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Scene January-February 2019

Hull Thursday rc

Email articles for Scene to [email protected] For club information visit: www.htrc.co.uk of 32

Winter Cycling is such a drag!

Deanies escape to

Costa del Sol

See page 14 for holiday info

mailto:[email protected]

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

Club Scene January-February 2019

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Letter from the editor

This month we have

Front Page: Photos Deans Escape to the Sun

Club Scene: Coming events. Minutes from the meeting and AGM minutes (please read), Geriatric Jaunt dates, Kit Super Sales, Farewell to Eric Suffill

Social Scene: Deanies Escape to the Sun, Gerries rides.

Racing Scene: The Three Dale Challenge, Jim’s Winter Training

TT Scene: HTRC TT dates

Muddy Scene: KORC 3 Hour Endurance Race, A Yorkshire Moors Weekend, Muddy Events

Back Page: Blasts from the Past Thank you to Dave Millson, Neil Dean, John Ulyatt, Mike McAllister, Richard Guymer, Paul Kilvington, Eddie Kelsall, Geoff Rawson and me for contributing to this month’s newsletter. Plus Jim Sampson, Paul Hickerbottom, Ron Kirk and Rob Almond for Farewell to Eric Suffill Please can you send contributions for March as soon as possible March 21st deadline.

Amanda Dean, Scene Editor, [email protected]

Dates for your 2019 Diary

Sunday Club Rides Skidby Mill 9:30am

Organiser Neil Dean and other lead volunteers

Ennerdale Cycle Track: Monday February

25th, 7pm Free 1 hour session for Hull Thursday Organiser Dave Millson

George Ely 2Up TT Saturday March 16th Organiser Mike Kilgour – more below

Cottingham Cycle Jumble, 17th March 10am to 2pm. Derby & Joan Club, Finkle Street.

Keith Carter Road Race Sunday April 28th Organiser Lee Coulson

East Yorkshire Road Race League Thursday 2nd May Organiser Andy Abbott, dates below.

Vic Sutton Memorial Road Race Sunday 12th May Organiser Neil Dean

HTRC Presentation Evening Saturday 9th November Hull University

HTRC Christmas Feast Sunday 8th December Cottingham Lakes





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Dates for your 2019 Race Diary In Detail….

George Ely 24 mile Team Time Trial - Hardriders Circuit Saturday 16th March. First off 1.00pm.

The event will start and finish near Molescroft and covers a testing 24 mile route heading out to Driffield with a rolling return via Bainton and Cherry Burton. Riders are required to enter as a team of 2. Each team will be set of at two minute intervals and ride the course together covering the route as quickly as possible. Riders in their teams will take turns riding on the front setting the pace whilst the other ride takes shelter behind and is able to recovery before taking over on the front. The fastest finishing pair win the event. Entry requirements:

Riders must be members of a club affiliated to CTT. Entry available online at CTT website, entry fee of £10 per rider

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk

The course covers a 24 mile route therefore riders should be of a reasonable fitness.

Closing date 5th of March 2019 To ensure that the event runs safely, various marshals are required to point the riders in the right direction at each main junction. If you can help on the day please let me know.

Everyone is welcome to the race HQ after the race has finished for tea and cake 😊

Who was George Ely? George Ely was a life member of Hull Thursday Road Club. He joined the club in 1931 and became a national cycling star. In 1933 George won 9 consecutive open and club Time Trials and he went on to break and set many course records. George died in April 2006 and it was his family’s request that an event be held in his memory. George was known for liking longer distance or hard courses and I am sure he would feel honoured to have this event carry his name. For more information or if you are able to help, contact Mike Kilgour - [email protected]

East Yorkshire Road Race League (TLI) http://www.tlicycling.org.uk

Organiser Andy Abbott [email protected] 2/5/19 Etton 1900 Squadra RT 16/5/19 Little Weighton 1900 City RC and Cliff Pratt Racing 30/5/19 Walkington 1900 Woldtop RT and Petuaria RT 13/6/19 Etton 1900 Wilson Wheels RT 27/6/19 Kilham/Rudston 1930 GS Creazzo and Bridlington CC 11/7/19 Sproatley 1930 Hull Thursday RC 25/7/19 Walkington 1900 VC Beverley 8/8/19 Little Weighton 1900 Combined Effort from all clubs with Presentation Afterwards



https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/


http://www.tlicycling.org.uk/



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Committee Minutes 14th January 2019 Meeting held at Baptist Church, Chanterlands Ave, Hull, 7.30pm

Present: Dave Millson, Neil Dean, Mike McAllister, Chris Devaney, Doug Jaram, Neil Prewer, Richard Guymer, Mike Pickering, Lee Coulson, Mike Kilgour, George Leighton Apologies: Chris Brown, Phil McCormick, Paul Kilvington, Mandy Dean 1. Election of Chairman LC was elected Chairperson 2. Apologies See above 3. Minutes from previous meeting and their acceptance Minutes accepted by all present 4. Matters arising from Previous Minutes

Ennerdale Circuit Free Hour? DM to speak with Allister Wood 5. Correspondence

Ennerdale Crit Series, details soon on BC website. 3/4th race and 3/2/1 race likely. DM offered to lead on HTRC race commitment at Ennerdale Crit series.

6. Website

Big G domain name not going to be renewed. LC to look into linking Keith Carter race on BC to HTRC site.

7. Treasurer’s Report Balance remains healthy. Committee reviewed previous month’s movements. 8. New Members Richard Dunn 9. Forthcoming/recent events

Boxing Day 10 was a very enjoyable event for those who dressed up and turned out!

Club Rides continuing every Sunday, more offers to lead would be greatly appreciated for them to continue successfully. Two groups setting off together then splitting into 40 mile and 60 mile routes with a café stop

Training rides have started Saturdays 2pm at Brantingham. RG organiser

Quiz Night Café Velo 2nd Feb (see Mike Pickering or Gary @ CV for tickets)

16th March George Ely TTT. MK will be grateful of offers to help before he has to contact you!!

10. Clothing report Blue and yellow stock nearly gone. See list below – grab a bargain. ND will be opening the Pactimo shop for Black and white kit soon.

11. Scene Some articles received. Next publication mid-February 12. Youth Section

DJ and RG have contacted Otley CC as they have a very successful Youth section. They have been invited on one of their club runs to find out more. DJ spoke with Elliot, one of our Youth riders, to find out what the club could do better to attract, develop and keep more younger riders. We will try again with some youth orientated events at Ennerdale Circuit. It might be useful if we can recall the club bikes, but awkward to store? Offers to spit and store at different members’ homes. Some of the ideas for youth events were: Races before Ennerdale crit races summer or autumn, shorter events similar to very successful ‘Park Runs’.




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AGM Minutes 4th February 7pm 2019 Meeting held at Bunyan Room, Baptist Church, Chanterlands Ave, Hull, 7pm

1. IN ATTENDANCE 15 members were present and signed the attendance record:

Neil Dean, Richard Guymer, Dave Millson, Mike Kilgour, Mike Pickering, Andy Abbott, George Leighton, Lee Coulson, Mike McAllister, Neil Prewer, Paul Campbell, Phil McCormick, Doug Jaram, Richard Dean, Andy Carroll

2. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON: Richard Dean was nominated as chairperson 3. APOLOGIES: The following sent their apologies: Mandy Dean, Jymmy Trevor 4. NEW CLUB MEMBERS: Dave Tyas and Mike Tyas 5. PREVIOUS AGM MINUTES: The minutes of the AGM held on 12th February 2018 were accepted as a true record. Proposed: N Dean, seconded: M Pickering 6. MATTERS ARISING: Committee have reviewed rules and now have a ‘Constitution’ and ‘Rules for Championships & Club Records’ 7. TREASURER’S REPORT 1. The balance in the main account remains healthy but is down £2,800 on last year. This level

of reduction is manageable now, but alternative sources of income will need to be found to support the Club Rewards Scheme and the Racing Incentive Scheme. Please note that both these schemes need approval at the AGM for them to continue.

2. We currently have 140 members compared to 141 at the end of 2017. During 2018 we had 16 new members compared to 14 in 2017.

3. As was agreed at the 2017 AGM, new subscription rates from 1st January 2018 were:

Under 16 years £5 no change

16-17 years £10 from £7

18-64 years £15 from £12

65+ years £10 from £7

As a result, income from subscriptions rose by £200. 4. The surplus in clothing is down slightly compared to 2017, but that is because most of the

stock in blue and yellow kit has been sold. Members now purchase Black & White kit directly from Pactimo, although some Spin11 kit remains on stock.

5. There is no expenditure shown in the accounts for the Keith Carter RR or the Vic Sutton Memorial RR as the organisers paid all expenses before passing the surplus to the club.

6. The TT Series always aims to break even, and in 2018 made a small surplus. 7. The Humberside Championships had 49 entries and made a small surplus. 8. Postage costs are mainly associated with Scene.




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9. The Paper Chase made a small loss, as numbers for the post-ride buffet had to be confirmed before the entries were known.

10. Website costs are for hosting the website at JustHostMe and for keeping our domain names registered.

11. The 2 up 24 mile TTT was cancelled due to bad weather. Entries were refunded but some costs were incurred.

12. The Legends Sportive was cancelled due to lack of entries. Entries were refunded but some costs were incurred.

13. The club has to pay for meeting room hire. Now £20 per meeting at the Baptist Church. 14. The only equipment purchased were the feather flags that are used at events to publicise

the club. 15. After adjusting for BSCA not cashing their levies cheque until 2019, the Ennerdale Youth

events lost £271. 16. The Presentation Dinner loss is in line with the agreed subsidy and free wine on the tables. 17. Affiliations were maintained with: British Schools Cycling Association, British Cycling,

Cycling UK (formerly CTC), Association of British Cycling Coaches and Yorkshire Cycling Federation.

18. Engraving costs relate to the trophies awarded at the Presentation Dinner. 19. Scene costs principally relate to printing. 20. Some Xmas Feast income and expenditure relates to 2017 and some 2018 income was not

banked until 2019. The event was subsidised, and overall lost £128 in 2018. 21. This was the second year of the club rewards scheme. Costs reduced to £1,180 from £1,456

in the first year. 22. This was the sixth year of the racing incentive scheme and the value of entry fees refunded

to riders was £1,581 compared to £1,790 in the previous year. 23. At the moment only one signatory (either Paul Kilvington or me) is required on the bank

account for any transaction. This arrangement is convenient but should be reviewed annually. With regard to online banking, only I have access.

24. The accounts were audited by Liz Kilgour and Amanda Millson. I would like to thank them for doing this important job.

25. A separate bank account is maintained for the major event weekend, and this is managed by Andy Cawley and Martin Cockerill.

26. Yearend bank balance is slightly higher than expected as not all prize cheques were cashed from the 2017 event, but all uncashed cheques have now expired. These funds will not be added to the main account. They will be kept separate for investment in future events.

Proposed: R Guymer, seconded: M Kilgour 8. CLUB SECRETARY’S REPORT Hull Thursday RC continues to promote and encourage cycling in Hull and East Yorkshire. Excellent numbers of club members have been competing in a wide range of cycling disciplines such as; Road Races, Open Time Trials, Cyclo-cross, Mountain Biking and Sportives. As a club we have successfully organised many cycle events Events run in 2018 include:




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‘Jim’s training rides’ (Richard Guymer)

Open TTT on the Hardriders course (Mike Kilgour)

Newbald RR (Lee Coulson)

The club TT series (Paul Kilvington)

East Riding Road Race League (Andy Abbott)

LVRC Vic Sutton Road Race (Neil Dean)

Open 25 TTT Humberside Championship (Richard Guymer)

Junior training series at Ennerdale Circuit

Freewheel competition (Dave Millson)

Paperchase (Doug Jaram)

Geriatrics Club Rides

‘Goat’ social weekend to Yorkshire Cycle Hub (Richard Dean & Mike Pickering)

President’s dinner (Mandy Dean)

Christmas dinner feast (Richard Guymer & Mandy Dean) Other activities include:

Sunday club runs have become regular with two groups (40mile and 60mile). Neil and Mandy have worked hard to organise and promote them.

Saturday morning training sessions

Monthly e-scene with current club information

Quiz at Café Velo (Mike Pickering) The club incentive scheme is continuing to encourage and assist HTRC riders represent the club in cycle races. This can be attributed to helping increase our numbers of active racers. The Club Rewards Scheme organised by Lee Coulson with assistance from Mandy Dean continues to reward club members who have assisted with the organising and running of club events. We have had good attendance throughout the year at committee meetings at Hull Baptist Church rooms. It’s has also been regularly supported by club members not on the committee and hope more club members will join the meetings this year. 9. ROAD / TRACK SECRETARY’S REPORT Looking back at the year we’ve had as a club I feel really proud of each member who has put themselves out there and raced. We’ve had over 20 riders racing the roads and circuits this year and I think that’s a fantastic way to promote HTRC. They raced EYRRL & NLRRL ran under TLI which seem to be a positive entry point to racing maybe due to their laid back nature or the handicap structure. In addition, BC road races on Walkington, South Dalton, and Lincoln. Also, BC circuit races at Blyton, Ennerdale, Middlesbrough and Doncaster. Ennerdale seemed to have a great interest around it for our riders with five of our 4th Cats moving up to 3rd Cat during the series with others also gaining points. The Veterans events included, Tour of the Abberleys, Darley Moor, Burton Fleming and our own Vic Sutton RR. To throw some numbers around, we had a minimum of 43 top ten placings in BC, 7 in TLI and 2 LVRC. Over 135 British Cycling points gained across 4th, 3rd and 2nd Category racing. Also 39 TLI series points. With 12 club members racing BC events, 16 club members racing TLI events and 3 club members racing LVRC.




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Although we had lost the services of the Pickering juniors we did gain Elliott Jackoby and he has shown some promise by being one of the five to gain his 3rd Cat. Lee Coulson retained his 2nd Cat with various results. At the end of 2017 I mentioned how the racing members might benefit from greater communication which I tried to implement with some effect during 2018. On that focus moving into 2019’s season I’m going to be setting up a group on WhatsApp for racing discussion, events and training which will hopefully prove worthwhile to the clubs racers. As a club and me personally as the Road Race Secretary, and Racing Ambassador we can feel a sense of pride, of achievement, and of determination for this seasons achievements. Set up a WhatsApp group for the active racers Report Proposed: N Dean, seconded: M McAlister 10. TIME TRIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT The club series was another well attended and successful series. PK will be organising 2019 series and has already requested for individual race assistance/organising. Two open events TTT on the Hard Riders and the Humberside Championships 25. 11. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’S REPORT Encouraging younger people to get into cycling appears to be getting harder year on year regardless of how well our Olympians or Tour de France winners might do on the world stage. AS a result it is obvious that it will be an ongoing struggle to get younger people to join Hull Thursday Road Club. With this in mind Doug Jaram and myself organised three Saturday mornings for youth riders at the Ennerdale Sports Centre in July of last year. Although the events were well advertised through social media and leafleting we only managed to get 45 youngsters over the three mornings averaging 15 riders per day. The feedback was encouraging with most wanting more similar events in the future. Having discussed this at recent committee meetings it might be that we do something similar but perhaps for three hours instead of the four as we did this year. I have also discussed this with a member of City Road Club (Hull) with a view to doing something jointly before the Saturday afternoon events at Ennerdale later in the year. Last week I visited the R-evolution HQ in Cottingham, as Doug has previously’ with a view to providing some coaching for them. It appears that their intention is not to set up a team as such but a club which would feed riders 13 to 18 (or 19) years old to establish cycling clubs. They would teach other “life skills” to young people such as first aid, bike mechanics, organisational and management skills etc. as well as cycling skills. They plan to recruit potential riders from Bishop Burton College but the pool of likely candidates has already been reduced as they are not allowed to ask students already engaged in other sports at the college. They have an open evening at their premises in Cottingham 5th February. Next Saturday Doug and myself are going on a fact finding mission to Otley CC on a ride with their younger members to see how they have achieved such high membership and we will report back.




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We still have the six bikes and turbo trainers and we have yet to get these back from Beverley Grammar and or Longcroft schools when a decision has been made what to do with them.

12. INTERNET EDITOR’S REPORT Website needs an update or removal of non-relevant information. Committee members will all have a look and come back to next committee meeting with examples. As a club we need to use Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp better.

13. AFFILIATIONS The club will maintain affiliations with the following organisations: British Cycling, British Schools Cycling Association, Cycling Time Trials, Cycling UK (formerly CTC), Yorkshire Cycling Federation (require three marshals for an event) & Association of British Cycling Coaches

14. PROPOSED RULE CHANGES Replacement of Club Rules with a ‘Club Constitution’ and ‘Rules for Championships & Club Records’ Proposed: M Pickering, seconded: All

15. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS A unanimous decision by all present at AGM that the below members would continue or take up the positions on the committee.

Position Name

Treasurer Neil Dean

Club Secretary Dave Millson

Assistant Secretary Mike Kilgour

Club Coach & Youth Development Officer Richard Guymer

Road / Track Secretary Lee Coulson

Time Trial Secretary Paul Kilvington

Off Road Secretary Paul Campbell

Internet Editor Chris Brown

Press/Publicity Officer Chris Devaney

Scene Magazine Editor Mandy Dean

Clothing Officer TBC

Committee Members Mike Pickering

George Leighton

Doug Jaram

Mike McAllister

Phil McCormick

Non committee roles:

Membership Officer Neil Dean

Equipment Officer Andy Cawley

Trophy Custodian Richard Guymer

Club Welfare Officer Rachel Guymer

Auditors Liz Kilgour

Amanda Millson




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16. NOMINATION FOR CLUB LIFE MEMBERSHIP None 17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Doug Jaram expressed concern that due to not having a large influx of finance from a sportive this year we should scale down the incentive schemes. Both schemes are discussed annually for their validly and it was decided that currently the club has sufficient funds to continue for 2019 as it is as it has been successful in encouraging and rewarding members old and new to race and help. Continue to review annually.

Proposed: D Jaram, seconded: R Guymer

Add Richard Guymer to committee members who can sign a cheque from the club account.

Proposed: R Dean, seconded: M McAllister

Money in separate account from the Beverley Criterium series to be moved to a parallel HSBC account to the current club account so easier to monitor.

Proposed: R Dean, seconded: P Campbell

DM to organise the free Ennerdale circuit session before the end of February

Bikes to be collected from Beverley schools and offered to R-evolution youth team. All agreed.

Next Committee Meeting 4th March - All Welcome Meeting held at Bunyan Room, Baptist Church, Chanterlands Ave, Hull, 7.30pm

Sunday Rides 9:30am Skidby Mill

Still going well. Always a few out and the two groups make it suitable for anyone. Please offer leads. Neil Dean will be unable to lead many once racing starts.

Photo from 6th January




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Blue and Gold Kit Super Sale

Contact Dave Millson: [email protected]

Black and White Kit Super Sale

Contact Neil Dean: [email protected]

Item Size Stock Sale Short sleeved Jersey XS 2 £30

Gillet S 1 £40

Bib Shorts XS 3 £30

S 5 £30

Arm Warmers S 1 £12

Coolmax Socks (black/white) 43-46 10 £2.50

Item Size Stock Qty Comments SALE

Arm Warmers

XS 1 £2.50

L 1 £2.50

XL 1 £2.50

Bib Shorts

XS 4 SPIN 11 £10.00

S 1 SPIN 11 £10.00

Gileta (mesh back)

XL 1 SPIN 11/GIORDANA £5.00

XXL 3 SPIN 11 £5.00

Skin Suits

S 2 SPIN 11 £20.00

XL 1 SPIN 11 £20.00

Light Wind Jacket Newtrevalli XL 1 SPIN 11 £15.00

Coolmax Socks (black/white) 43-46 14 43-46 £2.50

Black HTRC Polo Shirt M 1 £15.00






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Farewell To Eric Suffill, Master Wheel Builder

Funeral 21st February 2019 3pm, small chapel, Chanterlands Ave Crematorium Organiser contact: [email protected]

Regarding your article remembering Eric Suffill and his shop, a remarkable master wheel builder. Me and my husband Barry are very close to him and his wife Judith.

Eric taught my Barry everything to do with bicycles and wheel building etc. He was the only person who Eric had taught. They had an amazing bond & relationship like a father and son.

Sadly our beloved Eric Suffill passed away on 24th January 2019. We have known Eric for over 30 odd years and have lovely memories of our beloved Eric Suffill "Master wheel builder" Danielle Lawler

An old photo of Eric. He’s the handsome fellow in the centre of the picture.

Jim (Sampson)

Sad news about Mr 32/40

Great going in his shop- He would always tell you 3 weeks to build a pair and you’d go in after 3 weeks and his reply would always be “ We’ve been busy”...Always “we” in the plural ! A real character and a fantastic guy to chat with- One of the best and will be sadly missed. Paul Hickabottom I met Eric in 1947 when I joined Setting Dyke Wheelers along with Ron Revens, Norman Taylor, Brian Garfett and Fred Parker who all became members of HTRC in 1948.

Eric and his father had a cycle repair shop in Osbourne Street. Eric’s job was building wheels for many members of Hull’s cycling clubs. We continued riding together until his 70s but many falls resulted in trouble with his knees. In later years he could always be found on a Thursday night in the White Hart with John Martin, Don Wilkinson and other members.

I regard Eric as a life long friend and a great wheel builder, Ron Kirk




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“You better have that in a (brown paper) bag in case the security guard gets you on the way out” (Eric's shop was about 2 yds square!) He had a wheel hung from the roof, and he would spin it when you walked in. You'd chat for a while before sorting whatever the reason for the visit was. On your way out 5 minutes later, the wheel would still be spinning. “Eh, I had that Sean Yates here yesterday (presumably with Paul Sherwen?). Some fellar on the street outside made the mistake of laughing at his shaved legs, but changed his mind when Yatesy stood up straight off his bike....” Still got a pair of his wheels in my “café run bike”.

You felt like you'd been let in on a secret when you found his shop. ☺ Rob Almond

Geriatrics Jaunts Dates

Gerries Xmas Dinner Ride 12th December

DATE MEETING

POINT DESTINATION (S) REJUVENATION

Leader 1 (See notes 1&2)

Leader 2 (See note 3)

20-Feb-19 Skidby Fridaythorpe Half Moon tba John Ulyatt

27-Feb-19 Humber Bridge

Sandtoft Airfield Star Neil Prewer Dick Brooks

06-Mar-19 Ganstead Rdbt Fitling Ship Mike Adams Pete Dunn

13-Mar-19 Skidby Pocklington Farm Shop Half Moon Cheryl Ashdown Geoff Griffin



Social Scene January-February 2019

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Deanies Escape to the Sun: Mandy Dean

For those who get fed up of winter in the UK and are able to escape it is worth taking a look at TUI’s winter Costa del Sol offers. It’s far from the Mallorca experience with the great variation in cycling but, since both these weeks cost just £250, flight, transfer and half board hotel, there is enough cycling to get your money’s worth. You can hire a bike but we think the £60 flight and transfer per bike is good value and nice to have your own wheels.

Nerja 16th December 2018: Nerja doesn’t offer a big range of cycling, the only flat riding is along the coast going west. The rest is lumpy (along the coast east) or very lumpy (up the hills to the north). We had 6 days (one resting). Neil cycled 5 days covering 240 miles. I joined him for 3 fab (and hilly) cycle days and ran on two days. For the secret runners out there, it is lovely, just 1.5 miles and into the Parc Natural. One day I ‘ran’ up El Cielo at 5,000ft. The views were spectacular, see photo. Back to cycling .. the temperature was around 18C. It was cool early morning so we set of at 10am. The evenings also cool but sitting in a bar with coffee and brandy (double for 1euro!) before a big meal was just fine. We had no rain.

Fuengirola 24th January 2019: This was more built up than Nerja. The way out of town was about 5 miles of flat busy road riding and even then fairly main roads. Then into hills. However, drivers were generally very courteous. Thanks to Neil Prewer who helped us with routes – his home town for 2 years. On our first day we had a great 87 mile cycle, 5,000ft climbing out to El Chorro. Day 2 a short 35 mile, hilly route to Mijas. Day 3 had me run over mountains from Mijas to Benalmadena (17 miles, 3,700ft), just to mention it for the secret runners whilst Neil headed to Juanar for a 60 mile ride. Day 4 had us doing a lovely 22 mile loop with lots of short sharp hills in the beautiful area of Altavista (2,000ft climbing). Day 5 run for me and Cartema-Coin 61 miles for Neil. Final

day, just a morning 24 mile super hilly Mijas loop before packing the bikes in the afternoon. We had no rain (though on average January gets 10 days with rain). Cool first thing but up to 20C by the afternoon. Windy most days, noticable tough on three days. Fabulous to be in shorts and short sleeves …a horrid shock to return to the UK!




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WHY DOES IT ALWAYS RAIN ON ME – TRAVIS (19.12.18): John Ulyatt

THEM there WEATHERGIRLS got the forecast wrong today.....again!!! They said no RAIN but they were wrong! I rode to Cottingham to meet Paul BROWN (SUGAR), Alan and a Cheryl lookalike! (Long Story!!) and we rode to PAPAS (GOT A BRAND NEW BAG) at Bilton to meet the rest of THE IN CROWD. We now have visas that let us cross from West to East without any problems. Hee Hee!! It started raining on Sutton Rd and never stopped till after lunch. 7 in the Autobus and same in Peleton. Pete Dunn was our BIG BOSS MAN today and he LED ZEPPED us past The Constable Arms and The Blue Bell in Sproatley where we took a left turn past the impressive Burton Constable Hall. On through Marton and past The Railway Inn at New Ellerby. SOUNDS (INCORPORATED) like a pub crawl!! The Wrygarth Inn soon came into view and a quick loop through Goxhill finally (BARRY) TOOK us to the outskirts of Hornsea, where we took the old railway line to the SEA (OF HEARTACHE). We were drenched as we reached the FLORAL (DANCE) Hall for lunch. Surprisingly enough it was packed but Neil had rung ahead to book tables. We plonked ourselves down and a HOT HOT HOT Tea and Soup soon warmed up the cockles of our HEARTs. It was still pouring as we left so we decided to head straight home. However in 5IVE mins the rain stopped and things brightened up so we decided to go to the pub. We ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE. Our route home took us via Bewholme/Brandesburton/Leven onto the cycle TRACKS (OF MY TEARS) leading us to Weel and along Beverley BECK. Next came (SEAN) LONG Lane which led us to The Ship Inn at Dunswell. A warm welcome from the lovely MICHELLE resplendent in Xmas T-shirt, mistletoe in her hair and a leather skirt. Once again we were in early 2.00pm! 2 pints of Red Rudolph hardly touched the sides. A wonderful hour of reminiscing about the Hull nightclubs and dance halls that no longer exsist:-Bali Hai/Scamps/Hofbrauhaus/Trog Bar/Queens/Gondola/Club 51/Kontiki/Bierkeller/ Kestrel/Majestic/Mecca/Penny Farthing/Jacaranda/Cave Bar at Hotel Eden/RUF 15. Home for a SPLISH SPLASH listening to usual GTO on 181.FM TuneIn Radio. Just the 53 miles today - Roll on DONNA SUMMER eh?!!




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JANUARY – PILOT (2.1.19): John Ulyatt

Well it's JANUARY 2nd 2019 and a very COLD(PLAY) day as The Gerries met at Greenwood Ave for a I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE ride to Mr. Moo's in Skipsea. 16 (TONS) of us split evenly into The Peleton and The Autobus. We headed over the River Hull on Sutton Rd and turned left at Leads Rd where Peggy my MOTHER IN LAW was born and raised. Across the roundabout to eventually pick up the LOVE TRAIN track taking us through Sutton to SWINE (WOMEN AND SONG).

We turned into (I'M IN THE MOOD FOR) DANCING Lane and followed that to Skirlaugh where we had a right turn into (HERE WE GO ROUND THE) MULBERRY (BUSH) Lane. This led us into New Ellerby. TEMPTATIONS to go in The Railway Inn as it was Fffffreezing were controlled and we carried on!

As we headed towards Great Hatfield a MERCEDES BENZ came speeding round a (AMEN) CORNER and seriously misjudged the bend skewing onto our side of the road!! A WIPE OUT looked inevitable but he regained control and missed us by inches! AMEN indeed. Dangerous game cycling. I saw myself heading up to HEAVEN 17......or would it have been THE ROAD TO HELL?!!! We turned left at Wrygarth Inn to Sigglesthorne, Seaton, Bewholme and Skipsea for lunch. Ham and Cheese toastie and a cuppa = £6.50. Quite a lot of (ERNIE K) DOE. The temperature was only 4C as we left and an extra top/extra gloves were necessary. We turned (JOE) SOUTH towards Atwick in a slight drizzle (Deep Joy!!!) and made our way through Bewholme again and onto Brandsburton. We passed one of our favourite cafes - Bert's- and into Leven/Tickton/Weel to BEVERLEY (KNIGHT). NICE to bump into Nathan Wilson and we had a good TALK TALK as we tootled along LONG (JOHN BALDRY) Lane. He headed off down Park Lane to Cottingham as we continued to The




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Ship Inn at Dunswell. Lovely MICHELLE pulled a gorgeous pint of Sleck Dust from Gt. Newsome Brewery. A cracking hour laughing and joking and no mention of Brexit. THE DARKNESS came down as we left the pub and my front (YOU) LIGHT (MY FIRE) gave up. Plenty of us with lights so no great problem. Just the 55 miles on a dampish ffffffreezing day. Home for a SPLISH SPLASH listening to Good Time Oldies on TuneIn Radio 181.FM

CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME - PHANTOM PLANET (9-1-19): John Ulyatt

A cycling disaster!! The aim was CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME (Well California Garden Centre at Howden anyway!)

I set off to meet the rest of The Gerries and within 100 YARDBIRDS my gears started to play up - it was obvious SOMETHING was seriously wrong. So I decided to ZIP A DEE DOO DAH down to Roy's for him to MUSE over.

It didn't take him long to determine that I needed a new MIDDLE (OF THE ROAD) Chainring, a couple of sprockets on The CASSETTE and some new Jockey WHEELS.

OH WELL these things happen and YEARS AND YEARS since needed any MAJOR (LANCE) repairs. Trish kindly picked me up from Roy's. Later I walked up to The Half Moon in Skidby for a quick drink with the gang. Gorgeous (RED SAILS IN THE) SUNSET on the way back.




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GOOD ENOUGH - DODGY - Weds 16.1.19: John Ulyatt

The weather forecast looked a bit DODGY today but GOOD ENOUGH to get out on the bike. ROY C did a great job repairing my bike so off I went to meet the rest of The Gerries at The Humber Bridge. 22 of us - 12 in the Peleton and 10 in the Autobus.

Dick was our LIEUTENANT (PIGEON) today. It was certainly BLOWIN' IN THE WIND riding across the bridge. The Vortex by the towers sucked us in and blew us out!!! We headed up the drag out of (DAVE) BARTON and guess what? - HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN - Nasty drizzle as we caped up. Further on at Deepdale Cafe, Kitch and Pete D decided to call it a (DORIS) DAY and went in the cafe.

We plodded on and Dick decided to HEAD (HANDS AND FEET) straight to the Courtyard Cafe in Brigg. Lovely cafe, NICE staff and great food. Beans on toast with an EGGY POP on top plus a pot of (WILLIE) TEE = £6.25. Little Mick said, 'JOHNNY B GOODE And pass the SUGAR SUGAR please'. 'THERE YOU GO Mike'. 'THANK YOU JOHN'. JOHNNY B GOODE was my Fave song to play on stage along with ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN.

Having warmed up and dried out a bit, we prepared to head back and would you ADAM AND EVE it? - it was still raining! We rode along the CADNEY (AND LACEY) canal to Howsham before the climb up (ELEANOR) BIGBY hill and a descent into Melton (DIANA) ROSS. For a change the ride back to the bridge was uneventful. We were soon back EARLY DOORS again in the (FIVE) STAR pub in Willerby for a couple of pints of Boon Doggle.

Just the 2 came in LATER from the Peleton- (I'M) MANDY (FLY ME) and Neil D. Don't ASK ME WHY the rest didn't come in?

Good to see my old mate Dave Tait, who has just retired, out with us for the first time.

ONLY (THE LONELY) 47 miles today. A (CUT ACROSS) SHORTY ride today in view of the weather. Hope for usual soak listening to Good Time Oldies on TuneIn Radio 181.FM.




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HOW SWEET IT IS - MARVIN GAYE: Weds 6.2.19: John Ulyatt

HOW SWEET IT IS to be back on the bike after 3 weeks of SNOW (PATROL) and Ice. I rode to The Humber Bridge to meet the rest of THE ROCKIN' BERRIES. 22 of us split evenly between the Peleton and Autobus.

Autobus

Peloton

Our destination was The Dunn Deal Cafe in Nettleton, Nr. Caistor however we had several incidents which required MIKE AND THE MECHANICS to sort. Due to the delays, TIME WAS TIGHT, so we decided to head for Claytons Corner Cafe at Howsham. We headed over the MUDDY WATERS of The Humber taking in the views of the CHIM CHIMNEYS of Immingham to our left. On through (DAVE) BARTON, Deepdale, Burnham where shortly afterwards Dick hit a big HOLE IN THE GROUND causing a puncture. For various reasons took a ROCK OF AGES to sort which is why we decided to go to Howsham.




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I had a (JOHNNY) WINTER veg soup with a ROLL (OUT THE BARREL) and a HOT CHOCOLATE = £7.10 - Hardly a (LANCE) FORTUNE. Our BIG BOSS MAN for the day, Dave, ordered Egg on toast. The owner, who resembled an old North Country Comedian type shouted, "WHO is for egg on toast?" Dave responded, "I AM THE EGG MAN". All nourished we headed back via Cadney and Brigg where Jim, on his brand new E STREET BAND Bike had a puncture in his tubeless tyre. Unable to sort it out he had to ring SHELIA to come and collect him. Onward we went up Elsham Hill and along the ridge to Barton and across the bridge. "How are you feeling Mike?" I asked. "I FEEL GOOD thanks" came the reply. We were soon in The (EDWIN) STARR Inn/Willerby just after 3.30. My birthday soon so it was my SHOUT for drinks. The lovely SHIRLEY (ABICAIR) - Blimey that's a blast from the past! - pulled a gorgeous pint of (RUFUS) WAINWRIGHTS......and then another! Usual good banter all day, especially in the pub and home in the light for usual SPLISH SPLASH listening to TuneIn radio 181.FM Good Time Oldies. Just under 50 miles today because of the mechanicals.

Peloton Snippet: Mandy Dean

Another good Gerries turn out. 11 in the L'Autobus (as John calls it) and 10 in our peloton

group. Not bad weather conditions for February.

Thanks to Neil Prewer who lead ours group. A 67 miles loop from the bridge, taking in a few

hills. Very nice. All of the group getting over 70 miles, some will have hit 80 miles. Heard later

that Geoff Rawson covered 90 miles! Not bad for February.

We lunched at the Dunn Deal, Nettleton and of course left the café and went straight up the

hill! We had one mechanical. (Perhaps not surprising as we had some roads where the hedges

were shredded by cutters and splinter wood scattered on the road).

The light just starting to fade as we returned and most of us ran out of time to get to the pub.



Racing Scene January-February 2019

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The Three Dale Challenge (A tough hilly training session): Mike McAllister

For those wanting an "Up and down Dale" ride never far from Hull or Cottingham then read on.

Start - Skidby The junction of Beverley Road and Main Street opposite the entrance to Skidby Mill is the start point for this ride. Immediately head down the hill to the junction and turn left. I love the ride through Skidby, it rolls favourably in both directions and during the spring the heart of the village is filled with a beautiful scent from tree or shrub I've yet to identify. The climb over to the Little Weighton offers sight of the Humber Bridge on the left and to the right, views of Beverley Minster. Keen eyes are able to pick out Mappleton water tower near the coast.

Little Weighton The descent down Little Weighton "Wall" into the village leads to flying by the pond, watch out for joining traffic from Walkington. Keep momentum for the ascent by the pub and turn left for Rowley. The climb levels out near the water tower then you go around my favourite bend in the county though on this route it's the wrong way to enjoy it. Anyone who's raced East Yorkshire Road Race League will know it well, it can be enjoyed flat out with favourable gradient, camber and a good view of oncoming traffic.

Riplingham From Rowley we carry on up the drag to Eppleworth Road. A quick scoot across the junction and an effort up the bump takes you to the left turn for Welton. As you continue to ascend the views over to East Hull, the Humber and the South Bank can be spectacular. At the top of the climb you get your first view of the first Dale but descend to Elloughton first. The descent through the trees can be quite disorientating especially in summer as your eyes will take a while to adjust when you enter the tree canopy, lights are a good option. At the Welton junction you turn right along High Road, the view to the Humber especially at sunset is often breathtaking.

Elloughton Dale Turning right at the end of High Rd starts the long drag of Elloughton Dale. Spring is my favourite time for this climb. Surrounded by trees, woodland birds chirping, woodpeckers pecking and sometimes deer can be spotted. The climb itself is never steep or taxing but serves as a nice starter for the next Dale. Descend back to Elloughton and over the A63 to Brantingham.

Brantingham Dale Heading through Brantingham dry stone walls become apparent. The sight of the church is a reminder the drag to the climb is not far off. The climb begins as the canopy envelops you, often Buzzards and Kites can be heard overhead. The climb bites a little but before it really gets going it's all over and as you leave the tree line the view opens up for you to welcome big skies. Turning left at the Eppleworth Road junction takes you over to my favourite view of the ride, Weedley Masts.




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Weedley Masts As you go past the masts you'll see York Minster on the horizon like a small silver stamp, on a good day to the west you'll see Emley Moor mast. Turning right onto Comberdale Hill Road you'll see the airshafts that feed the defunct Drewton tunnel and home to many bat colonies.

Low Hunsley Who needs a roller coaster when you've got Low Hunsley. The descent is super-fast and with a good effort you won't be left with much to do on the climb. Time to give it some welly and max out your power for maximum fun! Turn left to High Hunsley stopping at the busy junction and head straight on for more descending fun.

High Hunsley and Burgate Descent Passing the junction at the top of Littlewood Road and Whin Lane the view to the wind farm is marvellous. Some say wind turbines are a blot on the landscape but I think they complement the landscape here, certainly no worse than the electricity pylons that have been there for as long as I can remember. Enjoy the descent into Newbald, safe for 40 mph and more though remember to scrub off the speed as you enter Newbald.

Trundlegate makes up the third and last "Dale" of the day and also the toughest. Take in the views to the power stations near Goole and in summer the odd hot air balloon can be spotted. The steep part of "Trundle" is pretty short and soon turns into a stiff drag back to Littlewood Road. Turn right at the junction and head back towards Little Weighton.

High Hunsley, Little Weighton and Finish at Skidby Once past High Hunsley the descent to Little Weighton is often a flyer when the westerly is on your back. You'll be averaging 30mph for long stretches during the last few miles which can bump your average speed up nicely. Save a bit for Little Weighton "Wall" and back Skidby and head back to the start. Summary and Stats A tough hilly training ride never venturing far from Hull with hardly a flat bit of road, one for the climbers though there's plenty of respite on the descents to help keep the average speed and recovery up. Elevation Gain: 603 metres Distance: 30 miles Typical Duration: 90 - 120 minutes Enjoy the ride.




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Jim’s Training Sessions 2019: Richard Guymer

It soon comes round to what has become a tradition in the local cycling calendar. Some sessions from many years ago are still talked about and have become cycling folklore. Like the time Derek Roe and a few hardy souls continued to ride in the snow at Sproatley and finished looking like snowmen. The number of fully fledged racing men and women taking part in recent years seems to have dropped off with these preferring to get a longer ride in at this time of year but some still do their long rides and finish their day with an hour’s through and off. However numbers of people young and older taking part and “enjoying” the sessions make it worthwhile carrying on for Jim and I and our band of helpers and long may it continue. The riders these days appear to be a mixture of beginners and more experienced but with only a smattering of the present regular local racing peloton. If the sessions bring in new riders and help in their learning curve then great, job done. But please if you are new to the sport or have been doing it for a while and are reading this, please listen to those who might know what they are talking about like your coaches and the more seasoned riders including the odd ex pro and former world champion who might be riding around with you. Also please don’t be afraid to lend a hand standing on a corner sometimes. We can’t do it all on our own! The first session this year was on the 5th January at Brantingham. The day dawned cold and was windy when I rode out and did my laps in the morning. I was grateful of the back wind up Brantingham Dale on the way home. The wind had subsided somewhat by the time 2.00 O’clock came around and 44 people had signed on, not disappointing but down on the numbers of recent years for the first session. Riders did not want to be separated from their friends it appeared and with Jim still in sunny climes took no notice of me and insisted on riding in groups which were too big. As a result only four groups rode round and mostly stuck together with 8 laps being covered by group 1 in just under 44 minutes. The following week we had 46 riders and with Jim back we arranged them into 7 more manageable groups and doing 9 laps this time the front group finished in 50.25 minutes. The third week on the 19th produced 52 riders and although it had been cold and wet in the morning for my spin, the afternoon again proved to be ok. January soon goes when you are enjoying yourself and for the last outing at Brantingham on the 26th we again had 46




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people taking part. You will note that I do not refer to these sessions as races because they aren’t, no matter what anyone might say. There are no BC points and no rainbow bands given out at the end of February. They are solely to develop fitness and technique whilst hopefully having some fun. The first date at Sproatley on the 2nd February was cancelled due to overnight snow and on the following Saturday on the 9th we only had 13 riders and 2 groups. We never get as many at the Holderness venue but I think it is the better course even if

maybe for most it is a trek across the city. I hadn’t realised until writing this that we had 13 riders with Mike Kilgour arriving a little late and becoming the 13th rider on the road. I am not normally superstitious as I frequently walk under ladders and stand on cracks in pavements but maybe now I will get a lucky charm. Unfortunately on Lap 7 whilst riding with Nick Fairfield, Mike was hit by an oncoming car. The car was on the wrong side of the road on the left hand bend going towards Flinton. Nick fortunately managed to avoid the car but Mike was not so lucky. I am not going into detail here but suffice it to say Mike was taken by ambulance to Hull Royal Infirmary where he was diagnosed with various injuries and although serious were not thought to be life threatening. He was kept in hospital until the following Thursday and is now recovering at home. We wish him well. Richard and Jim.



TT Scene January-February 2019

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HTRC TT 2019: Paul Kilvington

The entry fee has had to rise this year because CTT have increased the event levy from £2 per rider per event to £3 and therefore needs to be reflected in the entry fee. I hope this will not put you off entering as there will be prizes totalling £1250 at the end of the season and means there is something for all riders to compete for. The entry fee is still very competitive, first claim members £56, second claim £80, junior and juveniles free. You can get a full seasons racing for about the cost of a decent night out in the pub. All riders will provisionally need to marshal or help organise at least 3 events. We need a total of 60 marshals/organisers to marshal all the corners throughout the season so if we get enough riders this might reduce to 2.As usual we will also need time keepers and a pusher off so even if you don't fancy riding please consider volunteering in one of these capacities.

1 Saturday 23/03/2019 1:00 pm Jack Kirk Rosebowl (2 up TTT) Sproatley Circuit

2 Saturday 30/03/2019 1:00 pm Webster Cup Bubwith Circuit

3 Wednesday 10/04/2019 7:00 pm Mark Swift Cup - Prologue Weedley

4 Tuesday 23/04/2019 7:00 pm Wright cup Gilberdyke Circuit

5 Tuesday 07/05/2019 7:00 pm Sugg Cup Lockington Circuit

6 Tuesday 21/05/2019 7:00 pm Bartley Cup Little Weighton Circuit

7 Tuesday 04/06/2019 7:00 pm Wilson Shield Etton Circuit

8 Tuesday 18/06/2019 7:00 pm Thompson Trophy (2 up TTT) Sproatley Circuit

9 Tuesday 02/07/2019 7:00 pm Presidents Trophy Gilberdyke Circuit

10 Tuesday 16/07/2019 7:00 pm Phillips Cup Gilberdyke (V714)

11 Tuesday 30/07/2019 7:00 pm John Bull Cup Lockington Circuit

12 Tuesday 13/08/2019 7:00 pm Sloop Cup (Standard Road Bikes) Newbald Circuit

13 Tuesday 20/08/2019 7:00 pm Epilogue Weedley

14 Saturday 31/08/2019 1:00 pm Bob Hudson Memorial Trophy Gilberdyke (V714)

15 Saturday 14/09/2019 1:00 pm Jack Kirk Column Bubwith Circuit

16 Extra

Sunday 06/10/2019 10:30 am Jack McGlone Hill Climb Spout hill



Muddy Scene January-February 2019

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KORC 3 Hour Endurance Race Sunday 7th October 2018: Eddie Kelsall

For anybody that has not yet been to KORC (Kirton Off-Road Centre), volunteers have created a community mountain bike centre with over six miles of trails in a disused quarry. The centre has held a number of events since opening, including a six hour endurance event. Having taken part in this, I was delighted therefore that the follow up event was a mere three hours in duration! The previous event was held in the middle of winter and was aptly named the Grit & Grime Grinder – or something similar. Fortunately, although there had been overnight rain, the trails were in much better condition this time. The rain however seemed to have put off a lot of people off from taking part, as the final list of entrants was a good bit smaller than had been anticipated.

It was therefore a case of quality over quantity as the field still included Mark Clements, a veteran (and riding it again in January 2019) of the Strathpuffer 24 hour MTB race and Andrew Parker, who this year completed the Dirty Reiver 200 km off road event in an excellent time of 10 1/2 hours. Both riders had beaten me comfortably at the previous edition and therefore once racing commenced at 9.30 am, I was content to sit in a little group of about 5 riders that formed quite quickly from the outset with Mark and Andrew leading alternately. However one brave individual decided to try his luck and broke away whilst we were still on the first lap – each lap was 4.5 miles in length and I was eventually to do 6. However as neither Mark or Andrew seemed concerned, I decided to stay where I was rather than risk blowing up or coming off. Although it was to stay dry all morning, the previously mentioned overnight rain had made the course quite slippery and we had been warned to not run our tyres too hard.

Therefore the first lap was definitely a case of warming the bodies up and getting a feel for the conditions. This was not so easy, as one of the great things about KORC is the variety of surfaces that you experience. The course one minute went from rocky, tyre ripping sections to sandy/loamy soft ground and then into the woods for some mud and slippery roots. Having been a month or two before I had ridden most of the technical sections of the course and knew




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that it was best to try a maintain momentum whenever possible on these. This is because one of the features of the centre are the number of short, but fairly steep climbs that eventually take their toll on the legs if you have to grind up each one from the very bottom.

Anyway the breakaway rider was soon caught and our little group continued to plough on. After about an hour there was a suggestion (from me!) of neutralising the race and stopping at the pits for a bite to eat, however this seemed to be the catalyst for Andrew to push on and at the end of the next lap decided he had had enough of the field sitting on his back wheel and he surged ahead. This coincided with one of more technical sections which made catching him difficult as his MTB skills are well honed.

At the end of the race, after he congratulated me on getting the win, he commented that he had tried to shake me off, but every time he looked round I was still there! What he hadn’t seen were the desperate efforts I was having to make once the course opened to get back to him – the elastic very nearly broke on more than one occasion! This game of cat and mouse went on for another lap or so, when Andrew needed to stop for more fluid. Unsure of what to do, I carried on expecting him to catch me at any minute. However it soon became clear that I had opened up a gap which was starting to widen. It was possible to see this as the course doubled back on itself at one point and you could see where the riders were behind you.

On reflection the fact that the course was starting to dry out was working in my favour, as my tyres were better suited to fast dry conditions, whilst Andrew was riding with chunkier tyres that coped better initially in the wetter conditions. Eventually with about 1 lap/30 minutes remaining, I felt that I had a decent gap so then faced a dilemma – do I slow down to reduce the risk of an off, or carry on at the same pace to reduce the risk of getting caught? In the event my last lap proved to be my fastest – either I got a second wind or the trails were by now running a lot quicker. I was still very relieved to cross the finish line first however, and was surprised that Andrew, followed by Mark were more than 4 minutes behind me by the end. Once the remaining riders had finished there was time for photos and a short presentation. The event was a credit to the organisers and I was pleased to be able to support it. The next event that is planned is a longer race for teams that will be raising money for local good causes. It would be great if we could put a HTRC team together and I will provide details as I get them.

Also took part in a couple of Lincs CX races this autumn. Winterton on 25/11: where I was 15th place out of 25 in the Vet 50+ and Broughton on 30/12 taking 12th place out of 20. Yorkshire Moors Weekend: Geoff Rawson

Given the choice by my wife, Angie asked me: “Would you prefer a spa weekend in one of your favourite places Scarborough and a nice evening meal or a weekend riding your bike at the Yorkshire Cycle Hub in Fryup Dale for your birthday?”




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I, of course, as some of you who know me, selected the second option, a mountain biking weekend on the moors, what’s not to like? So we booked in and made our route plans: ride Saturday around Rosedale and via Ana’s Cross to pay our respects to Big G who has his ashes spread there, then onto the railway track and around and back to Rosedale then down one of the U.K best single track trails to Lastingham, then Sinnington and back to Hutton Le hole. Followed by Sunday doing Danby Beacon route what could go wrong easy relaxed riding for a change. What could go Wrong You ask? Well I will tell you.

Leaving Beverley on a very cold dry Saturday Morning we drove with a van full of mountain bikes and spare clothing heading for Hutton le Hole as our start point. As we headed further towards Hutton le Hole the weather is what happened first! Light rain, then heavier rain, bah! We said “good waterproofs, we will be fine”. Soon the rain turned to snow then deep snow and by the time we reached our proposed start point we were in deep snow with very little visibility. The Car park in the village was under three or four inches of snow and the van was having difficulty getting traction. So bravely (foolishly?) continuing we reached Lastingham and found a suitable place to start from. A few brave people were out with sleds and bright red-faced children with even brighter red bare hands in the snow.

Bikes unloaded winter boots on neck buffs pulled up and of course fully gloved up, no bare hands for us it seems only children don’t feel the cold. We headed out of the village and as usual straight up a tarmac climb on icy snow-covered roads.

My gosh it was cold! Already we felt like we were in the clouds as visibility was poor. Through the first gate and onto the open Yorkshire moors. A sign pointed us in the right direct for Rosedale, already the snow was making pedalling difficult as Angie and I rode through freshly fallen snow making tracks. Slipping and sliding but determined not to put a foot down.

As the snow fell and the clouds were so low it was difficult to see where we were going, what was the horizon and, more importantly, any land marks to use for finding our way. In addition, a man who stubbornly refused to use any form of navigation apart from his sense of direction meant it wasn’t long before we were completely lost and had headed confidently through deep snow on a game keepers track, not the correct track to Ana’s Cross and Rosedale! Things didn’t improve when my cycling partner pointed out “Geoff you’ve gone the wrong way”.Wrong way? Wrong Way? Of course not I fully intended to come this way I lied.




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After over an hour of slip sliding and sideways skids we found some off road tyre tracks to follow and so came out opposite the Chimney Bank sign and “Road Closed” notice barely visible in the white out. Stopping to take the “we are here shot” and immediately uploading it on to social media. Angie then made a large

snowman to leave at the road side. The wind was freezing and we put on our Goretex jackets to keep the chill off. We then started along the old disused railway track towards the Lion Inn but soon realised this wasn’t very sensible as with ever colder hands and blue lips and noses we were freezing. An about turn into the head wind Angie and myself did the return route back to Ana’s Cross stopping briefly to remember Big G we made a very cold and slippery ride back to Lastingham icicles hanging off our bike frames and only a couple of falls each we made it to the van. That was ace we agreed and confirmed we had made to only sensible decision we could cutting the ride short. A hot flask of tea and we set off for Fryup Dale in the zero visibility only seeing the police closing the road down into Farndale with barriers to stop idiots trying to get down there. Only fifty miles from home and the conditions were so different. An evening meal at the excellent pub in Ainthorpe the Fox and Hounds, we returned to the Yorkshire Cycle hub and spent the night there. The next morning after breakfast the visibility looked good so we started out from the centre to do our Danby Beacon Ride a tough tarmac climb for the first 3 miles took us onto the coast to coast trail and past the Stone built trough house and yes, zero visibility here cold winds and deep fresh snow. What’s not to like?




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As we approached Glaisdale Rigg we came across a rough stuff group on gravel bikes who had also being staying at the centre coming the other way all red faced from the cold a quick hi and we kept going it’s the only way to keep warm. A very fast long snowy double track had us whizzing along to Glaisdale slush filled puddles had our feet and legs and bottoms soaked but what fun. Now up the 25% climb to Lealholm and out onto a cold headwind trail uphill drag to Danby Beacon.

Unable to see a thing at the usual view point as the clouds were so low we cycled onto Danby. What a difference the sun was out the trails nearly clear of snow. So we extended our route and tried a trail to Castleton a little gem and one we had spotted on a map in the centre we guessed correctly and were rewarded for our efforts Soon we reached Fryup Dale for our final climb and descent back to the Yorkshire Cycle Hub. 4 hours off road biking and you can feel it but how good it all felt. Getting out of wet muddy clothes in the centres showers was a joy compared to having to stay in wet cold gear on the way home. Coffee and Cake and away we drove after an excellent weekend making memories as we like to say. The drive home was again an epic as over Blakey ridge it was visibility was down to a few meters until Malton and then we entered a different world mild clear conditions dry roads what a difference a few miles make.




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Local (ish) Muddy events for 2019: Dave Millson

British National MTB XC 23/24th March Sherwood Pines British National MTB XC 11/12th May Dalby Forest

Midland MTB XC series dates TBA

Yorkshire MTB Marathon Sunday 9th June Birdsall Hall Estate. 25km, 40km and 80km and Ebike category!

Random off-road cycle photo … to fill the gap

VLC cyclo-cross Spring Series Costello:

27th February.

13th March

27th March



Scene January-February 2019

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Blast from the Past: HTRC Girls

Jean Gilliat made club history being the first HTRC lady to complete the 12hr YCF event in September 1954. She covered 195.19 miles. Photo of B Boulton 1954 President pinning on the club medal.

The girls of

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1950s



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