Updates

Hilly TT results 7/6/16

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Tuesday 7 June 7pm Club Hilly Time Trial – Bruce Williams
Eighteen keen riders turned up at the Big Splash, Sheringham to enter the club’s 18.5 mile Hilly time trial this Tuesday evening, a good turnout considering the tough nature of the course that suits all round bike riders more than time triallists, all enjoying a warm and balmy evening that promised for good conditions and fast times.  A far cry from some of the cool and grey evenings that we have had so far this season.
The drama unfolded on the day before the first rider turned a pedal in anger when it was noticed that temporary traffic lights – anathema to any time trial – were in place on the course at Upper Sheringham, a problem that could be avoided by switching the downward leg into Sheringham onto the straight but steep descent of Holway road, a version of the course used by the club on previous occasions.  Unfortunately, plan B was disrupted as temporary lights were also in place on Holway road, so a last minute course change plan was hatched whereby riders continued on the A148 in the direction of Cromer, instead of descending into Sheringham, finishing the normal 18.5 mile distance a couple of miles past the ‘10’ finish at Pretty Corner and nearly three miles from the start at Big Splash.
It must have seemed a bizarre sight as club officials and marshals were seen urgently studying maps to check the new course with marshals and cycle event warning signs being despatched to points of interest on the course, old and new, just in time to get the event underway as planned.  John Chambers even checked the course distance in his car in order to determine the finish point – it takes more than the Highways Agency can muster (not much !) to stop a NNW club event, especially on such a fine evening.
Worried looking competitors got to the start line on cue and proceeded to make the best of this fine evening, not least Charlie Nurse who stormed round in 45 minutes and two seconds (45.02), taking the win by 2 minutes from Aiden Bond. 
A number of NNW club riders were fresh from competing the previous weekend in the UCI world championship qualifying event (a total of 800 or more riders in all) and were clearly energised by the experience.  Mike Padfield recorded an excellent 48.12 to take third place with good times recorded by other NNW riders including Nigel Walsh (he was also fresh from a cycle training stint in Italy) with 51.12, John Morgan with 52.04, Henry Woodley 53.19 and John Hayward with 53.51. 
Tommy Power, a 2nd category road racing rider of the Strada Sport cycling team based in Wymondham, showed that he can turn his hand to time trials by riding strongly from number 3 to record 48.48 for fourth place.  Tommy is likely to be riding the Lotus League at the Hethel track the following evening so is clearly a man that takes his cycling competition seriously.  Apparently he almost went off course at one point – which he realised when he overtook the same rider twice in quick succession – but evidently did not lose too much time and completed the course strongly.
Unfortunately that was more than could be said for 3 new club members who, despite riding a full distance, had to be classed as DNF when they went off course near the finish.  Having marshalled lap one at Holt, I proceeded to Lodge Road (Sheringham Park entrance) for the left turn that competitors do on the first lap, but I directed them straight ahead on lap two (the change in course as above) in order to finish on the A148.  I then got to the finish point to join Geoff Paice, John Chambers and Chris Knowles awaiting the last 3 riders who duly did not make it, all apparently making the left hand turn down Holway road back to the start area.  Unfortunately, it turned out that 6 marshals were not enough as a 7th would have gone to this juncture to direct riders straight on. 
I suppose a last minute change and double change in the course is always likely to cause problems of this type, especially with inexperienced new members.  Rather a shame, but these things happen.  Hopefully the new competitors and club members will not be put off by the experience.
Apart from this, the club did well to get the event on given the course problems encountered.  Credit to Chris Knowles for working out the new course and John Chambers for matching the distance at 18.5 miles.  Well done to all the riders as well.  At the end, club members discussed the differences between the revised (one-off) course relative to the usual one and opinion varied slightly with the new version considered to be anywhere from half a minute to one minute faster (Ed note:  I think it was a slower and longer route).  Personal best times do not really count in these circumstances!  Hopefully the next ‘Hilly’ will be back on track with normal service restored.
Name Time Handicap time
CHARLIE NURSE 45.02 45.00
AIDEN BOND 47.12 47.14
MIKE PADFIELD 48.12 44.49
TOMMY POWER 48.48
BISHOP 50.26
COZENS 50.57
NIGEL WALSH 51.12 43.49
JOHN MORGAN 52.04 46.13
HENRY WOODLEY 53.19
JOHN HAYWARD 53.51 47.33
ROB LEE 54.3
COLLYER 56.12
GUY THOROLD 58.49 47.25
BRIAN PLATTS 58.54 48.20
ROBSON 61.38
SARAH JAY DNF
EMMA CATTERMOL DNF
ADRIAN JAY DNF

Club Ride to The Rising Sun at Coltishall 4 June 2016 Leader – Dual Act

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Club Ride to The Rising Sun at Coltishall 4 June 2016 Leader – Dual Act 

With John D unable to lead the club run it fell to Trevor N and Geoff P to improvise a route to the Rising Sun at Coltishall. GP lead the first part of the ride to Banningham and then gleefully pasted over the baton to TN. This was when the ride really started and TN showed his knowledge of the lanes to the benefit of all.

From Banningham we rode left to go to Suffield and then towards Antingham where we turned down the long straight lane to Felmingham. At this point we turned onto the main road to ride round the back of the old airdrome before finally arriving at St James and the pub having by then completed some 28 miles.

At the pub we had the joy of sitting outside by the river and were joined by Maggie and Chris K plus John D making a grand total of nine out.

Time passed too quickly and we were once again on our bikes for the homeward journey. We rode right out of the pub and then left back to St James and then another obscure route round the airfield before going towards Skeyton and then Tuttington, Banningham and minor roads to Sheringham.

Many thanks Trevor for leading the outward ride. It was also good to see our friend Graham back with us from Leicester- always welcome on our club runs.

Roll of Honour: Alan, Chris, Maggie, Geoff, Malcolm, John D, Kevin, Trevor, Graham

Conditions: Warm and sunny on the outward ride – cold and overcast on the homeward ride.

50 miles for most – a lot more for a few

 

Bruce McEwan Memorial Ride – (Tour of the Greens) 4 June 2016

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Bruce McEwan Memorial Ride – (Tour of the Greens) 4 June 2016

 

Two club members met at Pretty Corner for Bruce’s memorial ride to Yaxham. A further six were waiting at for us at Itteringham making a grand total of eight. It should be noted that other members rode the previous week because they were unable to come today.

The weather, which must be noted, was cold and misty going out but there was the promise of better things once we left the “arctic circle” of Sheringham and headed towards Yaxham.

Our ride out went via Itteringham, Cawston, Great Witchingham, Lenwade, Collin Green, Primrose Green, Green Farm, Peaseland Green, Etling Green, Clint Green, Yaxham.

Waters of Yaxham is always busy which denotes a good café which it is.

A minute’s quiet contemplation was given in memory of Bruce.

After lunch the sun broke through and the temperature moved into promised 20%.

Home was via Brakefield Green, Clippings Green, North Tuddenham, Elsing, Lyng, Reepham, Ollands, Oulton Street.

 

This ride, with its poignant memorise, was really top draw. Our thanks to all those who came this week and last week to pay their respects.

Alan, Chris, Geoff, Harvey, Malcolm, Robin, Scott, Trevor.

PC tp PC: 63 miles

Itt to Itt: 48 miles

Max: 75 miles

Club Run on the 1 June 2016 to The Queens Head at Foulsham

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Club Run on the 1 June 2016 to The Queens Head at Foulsham

GP was late in arriving at Pretty Corner due to the need to change bikes from Summer to Winter mode. He assumed that the club run was well and truly underway and decided to continue on in the hope of meeting them near the lunch stop. He rode down to Briston on roads near to impassable. Also, a torrential downpour forced him to seek abject shelter under a tree which actually afforded him little protection. Further on he encountered fallen trees and more flooded roads but still no sign of the club run.

Over the Beck at Briston and then along to Hindolveston with the roads more like rivers than rivers themselves he continued. Soon it was turn left and head down for Foulsham.

With thoughts of bowls of hot soup and copious flagons of tea his spirit rose. In Foulsham he met up with kindred spirit Trevor Neild who broke the bad news that the pub was closed. Trevor had manage to enter the pub and found one painter and three barking dogs but no food or drink. Like a sketch out of Basil Faulty – its Wednesday so the pub is shut.

We decided to now try our luck at the Royal Oak which was opened especially for us. However, there was no food but the landlord did kindly make tea for us at no charge. He also gave an interesting account of running a pub including wakes, vapour parties and other such initiatives.

Time however did not allow us to reflect on such interesting subjects and we rode back to Foulsham and the spar shop where a cup of instant soup could be purchased.

Then it was homeward bound with Trevor off to Reepham and GP off to Field Dalling.

No sight was made of the club run who may have entered the Bermuda Triangle of North Norfolk.

In all a miserable days ride but good to meet up with Trevor and the homeward bound run was better than the outward ride.

Packed lunch next time we enter this area.

Conditions: Cold, heavy rain most of the way with flooding in many places.

PC to PC 42 miles.

Role of Honour and GOLD merit award: Trevor and Geoff

And From the Official Club Run: “The official” ride was barely better in fact worse due to two punctures on the way out.
Our new member Sue on a heavy old bike had a tough baptism (literally with the heavens open). She however is persistent and completed the ride.
I am told that there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing! The 1st June proved the exception to that statement.
Oddly though there was a sort of grim sense of satisfaction justifying double cake rations on returning home.

 

Eastern Counties ‘25’ mile open time trial report

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Eastern Counties ‘25’ mile open time trial on Sunday 29 May on the E2 course – Bruce Williams reports
There was a great deal of anticipation within the cycling community for this event on Sunday morning as local boy and professional star, Alex Dowsett of the Movistar (UCI registered) team headed the line-up on what was his third appearance in amateur time trials on E courses this season. 
Last man off at number 130, traditionally known as ‘the Scratch man’ and starting at 0810, Dowsett was rumoured to be intent on taking national competition record for the distance, currently held by Matt Bottrill with a time of 45.43 set on a Midlands course around Derby.  Dowsett already holds competition record for the ‘10’ at 17.20 set on the E2 in 2014 and of course is also a former holder of the track World Hour Record.
Event secretary, officials and a fair number of spectators were not disappointed as Dowsett, four time British Cycling professional time trial champion, duly blasted his way round the Cambridgeshire based course to shatter the record with a formidable new record time of 44.29, an amazing average speed of 33.7mph.
I was marshalling at the top of the exit slip road at Fourwentways – from where the riders turn to retrace the route back to Newmarket using the fast A11/A14 dual carrigeway – and was joined at one point by Dowsett’s father, mum and a close friend, stop watches to the ready.  I enquired of the older gent if he was indeed Dad Dowsett and he confirmed same pointing out that sadly he was no longer plain Phil Dowsett, just ‘Dad Dowsett’.  I suggested to him that it could be worse – do any of the enquiries refer to Grandpa Dowsett?  Dad also checked traffic coming from Alex’s right as he entered the roundabout to begin his turn, in the interests of safety as he explained to me.
‘Phil’ pointed out that Alex was back in the UK (staying with his parents who live local to this course) after a block of two weeks training in the Pyrenees and had decided on a local time trial and a tilt at the 25 record.  All the officials had deduced that a pro rider, and time trial specialist like him, would not turn up for the fun of it.  Phil also explained that Alex was disappointed not to be selected for team GB at the Olympics in the time trial – we have one place this year (compared with two in 2012 when Bradley Wiggins triumphed) which has gone to Chris Froome, and, at this moment, it does not appear that he will be in the road race team either.  He is waiting to hear from his pro team that he is in their Tour de France team selection.
Later, I briefly spoke with Alex and his father at Newmarket Leisure Centre, the event hq; Alex said he had been right on the limit and could not have gone any faster, but was pleased with his performance.  Keith Dorling was also more than happy, in his capacity as event secretary, to bask in the reflective glory of the star rider and new competition record, commenting that the morning had been cold (12 deg C) and windy so, on a better day, a 43 minute ride would be possible.
Great credit should also be given to the top amateurs, Colin Ward of Essex Roads and Justin Layne of CC Ashwell who did 47 and 48 minute rides for 2nd and 3rd places respectively.  Julia Freeman of Easterley Road club recorded a very rapid 55 to win the women’s event from Sue Triplow (Essex Roads) and Anna Dearing, Colchester Rovers, taking the next two places with 59’s.  Verity Smith of Stowmarket being unlucky just to fail to break the hour in 4th.
Flying the flag for the NNW was Karl Read who recorded a fine 55.33 for 37th place overall and, he told me, his best time for a 25 in 19 years.  He will be back feeling sure that he can get a personal best on the right day.  That is the spirit of time trialling.
Mike Padfield directed me to a cycling blog where people commented very differently about the pros and cons of star pro riders mixing it in amateur events, winning championships and setting CTT competition records that an amateur rider will not be able to compete with – most people agree that only a pro rider who also specialises in time trials will be able to take a record like this one.  It is of course true that amateurs and pros are not competing on a level playing field in these events but I believe that most of the top amateurs enjoy the occasional contest with the pros and the competition and excellence that this generates.
There could perhaps be an argument that competition records should exist separately for both amateur and pro riders?  Back in the 1970’s, cycling was strictly segregated between amateurs and pros and no pro riders wre allowed to enter amateur time trials. A retiring pro had to wait two years before he or she could re-enter amateur tt’s and punitive measure were taken by the governing body against amateur riders alleged to have infringed amateur status.
There are always different opinions and individual subjectivities in these things but, on balance, and allowing for the level playing field issue, I prefer the spirit of open competition that exists today compared with the rigid rules that were enforced back then.

10m TT results 24/5/16

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North Norfolk Wheelers Pretty Corner 10 mile TT results 24th May 2016

Following a victory in Ironman 70.3 Buenos Aires local professional triathlete Kim Morrison swapped the sun for a cold windy evening on the Norfolk Coast and produced a stunning ride of 22.33 to smash the previous ladies course record of 23.51 (held since 2010 by Catherine Essex).  Kim has vastly improved her time-trialling times over the last few years and training on our local courses seem to be paying off.

In slow conditions Charlie Nurse won on the night with (21.41), with Kim second (22.33) and Mike Padfield third (23.20). Most people were slower this week with the cold air, strong wind and low humidity not conducive to fast times, although John Hayward bucked the trend with a seasons best of 24.17.

With the ladies record broken is there anyone that will break the men’s record of 20.07 that has been held by the late Zak Carr for over 20 years? Charlie Nurse has been the fastest on the course in recent years and is getting close.  Maybe it will need a visitor to come and have a go?

Thanks to all the marshals, timekeepers and riders for another weekly instalment of fine time-trialling on the Norfolk Coast.

 

25/05/2016 Pc 10m TT
Name Time Handicap time Notes
NURSE 21.41 21.48
MORRISON (f) 22.33 CPB and ladies course record
PADFIELD 23.20 21.33
WATTS 23.37
WATKINS 23.42 21.16
HAYWARD 24.17 21.45
MORGAN 24.36 21.46
WOODLEY 25.22 21.55
JANES 26.04
PLATTS 26.28 21.38
JAY.A 27.33
THOROLD 28.22 22.46
JAY S (f) 30.23
VIDLER 31.54

Club Run on the 25 May 2016 to The Black Lion at Walshingham

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Club Run on the 25 May 2016 to The Black Lion at Walshingham

Five club members met at Pretty Corner for our ride to The Black Lion at Walsingham. The weather was anything but conducive to a long hard slog on minor roads so a shorter version on a more direct route was taken. The BBC weather forecast (seaweed) indicated that all would be well after 10.00am. This forecast proved to be as helpful to the riders as a third ear is to an elephant.

Leaving PC we rode to Kelling Heath, Langford, The Dome, Binham to Walsingham and then the pub. With the rain still descending we were grateful to find a large fire waiting for us as well as excellent food and service.

After lunch and suitable dried out, we rode homeward going via Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington, Hempstead, Baconsthorpe, West Beckham and finally home.

My thanks to those hard riders who braved the elements and made poor conditions irrelevant.

 

Conditions: Cold, light rain most of the way with a moderate cold wind.

PC to PC 41 miles.

 

Role of Honour: John S, Andrew, Alan, Kevin and Geoff

Club Run on the 21 May 2016 to The Peacocks Teashop at Hoe

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Club Run on the 21 May 2016 to The Peacocks Teashop at Hoe

Two club members met at Pretty Corner for our ride to the Peacocks Tearoom which is situate just out of Hoe.

At our pick up point in Reepham another club member greeted us and so off we set at a cracking pace despite a strong headwind in our face for most of the outward ride. Our journey took us to Whitwell – going past the station – then Sparham to Bylaugh ( how do you pronounce it ?) and then Robertson Barracks. Here, there were signs warning of “marching troops” but in reality the only marching was of three bikes going flat out for a well-deserved lunch.

For those who have not been to the café it is a real gem.

After lunch we had the added incentive of a strong tailwind most of the way home. Our route now was Hoe church to Woodgate and then Peaseland Green, Collin Green to Attlebridge, Swannington Upgate, Haveringland and finally Cawston (passed the disappearing Rat Catchers) to Itteringham and home

An excellent days riding – fast on the outward bound and even faster on the return.

 

Conditions: Stiff headwind out, strong tailwind home. 

PC to PC 61 miles.

 

Role of Honour: Harvey, Geoff and Malcolm (and still room for a few more riders)

Great Yarmouth CC 25 mile Open TT (BS/13a)

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Report from the Great Yarmouth CC 25 mile Open TT (BS/13a) on the 22nd May 2016 by Mike Padfield

With rain forecast I was planning on taking my road bike for this ‘sporting’ course in the heart of the Broads.  However as is often the case with BBC weather they got it wrong and although the roads were wet in places it wasn’t raining so I decided on my TT bike.  Having not ridden it before I drove round part of it and it looked like it would be a tricky course with a few small hills, tight bends and parked cars.  Luckily there were lots of marshals (c.20?!) along the route to look out for us and guide us around the bends.  Even so riders had to keep their wits about them and be ready on the brakes.

Pre-race talk was of previous crashes, poor road surfaces and busy main roads which made me think “what am I doing here?”  At the start a marshal pointed out numerous parts along the course to be aware of but that marshals would be everywhere.  Not being familiar with the course road names and places this didn’t really mean anything so I planned on going easy whenever I saw a hi-vis vest!

The start was a fast downhill then a short climb to the junction at the B1074 and left along a bendy section to Somerleyton and then a very sharp left towards the village of Lound with cars parked on either side of the road in places.  Four marshals were present here.  After Lound there was a fast downhill right hand bend with off-camber and surface gravel in places that was tricky in the wet and then a climb up to the main A143.  Here there was a sharp left, avoiding any cars and then south west along an up and down section to St.Olaves with a very sharp left back to the B1074.  This was repeated for a second lap with the finish close to the start.

I didn’t judge the course very well and was too fast on the first lap as I was too busy trying to better my ave. speed so I suffered on the second lap.  It was tricky to get any sort of rhythm being on edge quite a bit of the time with all the obstacles and frequently getting out of the aero-position. A stopped car past a blind bend in the middle of the road tested out my brakes and ability to control a rear wheel slide. Having made it round ok, all-in-all it was a good morning session with some tasty cakes laid on by the hosts afterwards at the Village Hall.

The winner was Mark Richards of V.C. Baracchi with a 56:54, second Steve Gorbutt of Diss & District C.C. with 57:14 and third Jim Hardwicke of Plomesgate C.C. with 58:35.  Fastest lady was Verity Smith of Stowmarket & District C.C. with 1:03:26, taking nearly a minute off the course record set in 2009.  John Swindells and Paul Groombridge won the 2-up after they crashed into each other! (see John’s report here: Here)

If I learnt a couple of things it was that TT bikes with skinny tyres and 120PSI don’t go round corners very fast in the wet and it made me grateful of our ‘relatively’ smooth main roads in North Norfolk.

Full results are posted here:

http://www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk/2016/05/23/25-mile-tt-results-22nd-may-2016/

There are also comprehensive photos of all the riders on the Great Yarmouth CC Facebook pages.