The unsettled weather last week  certainly affected club members riding schedules.

The first club 10m TT  event on the new T107 course  was due to be held last Thursday but after looking at the forecast the committee made a last minute decision to cancel the event on safety grounds, as it turned out the conditions were perfect!! Better luck this week.

The weather put paid to all of the racing section of the club competing this weekend

Memory Lane

Thanks to John Parsons for supplying some Club 10m TT results from the 50s, It would be interesting to know what some of our senior members think of the times posted back then with the bikes, equipment to modern day times with carbon bikes and lycra.

It was great for me personally to see my dad John Grant and my Aunty Barbara and Uncle Bob on the results sheets

Copy of 1 Club 10 published results record 1949 to 1957

Velo 29 Pennines Sportive

Andrew Wilson bravely  rode the medium route of around 50 miles in horrendous conditions, rain from the start that turned into a blizzard and then horrendous whiteout conditions over the top of the Bollihope. The conditions made riders abandoned bikes at feeds zones and many needed help to get down from the Bollihope. Andrew dug deep and rode in survival mode over the Bollihope and back to the finish, he certainly earned a glass of red or two after a hot bath to thaw out.

Well done Andrew

Sunday club ride

No information supplied this week

With the weather taking a turn for the worse there was still plenty of activity out on the roads from Club members.

Paul “The Thirlwind” Thirling and Richie “Gripper” Grant were the only guys racing at the weekend at the:

Darlington CC (Incl Road Bike Category) (BBAR)

• Date/Time: 02-May-21 09:30:00
• Distance: 25 Miles
• Course: T254/1

The Thirlwind  put in a great ride on a testing course to finish  16th out of a field of 91 riders in a time of  00-:56:28 with an average speed of 26.56 mph.

Gripper Grant continues to make steady improvement to finish 47th in a time of 01:02:21 with an average speed of 24.10 mph. but still riding with a handicap of needing to lose 1/2 a stone!!

Well done gents.

Sunday Club Ride

We planned a flat ride for Sunday as hills get to be a bit tedious after a while. Was it this, or the bright Spring morning that brought the crowds out? Who knows, but a group of five met at the Golden Lion wondering where we could go without encountering many hills. We set off along Catcote Road. Steve, Sean, Peter, Paul S and Paul G. Then out along the 689 and round Stockton ring road. We aimed to do around 40 miles and take in the road that loops around the airport. The only problem with this plan was that having spent time on the internet, surfing, there was not much prospect of a suitably located cafe. We all like a good cafe stop but despite the area being a mecca for cyclists, according to the world wide web, it was a literal desert in terms of watering holes.
There is a lot of scenery in the form of fields with hedges and stuff but what we really wanted was a cafe to stop at. So it was great to see the Devonport hotel at Middleton one Row serving coffee (other drinks were available) but not sausage sarnies unfortunately. It was just as we were sitting down that Paul S told us that he had to get back home by one or his dinner would be fed to next doors dog.
Last week Jason paid for the cafe stop. This week Sean did the honours with proper money as well,  so a big thanks to them two but the rest of us are steadily racking up debt now and coffee doesn’t come cheap.
Anyway we were there long enough to learn of another cafe in Middleton St George, so one minute there aren’t any and then two come along together. It was then that it started to rain, and as we were mindful of Paul S and his dinner dilemma it was a question of how quick can you neck a coffee. Well it was down in one and off we went in the rain with the aim of getting Paul S back in time for his dinner. We headed to Sadberge and from there to Norton trying to plot a route that avoided hills. We came back along the Greatham track and by then the roads were dry again, a massive relief for Steve as his bike is allergic to dampness . It was just turning 12:30 by the time we got back to town so it was looking good for Paul S’s dinner but not so good for his neighbours dog. So all in all it was a successful ride with good company and maybe we will try again next week

Photograph kindly supplied by Crimewatch

V-CC Ride

On Saturday V-CC members George Wilson and John Parsons took part in the River Tees ride.  It is on a Saturday as the Transporter is closed Sunday.  Since it is still closed, that part of the ride was missed.  Starting at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, 8 riders, one who had come from Thirsk, went through Billingham on to cyclepaths along the North bank of the Tees over Victoria Bridge for lunch at The Dubliners pub. The return was along the winding route of cyclepaths around the Durham University Campus and back up the ramp at the Newport Bridge.  Through Haverton Hill back to Cowpen Bewley.  It was very cold all day but warm away from the wind and like being in a freezer in the shade of buildings and bridges. 18 miles at a very leisurely pace was enjoyed by all despite the cold.

Thanks to everyone for the content supplied.

Again with the weather being kind this week the Hartlepool CC members were out in force.

Richie”Gripper”Grant make another trip over to the lakes to compete in the:

Beacon Wheelers (Charity Event)

• Date/Time: 24-Apr-21 14:00:00
• Distance: 10 Miles
• Course: L108
• Richie result below steady improvement:
  

  Richie

  Grant

  Male

  Vet

  Hartlepool CC

  24:48

  24.194 Mph

• The L108 course uses the A685 starting west of Newbiggin-on-Lune and heading towards Tebay and the junction with the M6. Before the motorway the riders turn and head back east up the valley, finishing just before the start point.Tom Roper was just two seconds away from a new personal best time as he powered to victory in the Beacon Wheelers 10-mile time trial in Cumbria on Saturday, while Rachel Brown (Carlisle Tri Club) was fastest female.Roper, 22 and from Penrith, clocked 20-03 to win by 35 seconds on the day from veteran Mark Holton (Drag2zero), while there was a tie for third between Tom Broadbent (HD Revolutions) and Nick Badcock (Team Kirkley Cycles) who both covered the course in 21-05.Richie said”The conditions weren’t favourable; there was a strong tailwind on the way out to the roundabout, and a headwind back. Normally you want a bit of a push up that 5 mile drag back to the finish line”
• Its a pity Gripper did not drive his car as slow as he rode his bike as he picked up a speeding ticket on the way home for his troubles!!

Phil”The Power” Wright and Gary”Flying Machine”Hunt were both down to ride  the O10/5 near Sheffield but on safety grounds decided against it. It has a very hairy downhill start and then hurtles you through a village with a 4 way junction. So to make up they both had a dummy run on HCC’s new T107, no official times but Gary did it in a longish 23 and Phil done it in a longish 29, both without any aero gains. Road surface is a bit grim in places so don’t have too much pressure in your tyres or you will need frequent visits to the dentists.

Sunday Club Ride

Sundays club ride was around 40 miles with the Aviator cafe as a destination to aim for as a coffee stop. Five of us met at the Golden Lion. Steve, Jason and Peter and two new lads Nigel and Jim. The dry sunny morning had certainly brought the crowds out. We headed out through Deaf Hill and luckily  for him Steve slowed down a bit to have a look behind him before he went down Signing Bank. The other three of us were stood at Coxhoe turning wondering where he was off too. Jim had given up by then but fair play you have to try these things to see if its for you. Anyway we arrived at the cafe road junction at the same time as a large group of cyclists from Stockton. The road up to the cafe is a steep ramp and it became a bit of a race to get to the cafe first. Jason had seen the Stockton group and sprinted up the hill but a couple of the Stockton group were hot on his heels. By the time I got there, there was a large group congregated outside the cafe, but fortunately Jason was at the front of it. Now the question is, how many cyclists can you fit in a cafe? Well not many it turns out, even when you have to sit outside. However thanks to Jasons efforts, while the 20 or so Stockton group had to sit on the grass with takeaways, us four were invited to a seat at a bench with full waitress service. A little win! Coffee and sausage sandwiches all round then and we sat and watched a small plane take off into the blue. The way back was via Sedgefield and mainly into the wind along the 689. Steve and Peter turned along the Dalton back road while Jason and Nigel continued back into town. I think everyone enjoyed it, so there’s only one thing to do, try again next week.

Zwift

 Steve Scanlon has just completed all 5 stages of the Tour Of Watopia on Zwift on Mon 26th April. This is the only image Steve has is showing all stages completed in his  Zwift companion app.

 Its also looks like the old war horse John Grant is still clocking up the miles on Zwift judging by Steves screen shot.

With covid restrictions easing and the bright but chilly weather club members where out in force over the weekend

The racing section of the club were busy with Phil Wright and Gary Hunt riding the:

VTTA Notts & E. Mids.

• Date/Time: 17-Apr-21 15:00:00
• Distance: 10 Miles
• Course: A10/14

Gary”The flying machine” Hunt placed 35th with a 21:50 with an average speed of 27:48, just managing his 10 mile VTTA standard medal ,  Phil” The Power” Wright was placed 81st with a time 26:58 with an average speed of 22:25

Well done to the lads for travelling so far a field and flying the flag for Hartlepool CC.

Paul Fountain , Richie”Gripper”Grant  and Phil”The Power” Wright were down to ride Sunday morning but unfortunately Phil was a DNS (A)  suffering a nasty cough after the A10/14

• Stockton Whs CC (Sporting Course)

  Date/Time: 18-Apr-21 09:00:00

• Distance: 23 Miles

• Course: T235
  

Paul rode a solid race to take 14 th position with a time 0:57:09 with a average speed of 24.17mph. Richie came in 34th place with a time of 1:04:53 with an average speed of 21.3 mph.

Well done to both riders.

Sunday morning club run

Sunday saw the 1st club ride for 2021 with  three club members Peter Sanderson, Steve Scanlon and Paul Sefton turning up for the ride, hardly a super spreader event but at least the club colours were out on show..
It was bloody cold with a slight wind blowing just to keep the chill factor high (low) ? So I was surprised to see Paul in shorts and summer jersey. I had three layers on and was still shivering. Anyway we went out along the 689 and through Bishopton where women were stood taking photos of us. I did wonder if they were some sort of vigilante speed cameras,, but soon realised that they hadn’t turned out for us but to take pictures of their other halves taking part in a Stockton Wheelers time trial. A bit like the reverse of readers wives. It brings home just how unfit you are when you are struggling up a little bank and someone comes past you without any effort and about four times as fast.
Anyhow I had checked the cafe website and it confirmed it was open but when we got there, guess what, it was shut.
So whats to do now? We thought stop off at Thorpe Thewles pub and get a coffee there instead. The sun was out now and it was warming up nicely and with the wind behind us sometimes and mainly downhill on the way back we were looking forward to a nice coffee stop. By now I was a bit too warm and Paul was happy in his summer kit. Anyhow we got to the pub and guess what, shut.
So no photo of us three sat enjoying coffee in the sun and what else to do now? Nothing but give up and go home. Which is what we did raking in the scenic route through Dalton. So there is only one thing for it, try again next week

So anyone wanting to join the club run next Sunday  meet at the Golden Lion at 9:30. The idea of the Sunday ride is to do around 40-50 miles at a steady pace and be back by early afternoon.

Veteran-Cycle Club NYSD

HCC members George Wilson and John Parsons were in group of 9 riders who took part in the first Veteran-Cycle Club NYSD section ride around Stockton. 
 Starting in Preston along a track to join the cycle path in to Stockton centre, along the Riverside,across to Portrack Lane following cycle paths alongside the A19 for a refreshment stop at Gregg's in Norton Village. 
Quiet roads then led to Roseworth and through to the old railway line to Hartburn and back to Preston Park.

The conditions for cycling were idyllic and it was the perfect social ride, 16 miles at an average speed of 8.5mph.  not exactly race training but good enough for the older, less fit locals. 
 One new V-CC member had driven up from Thirsk for the ride and was delighted at what we had to offer.
  John Parsons is the local ride organiser for the V-CC who can be contacted on  johngparsons2003@yahoo.co.uk  and would be delighted to see new riders on May 1st meeting at 10.30 am at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park for a ride down the north bank of the Tees
 and back along the south bank to the start. Mostly cycle paths and a leisurely pace.

HCC’s Gary Hunt and Phil Wright rode the 25 mile TT on the A11/25 course on the A50 near Derby

B.D.C.A. (BBAR)

• Date/Time: 10-Apr-21 15:00:00
• Distance: 25 Miles
• Course: A25/11

. Very cold windy conditions prevailed. Gary did 55:06 to finish 27th and Phil did a 1:09:14 to finish 62nd out of a field of 80. Both riders achieved their VTTA standard and are eligible for VTTA medals for that distance. Gary  won the Veterans 50- 59 section and claimed £15.00 prize money. 1st drink on Gary at the annual presentation night!!

Well done to both riders

Richie “Gripper “Grant opened his account with a brave ride at the:

Beacon Wheelers (NLTTA Spoco)(Lowther Circuit)(Charity Event)

• Date/Time: 10-Apr-21 09:00:00
• Distance: 14.9 Miles
• Course: L155

The weather  in North Cumbria was sunny with little wind but extremely cold with the  temperature hovering around -3.

The Lowther Loop,is a sporting  time trial course,  and saw riders complete a 14.9-mile circuit around the Cumbrian countryside.

Riders started and finished near Newtown before heading out to Askham and then south through Helton, Bampton and Rosgill before joining the A6 back north to the finish

Richie said “It was a tough one and the most technical course I’ve ever done. The course was down windy lanes and with corners which would catch people out. There was also a kicker of a climb to get the legs burning.

Richie finished  56^th with a time of 45:47 and average speed 19.527 mph out of a field of 69.

Phil opened his TT account for the season with tough SPOCO at the Kings Lynn C.C. 25 m SPOCO

Kings Lynn C.C. (BBAR)

• Date/Time: 03-Apr-21 14:00:00
• Distance: 25 Miles
• Course: B25/33

Phil said  “I rode on Saturday on the B25/33, which was a 25 mile Out and Back TT on a single carriageway. The conditions were freezing cold and a 15 mph wind – not a pleasant day for lycra. I did it in 1:14 whilst the winner did a 53. I was 53 out of the 56 finishers and would advise against riding a SPOCO course without firstly doing a recce”.
Well done Phil

Phil  and Gary Hunts  planned races for the month ahead.

Gary Hunt and Myself to ride the A25/11 near Derby if the weather improves on 10th April
Followed by A10/4 on 17th April
I am down to ride T235 on 18th April but as I understand SWCC are having difficulty getting an HQ
Gary Hunt and I will ride the O10/5 on 24th April

Good luck gents

Richie “Gripper” Grant opens his TT account over at Cumbria on Saturday in the :

Beacon Wheelers (NLTTA Spoco)(Lowther Circuit)(Charity Event)

• Date/Time: 10-Apr-21 09:00:00
• Distance: 14.9 Miles
• Course: L155

The fat lad will need more than good luck to get round the course before dark.

Great  to see the Hartlepool C.C. colours proudly being displayed on TT courses around the country.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
As most will be aware and as stated in the CTT release on 22 February 2021, the publication of the government “Roadmap” set out the way forward and gave details of the gradual relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions in England. The Scottish and Welsh governments have set out their own timetables for Scotland and Wales respectively and the position continues to vary as between England, Scotland and Wales.

England
No changes have been announced by the government to the “Roadmap” and accordingly, formally organised outdoor sports will be allowed to resume in England from 29 March 2021. Cycling Time Trials is pleased to confirm that the current suspension of events will end and that in England CTT events (both type A and type B events) will be able to resume from and including 29 March 2021.

When holding an event, whether that be a type A or type B event, it is essential that the requirements as set out in the CTT COVID-19 risk assessment are followed. If any club or organiser is in any doubt as to whether or not an event can proceed, please contact the National Secretary (Legal & Corporate) nick.sharpe@cyclingtimetrials.org.uk

The CTT Covid-19 risk assessment has been updated to reflect the changes made in the Covid-19 restrictions since 2020. The amended risk assessment is available on the CTT website:
https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/documents/index/covid-19

A significant change from last year is that there are now no restrictions for those who compete on a tandem nor are there any restrictions to team trials, to include 2-up events.

Travel
The “Stay at Home” rule will end on 29 March. Please be aware that the government advice is that people are urged to stay local. The shift is from the current legal standpoint of “stay at home” unless you have a legal reason to travel, to [as from 29 March] one of guidance to stay local. Subject to CTT’s rules and regulations, there is no restriction on who can compete in a CTT event. As is stated in the risk assessment however, the onus is on the rider on whether or not to travel to a specific event. It is not the responsibility of the organiser or promoting club to police this.

Please remember:
The threat of Covid-19 and the risk of infection does still remain. If you are not well or showing signs of Covid-19 then please do not attend at any CTT event.

Scotland
The Scottish government has announced that competitive sport can resume from and including 17 May 2021. There is now a possibility that competition may be able to resume from 26 April 2021 although we are still waiting for official guidance. A further update will be released once the situation has been made clear.

Please note however that Scotland will remain in a tiered system. Competitive sport will be permitted at levels 3 and below.

Wales
It is anticipated that if conditions allow, “organised activities”, to include competitive sport, should be able to resume from 22 April 2021. It would appear however that any such activities will be limited outdoors to a maximum of 30 persons.

Coronavirus control plan: revised alert levels in Wales (March 2021) | GOV.WALES

The Welsh government has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation weekly and a further update will be released once this has been clarified.

Generally
Police notification forms – open and club events
Although this may have been done already, clubs and organisers are reminded that they should send the PNF to the relevant police authority to ensure the necessary legal requirements will have been complied with. The PNF must be received by the relevant police authority at least 28 days before the day of the event.

26 March 2021