Chain Gang off to good start‏- Aug 29

The 2012-2013 Hastings winter chain gang kicked off with some great seasonal weather! The new meet in the shelter on Bexhill sea front opposite Bethune Road proved to be a very good choice as we met on the leeward side of a strong prevailing wind carrying some rain drops. But as per our anticipation from the weather radar we had a dry but rather windy ride. It seemed quite a leisurely start (a good thing past the De La Warr Pavilion and after turning left) as people chatted but the pace soon picked up and by the left turn in to South Cliff the 13 riders were sorted in to a faster group a few in no mans land and the gruppetto mopping up at the back.
It was hard work going out. Steve Curtis cut in to the headwind for the gruppetto to start with before Jon Molton towed us all out to the turn, picking up a few of the riders dropped from the faster group. Jon would usually be mixing it near the front but has had chest infections for much of the summer and is not his normal fit self.
Apparently the faster group even managed a few spells of through and off! We need more of that on these fast training rides with everyone taking a turn on the front, even if just for short spells, and not selfishly being wheel sucking leeches all the time!
At the turn the fast guys waited on the side of the road, in future please pull off a few yards earlier on to the large area of concrete in front of the gate so we are well off the road.
It was a joy to ride back with the wind, but would have been better just two days short of the full moon if it had been a cloud free sky. Everyone reassembled at the Bexhill traffic lights by the library before we went our separate ways. Three of the guys had a ride back to Eastbourne in to the head wind again, quite unfair that they get extra training miles in .........
Four of us enjoyed putting the world to rights in The Dolphin and then my return ride home along the prom around ten was a struggle in to the wind but benefitted from the sight of a near full moon across the sea in a clearing sky, glorious.
Chris Parker

Alfriston Double loop -26 aug

I told everyone that we would be back home by 12:00 as this was to be a short off road ride. We had a good turnout; myself, Paul B, Malc, Duncan, Ivan,Derek and Steve D. We had four vehicles between us so formed a convoy over to kings drive at Alfriston (bet the local love us!). Once Paul had attended to his toilet needs we set off for the warm up loop to the west of Alfriston, this meant starting up the long ascent to the top of the Downs. We then proceeded along the top of the downs before turning right and descending down towards the Drovers track, unfortunately at this point I thought the GPS was showing the wrong direction and we turned the wrong way which meant we continued to head further west and had to climb the steep road to Frirle beacon, this put an extra 7 miles on the route. It was apparent at this point that Steve D was struggling to keep up and so Steve decided he would abandon . Once back in Alfriston we began the main route proper with the stiff ascent past the long man followed by the descent to jevington. Having reduced the rebound on my rear shock to almost the minimum I was pleased with how it climbed (almost as good as a hard tail!) but not so impressed at how it handled downhill where I missed the feedback from the rear wheel ( I don't think I am cut out for full suss!). Another steep ascent took us up to the top of butts brow. Derek was finding the route hard going, this was his first south downs ride and the bike he was on is really heavy (he hopes to get a much lighter one next year) he was also worried about the time we would get back but there was nothing we could do as this was already the most direct route. Through Friston forest and up the stiff drag to the race course with Derek really stuggling . Ivan flew up this hill and then cycled back down to come back up with Derek, lending him some moral support. After passing through some terribly muddy and churned up paths, all that was left was the long descent down to alfriston. This is very tricky in parts as it is covered in white stones which move all over the place. Having already fallen off twice I was very wary and went down so slowly at some points that it was almost like I was standing still. Ivan had no such misgivings and thundered past without a care in the world (later he told me that he would have been scared on his old 26er but no such worries on the 29er). By the time we got back to the vehicles it was already 12:00 so Derek and Paul were both in trouble with their other halves for being so late (sorry about that guys!).

distance 25 miles

H&StL CC evening TT series ends on a high note

The evening TT series ended up on a high note with a great field of 21 riders on a warm sunny but windy evening. First timers were 15 year old Nick Dolan (28.46 but not riding a Dolan frame) who had been training on the circuit with Joe Kingsman and Alan Hopkins who first came out on a ride last Saturday for the bacon butty run and joined the Chilley Farm fan club (as did 15 year old Arran McCullum who rated his bacon butty very highly). A year after his last ride and having shot up six inches or so 16 year old mountain biker Wil Francis (26.42) set a PB. Mark Brittle did not get far up the ladder on a rare appearance, puncturing at Staplecross and being ferried back to his car by Stuart on his way round taking down the signs.
N.B. It is best to always carry two spare tubes, a sag wagon is not always to hand.

Point series winner Malcolm Daly (21.22) won the club event with Simon Newell (22.17 PB) 15 year old Joe Kingsman (22.35 PB), 16 year old Joe Jenner (22.53) and Alan Hopkins (23.20), on his TT debut, making the top five.

Completing the field of six juniors (not seen as many as that for a club TT since the 1990s) were Jack Heyes (26.50 PB) and Martyn Matt (27.47 PB).

The fastest two rides were private TTs by In Gear's Pete Tadros (18.21) and Rye's Barry Goodsell (20.35). Sixth and seventh fastest times were private TTs by Rob Morris (22.36 Bayeux) and Jamie Beale (22.51 In Gear and second claim H&StL CC).

Twelve of us rushed off for a curry in the Plough Westfield straight after. We had a great evening in excellent company in a buzzing pub with very reasonably priced good food. Romana took a photo which is in the BLOG entry below.

I usually give a word of thanks to all those that make the TT series happen, in particular Stuart Crabb who is there every week early to put out the signs and get everyone signed in before laying out the field and then pushing off. Thanks also to all the time keepers and marshals: Peter Jenner, Steve Curtis, Rob Dickinson, me and anyone I might have forgotten. Also a big thank you to Jamie Beale who still deals with the Police Forms for us as a second claim member.

The evening flew by with animated conversation and several had left so I forgot to say a public thank you, but everyone's contributions are very much appreciated and not forgotten. Earlier in the evening I had heard one or two give individual thanks to Stuart, very well deserved.

And of course thanks to all the riders and supporters for turning out to compete and chat to all and sundry which makes for great social evenings on top of a good work out. The more the merrier!

We have one club TT left: the ascent of Battery Hill on the Sunday morning of 26 October or 4 November. We have to check what date went on the Police Form before I confirm. As usual we plan to follow the hill climb with a short club run, probably ending back at the cafe by Fairlight church unless they are on their Autumn break again which caught us out last year.

Incidentally: if the road graffiti police approach anyone making enquiries about all the Team Slovenia graffiti on miles of tarmac around Box Hill at the time of the Olympic road race deny all knowledge of Romana. Chris Chapman insists on calling her Ramona, which sounds Spanish to me, so if pressed may be use that angle deflect any investigations?

Chris Parker

Last Event Meal

For some reason our automatic idiot proof camera decided not to focus so only a very blurred picture I'm afraid. Nevertheless a very enjoyable evening and a very good turn out. Food portions seemed more than generous and did not help my steadily expanding waist brought on by lack of cycling so will definitely need to come out on the chain gang and try and loose a few pounds.

Tim M

ESCA 100

Not sure how this blogging works so forgive any oddities in my first attempt.

Chris enjoying a nice cup of tea after the 100

Chris, Malcolm and I rode the ESCA 100 on Sunday.  It was the first event I have had where the weather was nice, although inevitably we had a few spots of rain at the end just to remind us what the year has been like.

Malcolm did a fine 4:40 for his first 100 (yes I am envious as this was my target for the day).   I have finally realized that parents do know best.  Mother (Esther) has always told me to go like mad at the end of an event if someone is just in front because you invariably will make up just that second or two to duck under the minute. I have done this in several events this year, including the 100, which saw me do 4:51:59.  Chris did a 5:33 which I think he was pleased with as it was a six minute improvement on last year.  I suspect if he had the aero equipment he would knock great chunks of his time.  As you can see he looks pretty happy in the hall - although not too sure about the hairstyle.

The KCA 12 is in two weeks so this is pretty much the end of my racing for this year; although Malcolm is now leading the club BAR so I may have one more go at a 25 to try and beat 25 mph and wrest the title from him - ok so you can dream.

lewes Prison- Downs Ride 19 August

Today was supposed to be the hottest day of the year with warning of plus 30 degree temperatures so we were all smothered in high factor sun cream. Setting off from Firle onto the steep road leading up to the Downs, was a bit of a shock to the system, it certainly was a relief to get to the top. From here it was South Downs all the way until we left the Downs and cycled down the road to Sussex University followed by the ride through Stanmer park and up to Ditchchling Beacon. From here is the most enjoyable part of the ride with the long long decent down to lewes ending up passing lewes prison. This is where Jon's lack of suspension really went against him as the path ends up being very rocky. We had a cafe stop in Lewes, the GPS showing just 8 miles to go. Unfortunately the last 8 miles contained two very difficult hills. First of all the climb up from kingston to the top of the downs. This is steep and chalky, I have never been able to cycle up it even when I was young but Paul b and Ivan managed it while myself and jon had to get off and push part of the way. After this there was only one major climb between us and home- Rodmell hill. Anyone who knows this hill realises what a b*****d hill this is. I have always manged it before on my hard tail but I couldnt quite make it today on my full suspension, maybe the bit of bobbing was robbing me of that little bit of energy I needed or maybe I am just a year older. After this is was easy riding back to the cars.
S.C

Bewl Water- 17 Aug- Josef Returns

This was our penultimate visit to Bewl Water this year. Malcolm was there but forgot to bring his shoes with him and so could not ride (perhaps its just as well with he 100 mile TT he is doing on Sunday). We were a little bit late setting off and both myself and Ivan felt tired before we had even started. Paul B was feeling good however and actually beat Ivan around the course with myself way back (still getting used to full suss). Not long after we got to the end a friendly face showed up, it was Josef who had left it to late to get a lift with us but had driven over himself and nearly caught us up on the course. By the time we had a chat none of us could be bothered to do another loop and headed straight off to the pub instead. Next weeks Bewl Water will be the last of the season before the Friday broad Oak ride commences.
S.C

H&StL CC TT series Points Table‏

Hello Folks
Our TT series was scheduled to be 18 events this year. For the points table each person's best ten results count.
However we have had to cancel 4 events due to the road works on the Marsh, which leaves a maximum of 14 events assuming we have no problems with the last Broad Oak on Wednesday 22 August and the favourite event for many (!) Battery Hill on Sunday morning 28 October or 4 November (need to check with Jamie what date the Police Form said since various dates were mooted).
Consequently as mentioned a few weeks back for this season only we are changing to the best 8 results counting in the points total.
Only two riders have done 10 events, three have done 9 events (hence the 7 greyed out cells for points that are not included in their totals) and three have done 8 events. So all eight of these riders can improve their points total if they can get better placings in the last two events. Many others can get to the maximum 8 counting events if they turn up!
Malcolm's lead at the top of the table is unassailable, congratulations for a great season and also joining the elite 25 mph plus club on Saturday with 23.43 in Eastbourne Rovers 10 on the East Hoathly course.
Ivan Johnson is pretty safe in second place and still has one ride to go.
Third place is actually Simon on head to heads with Joe but I reckon with hill climb Joe might shade Simon at the end of the season.
There is still scope for lots of changes below fourth place.
We have gained a good number of new members this year including our latest recruit Steve Butcher.
Chris Parker

Penultimate Broad Oak TT Weds 15 August

With quite a few regulars missing we still had 15 riders last night thanks to a lot of new faces. Juniors Jack Heyes (27.51) and Martyn Matt (28.37) were back for the second time on Broad Oak, Martyn drawing the short straw for first off which often does not help with a good time.
First time testers were David Morris (25.55) not far behind his son George, Steve Butcher (26.41) and, transformed from a couple of months when ago I first rode with him, Michael Hitchings (30.35) who lost time on unshipping his chain otherwise would have been sub 30 minutes.
After last week Keri Purves (29.38) dug out his times from the mid 1990's and found he was almost 8 minutes off his PB! This week he was two minutes quicker to get within six minutes but he says 15 years and 15 Kgs need to be shed!
After going sub hour for the 25 on his first attempt at the weekend Marc Townsend (19.45) won the event and joined the elite band of sub 20 minute Broad Oak circuit riders without being familiar with roads on his first go on the course. Second was Malcolm Daly (21.18) who has sewn up the points table and cannot be displaced from the top now. Joe Jenner (22.54) came in third.
Second and fourth fastest times of the evening were private time trials by In Gear's Barny Willard (20.54) and Bayeux's Rob Morris (22.03).

Bewl Water- 12 August

Despite having tired legs from yesterday's Mad Jack ride, myself and Paul B turned up for two laps of Bewl Water. We were hoping that Paul K and Dave HH would join us but they must have opted for the lie in (can't blame them) . At last Bewl was free of mud and we managed two laps without too much trouble although I did manage to fall off on my side quite badly when switching to a higher rut to avoid one of the Tri athletes who were taking part in an event there.lets hope conditions stay good for this Friday as well.
S.C

Early Bird 11 Aug- Mad Jack Defeated

Fantastic weather and a great turn out for the mad jack 55 miler. A surprise guest appearance from Colin and the welcome return of Dave HH following his broken collar bone 6 weeks ago. Also with us was Simon Hack on his first ever early bird ride (he had a picked a great one to start!). Dave brought along his friend Ian who is an ex pro cyclist, unfortunately Ian's knee tendinitis started playing up and he had to abandon before we had chance to talk to him.Good to see Paul K and Dan H again . Paul B was there and is on fine form now- so different to a couple of months ago. Having partially completed this route a few weeks ago we were determined to complete all 54 miles of it. The hills in this route are relentless and eventually they take a toll on you. Colin left us at about 35 miles, to do his own (faster) ride, the rest of us pressed on. Simon was suffering but refused to give up and although we did have to wait for him at the top of the steepest climbs he did brilliantly for a first time early bird and will obviously get stronger. Simon left us at near battle.By this point most of us (especially Dave) were feeling tired and we had another tough 15 miles to go. In some ways the last 15 miles is the hardest of all because although although you are close to home you have to do hills such as Doleham and Peter James lane. Some of us flopped into the coastguard cafe at the end for some well deserved refreshment
S.C
53 miles
Av 13.6mph

Broad Oak TT - August 8th

First end of season Broad Oak TT

We had a good turn out for the first of three weeks on the Broad Oak circuit on Wednesday. In particular it was great to have four junior riders in the same event, which we have not had for a few years, three of them riding the circuit for the first time. The latest addition to the junior ranks was Jack Heyes who has had a go at a triathlon with his Dad. On Sunday's Club Run Malcolm and I had ridden with four youngsters to introduce them to club run riding, taking in two laps of the Broad Oak circuit so they were familiar with the roads. Joe Jenner had not been out Sunday since he was just back from his high altitude training camp taking in the legendary Alpe d'Huez major French Alpine climb on a hired bike after missing out on quite a few rides a month ago when he was unwell. Meanwhile Joe Kingsman had been racking up the miles at home and getting used to clip less pedals.

Joe Kingsman (22.36) just shaded Joe Jenner (22.48 PB) by 12 seconds. In only his second TT after a ride last week Martyn Matt (27.59) put in a solid marker time as did Jack Heyes (28.30) in his first TT.

Malcolm Daly (21.21) won the club event with Joe Kingsman a very impressive second in 22.36, Simon Newell third in 22.41, Joe Jenner fourth in 22.48 and Simon Grogan fifth in 24.12

Second and sixth fastest times of the night were private time trials by In Gear team mates Barny Willard (21.27) and Richard Clark (23.12).

Back in the mid nineties we had a good number of juniors. Amongst them were the Purves brothers who did many Wednesday TTs (no opens from memory) and some cyclo cross on mountain bikes. Out of the blue Keri got in touch and said he was about to put a road bike together and joined me on a bacon butty run a few weeks back. He rode on Wednesday and is on the road to regaining fitness but neither he nor I have yet looked up the times he was doing in the mid 1990's.

CP

Early Bird- 4 August Hard riders Direct

A nice simple short easy ride for the early birders on Saturday. Following our enjoyment of the 'Hard Riders' course' a few weds ago, we decided to ride straight up to Ashburnam and ride round it. This made a nice straight forward ride of 35 miles. On the way back we took a detour to one of our favourite cafe stops, Chilley farm.
Distance 39 miles
av speed 15.9mph
S.C

Bewl Water - 3 August 29er HT vs 26er Full Suss

Paul B offered to sell me his 26er Eldridge full suspension for a very reasonable price. Knowing what a great bike it is, I bought it straight away. The ride at bewl would be its first proper ride offroad, it would be interesting to see how it compared to Dave's 29er hard tail. Good to see Steve D out at bewl for the first time (having to ride it on one of his back up bikes). Also present were Malcolm and Paul B, who having sold me his full suss was doing the ride on a steel hard tail 26er. Despite the evening weather being warm and sunny there was a terrible amount of mud.In 20 years of riding at Bewl we have never known summer conditions like this. Malc and Paul formed one group while myself and Steve D formed another slower one. We ploughed through all the muddy sections until we came to the previously flooded area. I decided to try to go around in a large circle but soon got stuck and toppled over onto my back into a 4 inch deep layer of foul smelling stinking mud and rotting vegetation. Steve D had more sense and got off and pushed past the mud. There were lots of cars at the car park end of the route and we wondered why until we realised everyone of them was a mini, it was a mini convention!
Final conclusions over 29er vs 26 full suspension. The big wheels on the 29er defiantly make you go faster (something between 5-10% faster I would say) but the full suss has the advantage when it comes to comfort. At my age comfort is more important so I feel I made the right choice, now if only I had enough money for a 29er full suspension!!!!

Ninfield TT-August 1st 2012

It was great to resume the club's time trial series last night with 17 riders turning out for the last Ninfield 14 of the year. Ride of the night was by 15 year old Joe Kingsman who was fourth in the club event with the fifth fastest time . He made a massive improvement on PB of over 6 minutes from 43.36 to 37.31. Joe's first ride was on ordinary pedals without straps or clips, he has done quite a few miles since and looks so good on the bike so we were expecting big improvements. A pity he cannot get up early in the morning since that is a prerequisite for regular British time trialling!!!! However Joe said he might make an effort later in the year when some events are first rider off at 7.30am, afternoon events being few and far between nowadays on busy SE roads