Club Notes - 28th March 2004

A short report this week as like a good proportion of the country the high winds on the 20^th wiped out any racing, this however just delays yours truly inevitable drop down the rankings that I predicted in my last report. As promised I did look up training and even decided that’s what is probably required so I joined a very good turnout of riders, including a strong Macclesfield Wheelers contingent, for Pats Moorland meander especially considering the weather not being out for a while I along with the bulk of riders elected to do the short version which covered 29 miles taking in Ched Heath, Ipstones, Onecote, Grindon, Butterton, Elkstones, Mermaid, and Apesford. 6 riders did attempt the 60-mile route, which added a loop round Cheadle, Uttoxetter, Ellestone to the Butterton section. Of the six four survived with leek CC riders Marc Briand and Andy Bain lasting till Ellestone after the run turned into something more akin to a sprint event. Still they lasted longer than YT who retired at Bottomhouse after mechanical gremlins decided I only needed one gear, on those hills I would still be out there now! I still did enough to get the flavour of how hard the conditions were and congratulate all those who completed the ride.

The bikes now fixed and I should be up and ready for Leek Cyclists’ club beginners ride on the 10^th of April more details next week or you could peruse our new website www.leekcyclistsclub.co.uk However the day after I have a two up 25 with Karl Austin from Congleton and look set for a painful hours action.

Next Monday 5^th April is the first of this years club nights and the first in our club sponsors Den Engels new hostelry, we’ve decide to revive the meetings as it appears that a breakdown in communications have been causing all sorts of confusion. One in particular which was my fault and I apologise most profusely was the flyer I did shortly before Christmas that said that club runs on a Sunday had stopped what it should have said was that formal club runs with named destinations had stopped however informal runs where folk turn up on spec on the High Street car park on a Sunday morning would continue as normal sorry for any confusion.

Next week weather permitting we will be back on track with racing reports and its looking like we may be fielding four riders so I may drop from 2^nd to 4^th in one swift movement!

Notes from Pat Kinch's Moorlands Meander:

On a blustery Sunday 22 riders took part with only 4 completing the long course. Dave Werrell rode out form Rainow and back so must have done over 95 miles. All 3 major climbs; Ilam, Manifold and Elkstones had a headwind at the top thus making it quite harder. £80 was raised for the Stiles Meadow Dog Sanctuary. Pat is considering organising a ride later in the year without waymarks!