrived a bit late with Peter.

The ride to Hythe was a bit easier helped by the wind. I managed to get a puncture coming into that

control (only found out as we were about to leave, isn't that always the way!) so the rest of the group had

another cup of tea whilst I fixed it. The final leg was uneventful and we finished in a rather elongated

overall time of 11hours 48 mins. for the 211km. We rode for 8hrs 43mins at an average of 24.2km/hr.

We seemed to have spent a long time stopped! There was 1356m of climbing, with a 2% average and

13% max. gradient, hence the name of the event! Only 13 riders participated.

Stu Greenway sent me this twitter

extract, a dialogue! between our true

hero Bradley Wiggins and that fellow

Piers Morgan

Please support our friendly local bike shop Adam Rogers at Kontour Cycles is continuing to

offer special discounts to members of Eastbourne

Rovers on selected products during 2012, and he’s

ready and able to undertake all aspects of servicing

and repairs in preparation for the winter ahead –

pop in to his new shop or give him a call on 01323

482368.

The next Newsletter will be out in October 2012. The success of the newsletter depends on you. Closing

date for articles for next issue is 28th September 2012. Please contribute something for members to read

and enjoy! My contact details are: Tel: 01323 502615

Email any articles to : [email protected]

Richard T.

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Rovers September Newsletter