Weekly News 26/09/22 to 02/10/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

With a cold start to the day, but promises of a sharp temperature rise within a couple of hours, wasn’t enough to deter Sean from wearing some very suspect cycling tights and socks to keep warm.  Whereas Matt and Steve S braved the start of the day in shorts and a sensible gilet option.  The route today was along Catcote Road to the black path and round Greatham back lane and beyond.  Although the main rule of the day was, as quoted by one member “I am riding no more than 1.5 hrs before reaching the cafe stop”.  (No wonder Peter’s gone on holiday ha)

With this in mind, the three club members continued their journey in high spirits with some good conversation along the way, towards Norton Avenue, along Darlington back lane and all the way to Sadberge before heading to Middleton One Row for a cafe stop at the Devenport at precisely 1hr 32mins into the ride.  It seemed like a lovely summers morning, just as forecast and the threesome lapped up the nice weather with the ‘scenic view’ and a couple of Cappucinos, Americanos and Blueberry scones.

Nicely re-fuelled, the route back was towards Long Newton, then upto Redmarshall and onto Wynyard Road where Steve S did his duties as a domestique by carrying Matts water bottle and front pannier bag whilst Matt attempted a PR segment on the Hors catégorie – Wynyard Bank.  The conditions were good and Matt achieved his PR with an excellent attempt, well done Matt.  On the other hand Sean decided to take it easy with Cadburys Caramel and the three met at the top of the climb.

They then took the route back into town through Billingham and back along Greatham back lane and then around Dalton back lane to Elwick Rise, past the Golden Lion where they said their goodbyes for another great Sunday club ride as good friends with a mutual love for cycling or maybe coffee?  The distance covered today was 50 miles at 14-15mph.

 

Club/Racing News

On Sunday, Paul Thirling competed in the Tan Hill Time Trial in the wonderful setting of Arkengarthdale starting in Reeth.  With 29 riders starting, Paul finished the gruelling hill climb in 12th place in 41:50.  The event was won by 17yr old Matthew Cole of Team Bottrill in 35:09.

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week The Thirlwind claimed the top spot in the general classification with 132.0 miles, Tim Summerton was 2nd with 96.7 miles and Trevor Jones was 3rd with 70.5 miles.

The Thirlwind also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 6,493 ft of climbing.  The biggest single ride of the week was by Trevor Jones with 70.5 miles.

This week only 1 rider joined the 100 mile club for the week –  The Thirlwind, well done!

This week only 13 riders put miles on the board out of 49 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, well done on a great week for the Thirlwind all round,  to Tim Summerton also for a good week of cycling achieving 2nd spot overall.  I have noticed some riders have started using Indoor training now as the weather gets colder and nights get darker, but however you add the miles in enjoy your cycling!

Weekly News 19/09/22 to 25/09/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

This week 2 riders signed up for the club ride, Sean and Steve S and were also joined by Csaba.  After a cold start to the day, the conditions were excellent for cycling with little wind and the temperatures picking up during the morning to make this a really enjoyable ride for a late September morning.  Very unlike Steve S though, he managed to get to the Golden Lion ten minutes early and naturally Sean being that used to Steve S arriving right on time, kept prompting to get the ride started.  But Steve S and Csaba had to keep telling Sean to hold on and that it’s only 8.50am and other members might turn up yet.  Unfortunately nobody else turned up and so the 3 club members set off to Seans impatient dissatisfaction at precisely 9.01am.

The ride followed Catcote Road out of town and along Greatham back lane to Cowpen Lane and past Haverton Hill over the Newport Bridge.  The riders then went up Marton Road and through Nunthorpe Village before heading towards Stokesley town centre where they had a cafe stop at Costa.  Many topics of conversation were discussed in the backyard smoking area of the restaurant where the 3 keen cyclists consumed coffee and cake next to a splattered dead pidgeon.

After what could be described as a two handed bowl of coffee each and some carrot cake, the group set off westerly towards Rudby, before turning back north through Seamer, Yarm and via the posh way back through Stockton.  They then took the Port Clarence and Tees Road back into town via Seaton.  No cafe picture today, but instead here’s a picture of Sean admiring his empire at Seaton after a well deserved 55-60 miles at 15mph average.  Well done to all who took part in this weeks Sunday ride.

 

 

Club/Racing News

On Sunday, two club members competed in the Cleveland Coureurs 25 Mile TT Teesside District Championship on the T252/3 course near Crathorne.  This event was also the HCC 25 Mile TT Club Championship event for 2022.  Lee Morley finished with a PB in an excellent time of 56:57 and Phil Wright finished in another great time of 1:10:40 and was also the first man on the course at 8.01am.  Well done to both club members for taking part.  Lee winning the Ron Best 25 Mile TT Cup and Phil winning the Handicap 25 Mile TT Cup!  The race was won by Adam Duggleby of Chapeau! Vive Le Velo in 47:47.

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week The Thirlwind claimed the top spot in the general classification with 203.6 miles, Matthew Johnson was 2nd with 138.5 miles and Steve Scanlon was 3rd with 116.6 miles.

The Thirlwind also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 7,379 ft of climbing.  The biggest single ride of the week was by Matthew Johnson with a fantastic ride to York and back over 138.5 miles.

This week 5 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  The Thirlwind, Matthew Johnson, Steve Scanlon, Phil Wright and Lee Morley.  Well done to all 5 of you, great mileage!

This week 18 riders put miles on the board out of 49 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, a massive well done to Matt Johnson for his 138.5 mile ride to York and back, Lee Morley and Phil Wright for competing in the Club 25 Mile TT Championship event and winning respective cups,  Csaba Nadas for doing well and enjoying the Sunday rides and breaking many personal records and to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it!

Weekly News 12/09/22 to 18/09/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

This week 3 riders signed up for the club ride, Sean, Csaba and Steve and where also joined by Matt.  After a bit of a comical start to the day, with Sean toppling off his bike whilst stationery outside the Golden Lion and Steve’s maps not calculating the route, Matt saved the day by loading the planned route on his computer and the group soon set off in a chilly head wind towards Durham.

The route headed up Worset Lane, towards Trimdon and then the road straight to Durham via the 181 where there was a nice cafe stop in Durham City Centre waiting.  The team were refuelled with coffee and cake and had a nice chat, before heading back towards Easington.

The route back was via Sherburn Road and Durham Lane, before coming back into town via Salters Lane to Wingate and finally Hart Village.  It was a great route and the cafe stop in Durham Centre is always nice.  The grouped worked together and looked after each other well.  Today there was a chilly wind, but this did not deter the group adding another 40-50 miles at 13-15mph to their mileage for the week.  Well done everyone!

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night it was the final Darlington CC Club Tens event of the year.  Paul Thirling and Steve Rhodes again showing their great support for this event, Paul finished in a great time of 22:27 in an excellent 3rd place and Steve finished in 26:14 in 13th place out of 14 riders.  The event was won by Marcel Schubert of DCC in 20:30.

On Saturday, Lee Morley competed in the Harrogate Nova CC 10 Mile TT on the V212 course near Boroughbridge.  Lee finishing in an excellent 24:29 over a tough course.  The event was won by Adam Duggleby of Chapeau! Vive Le Velo in 20:24.

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Trevor Jones claimed the top spot in the general classification with 220.1 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 180.5 miles and Phil Wright was 3rd with 121.9 miles.

Trevor Jones also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 11,293 ft of climbing and also taking the biggest single ride of the week with 87.4 miles.

This week 4 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  Trevor Jones, The Thirlwind, Phil Wright and Steve Scanlon.  Well done to all 4 of you, great mileage!

This week 16 riders put miles on the board out of 49 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note,  well done to Matt Johnson for joining the Wednesday night Sappers ride and having a great ride, Lee Morley for his great effort in the Yorkshire 25 Mile TT, Paul Thirling and Steve Rhodes for for their series of 10 Mile TTs at the Darlington Club Tens, Trevor Jones for a great week of cycling and Steve Scanlon for joining the 100 weekly mile club this week and to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

Weekly News 05/09/22 to 11/09/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

Three riders met up at 9am at the Golden Lion, for this weeks club ride.  Steve and Sean of HCC and a new rider Csaba.  Despite the previous nights rain, the weather was ideal for cycling as the wind was low and the wet roads dried up as the riders started their journey towards Thorpe Theweles, then onto Carlton, Sadberge and Middleton One Row where they stopped at the Devenport for coffee and cake.  By this time, the sun had appeared which made for a nice cafe stop and a chat about cycling and other interests.

Steve could hardly finish his Cappucino when Sean was already cracking the whip to get going again.  Therefore, the riders set off and passed the famous ‘Sean Corner’ towards Aislaby.  From there, the route back was via Yarm, Norton and Port Clarence along the Tees Road with a nice chilled ride along the promenade at Seaton, before finishing the ride back at the Golden Lion.  The ride was approx 45-50 mile at 14-15mph average and since the wind was low and weather being warm, it made for a really enjoyable ride with great company!   Thank you to Csaba for joining us and fitting in well with the group.

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night it was the final Darlington CC Club Tens event of the year.  Paul Thirling and Steve Rhodes again showing their great support for this event, Paul finished in a great time of 22:47 in an excellent 4th place and Steve finished in 26:47 in 12th place out of 15 riders.  The event was won by Matty Cole of Bottrill in 20:19.

On Saturday, Lee Morley competed in the Yorkshire Road Club 25 Mile TT on the V235 course near Boroughbridge.  Lee finishing in an excellent 1:00:35 in 10th place out of 32 riders.  The event was won by Adam Duggleby of Chapeau! Vive Le Velo in 50:44.

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Lee Morley claimed the top spot in the general classification with 203.1 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 151.0 miles and Trevor Jones was 3rd with 122.2 miles.

Lee Morley also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 6,371 ft of climbing.  With Trevor Jones achieving the biggest single ride of the week with 71.8 miles.  Well done guys!

For a second week in a row, only 3 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  Lee Morley, The Thirlwind and Trevor Jones.  Well done to all 3 of you, great mileage!

This week 16 riders put miles on the board out of 49 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, well done to Christopher Kelsey for riding 91 miles for charity, Lee Morley for a great TT ride on Saturday,  Trevor Jones for weeks of consistent high mileage, Csaba Nadas for his first club ride with the group and to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

 

 

Weekly News 29/08/22 to 04/09/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

There was no official Sunday club ride this week as it was cancelled due to the adverse weather.

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night it was the Darlington CC Club Tens event.  With only 1 more week to go, this week attracted a magnificent 23 riders!  With Paul Thirling and Steve Rhodes again showing their great support for this event and flying the flag for HCC.  Paul Thirling finishing in a great time of 22:46 in an excellent 5th place and Steve Rhodes finishing in 26:24 in 17th place.  The event was won by Marcel Schubert in 21:30.  The final club ten is next Wednesday 7th September, why not pop along and give it a try!

On Sunday, Phil Wright competed in the Seacroft Wheelers 10 Mile TT (Spoco) event near Selby on the V511 course.  Phil finished in a great time of 28:30 in 31st place out of 33 riders.  The event was won by Adam Duggleby of Chapeau! Vive Le Velo in 20:02.  A great ride by Phil in wet and miserable conditions!

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week The Thirlwind claimed the top spot in the general classification with 186.2 miles, Trevor Jones was 2nd with 134.4 miles and Phil Wright was 3rd with 108.0 miles.

Trevor Jones took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 5,826 ft of climbing.  With Christopher Kelsey achieving the biggest single ride of the week with 70.3 miles.  Well done guys!

This week only 3 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  The Thirlwind, Trevor Jones and Phil Wright.  Well done to all 3 of you, great mileage!

This week 18 riders put miles on the board out of 50 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, well done to Christopher Kelsey for a great single ride for his upcoming charity event, Lee Morley for some great rides abroad and Phil Wright for his continued TT Racing and to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

Weekly News 22/08/22 to 28/08/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

Sean, Matt, Steve A, Paul G and Steve S turned out for another fine Summer morning of cycling.  Only Peter (who was on holiday) was missing from the regulars, which would of made it a HCC half dozen.  With the Club Kit model, Paul G looking in fine form, the group headed up towards Easington with a planned cafe stop at Cafe Bulan, the home of the bacon butty, in Seaham,

It was a nice sunny morning but the ride up towards Seaham was hilly and it made for a tough hot ride.  But after 18 miles of undulation, the group soon arrived in Seaham and there was a surprisingly cold sea fret over the harbour as they consumed their coffee, teas, cake and butties and had a nice chat whilst looking out over the harbour.

The group then made their way back and took a detour at Hawthorn to South Hetton.  Then towards Haswell, then Wingate before coming back into town past Hart.  The route was approx 40 miles at 14-15mph and was enjoyed by all.

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night two HCC riders competed in the Darlington CC 10 Mile TT ‘Club Tens’ event.  Paul Thirling finishing in 22:25 in 3rd place and Steve Rhodes finished in 25:56 in 13th place out of 16 riders this week.  Well done guys!  The event was won by Marcel Schubert of Darlington CC in 20:32.

On Saturday Phil Wright competed in the Border City Wheelers 10 Mile Spoco TT near Kirkby Stephen.  Phil finishing in a descent time of 27:31 in 40th place out of 44 riders.  The event was won by David Parkin of Chorley Cycling Club in 20:05.  Well done Phil, another good race completed!

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Trevor Jones claimed the top spot in the general classification with another 211.6 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 208.4 miles and Tim Summerton was 3rd with 104.0 miles.

Trevor Jones also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 10,849 ft of climbing and also achieved the biggest single ride of the week with 100.9 miles.  Well done Trevor, another brilliant week of cycling!

This week only 3 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  Trevor Jones, The Thirlwind and Tim Summerton.  Well done to all 3 of you, great mileage!

This week 22 riders put miles on the board out of 50 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, a massive well done to Trevor Jones for another amazing week of cycling, claiming most miles, most miles in a single ride and highest feet climbed which included a 100 mile ride over Bollihope!  Also to Christopher Kelsey for some great training/mileage progress towards his charity ride, Bryan Blackelock for an amazing 111 mile ride as part of his Copenhagen Ironman event last week and Matt Johnson and Tim Summerton for some good rides/mileage and to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

 

Weekly News 15/08/22 to 21/08/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

After a full downpour on Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a glorious day for cycling apart from the usual ‘breeze’ and Peter, Matt, Sean and Steve S met up at the Golden Lion at 9am for more cycling adventures, cafe stops and mischief along the way.

Steve S just arrived in time as Sean was about to pull his jersey up from his wrist and check his Rolex analogue watch for precise timing (maybe he was on the olympic committee in a past life) as Steve S rolled into the Golden Lion car park.  Anyway with no complaints the guys set off towards Catcote Road with a plan to reach the illusive Aviator cafe that Matt has dreamed of for such a long time.  The route followed Greatham back lane to Cowpen Bewley and then via Wolviston to Carlton through to Bishopton to Great Stainton and then right towards Morden, Bradbury and upto Ferryhill Station and then right through Bishop Middleham and then finally up the 10% climb to arrive at the Aviator cafe after 30 miles in the saddle!

Whilst Peter, Sean and Matt were deliberating with the staff on whether we were allowed to sit outside to drink coffee and cake, Steve S had made friends with a lady and her dog named Tulip.  Eventually we got a table outside and Steve S friend was happy to take a picture of the group.  The coffee and cake arrived and they put the world to rights as usual before setting off for home via Trimdon and Elwick.

The ride was 40-45 mile at 14-15 mph average.  It was a really nice day on the bike!

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night it was the 5th Croft Ten event out of 7 held this year.  This event continues to be an excellent traffic free course round the Croft Motor Circuit, attracting cyclists from all round the country.  Two Hartlepool CC riders completed the 5 laps of the circuit (10 Mile) as follows.  Lee Morley finishing in a fantastic time of 23:22 to finish in 4th place overall and achieving a course PB and Steve Rhodes also finished well in 26:47 in 26th place out of 78 riders.  Great ride guys!  The next event is 21st September at 6.30pm.

On Sunday, Phil Wright travelled to Lindale (South Of Kendal) to compete in the Wigan Wheelers VTTA National 30 Mile TT Championship on the L308 course.  The race started in Sedgwick near Levens and turned at Lindale and included some hills.  There were 58 riders scheduled to start, but at the time of writing this, full details were not yet published.  Although Phil finished in a great time of 1:24:15 + 3:50 which was also a medal ride for Phil.  Excellent ride Phil, even though he lost his Power data.

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Trevor Jones claimed the top spot in the general classification with an amazing 266.8 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 183.1 miles and Max Headwind was 3rd with 145.4 miles.

Trevor Jones also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with a fantastic 10,243 ft of climbing and also achieved the biggest single ride of the week with 93.0 miles.  Well done Trevor, brilliant week of cycling!

This week 5 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  Trevor Jones, The Thirlwind, Max Headwind, Phil Wright and Lee Morley.  Well done to all 5 of you, great mileage!

This week only 16 riders put miles on the board out of 50 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, a massive well done to Trevor Jones for an amazing week of cycling, claiming most miles, most miles in a single ride and highest feet climbed.  Also a massive well done to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

Club News

Charity Bike Ride in aid of QE Gateshead Charitable Funds – Fertility Clinic

One of our members Christopher Kelsey is taking part in a charity bike ride along Hadrian’s Wall coast to coast cycle route; a distance of 89 miles from Bowness-on-Solway to Tynemouth in a ‘oner’ to raise money for QE Gateshead Charitable Funds.  This is Chris story.

My wife, Jody, and I underwent In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment through the QE Gateshead Fertility Clinic in 2021. This is our way of saying thank you to all of the staff there who perform miracles on a daily basis, and to support other couples receiving IVF treatment; which by it’s very nature, is extremely stressful and full of uncertainty. The level of professionalism, dedication, and friendliness of the Gateshead staff was simply amazing and helped ease our worries. With a million questions floating around our minds, walking into the IVF ward for the first time was very daunting.  As we sat anxiously waiting in the corridor, I remember comforting Jody as we sat looking at the pictures of babies on the walls, sent in by previous couples to say thank you to the staff; hoping that we too would be lucky enough to be parents one day. To be told that there was only a 23% chance of success was difficult to accept, and as a couple we had to come to terms with the fact that we may never be parents. With just one healthy embryo and the added complications of COVID, we each mentally prepared ourselves for the worst.

The 23rd May 2022 was the happiest days of our lives, when we were blessed with the arrival of our miracle baby, Theadora Kelsey. We feel extremely lucky to be parents and honestly can’t thank the staff at Gateshead Fertility Clinic enough for the little addition to our family, which is now whole. We didn’t know this when we were choosing names, but the Greek meaning for Theadora is ‘God given’ which feels kind of apt.

Thank you in advance for your donations and support. Hopefully my skinny pins will carry me across the finish line in Tynemouth around 1800 hrs on Friday 9 September.

Please support Chris on his journey via the following Just Giving page:-

Christopher Kelsey is fundraising for QE Gateshead Charitable Funds (justgiving.com)

 

Weekly News 08/08/22 to 14/08/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

We’re having a heat wave. In fact, the second official heat of the summer. But would the good weather bring the crowds out for this Sunday’s cafe ride.? Well, No. Perhaps it was because it was a bit misty still at 9:00 with a chilly sea fret clinging to the East Coast. But that wasn’t enough to deter Steve A, Steve S, Peter and Matt. The other usual suspect Sean was away in Hull watching a comedian. I suppose they do need cheering up in Hull. Whereas all we have to cheer us up here is the prospect of riding a bike for 50 miles or so in the blazing sun just to visit a cafe and keep the local hospitality economy booming. Where is the fun in that?

Well perhaps it’s the joy that can be had in cycling through Stockton center on a Sunday morning. A place guaranteed to lift the spirits. But over too soon and the ride was into the leafy lanes heading past Preston Park toward Yarm and on into the Southern greenbelt that provides a barrier between Urban Teesside and Affluent North Yorkshire.

The cafe of choice today was Roots at East Rounton, a Mecca for the recreational cycling fraternity and a place with a unique coffee offering. And big scones. Sat in the sun it could easily have been Spain, but of course you don’t get scones like that in Spain do you.

Unfortunately, the cafe stop had to be cut short as Peter was running the serious risk of being back late. So, it was ‘get it down yer’ ‘we’re off’.

For a bit of variety, the route back was through Middlesbrough and the scenic delights of the Haverton Hill post-industrial estate. For the two Steves and Matt the Three Horse Shoes at Cowpen Bewley was another welcome break with the prospect of well-earned cold beer to slake their thirst. Peter however had to get home and do a solo effort back along the Greatham track. But according to the occasional passing motorist, Peter is no stranger to doing a solo effort. This is not a complimentary observation. Thankfully however today was insult free which made a nice ride even better.

After a nice beer stop at the Three Horseshoes, Steve A, Steve S and Matt made their way back via Greatham track and onto Dalton for a nice easy return.  As they reached the EnduroTek end of Dalton back lane, they noticed a lady laid on the floor with a badly cut and bloodied knee who had come off her bike as she turned south onto Dalton back lane.  Her chain had also came off, so we all stopped to ask if she was ok, but her husband was on his way to the rescue.  But she still appreciated our concern, so off we went after an attempted damzel in distress rescue, to complete the final few miles home.

In general it was a good ride, mostly cool and only got very hot towards the end.  The ride was around 50 miles at 15 ish average.

 

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night, two members of Hartlepool CC took part in the Darlington Club Tens (10 Mile TT).  Paul Thirling finishing in 22:59 in 3rd place and Steve Rhodes finishing in 26:45 in 13th place out of 18 riders.  Well done guys!  The event was won by Ryan Hall of Adept in 21:42.

On Saturday, Phil Wright was keeping his racing form going in the Yorkshire Cycling Federation 15 Mile TT event on the V225 course near Boroughbridge.  Only 7 riders took part and Phil finished in 41:25 in 4th place.  Well done Phil!  The event was won by Steve Gibson of Peak Road Club in 35:46

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Frank Elders claimed the top spot in the general classification with an amazing 279.9 miles, Trevor Jones was 2nd with 145.3 miles and Phil Wright was 3rd with 129.6 miles.

Frank Elders also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with a fantastic 12,395 ft of climbing and also achieved the biggest single ride of the week with 102.2 miles.  Well done Frank, amazing week of cycling!

This week 7 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week –  Frank Elders, Trevor Jones, Phil Wright, Lee Morley, The Thirlwind, Tim Summerton and Richard Nichol.  Well done to all 7 of you, good mileage!

This week 23 riders put miles on the board out of 52 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!  Achievements to note, a massive well done to Frank Elders for an amazing week of cycling, claiming most miles, most miles in a single ride and highest feet climbed, Richard Nichol for a nice 84 miler, Phil Wright for his continued efforts in various CTT TT events every week, flying the HCC flag and Tim Summerton for his 12 rides and hitting 118.2 miles for the week.  Also a massive well done to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

Weekly News 01/08/22 to 07/08/22

HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride

After last week’s washout everyone was keen to get back out round the lanes this Sunday. Everyone being Steve, Sean, Peter and Matt. Paul S must also get a mention as he had set off from his home somewhere to the far north of Hartlepool only to suffer a tyre mishap which prevented him making it to the Golden Lion for the 9:00 start.

Peter had suggested trying a ride to the Locomotion train museum at Shildon but wasn’t entirely sure if the cafe would be open. Sean wasn’t keen on this for two reasons one being that it involved heading into Durham, the hilliest county in the country. The other being that he didn’t fancy riding 25 miles only to find the cafe shut when he got there. But sometimes you have to take life by the men’s bits and give it a good shake.   So, it was decided to live dangerously and go to Shildon to check out the openness or otherwise of the Locomotion Cafe.

The route out of town was the usual, up the hill towards Trimdon with the chat in the group being mainly of the various ailments being endured by the riders this week. It turns out that both Peter and Matt suffer from snot behind the ear and have now set up a support group for fellow sufferers of this much misunderstood condition.

After Trimdon,  it was through Fishburn and towards Ferryhill. But much to Sean’s relief, although it was Durham, it wasn’t proper Durham and instead of going up the hill the route skirted round to Chiltern and Midridge a nice-looking rural village where apparently someone has plans to set up a landfill site. Well, no! Seems to be the opinion of at least one inhabitant who has erected a large sign to make passing cyclists perfectly aware of his thoughts on the matter. And who can blame him/her.

It is a long tiering drag up through Midridge to the turning, down into Shildon and a niggly headwind made the going even tougher.  So, it came as a relief to get to the Shildon/Locomotion sign and the descent into the town. It came as more of a relief to get there and discover the cafe open!

          

Shildon was once a home to train building and the museum contains many examples of trains that have been made at some time in the past.
Of particular note was the Rocket, the first steam powered chariot, built for the Emporer Winston Churchill to help him defeat the Scottish dockers in the late 1600s. You can only imagine the shock on the blue wode smeared faces of the Pict hoards as this steamy beast came lumbering over the hill. Although there is some dispute as to whether this is the original the Rocket as it was painted all gaudy yellow. Whereas some say the original was green. The explanation for this is that the green paint was camouflage and it was painted yellow when pressed into commercial service being the first passenger Locomotion, touting it’s business between Stockton and Darlington up until 1975 when it was forced out of service by the arrival of diesel engines.  There are many more trains from the past at the Locomotion and it is well worth a visit if you are interested in that type of thing. The bacon sarnies are ok as well and the cafe is worth a visit.

Fortunately for the weary cyclist there is a flat way out of Shildon that goes all the way to Newton Aycliffe and this was the route taken on today’s ride home. With the wind from behind and the road mainly downwards and the sun starting to warm things up it was almost pleasant as the miles ticked away along now, well familiar lanes. Through Bishopton and Thorpe Thewels with just the climb at Golden Gates to get over before another stop at the Welly. Usually, it is just a case of getting up this hill but today, Matt had other ideas. He was going to give it his all to try and get onto the Strava hall of fame. Needless to say, he left the rest of the group gasping as he sped off up the hill like a man demented. Apparently, he was 20 seconds off the required pace, but the hill is still there for another go next time.

As the weather was clement a stop for beer at the Welly was called for and all the world’s troubles were soon sorted out. Then with the wind blowing from behind, it was a steady roll back into town with Sean heading straight on while the others headed up to Dalton via the scenic route.

The ride was around 50 miles in total at an average of 14/15 mph. The new start time at the Golden Lion is 9:00 and the rides are open to anyone that enjoys a sociable cycle ride.

Club/Racing News

On Wednesday night, two Hartlepool CC riders took part in the Darlington Club Tens (10 Mile TT) event.  Paul Thirling finished in 5th place in 22:38 and Steve Rhodes finished in 18th place in 26:17 out of 22 riders.  The event was won by Darlingtons own Marcel Schubert in 20.11 followed by an excellent ride and PB in 2nd place by Ryan Hall of Adept in 21:34.  Well done to all!  This event has proven to be a popular event.  Therefore if you are looking for a midweek TT this could be the one for you!

On Saturday, Phil Wright travelled to Keswick for the Border City Wheelers CC 10 Mile TT on the L1010 course.  Phil finished in 44th place in 27:22 out of 45 riders.  Liam Beaty of Hawick Cycling Club won the event in 19:06.  Well done Phil!

On Sunday Lee Morley competed in the Yorkshire VTTA 10 Mile TT on the V210 course in Dishforth.  Lee finishing in an amazing time of 22:40 achieving another PB over 10 miles.  75 riders were scheduled to start this TT but at the time of publishing this, the riders who started and the winner of the event has not yet been published.  Well done Lee on another great TT!

 

Strava Club Leaderboard

This week Trevor Jones claimed the top spot in the general classification with 209.7 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 202.3 miles and Phil Wright was 3rd with 121.2 miles.

Trevor Jones also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with a fantastic 9,321 ft of climbing and also achieved the biggest single ride of the week with 87.8 miles.  Well done Trevor, great week!

This week 6 riders joined the 100 mile club for the week – Trevor Jones, The Thirlwind, Phil Wright, Bryan Blackelock, Bob Stonehouse and Frank Elders.  Well done to all 6 of you, good mileage!

This week 21 riders put miles on the board out of 52 Strava HCC members.   Well done to everyone!

Achievements to note, well done to Trevor Jones for a great week of cycling, Bryan Blackelock, Frank Elders and Max Headwind for some big single rides, Lee Morley for a great PB in his 10 mile TT, Phil Wright for his continuous weekly efforts in various TT events around the country, flying the club colours, Also a massive well done to all other club members who are enjoying getting some miles in this season!  Be safe and most of all enjoy it.

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