scene - htrc.co.ukhtrc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/htrc-scene-october-2016.pdfgroups are going...

Scene October 2016

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Email articles for Scene to [email protected] For club information visit: www.htrc.co.uk of 24

Taken on the summit of Bealach na Bà pass western highlands. Oct 2016

Graham Morgan

Having climbed Alpe d'Huez on the route Le Tour took on its 100th anniversary, then down

into the Sarenne valley to go over the Col de Sarenne. Here I am contemplating the route.

Neil Prendergast

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.htrc.co.uk/

Club Scene October 2016

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Letter from the editor

This month we have Photos from the Western Highlands and Alpe d’Huez

Club Scene: minutes from the meeting and coming events

Social Scene: Freewheel competition, President’s Ride, Riding in Poland and a holiday snap from Spain

Racing Scene: Mark Walkers brilliant cycle season and Saturday training

TT Scene: sorry, nothing this month

Muddy Scene: Off-roading in the Lake District

Odds & Sods: Pit Stop and some Blasts from the Past Please can you send contributions for November Scene to arrive by November 21st. (The earlier the better).

Thank you to Graham Morgan, Neil Prendergast, Dave Millson, Mark Walker, Richard Guymer, Andy Cawley, Andy Coulbeck, Barry Trotter, Neil Dean and me for contributing to this month’s newsletter. Amanda Dean, Scene Editor, [email protected]

Committee Minutes 3rd October 2016

Meeting held at Longcroft School, Beverley, 7.30pm

Present: Dave Millson, Paul Kilvington, Neil Dean, Richard Guymer, Mark Walker, Chris Brown, George Leighton, JP Pretorius, Brett Waterhouse, Lee Coulson, Paul Campbell

Apologies: Andy Carroll, Mandy Dean, Andy Cawley

1. Election of Chairman

Paul Kilvington was elected as Chairperson for the meeting.

2. Apologies

See above

3. Minutes from previous meeting and their acceptance

Minutes from September’s meeting were agreed as a true record. Prop ND, 2nd RG

4. Matters arising from Previous Minutes

Website Club Records confirmed as up to date. Could we retrieve old Club Records for interest? CB

5. Correspondence





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We are cycling (CTC) board voting BC Yorkshire AGM CTT AGM PK has details if required

6. Website CB will have more time in the coming months to keep Website updated. Scene has been regular and keeping us informed with club business.

7. Treasurer’s Report

Current balance still remains healthy.

Mainly Big G movements, CTT levies to pay and Club affiliation to CTT paid.

8. New Members

Andy Coulbeck, Andrew Lidster and Vanessa Barker. Should we have a club joining/re-join through digital payment? ND to investigate if Sports Data Systems has a facility as they are efficient with Big G entries for us.

9. Forthcoming/recent events

Freewheel Competition Saturday 8th October. Open to all but only HTRC members can win the trophy. President’s ride will be combined with Freewheel Competition finishing at Wheatsheaf in Kirk Ella. Please could all trophies be returned to Richard Guymer?

10. Clothing report

Stock review. Committee decided to offer all club kit at half price. DM to give a list with new

prices CB for website.

11. Scene

Latest Scene out. Lots of content thank you. If writing an article could you restrict to a

couple of pages and some photos.

12. Youth Section

Finley Pickering doing very well. RG to contact Connor. Lee Coulson and ND to get CRB certificates.

13. AOB

DM to ring Mike Trotter to confirm committee room booking.

Race Team Discussion.

Many views were put forward with lots of common ground. The points raised were:

Racing Captains for all differing disciplines.

Race Kit available to all who race, return to one club kit.

More help for juniors.

Racing members could claim financial support as percentage of races or results.




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Be careful with club finances as Big G sportive doesn’t make as much now and

possibly less in the future.

Use other cycling clubs as feeders for us.

Incentive scheme for members who help out at events.

More Club Runs with different levels of rides to suit more members.

Groups are going on Sundays but starting in different locations.

Saturday “racing rides” should include more technique so come “Jim’s training”

riders have good through and off skills.

Firm proposals to be decided at the next meeting.

Next Committee Meeting 7th

November - All Welcome

Longcroft School Sports Hall, Beverley, 7.30pm

Annual Presentation Dinner

Friday November 25th 2016

Hallmark Hotel Ferriby

3 Course Dinner followed by Disco* and Dancing Tickets £25 a head

Guest Speaker – Chris Hopkinson (12 & 24 hour World Champion)

To purchase tickets please contact Rachel Codd or Helen Cleminshaw at the following email address [email protected]

*The disco will be quieter than the band, at a level that should allow

chatting when you are not up there strutting your stuff




http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjZ74_nnd_NAhVMI8AKHeK9AoEQjRwIBw&url=http://www.clipartbest.com/silhouette-of-disco-dancers&psig=AFQjCNFV-teQ0eJRCgKE5efPrcLkr94WEA&ust=1467908041999579


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Home for Unwanted Bikes

If you have a bike which you don’t need and don’t mind giving away to a good home how

about this?

Christmas lunch at Ionian's Brantingham Park Sunday 18th December: 1.00 for 1.30 pm.

There will be the usual ride out from Skidby at 9.30am.

I expect some of us to take our cars to Brantingham first.

Information on menus and cost coming later. Richard Guymer



http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjfir3r3u7PAhXCuBoKHeGSBesQjRwIBw&url=http://www.123rf.com/photo_8448112_christmas-holly-garland-vector-illustration.html&psig=AFQjCNF26sQaXi79WEu3uqbXcr5m8A076Q&ust=1477236982656175


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Advert Andy Cawley.

Get your tickets quickly as they are likely to go rapidly. Email: [email protected]




Social Scene October 2016

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Freewheel Competition Saturday 8th October: Dave Millson

Big turnout, see photo plus: Alex, Phil, Rob, Rich, Paul, Neil, Andy, Jim & Amanda

Coulson Rules the Free (wheel) World

30 Freewheel contenders set out from Skidby for the ride up to the top of Millington Dale in

two groups. One or two disappeared by the time we got there but we gained some as well.

Pounds in the pot, cranks cable tied to chainstays and we were lining up for the white

knuckle ride. Mandy Dean was the official adjudicator heading down the valley first to keep a

watchful eye of events.

The wind was in our favour this year

and we made it over the first hump

and slowly rolled on towards the

‘Springs’ incline where most ground to

a halt.

Lee Coulson had been perfecting his

Froome descending technique and

finished furthest down the road, a

triumphant first win. Close behind in

second was Alex Dalton with Brett

Waterhouse pushing last year’s

champion Mike Pickering into fourth.

“I’ve been watching Guy Martin’s

program Speed and have a few ideas

to re-claim the title next year” said a

downbeat Pickering.

Thanks to all who joined in the fun. Dave




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President’s Ride: Amanda Dean

It cannot be a President’s ride without a bit of off-road!




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The Wheatsheaf Swanland

Most had to get home to family and jobs but quite a few made it to the pub to relieve the president of a few quid. Thanks Paul

Some had to leave quite soon but others made an afternoon of it:

Dave, Doug, Graeme, Mike

Mark, Adam, Neil

Helen, Neil, Paul “if I shut my eyes she’ll go

away”.

Rich, George

Graeme, Mandy




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Please note that "Rejuvenation" on October 26th will now be at the Star in Willerby. All other details for the day are unchanged. Regards Paul Brown




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Cycling holiday in Poland anyone? Andy Cawley

Like to cycle abroad on quiet roads, enjoy fantastic scenery, great food and drink. Looking for a change from the usual destinations of France, Spain, or Majorca and what’s that you say? - You’d like it to be inexpensive? Zakopane and the Tatra mountains could be the place for you. Just wanted to share with you some brief details of a holiday I took last month to Poland. Whilst out riding one day, Syd Nicholls who I organise the Humber Bridge Sportive with told me about his son Gareth’s holiday company - arranging skiing holidays in the Tatra mountains and about how fantastic the mountains and lakes were in summer. Has he ever considered doing cycling holidays in the summer I enquired? No! Sounds like we need to suss it out. So it came about that a group of 4 of us set out for a reccy. We flew out from that remote airport - Doncaster on Sunday evening (which was perhaps the only downside). Arriving at our destination in the early hours could be viewed as a pain, however the up side is you sleep for most of the flight and transfer and by the time you get up for breakfast at 9:00 it’s all over and done with - no cycling days lost through travel. Build the bikes up and off for a 30 mile ride and pizza stop - holiday underway. Day 2: a short transfer in a minibus and a ride into the hills and around the lake - quiet roads and great scenery. 60miles 3700ft climbing. Pick up in the van and back home before exploring the town. Some great restaurants and bars, you'll not be left feeling hungry or thirsty - a pint is less than £1 and the choice of flavoured vodka immense.




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Day 3: an excursion over the border to Slovakia and overnight stay in a superb lodge (B&B + great evening meal and all drinks for less than £45) around 70 miles, 4300ft climbing on mostly quiet, smooth tarmac. Additionally, for some strange reason, there are plenty of cycle paths - as smooth as Manchester velodrome. Day 4: return to Zakopane - a tough day 65 miles, 5000ft climbing followed by a relaxing (and very reasonably priced) 45 minute massage smoothed out the aches and pains. A different restaurant again – every one an experience in itself. Day 5: the toughest, a head start in the van again to the foot of a climb used in the Tour of Poland - 2 miles with sections of 20% gets the heart pounding. Another 65miles & 5000ft, finishing atop another Tour of Poland climb to Ząb, the highest village in Poland. Stop for drinks and admire the scenery then transfer back in the van.

Day 6: the rest day - (optional of course) 2 hrs in outdoor thermal spa baths (about £5) making your way through the ever hotter pools. Day 7: Sunday - up and out early, a short 30 mile ride and coffee stop before packing the bikes away - leave town after lunch. Flight back 19:00, land about 9:15pm and back home for 10:00pm. A thoroughly enjoyable week with courteous motorists. Having enjoyed the usual European destinations I was a little sceptical about what to expect from Poland but I can honestly say the trip exceeded all expectations. Plenty of rolling hills with the odd 1 in 5 thrown in here and there. The lowest gear I had was 38 x 25 but to be honest most climbs were achieved in the 21 or 23, the 25 was seldom used.




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Plenty of options for additional loops for anyone wanting some serious miles but a 65 mile ride with all the climbing felt like an 80 would over here. The weather was great – 30C on two days, the rest of the week mid 20's with 1 rainy day, although we did coincide with the UK's September heat wave. Ideal for small groups of 6 or 8 - Gareth is updating his website to include the cycling holidays in 2017. Excellent value for money all round and well worth considering. It'll not be the last time for me. Flight cost £135 inc Bike (32kg allowance). Car parking at the airport £37 for the week.

For more info check out http://cyclingholidayspoland.com/

Fantastic cycling in Almeria / Murcia Spain this year: Andrew Coulbeck



http://cyclingholidayspoland.com/

Racing Scene October 2016

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2016 - A Season to Remember: Mark Walker

As the season has now ended (at last!!) I thought it would be a good opportunity to give an account on how my season went. A season that has given me much pleasure and enjoyment but also with the odd low and frustration. But first, I really need to start in 2015 when my accident down South Cave put me out of action for a few months. In doing so, though, I found the joys of the turbo trainer. As most of us can agree, they can be monotonous beyond words, but what I found when I came back is I could seemingly push myself harder for longer. In short it had made me a better rider. Who knew this was the key to my improvement after 11 years of racing! At the end of that year I managed to pick up a few top 10s in BC events, which boosted my confidence for the 2016 season, where the goal was centred on getting that elusive 2nd cat licence, which up until a few years ago seemed like a pipe dream to me. 2016 - My 12th year of racing! Unfortunately, 2016 didn't start as well as I'd hoped. A niggling knee injury left me with fewer miles than I'd hoped for before our trip to Majorca in February. I was ok, but nothing special and realised work was needed before my first events in March. After umpteen sessions on the turbo working on my threshold and short efforts, I arrived at my first event with hope and uncertainty. The first weekend was a double header with the clubs opening TTT at Sproatley on the Saturday and the Seacroft Road Race on the Sunday. Although we were officially 2nd on the day, me and my TTT partner, Will Thomas, took 1st in the series and were the early leaders in the competition. I personally felt great that day, particularly on the 2nd lap of the course.

But would I be too tired for Sunday’s event? The answer was a pleasing no. An attempt to force a breakaway of a few riders early on in the race actually led to me going solo. Probably not the best move tactically, but I decided to keep just below threshold and see if anyone could bridge up to me. Lap after lap I was on my own when it dawned on me I could actually win this solo from attacking on the 1st lap!




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Eventually I was caught, but I spotted another move and without hesitation jumped onto the back. Little did I know this would be the winning move. I was still lacking confidence in my sprinting, so I attacked with about a kilometre to go. Whilst it got rid of one rider, it led to me being out-sprinted by the other. Nevertheless a 2nd place, and what a start to the season. In my mind the 2nd cat dream was now done and dusted - how wrong I was! The Dip My next event was the HTRC annual Keith Carter event. I'd been training well and felt fantastic. People were coming up to me suggesting I was the odds on favourite and in an instant the pressure rose. I got a nice text on the morning from former teammate Dan Posnett which both boosted my morale but added to the pressure. In an instant, I choked. No sooner had the race started, than I had managed to get myself on the wrong side of the pack and was about 40th in line. The back road was wet that day, and some riders felt the need to slam their brakes on rather than feather them. Someone directly behind me fell onto my wheel causing me to fall. Panic set in when I realised my wheel had popped out of the dropouts. I managed to untangle the chain and get the wheel in when I then saw the wheel was bent. Nevertheless, I opened the brakes and set off in pursuit. Passing rider after rider in the slipstream of the referee’s car. I thought it would be a sure thing I'd re-join back anytime. Only the bunch were never in sight. As soon as I started the climb of Burgate I could barely see them, and now the referee’s car was up the road so I had no assistance. Disgruntled, fed up and gutted I realised my race was over. From the highs of Seacroft came the insane lows of Newbald. It took me until late the following week to get over this one. April wasn't a great month. An excursion into the Elite road racing world at the Danum trophy provided some pleasure but I was somewhat out of my league and was dropped with a lap to go. A cold derailed any chance I had next weekend at the Out of the Saddle Race and then came Ilkley 2 day. Many may remember my report from the Ilkley 2 day in 2014, when pretty much anything and everything went wrong. This year began ok, and I was around 25th overall after the first day. A decent TTT in the morning with Brett and Connor kept me up there, but the last 37 mile stage around Dacre was horrible. Dropped once, I managed to come back, but the pace of the Sheffield University boys was insane. I blew with 2 laps to go and could barely get up




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the remaining hills. I was in good company with former pro Tom Murray also suffering along with me. I ended up 34th overall. A decent result but I was hoping for top 30 at least after the first day. Things didn't really get much better after that, with a shocking ride at the 2nd EYRRL event at Little Weighton, then getting dropped at Barnsley CC's road race on a course that suited me, and in front of my parents who made the rare visit to come and watch me. I'd lost my tether. To go from such a high in March to such a low in May was devastating. Only sport can do that to you in my opinion. I was now questioning myself. What had gone wrong? Where am I struggling? Why am I struggling? Things needed to change, and fast. The Rise In between all of this mess came an 8th at Blyton. An innocuous result but at the time an important one. It gave me a shred of hope and kept me on the path to my 2nd cat. I still realised I was a fair way off where I needed to be, so I cleared my mind and accepted I wasn't as good as I thought I was at the time and got back on my recently neglected friend, the turbo. After a couple of weeks of lung busting fun, I was on the start line for the GT Ellingworth road race near Grantham. Again crashes had their part to play, but I kept upright and was with the bunch at the finish. Although only coming in 22nd place, I felt those sensations in my legs that I'd not had since March. My FTP threshold power was still decent and my motivation was up.

Mark flying at York Crit




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A long trek to Loughborough for the AA Brown road race had me in good spirits. Mainly because Lee drove the long drive, but also because it was a 2pm start. Flat, fast and only 40 miles I gave it everything. Attacking pretty much every lap. I was solo on the last lap and buried myself only to be caught right on the line! I was still 3rd, and after the previous few months I didn't really care I'd just missed out on the win. I was back and that was the real achievement for me. At this stage I was now over halfway to my 2nd cat, only this time I wasn't going to slack off as I'd done earlier in the year. A fortnight away cycling in Austria only added to my fitness and form, so when I came back the results just flowed. 8th in my first race back, the Wilsons Wheels Summer road race, had me on the verge of my 2nd cat. A 2nd at Blyton sealed the deal the following Wednesday and I was ecstatic. In the space of 3 events I'd achieved more points than I had in about 5 years previously. I was over the moon, chuffed that I'd achieved my goal I set at the end of last year, and proof that if you put your mind to it nothing’s impossible. And so it continues.... Whether it was because the pressure was off or what, I don't know, but my 2nd half of the season was brilliant for me. An 11th at OVB road race, despite cramp at the end when I was on for 7th, followed. Then came another point score at Blyton before a slight dip at Tumbys road race in late July, where only one rider managed to get away. Still, HTRC came away with a point for Lee Coulson. Then my best result to date the following weekend all the way up in Northumberland. Joining an early break of 2, I formed a 3 man break halfway through the Ferryhill Wheelers race. My Dad had come to see me and I was determined to prove that Barnsley was a one off. Lap after lap he cheered me on, but by the final lap our lead was eroding fast. We had barely 20 seconds and never really got out of sight. I dug deep, content with taking 3rd. I was outpaced by the other 2 in the end, one of which came top ten in that god awful Ilkley 2 Day race, so he was no slouch. But I'd done something I'd never achieved before, a top 3 in a 2/3/4 road race. The best bit was seeing my Dad nearly in tears at seeing what I'd done. He's been so used to seeing mediocrity from me for years that this was all new to him, so that moment was something I'll never forget. An 8th at Squadra's road race continued the trend, before a rare sprint win for 7th at Albarosa's Saxton road race the following weekend - an event I was dropped in after a lap a year before. This was another surprise considering I don't view myself as a sprinter. A fist pump followed, which I've since been mocked for, but I couldn't care less. Not often you see a donkey win a horse race - or so it felt like. Another 8th at Upton for me but the real highlight was seeing Brett Waterhouse take his best result with an 11th in what is his first ever season. He was chuffed, and I was chuffed for him.




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The final weekend was another enjoyable one. A win in the clubs final TT on the Saturday - (Although Dan Posnett had it wrapped up if not for unfortunate luck with traffic!) and a 6th on the Sunday at the Out of the Saddle Road Race. A pleasing race for my good friend Billy Robinson who took a 3rd place and his 1st cat in the process. All of which led me to 105 BC points for the year. To put it into context I'd only ever mustered up 47 points from all of my seasons of racing!! I'd only finished out of the points once since June and I was never expecting to get over 100 points for the year. A lot of hard work has gone into this, but also the support of the club and my riding friends, (you know who you are) who have pushed me into making me a better rider. As for 2017, I suppose I should aim for my 1st cat, but I'm fully aware I was only just over halfway towards it this year. Another year like this one wouldn't go amiss, and see if I can get a win in an open road race to go with it would be pretty cool.

Finlay Pickering also having a fantastic season: pilfered from Facebook Round 1 in Derby. Round 2 is Abergavenny! Co. Durham thereafter

Well done Fin




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Mark Walker’s Saturday Morning ‘Intro to Race Technique’: Amanda Dean

Mark hosts this ride which is open to all. It starts at Skidby Mill, 9:30am each Saturday. The plan is a warm up ride to an area where the group practices chain gang and maybe throws in a sprint or two. The intention is to have everyone back at Skidby Mill for 12noon which works well as most people cannot afford a full day out. Distance wise, this means from 35-45 miles. The distances below are the circuit from Skidby and do not include the ride to/from home (extra 10 miles for me). This will give you an idea of what it is about and maybe you will come out and join Mark & Co. Ride 1: 1st October, 36 miles, 7 riders

Beautiful day, good weather, great views. Couple of laps of the South Dalton - Holme on the Wolds course. 36 miles with a bit of a sprint at the end. My average pace 17.5mph. Riders: Mark, Lee, Neil, JP, Doug, Howard (from Market Weighton) and me. Ride 2: 15th October, 45 miles, 15 riders

Started in miserable weather but sunny by the end. We rode out to Newport where the fun began. Through Gilberdyke, round Laxton - Blacktoft. Tough bit in the middle! My average pace 18.2mph. Unfortunately we had a few punctures but fortunately dry weather. Riders: Mark and Lee our leaders: Kyle, Charlotte, young Connor, Will (who rode to and from Thorngumbald), Rich Bielby, Paul C, Paul K, Doug, Richard G, JP, Nick, Neil and me.

Ride 3: 22nd October, 38 miles, 13 riders

Rode out over High Hunsley to Newbald, then over the top to Etton. 3 x Etton circuit.

17mph avg for me. Cool day but dry and some sun. Another cracking ride.

Riders: Mark, Neil, Josh, George, Ben, James, Howard, Charlotte, Rich G, Will, Nick, JP & me.



TT Scene October 2016

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Wot no TT Scene!



https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/WATSON_00004185-004-630x420.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/team-sky-win-tour-de-romandie-opening-team-time-trial-168689&docid=T_0eEs0sF1WKlM&tbnid=NFLgnIwaZ18-iM:&w=630&h=420&bih=631&biw=1438&ved=0ahUKEwirp-TNstLMAhUIDMAKHb43Bl4QMwgiKAEwAQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

Muddy Scene October 2016

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Odds & Sods Scene October 2016

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Barry Trotter and Big G study the map of Skye: pilfered from Facebook

Beryl Foster: I wonder who took this picture, we all went to Scotland in 1976, and camped at Plockton

Andy Cawley and Martin Cockerill at the start of the Junior RR championship:

pilfered from Facebook




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Pit Stop: Recommended by Andy Cawley & Barry Trotter.

Thanks to Neil Dean for creating the advert:

Fiddle Drill, Goodmanham

Originally advertising itself as a pop-up café it looks very much here to stay with exceptional presentation of a variety of pastries and other tempting offerings. Whoever designed the place has shown remarkable attention to detail to the interior, and outside a real effort to make cyclists and walkers especially welcome. Open Friday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm

As you go up through the village it’s on the left hand side, beyond the pub and the church.




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Blast from the Past: Dave Millson custodian of Hull Thursday’s historical archives



scene - htrc.co.ukhtrc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/htrc-scene-october-2016.pdfgroups are going...

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