HCC 100 in 8 24/02/2018 (updated)

Hartlepool Cycling Club have had a long standing tradition of riding 100 miles in 8 hours. Early season whilst the snow is still on the ground. The ride used to start in Hartlepool, going up to Consett, left at B6278 over to Stanhope, then over Bollihope,  Egglestone,  Staindrop and back to Hartlepool. 7000 ft of climbing including 10 categorised climbs. For many years it had not been done and many of the old school maintained that HCC present members  were not tough enough or capable of doing it ! Incoming Secretary (new school ) accepted the challenge and drummed up a team.

 

The team was to be , HCC members Paul Garstang, Phil Wright, Trevor Jones and Andrew Wilson (combined age of over 220 years) . Jason Lewis would join along for  the first 25 mile or so . Plus two guest riders , Ian Sime and Paul Clarke would also participate. The support vehicle would be manned with John Parsons and Neil Stuart (Old School) and George Wilson popped along to see us off.

Trevor was last man at the meeting point , he had decided he was up for it having an “off “just 2 days earlier !!!

We set off at 08:10.

 

As arranged, Jason headed back at Consett , the remaining 6 pushed on with Trevor doing an epic descent through Castleside and missing the left hand turn onto the B6276. Paul went on to retrieve him whilst the team awaited in anticipation of the first real climb. They were not to be disappointed. Pretty soon after they were climbing out of Edmundbyers and over Skaylock hill (408 metres) and Collier Lay (516 metres) , it was decided at a point around here that we would have  a cafe stop at Stanhope which proved   far to early, as all the hard work was still in front of us.

 

Getting some coffee before tackling Unthank Hill and Bollihope

 

Refuelled the team set off to tackle Bollihope and it was cold, lord it was cold, there was ice and snow in abundance and if it was not hard enough , sheep dodging made it worse. The constant battering of an Easterly head wind , picking up as the afternoon wore on, made it grim too.

After 5 1/2 hours of slog we got to the other side.

 

Well after Hammsterley Common the ride back to Hartlepool is fairly unspectacular however the last 35 miles  hurts after all that climbing.

The 4 HCC team to complete this epic all did in  in less that 8 hours (between 7:20 and 7 :40) – at an average of around 14 mph – does not sound too hard – try it next year if you like !!

Thanks to all HCC participants, John and Neil and George and Jason for the support and to our two guests Paul and Ian who joined in the fun.

 

Hartlepool Cycling Club tradition restored.

Quote from old timer JP

“I was one of the sceptics who doubted the ability of the modern rider. After observing the ride in the comfort of Phil’s car my attitude changed completely. Even when some of the riders were obviously struggling my invitation to hang on to the door handle was refused. My only other comment is about the low gears that seemed to be used on average hills then the same on the steepest. This seems to be the modern way of riding.
The weather helped a lot, you got the date right with what we have today.
I salute the riders for their achievement.”

CTT January 2018 Newsletter

 

All please find attached the CTT newsletter for January 2018 – 2 significant activities close to HCC, firstly the attempted closure to cyclists of the A63 and secondly riders to update their details on the CTT website, any HCC old members who do not attend to renew membership should change their club details on the website – thanks to those who have already done this. Please remember you will not be able to ride under Hartlepool Cycling Club if you have not registered with HCC in 2018.

North VTTA Lunch and Presentation for 2017 (incorporating CTC District Awards Presentation).

A quick snap shot of the VTTA North Group Annual Lunch & Presentation at Hardwick Hall Sedgefield.

 

Good to see our President, Dave Herbert ” out and about” at the presentation.

 

Dave and Neil

Hartlepool Club members for 2017 received the following Standard Awards

Dave Herbert 15 miles

Neil Stuart 10 & 25 miles

Andrew Wilson 10 miles

Gary Hunt 15, 25 & 30 miles

Phil Wright 10, 15, 25, 30 & 50 miles

HCC members also were presented with the following Group Trophies

Gary Hunt – 1st on Standard in the 3 distance competition, the George Siddle Trophy and 1st Standard in points competition, the Jim Burton Memorial Cup

Phil Wright –  Seasons best plus at 50 mile (over 56) Tom Mathews Cup

Alan Lang, Gary Hunt and Phil Wright 1st Team on Standard – Lenny Downs Shield

 

Gary and Phil with the Lenny Downs Shield.

 

Upon completion of the VTTA awards the District CTC also presented 2017 medal awards to HCC riders :-

Alan Lang, Mark Tinkler and Gary Hunt for  the team award in the 25 mile Championship. Gary Hunt and Neil Stuart were age category winners in the 25 mile Divisional Championship. Phil Wright was the Hill Climb Divisional Champion (over 60) and Paul Fountain age related SPOCO Divisional Champion. HCC also were awarded certificates for Overall Team Winners in the Short Distance Competition – well done to the team.

 

 

2018 Membership Re-newel

Hi

All prospective and existing members are reminded that 2018 subs are now being accepted, the form is available on the web site and on this post below and can be posted to Phil Wright, 265 Stockton Road , Hartlepool TS25 5AU any enquiries please contact me on jagryk@aol.com or Mobile 07702 244922.

Thanks to all members who have already renewed for 2018 and Happy New Year to all readers.

 

 

 

2017 HCC Presentation

A good attendance at the Annual Awards at Lock Gates Marina. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Kevin Peart for the use of his Bar/Cafe.

The night got off with our Secretary,Paul Garstang welcoming all attendees and giving updates on our President, Dave Herbert’s progress after his accident and mentions of other members that had also been involved in accidents this season.

Paul gave special praise to the achievements of Richard Booth, who had a fantastic season in the age related road racing, culminating in winning the Percy Stallard Series and British RR Champion.

 

The Prize Presentation was hosted by John Grant and John Lyth who had travelled from Cheshire to be with us on the evening.

 

 

First Award of the Night was to Richard Booth for Road Racing Champion.

 

Gary Hunt picked up awards for Club Champion at 10 ,25 and 50 miles as well as the Philip Russel Memorial, Best All Rounder and Club 10 League Winner (fastest)

 

                            

Neil Stuart was awarded  25 mile TT Handicap and 10 mile TT League winner on Standard

 

Richard Grant won the SPOCO Handicap

 

Paul Thirling was Hill Climb Champion

 

 

Paul Fountain and Mark Tinkler could not attend due to work commitments , they were SPOCO Champion and Senior 10 Mile TT (Handicap) respectively.

 

Thanks to all our guests and members  who made it a special evening for the award winners – hope to see you all again next year !

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