TOUR DE ROMNEY

Sunday saw the regular running of the Tour de Romney et Rye, a charity 100km ride organised by the rye rotary club.

JV and myself decided to ride over there from Battle, because 100km isn't long enough these days...and we had a free pass for the afternoon and we were going to make the most of that.
We left a foggy and cold Westfield and met Nick Sargant on the way.
After a brief pit stop in Rye public toilets we then met David Morris (not IN the toilets) and made our way to sign in and get ready.
There was a good turn of riders, 140 apparently.
After a bit of shouting from some bloke with a bell we head off across towards Camber.

We pushed a high gear and made our way to the front of the ride, where we met up with a group of 5 others.
We then spend the next 10 miles trying to get them to ride in an organised chain, but to no avail.
Some, mostly us, putting in monster turns up front, others were happy to get towed along in our draft.
So we decided to sit behind them and do our own thing.
We arrived at the halfway signing in point in Hythe at the cafe to be greeted to a vintage motorcycle rally, the cafe was heaving, so decided to make our way to our favourite cafe in the town square in Hythe instead for a very welcome bacon roll and espresso sized cup of rocket fuel.
As Nick and David had to be back we retraced our steps back across to New Romney at a fairly brisk pace.
As we sped our way across to Appledore, it became evident that David was finding the going a bit tough.
Riding out in the marsh is pretty hard going sometimes as there's no descents for recovery, and you have to be spinning the whole time.
So we managed to pull the wounded soldier back to Rye just in time for tea and medals.
We then said our goodbyes, JV and I set off back home, we decided to go along the coast road and up and over Battery hill which really punished our already tired legs, and then finally made our up to Battle via Catsfield, where we then went out seperate ways after another century ride.
Overall a great day out.

CLIMBING, COFFEE & CAKE

Saturday saw the first, and hopefully not the last, running of the 'Climbing, Coffee & Cake' ride in aid of Macmillan cancer support.
We met up as a usual bacon butty run on Saturday, and I arrived to be greeted to a brilliant turnout of around 23 riders including many new faces. 
To be honest I think they were lured by the promise of the cake and not the hills.
We set off on the BBR route over galley hill and along Bexhill seafront, it was a great sight to see so many out in club kit forming a chain along the front.
As we made our way up to Little Common, we had our first puncture of the day, which held us up a bit longer than expected.
After the flat start the climbing started as we made our way up to Hooe, Kiln Lane and then along Horsewalk and up The Wall to the Lamb pub.
After much puffing and panting I pushed everyone quickly on to try and make up time. 
We made our way up Tilley lane, up and down Henmans Hill to the bottom of Agony hill.
Soon after the first little ramp someone asked 'Why's it called Agony hill? that seemed ok'.
'You'll find out in 2 miles' I replied.
We made the never ending drag up the top to Woods Corner where we regrouped, only to find out we'd lost JV, Ivan and Andy. I called John and it seemed Andy was struggling and they'd cut off early towards Penhurst.
So we pressed on down to Penhurst lane, just as we were making nice progress along the lanes, BANG, an impact puncture, which again held us up further.
After more repairs, we then negotiated the increasingly dicey lanes around Penhurst and then the long slog up Watertower hill.
I made my way to the top and decided to take some photos of everyone as they got to the top.
I'm glad I opted for photos and not videos, because some of the swearing was top draw. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depends on how you were feeling at the time, I decided to cut the ride short dropping further climbing at Crowhurst, as we'd been delayed quiet a bit and there was cake to be eaten.
So we took the quick route straight into Battle.
Everyone arrived back at my house to be greeted by a very welcome spread of assorted cakes and drinks.
My neighbour who runs the tea shop was rubbing his hands when he saw 20 odd cyclists arrive....sorry Mr Burton! tee hee. 

In between cakes we also decided take an opportunity to take a photo of the club in all their s

plendour.
 
I'd like to thank everyone who came along for the ride, it's always nice to meet new riders and makes being in a club really worthwhile.
And thank you to everyone who donated very generously to a brilliant cause.
After a count up of the donation box and several people who gave me money who couldn't make the ride, the club raised a fantastic £240.

Which for a mornings get together riding and a few hours baking in the kitchen is pretty bloody good.
I say a few hours baking, I saw all the effort my other half Louise, mum and dad Terry and Averil and sister Claire put into it, so a big thank you to them too. Xx

( for those who asked about the dynamite chocolate fridge cake, I have the recipe and can send it to you. although I don't recommend it if you're in training for something)
Lee S

Chain Gangs, Foxes and Dog Houses

Good To Welcome Back Kevin After Knee Op!

The good weather continues, with only the shorter days marking the gradual slip of summer into autumn. Last nights chain gang started as dusk moved to darkness, but conditions were perhaps the best yet of this season. What wind there was blew gently from the north east, slightly across us on both legs of the ride. It was a relief to me not to face the stiff easterly of recent weeks and I resolved again to stay with the lead group as long as possible.

And so 25 riders made very disciplined progress along Bexhill front, gathering momentum once past the worst of the parked cars. Simon Grogan was back in the saddle, riding his lovely light blue single-speed (I think it's a steel fixie). I thought communication was better from the off than last week, with lots of clear signals and loud calls between the riders. This immediately reduces uncertainty, especially for the riders in the middle of the group whose forward vision can be more restricted. It certainly meant that I could focus on riding with a good rhythm and pace.

The excellent discipline held pretty well up South Cliff, with pedestrians looking on with amusement as we pressed hard up the rise to maintain our speed. I enjoy the long sweeping right hand bend that drops down to the junction with Cooden Drive, concentrating to avoid the worn drain covers and the worst of the cracked tarmac. The shouts of 'easy' echoed off the low white garden walls as we neared the junction, followed by calls of 'clear' as we turned onto the Drive, getting out of the saddle to regain lost speed.

The Chaingang Regroups At Pevensey!

The faster riders upped the pace at this point and I was dropped. A fox ran alongside us for a bit, confused by the rush of riders that blocked it from crossing the road. Thankfully, it stayed on the pavement, as far as I know, and didn't bolt between the bikes and cause any chaos.

I fell into a smaller group with Peter Buss, who is riding strongly. I called across for us to work together and we were joined by three others as we rotated the front after another level crossing pause. We worked our way over the marsh, a huffing, puffing gaggle of legs, bobbing shoulders and swishing tyres.

The part of through and off I find hardest is changing from making a hard effort to get on the front and stay there, to then easing off when someone else comes up to take their turn. There is a tendency for the group to get faster and faster, until people drop off the back. I'll have to work on that one and I guess some people just want to ride faster than the group is going. Take the front and ease back.

There was the usual enthusiastic chat at the roundabout as we shared the buzz of the outward leg. Steve Curtis was riding his Cannondale (Super 6?), which as a beefier rider he prefers to his flexible Giant Defy. The more traditional non-compact frame of the Cannondale makes a stiffer ride, with less seat post flex as he puts down the power. I'm not sure if he'd prefer the Cannondale on a longer ride, as that stiffness might start to tenderise his backside, but perhaps he has cheeks of steel. Don't answer that Steve.

We waited for some time for Derek to arrive before starting the return leg, only to realise that he was already there. Confusion resolved, we rolled off into an increasingly chilly evening. The most excellent Stuart Hodd complained of the cold, saying he might need gloves and longs next week. I said he should eat some pies but he was not keen, preferring to keep his svelte figure and not to add a layer of warming blubber. It's funny how the build of good riders can vary. Some are all bulging thighs and shoulders (Tony Martin, John Vidler) and others are slim but strong (Stuart Hodd, Bradley Wiggins, me...).

For the return I managed to hook into the lead group of eleven or twelve riders. We settled into a through and off rotation with good marshalling from the more experienced riders, back across the marsh, up and down Spooky Hill, easy past the Star Inn and on to Herbrand Walk. Despite lots on encouragement from Mr Hodd, and having done a couple of turns at the front, I couldn't maintain the quickening pace after the level crossing and dropped off the back. It was exhilarating while it lasted but I reached my limit. Next week, I hope my limit will be that bit higher and I'll be that bit faster. I did manage a PR from the Inn to the crossing, and without wind assistance, so it shows what you can do riding with a group.

I was caught by four riders and most of us rode as a group the full length of Cooden Drive. Simon Grogan and I often ride at a similar pace and we managed a good stretch to the end of the ride. Overall, it was an excellent chain gang with lots of great group riding.

Surreal PostScript
I rode back to Cooden and then Normans Bay with Peter Buss, Stuart (not his excellency, but still very good) and another new rider (sorry, name has gone). The conversation turned to dog houses, what one needs to do to be put in it, how you could make it more comfortable if expecting a long stay and strategies for avoiding it in the first place.

I explained 'BPT' - Bicycle Purchase Tax - whereby the gentleman of the house purchases a bicycle for his amusement and fitness. This ensures a stretch in the dog house, with eventual release conditional on the payment of 'BPT' to the boss. The current rate in my tax district is 50% of the bicycle purchase price. Non payment is not advised, nor are other tax avoidance schemes that you might be tempted by, such as a false receipt for a lower price, 'it was only £100 in a sale' or 'I'm looking after it for a friend'. Heed well my warnings...

Neil

21/9 Firle Snake

With such a long dry off-road season this year our stamina has slowly got better and our rides have got longer. Our default distance now is around 30 miles so this called for another new route.Myself and Derek knew of a legendary series of tracks in the Woodingdean area known locally as 'The Snake'. If we started at Firle we could take in the snake but also to make the route even more interesting, what about climbing over Mount Caborn (overlooks lewes)? looking at the OS maps there  is a choice of two tracks across Mount Caborn , we could take the more obvious one straight across and through the golf course. Familiar tracks took us out of Firle before reaching the road climb to The Bo Peep car park. As we climbed up this famous hill climb a roadie came past us.

Ivan And Paul Show The Roadie The Right Way To Climb!

This was like a red rag to a bull so Paul and Ivan accelerated and actually beat the roadie to the top of the climb (much to his amazement) despite the drag from their knobbly tyres. After descending towards Bishopstone we headed North towards Blackcap. We have come down this way many times but never up it, it was a seriously long drag which I found OK but not Derek, who was suffering with a back injury . Eventually we were back on the SDW but Derek decided to abandon due to the pain he was in .Familiar tracks took us down Itford hill and towards Telscombe before we eventually arrived at the start of the 'snake'. The snake was a fabulous track which sinuously weaved it way up wards through Woodingdean valley and finally reached Bullock hill. 

Josef Is Happy To Be On 'The Snake

Despite ascending over 100m , at no point was the gradient anything more than nice and steady, so perfect for a heavy rider like myself! A rapid and scary descent down a hard packed chalky bridleway (lethal when wet) took us into kingston and into lewes. Heading through the town we came across an excellent little cafe built into the side of a church with very friendly staff . Suitably refreshed we headed east towards Mount Caborn. To reach the mount we had to ascend the steepest bit of road I have ever ridden up . The gradient must have been 1 in 5, about the same as chick hill but about twice as long. Finally the angle levelled off and we were at the start of Mount Caborn by the golf course. The path I had chosen took us straight through the golf course following the regular posts planted there to show the rights of way. All around us there were dozens of golf balls and warnings about golf balls coming in from the right.At any moment we expected a golf ball to come flying at our heads. Fortunately none did and the golfers didn't seem to mind us passing through.Eventually we exited the golf course through a gate and were now in the windswept wilds of the mount, we were glad to be up here in the summer rather than the winter. The track had done us proud being obvious and wide and we were looking forward to an awesome descent down to Glynde. The descent turned out to be a bit of an anticlimax as much of the decent to sea level actually occurred on the road we took to get us down to the A27. We had planned to cross over the A27 and then climb back up towards the aerials before traversing across followed by a rapid descent  but one look at the climb in front of us convinced us this was not a good idea and with the promise of beer only 5 mins away we took the new cycle-path alongside the A27 instead , and hopped across the main road directly into Firle via a convenient little traffic island. 

This turned out to be one of our best ever routes and is one we will definitely repeat next year, although next time we will try the steeper track across Mount Caborn to try to avoid the golfers and to give us a more dramatic finish to the ride!!!

Ivan Shows The Way From Mount Caborn!

219/9 HSLCC Fri Night Ride- Foggy Friday

Steve B In Great Shape After Sardinia!

Ex Runners Reunited!

As well as newbie Peter Baker out on his first ever Friday night ride, there were nine others making a total of ten riders. We haven't had that many for some time, just a few weeks ago in the height of summer we were struggling to get one or two out. Steve B was there again looking really fit after winning the club's strava ranking table with over 36,000 feet of climbing in Sardinia, significantly more even than Jason on his round the world trip. By 7:35 it is now almost completely dark, so descending Battery Hill was back to being very hairy, with drain covers and road imperfections difficult to make out in the shadows. feeling anxious ,myself and Peter B were happy to fall back well behind the others. My relief at finally reaching flat ground was short lived as were now entombed in thickening mist and my spectacles were fogging up. Before long my visibility was about 20% of what it should have been and I had to call out to Peter to go in front of me so that I could follow his light. After just a couple of minutes we had slowed right down, Peter was also wearing glasses and so it was a case of the blind leading the blind. The others had slowed right down part way through the nature reserve and we 'groped' our way through the mist towards the red glow of their LEDs. At last the mist began to thin a little as we finally caught up with them. As we slowly rode along some riders kept looking to the side. At first I thought they were checking that we were able to keep up with them but when I followed their glances  I could see the incredible sight of a large solitary anvil  cloud out at sea which was giving out spectacular flashes of internal lightening at regular intervals of every five seconds or so. I had never seen anything like it before. It was only by the time we reached the right angled turn for the harbour that the flashes began to fade.I had warned Peter about how long the drag was up to Broad Oak. Now the mist had cleared I was finally able to get into a proper rhythm and tried to follow Steve D, leaving Peter with Paul and Derek for company. For the last few months I have done almost all my road riding on my Cannondale CAAD 8 but tonight I had taken out the Giant Defy. The difference was very striking. Whereas the CAAD was stable, stiff but still comfortable, the Defy felt like it was flexing underneath me requiring constant input to keep it going where I wanted. I could feel the flex wasting some of the energy I was putting onto the pedals.Originally I had decided that once the total strava mileage for both bikes was about the same I would take them out alternative times but now I will always use the CAAD and only occasionally take the Defy out just to stop it seizing up . The CAAD is a far better bike, I think the problem is that at 14 stone plus there is just too much leverage on the long seat post that you get with a compact frame. Having regrouped at Broad Oak there was the very enjoyable descent through Brede Valley before the turn off towards Doleham lane, followed by the Stonestile approach . I was looking forward to taking the traditional first ascent picture of Peter B by the Stonestile sign but unexpectedly peter turned off at Westfield for a route back home via three oaks, so this will just have to remain on hold until another time.

17/9 Chaingang- Another warm Wednesday Evening

Newbie Peter baker Sandwiched Between two Veterans 

I couldn't help feeling that someone at Southern Rail control was having a laugh at our expense last night as the level-crossing barriers dropped on both the outward and return legs of the chain gang, disrupting the flow of the ride but also giving the slower riders a chance to catch up, maybe hang on to someone's back wheel for a while.The warm and dry weather continues, although it was overcast and the streetlights were flickering into life as 26 riders set off (a great turnout despite the absence of such stalwarts as Simon Grogan and Tom Norris). Again, the wind was helpful. A north-easterly wind was blowing strongly, if not as directly, at our backs as we made measured progress through the snarly section to the Sackville Road roundabout. The South Cliff climb sorts the quicker riders from the less so and the ride split into two loose groups.  Legs were stretched and backs bent as the pace picked up along Cooden Drive and Herbrand Walk. We then had the first of two stops at the level-crossing, giving us the chance to regroup.I think it caught all the front riders and the group was soon swelled to 15 or more as we slower, steadier folk rolled up. And then we were all off again, in a second start to the chain gang. Inevitably, we were keen to get back up to speed  to hold on to the quicker group, so the scene became a bit chaotic - someone missed their pedal and I swung right to avoid clattering them, forcing someone else wide.Order was soon restored, but I recall that groups are instructed to always back off and space out approaching the bridges before the Star Inn. This prevents “compression bunching” (that’s not a problem with the pad in your riding shorts...). We could have done better and some made the mistake of trying to move up the group when they should not – next week’s pre-ride briefing will make this very clear!I crossed the marsh with another rider of similar strength and we rotated the lead to the Pevensey roundabout, where a good half of the group had already arrived. I've come in alone in the last two chain gangs, so I made sure I positioned myself nearer the front for the return leg. If I don't make the group from the start I'm unlikely to bridge the gap. Maybe I could stay in contact as far as Spooky Hill, as I was managing to do at the end of last year, as long as I wasn't stranded from the outset.A car came into view and I shouted to others to keep in. The excellent and youthful Stuart Hodd thought I was shouting for the off and bellowed back 'not yet, not ready'. I shouted back 'no, no, we're not going', but then Steve shouted 'right, let's go'! 'No Steve, we're not ready!' Steve stopped but others started anyway. 'Hang on!' But it was too late, the

Guest Appearance From Rover's Graham 

group headed out. It reminded me of that joke about two deaf old ladies who mishear everything the other says - 'it's windy'; 'no, it's Thursday', and so on...I stuck to my strategy and made the front from the start, soon to be joined by a group of ten or so (frankly) better riders. I dug in and worked hard, fully expecting to be left on Spooky Hill, but it didn't happen. I stayed with the group as it made rather muddled but good speed back across the marshes. Surely some mistake... Was I dreaming or was I actually staying in touch at the front?And then our friend the level-crossing intervened again to halt the group, but the restart was steadier than on the way out and we made a better stab of riding 'through and off' along Herbrand Walk. We regrouped after the turn and hill at Cooden and enthusiastically mashed our pedals in pursuit of a smaller, quicker group that had opened up a gap on the short rise. I was going as fast as I could and wanting to go faster on the flat to bridge the gap to the front. I'm not sure if that's what others wanted, but we did not make contact before everyone started to back off approaching Egerton Park and coast to the meeting place at the lights.I suspect we were riding with a mixture of purposes. As a result, we were more or less satisfied with the ride. I was delighted to finish with 'the fast boys', especially after two weeks as the 'lanterne rouge', but I'd not really done right by the group. Did we communicate effectively? Hmm. Did my ego get the better of me? Probably.There is no sense in being too picky as overall it was a great ride in great company. I enjoyed a chatty jaunt back to Norman's Bay with Stuart (from Battle) and Peter Buss, this time without level-crossing interruptions, and then home again for food and Strava uploads.Ah, Strava, perhaps that's my problem. "Must-always-ride-faster, must-collect-trophies". I think Strava is great as it has helped me push myself (and helped me find other riders and the club), but perhaps sometimes it's better to switch it off. I also wonder if it has made me a more selfish rider. Hands up if you agree?

Neil S

Very rare Appearance From Pete Byrne Pus Brother In law Steve W

CLIMBING COFFEE & CAKE

as some of you may of heard i'm hijacking the saturday morning bacon butty ride 

on the 27th of september in the name of charity, macmillan cancer support to be exact.

the plan is to meet as usual at the bridge cafe at 9.45 and leave at 10 on the dot.

we then do a nice little ride, see below...

http://www.strava.com/routes/919268

and then aim to arrive back at my house on the abbey green in battle.

4 HIGH STREET BATTLE TN33 0AE 

at around 12.15-12.30 depending on the pace.

where we will host a coffee and cake morning to raise some funds for a good cause and of course stuff our faces.

this is open to all riders plus non riders and families are more than welcome, just bring some change for a slice of battenberg.

if you want to join us please let me know, i can then put my apron on and bake enough cakes to go around, as my victoria sponge simply won't divide into 28 pieces.

this will be a great social event for the club, so club kit is a must.

hope you can join us 

lee s

14/9 Hidden Valley Off Road

Into Our favourite valley!

One of our best off road routes is the 'hidden valley', but to make it harder and more varied we were trying a new extended version  that avoided going back on ourselves and took the distance to a more challenging 33 miles. Starting next to the only pub at kingston we were soon heading up towards the top of the SDW via the rutted bumpy track past Lewes prison. Once on the SDW it was easy rolling terrain up to Ditchling Beacon still sporting freshly painted allez allez signs) before taking a right hand turn for the mysterious hidden valley.
 We all love this valley, its so peaceful and very few people seem to know about it , so apart from the sheep, we had it all to ourselves. At one point we had to laugh when Ivan took a bad line and ended up in a rut so deep that it was halfway up  his wheel with sheep desperately jumping out of his way . The rut was so deep that the only way out was to stop and physically lift the bike up. 

The First Of Four Punctures!

The bridleway left the valley and took us out parallel to the A27 and into Stanmer pub. Although we had only completed a third of the route we decided to have a quick cup of coffee at the tea shop as this would be the one and only tea shop we would meet in the whole ride. After steep climbing back up towards the SDW we were enjoying a fast descent when Duncan picked up our first puncture. Just as Duncan had fixed his puncture, Derek discovered that he too had got one. Putting the wheel back into Derek's frame proved rather tricky and it took four of us working together to get the wheel back in. 
We now began the super steep descent south back towards the A27, such a relief to be going down it rather than up. Crossing the bridge on the A27 we all knew that we had around 5 miles of continuous climbing to do to reach Woodingdean, I had been anxious about this all day but as it turned out, apart from one initial section that was too steep to ride, the rest was an enjoyable steady climb up a relatively smooth surface. Derek was enjoying it less than me and after riding for three days in a row, his legs finally decided they would go no further and he had to abandon taking an easy short cut back down to Kingston where he would meet us at the pub. Myself, Ivan and Duncan pressed on curious to see what these new tracks would be like. Apart from one long rarely used section that was too narrow and bumpy to ride, the rest of the tracks in this area proved to be fast and wide and so were great fun. Our rendezvous with Derek was delayed when it was my time to have to replace a puncture, only to have to do it twice when the replacement tube turned out to have a hole caused by the valve rubbing against the rubber. Our entire stock of inner tubes was now depleted and we still had six miles to go, if we had another we would try have to try one of Duncan's notoriously useless emergency stick on patches. Fortunately our run of punctures had come to an end and before long we found ourselves in the most agreeable position of going down the punishing steep 'white lane' into kingston instead of the usual ascent. A quick pint and packet of crisps at the pub finished  off what we all agreed is a fantastic new route.  

Duncan Enjoys The descent Down To The A27

Bacon Butty ride to the Tour of Britain‏

Today the club put on a show of strength for Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain as it swept through Eastbourne along some of our regular ride routes. Joining us for his first club outing was a new face Peter Baker a friend of Derek's. previously a runner but now with two hip replacements he has turned to riding. I almost made a big mistake when on arrival I found Mark and Peter talking with an older gentleman on a bike. I thought this was Peter and luckily just as I was about to introduce myself he left. Apparently just stopped for a chin wag and I have no idea who he was. Embarrassing moment over I talked with the real Peter and we were joined by Duncan. No sign of anyone else so we set off hoping more would go straight to Chilley Farm. The weather was glorious and the wind on our backs as we spun through Bexhill picking up Peter Buss and his friend (apologise your name escapes me) and onwards towards Herstmonceux. All was good and Peter liked the pace which was normal so he clearly is a bit bionic to keep up! The day took a turn for the worst when on the treacherous Horsewalk full of gravel and potholes , Duncan went down like a sack of spuds in a heap after catching a hole.

HSLCC On Their Way To See Wiggo And Cav!

I had warned Peter it was a bad section and luckily for us we were not caught in the crash. Luckily it was just a bad case of road rash but the new club jersey is now holed and
he smashed the brake levers. The bike and he still worked and we continued. Regrouped and the bloodied leg wiped we rode onto Chilley Farm. There we found John V who had ridden like a Tasmanian devil to get there after a work commitment first thing. He was also with Derek and then Dan Hanlon with Dave Morris and son. All with club kit wore it and we looked good. Full of Chilley Farms finest food and drink we set off for Beachy Head and picked up more and more riders en route from all over. Positive comments on the club kit were heard which was nice. Riders were dominating the road and some drivers got frustrated. With so many wearing the club colours it brought home the added responsibility that we all must bear when representing the club. Our riding has to be above and beyond reproach as we are so identifiable now. No-one misbehaved but it is worth reminding people that we have to set a positive example. At the bottom of the climb up the bends we found barriers but room left for bikes. Now onto the climb proper the tempo increased and riders became competitive. John V, Jon S and Dan H broke away and made a trio to crest together. Crowds lined the route now and cowbells and cheers gave us encouragement to push on. The dappled sun shone through the trees and for a brief moment we were racing. Well it was the same route as the Tour and we were allowed a moment to savour the atmosphere. Our goal was the bend towards Beachy Head pub and already several hundered people were gathered waiting. Every vantage point was covered and we found a piece of grass bank to claim for the club. An hour to go until the riders were due. All around people chatted and the excitement was rising. Kids chalked on the road and flags were waving. This was mid point on the KOM and a breakaway was expected. It was one of those 'how lucky are we' moments waiting for pro riders on one of our club routes! Where did the hour go! In the distance a helicopter circled. They were coming. Then the outriders swooshed past waving and clearing the road. People surged into the road leaving a respectable space for the riders. More outriders then a wave of 'riders coming' rippled through the crowds. The bends were crested and a group of about five riders swung into view. Their cadence was high making it look easy but their faces showed it was not. These guys were racing proper. Then gone in seconds and a gap of about 7 minutes to the peleton. I managed to see Wiggo in the bunch after several failed attempts elsewhere. Maybe the last time on the road? Who knows. Definitely the last time on a club route!Excitement over and some decided to go home whilst a few of us did a loop over the Head to Birling and East Dean. If there are any reports of a club member 'relocating' a route sign after the race had passed this is true. It was definitely not nicked and stashed for later recovery. Gotta have a souvenir and it helps with the clear up.The wind was strong now and it was a grind back home until the turn inland. We refuelled at Pevensey Starbucks and soaked up some more rays. Over the marsh to Ninfield and then our separate ways at Battle. The day had one more event when Mark was almost clipped by a car wing mirror. Expressing his displeasure resulted in the driver stopping. Some diplomacy was called for and strong words were given re giving riders space. The driver apologised and a punch up was avoided.So great weather, good grub, good route, good turnout, great kit, a few scrapes and choice words, seconds of cheering, coffee and home for tea. That was a top day out.

Jon Stainsby

Standing Out From The Crowd!

10/9 Weds Chaingang- Heralds of autumn

First 2014 Chaingang For Stewart B and Paul!

This weeks Wednesday chain gang ran in conditions near identical to last weeks - perhaps a touch cooler, cloudier and, of course, that bit darker as autumn slowly tightens it's grip. 19 of us set off, again with a good easterly breeze at our backs and with a good number of riders in club kit. Very smart they looked too!

Safety is paramount so, with the advice of the club secretary to 'take it steady' along Bexhill front, we made brisk but controlled progress. The majority of pot holes (well, craters really) have been filled in recent months, but we still rely on each other to sign and shout any hazards to the riders behind. In my opinion, particular care is needed on the narrow, curved section from the Sackville Road roundabout, alongside the lawns to the prom. It's always packed with parked cars and traffic comes towards you in the middle of the road. Care is needed!

Excellent First Chaingang For Newbie Mark Wood!

Once clear of the worst of the parked traffic, the pace picked up as we hauled up South Cliff. A faster group broke away and for a short spell I was piggy in the middle, an initially slower group picking up speed more steadily behind me. Then Duncan eased past riding a 1950's tourer, relentlessly grinding out a big gear (58t by 9t I think) at a cadence of 30 rpm. I dug in to catch his wheel along Cooden Drive and Herbrand, but he steadily pulled away with silent, slow-motion ease. Awesome power!

Then just over the level crossing, that cheeky blighter Tom Norris appeared alongside me, followed by John Vidler. 'Oh no you don't' I thought and I upped my effort to stay with them. Two more riders joined our small peloton and we did a reasonable job of rotating the front. I fancied a sprint finish and sprang past the others, only to have that pesky Tom spring past me! No respect! (well done Tom - we enjoy a friendly rivalry).

Well, that burst of Cavendish-like speed knackered me. I was hunched panting over my bars, whilst the riders around me debated the finer points of group riding and road positioning. But no time to chat - the energetic Steve Curtis had us setting off again before I'd even half-way recovered. And that's pretty much the last I saw of the group until the lights, as again I 'volunteered' to sweep up the rear of the group. Hopefully, the casual observer thought me too far behind the group to be connected to them; they saw just another middle-aged bloke out for a jaunt on his over-priced bike...

Catching up on how the ride had gone in my absence, proud riders were pleased to report that the usual and not-so-usual suspects had formed a strong group that did a great job of riding 'through and off'. This is what the chain gang is about, working together to make good progress. There is no doubt that it's very satisfying when it works well but, just as for pro-riders, it requires self and group discipline.

Meanwhile, my slower pace had given me time to appreciate the Harvest Moon, shining a dusky orange path across the low-tide at Cooden Beach. I tried to make myself small and peddled fast to beat through the east wind - my helpful friend on the way out, but a cruel bully on the return leg, pulling back on my shirt and pelting me with moths. One bounced off my teeth. Better than swallowing it.

A small red light twinkled in the distance. Perhaps I could catch that rider! Well, the spirit was willing but the flesh weak - it took the entire length of Cooden Drive to pull alongside Chris. Meanwhile, I saw other riders making their way back to Eastbourne. Was I really that slow tonight? But a good-sized group remained, chatting animatedly about the highs and lows of the ride.

The mythical Stuart Hodd and I agreed that we love the Wednesday chain gang - the buzz from riding purposefully in a group, the camaraderie from making a big shared effort, and the success of making through and off work well. But we like less getting cold and wet!

For the time being, we are enjoying great riding conditions (even if I would prefer less wind). If it's blowing from the east next week, I'll make sure I save some energy for the ride back!

Special mention for Malcolm Daly - a speedy recovery - and for any club members competing anywhere this weekend.

Cheers, Neil

Video below kindly supplied by Joe K

6/9 Hastings To Brighton Off Road

A great turnout of  HSLCC offroaders for our annual off road ride to Brighton. Unfortunately Steve D had misread the email and thought we were riding on the road so had turned up on his road bike meaning he would have to ride over on his own and meet us later. To get to the SDW we had to ride on the road all the way to Eastbourne, something that is not very pleasant on 29 inch knobbly tyres with only 30 psi. Having met up with Dave HH at the Congress theatre we headed for Paradise Drive and the start of the SDW.

Our Ride began At 'Cafe On The Beach'!

Ivan gains A Stone In weight!

This early section is totally brutal being very steep and grassy. Dave was carrying an enormous backpack containing : three water bottles, wet weather gear, casual clothes, mobile phone and other items. It weighed around a stone and with this on his back Dave was totally  dropped on the climb. Dave did have enough energy to shout a message to Ivan asking if he could carry the backpack. Luckily for Dave , Ivan agreed and indeed would carry it for Dave all the way into Brighton. Eventually we reached the top of the climb, I wanted to continue up towards Butt's Brow so that we could take the smooth grassy descent down to Jevington but all the others wanted to head straight down the rocky descent.Unfortunately I had made two changes to my 29er that were detrimentous to its already questionable handling. I had raised the fork pressure to the manufacturers recommendation but found that this made the front end a bit higher and more twitchy, plus I had dropped the pressure down from 40 to 30psi (in a bid to gain more grip) which made the tyres seem all squirmy. This combination caused my bike to handle like a pig and it was all I could do to hang on and get down this rocky descent safely. Ivan was also finding the descent more difficult than normal, the extra stone he was carrying had raised his centre of gravity and made the tyres too squishy, for the first time he started to realise what life can be like for us less svelte riders!It was a relief to get to Alfriston where we stopped for a break and Cornish pasties before  heading up the steep climb out of the village and up tot the top of the SDW.

Dave Is Happy To get Rid Of That Back Pack!

Easy Riding Towards Firle!

Once on the top it was enjoyable rolling terrain to Firle Beacon before the steep descent down Itford hill followed by the steep climbing needed to get up to Kingston.Our group was divided into two camps: the fast riders being Ivan, Malc,Duncanand Paul while myself , Dave and Derek were the slow struggling ones. To keep themselves entertained Ivan and Malc were competing with each other to see who could get ahead to the next gate most quickly, hold it open and then rush ahead overtaking everyone to get to the next one. This was great for us slow ones as we were able to enjoy an  uninterrupted ride.

At last, Brighton Approaches!

Derek was completely done in by the climb up to Kingston but fortunately the ride was now as good as over with lots of descending down towards Brighton. I was looking forward to riding along Mediera Drive but unfortunately it was closed  for drag racing so we had to risk life and limb dicing with he traffic as we headed up to the town centre. Ivan wanted to buy a new inner tube at Evans Cycle store, so we sat down for a drink at the pub next door(the quadrant) for a pint while waiting but that pint went down so well we ended up drinking three pints very quickly and were soon all quite drunk and in need of food.Steve D had met up with us by now having got there on the road in less than half the time it took us on our mtbs.

We All Got Merry Very Quickly!

Dave HH found an excellent oriental restaurant using trip advisor on his mobile which was perfect as it was just down the road and a couple of hours later we tumbled out a bit worse for wear deciding to head up to the pub just down from the station.Steve D had checked the times and informed us that the last train was cancelled due to engineering work,we would mean we either had to catch the 9:30 or the 10:30. Unsure as to how many bikes would be allowed on one train, everyone caught the first train while Ivan, Malc and Steve D stayed back for the 10;30. At the last moment I decided to stay back for the later train as I could see Ivan and Malc were getting more drunk. Myself and Steve were relatively sober and we kept giving Ivan and Malc reminders about the time so were horrified when they were back at the bar ordering another two pints with just 15 minutes before the train would depart. Despite our best efforts to persuade them to leave the drinks behind and come with us they would not budge and told us to go ahead and handing over money told me to go ahead and book a group ticket. When I got to the station the booking office was shut and having no ticket meant I couldn't get through the barriers. Fortunately being a train driver, Steve flashed his membership card and someone let us through . With only five minutes before the train was due to depart there would be nothing for it except to leave Ivan and Malc behind to their own fate.Just as we were giving up hope they appeared at the barriers and were waved through with just two minutes to spare, phew. As always this was a good fun day out, thanks to everyone for coming.

Malc And Ivan Cut It Fine!

3/9 Bad case of wind

Welcome Back To The Chaingang!

What keeps you going through the middle of a working week? Watching England play football on the telly? A chicken madras with pilau rice and a keema naan? A few pints of Guinness? Or the prospect of a hard 20 kilometre ride with a group of friendly but committed cyclists? I guess if you're reading this, it's the latter. Welcome to the Hastings and St Leonard's Cycle Club Wednesday evening chain gang, back from its summer break and raring to go.

Lights charged - check; tyres pumped - check; water bottle - check. Legs ready - sort of... Three weeks off the bike with a virus has left me feeling feeble. But I set out in a hopeful mood, excited to be back on the bike and enjoying the warm and breezy easterly air. A half moon was in the southern sky as I rode to the start point below Galley Hill, feeling rather flash in my RideLondon100 cycling kit (or 'RideLondon86' as someone pointed out).

Welcome To Newbies; Alex, Andy And Dan

A good size group of 23 or so riders assembled and set off briskly, with a helpful shove in the back from the east wind. The group was keen to make progress, with many riders clearly feeling strong after plenty of summer miles and time trial efforts. Chief amongst these was the marvellous Stuart Hodd, looking very sleek and chipper on his birthday. I was not one of the quicker riders but I was happy enough with my pace along Cooden Drive and Herbrand Walk, even if the group was gradually pulling away.

And then providence dealt me an ace. The level crossing barrier came down, catching eight or so riders. I had time to slow down and time an overtake that took me past them. Having made sure the barriers were going up, I pedalled hard to pull away and managed a small gap, before the stronger riders overtook and blazed away up Spooky Hill. I fell into a threesome (oo-er missus) with Peter Buss and a chap on a green Cannondale, managing to slip past and make the layby ahead of them, landing a Strava PR in the process. Maybe I was in better form than I thought?

No. The return leg, into the wind now, was a different story. I'm not sure what the others had in their legs but I'd like some! I was riding 'clean' - no pre-ride coffee or sweets - but my lack of zip was mostly from illness and time off the bike. Getting my fitness back is my aim but last night the tank was empty when the going got tough.

And the level crossing took it's revenge. Having waved goodbye to Peter at Normans Bay, I was riding alone anyway, with the glow of Chris's rear lamp pulling further away. The crossing lights at Cooden came on and I stopped, swearing an oath. Once on Herbrand Walk, it was clear there was no chance of reaching the group. No-one in sight and no-one seen until I reached the lights at Sackville Road. Oh well, I'd loved the ride - feeling that kick of excitement in the hours beforehand, riding with a group, experiencing the sights and smells of the marsh fields and just that great feeling you get riding a bike, whether fast or slow, alone or in a group. It was good to be back.

I had planned to write an account of the RideLondon100, but frankly it was horrendous. I have never seen sustained heavy rain like it. The roads were awash and I saw nothing of Surrey other than spray, flooded roads and fat raindrops. Not surprisingly, I got completely soaked and that's presumably what led to the virus, losing 3 kilos in weight and taking days off work. At least it was in a good cause - Samaritans. If you fancy sponsoring me a fiver, you'll take the total I raised over £500...


https://www.justgiving.com/Neil-Smith52

Neil Smith