2009 Freewheel Champion

Six riders contested the freewheeling contest on the Tilburstow to South Godstaone course last Sunday. It was won by a big bloke as usual on a steel bike, because as we all know light carbon bikes do not go down hill very fast at all.

However there were complaints issued regarding the way that Paul White won the contest. This was based on the fact that he loaded his bike up with a handlebar bag to ensure the greatest momentum. I took this into account but dismissed it. This has nothing to do with Paul promising to pay for my drinks at his wife's jazz gig on the following Sunday......

Two riders made it onto the main road with Trevor Hughes joining Paul White in cresting the ridge. Well done to the pair of them. The good folk of Godstaone were not happy though, as they had drained the pond in anticipation of Denbo starting the event and making it (nothing to do with being a fat git) into the village: they didn't want their pond polluted!

Club run 11th October 2009. I TOLD YOU SO!

Oh how they laughed at my handle bar baggy this morning with my water proof leggings and Gortex top.

They said it was for the extra weight for the free wheel event.

How did you lot enjoy the ride home? I just got back to the car parked in Merthstram as it started to rain.

Love warm and dry

Isambard.

Twelve Champions

I happened upon this book whilst reading stuff on King Alf. It is a really good book that covers some of the more controversial riders in British Cycling history. Eileen Sheridan, Ray Booty, Frank Colden, Les West, Martyn Roach, Phil Griffiths, Sid Barras, Alf Engers, Ian Cammish, Beryl Burton and Albert Crimes and John Arnold.

It really is a fascinating book for those who remember some or all of these riders or for those who might want to know what cycle racing and training used to be like before science. If Engers and Cammish had tri-bars and energy drinks their records would probably still be on the shelf.

Think about it: do you want to go under the hour for 25 miles? Ray Booty went under 4 hours for 100 miles in 1958 on an 84" fixed wheel! Find out how he did it.

It is available from the author at £20. You will need to contact him through the Wychwood books website at www.wychwoodeditions.co.uk

After the Gran Fondo was over.

Event test

Hi All,

I have found a new gadget that I have put into the sidebar (below left), this allows us to put up an event (this is misleading as it is not an "event" as we know it) such as a particular ride or meeting. It may be useful, let me know what you think.

Best Time Trialist Ever?

Best Time Trialist Ever? What do you think? Comment below...

Lake Garda...

Coach Mick

A Club Of Softies??????

Oh no we're not! This photo proves it too. It shows Mick "The Stick" Ayliffe, Brian "Machete" Mason and Mick "Knuckles" O'Brien loitering at the Bakers Arms roundabout on the morning of 20 June 1981 waiting for their rider to appear in the Wessex Road Club 24 Hour time trial. Heaven help anyone who got in the way of their feeding routine!

Paul Martin perfecting his Semaphore