October 2017 Secretary:- Jon Carver Bedfordshire

Page 12 Committee President:- Terry Bush 01234 857131 The Bedfordshire Cyclist

Chairman:- Ian McDonnell

Issue 102 October 2017 Secretary:- Jon Carver Bedfordshire

Treasurer:- Jackie Popland 07858 402683 Road Cycling Club Membership Secretary:- Jon Carver BRCC Membership Sec., Editorial Southill Road, Cardington, Inside this Bedfordshire, MK44 3SX It has often been muted in this windy but dry, followed by

issue: column that the most difficult frost and fog: and that was What’s on 2 part of the Editor’s job, except all in one week in October. British Cycling Secretary:- Manz Khan perhaps, persuading people to Still, variety is the spice of

Club Events Secretary:- Mick Case Notices 3 contribute, is finding something life we’re told. new to say. The GoRide squad are en- Captain - Men:- David Cook Membership 3 This month is no exception. joying the opportunity to There is a pleasant and very get dirty without being told Captain - women:- Joy Wilkinson Open T T Results 4 welcome addition to the usual off now that the Cyclo Road Racing Co-ordinator Jason Green Beautiful Beds 5 - 8 racing results in an article Cross and Muddy Monsters

to Go from our Ladies’ Captain. It season is well under way. Time Trial Co-ordinator Mark Gray New Committee 9 may be too optimistic to expect This is the foundation for

Sunday Rides Vacant reciprocal works from other the Club’s future and much ride.com/brcc_contact_us.php Go-Ride 9 -10 Club members, but we live gratitude is felt toward the -

Time Trial Recorder:- Patrick Smith to in hope! dedicated band of parents

- Cyclo Cross 9 -10 The weather remains a topic and friends who make it Junior Secretary & Go Ride:- Sam Baylis of discussion as it fluctuates possible. Children’s Page, 11 Clubhouse Secretary:- Ian McDonnell from warm and sunny to cold Keep up the good work! contact Committeeany Member To and wet, before becoming TAB Maintenance Secretary:- Ian McDonnell Special points of

www.book interest: Membership of the Club is open to all interested Social Secretary:- Chris Wilson in cycling. Further information is available on the Updated methods Communications Secretary Mark Gray Club’s website www.bedsroad.org for joining P 3

Website Home Page Graham Laming Information on subscriptions is on page 3. Rural Rides Pp 5-8 Webmaster Graham Laming Deadline for copy for next edition. GoRiders ride Cyclo Monday 4th December 2017 Editor:- Terry Bush 01234 857131 Cross Pp 9 & 10 PARKING AT THE CLUBROOM Written magazine contributions to — 59, Ridge Road, We have agreed with our neighbours not to park opposite their entrances. Kempston, Contacts. P 12 In fact it is not always our members who are responsible but never-the- Beds. MK43 9BS less we have obtained some “NO PARKING” signs which we hope you website:- www.bedsroad.org. will observe . Deadline for copy for next edition. Monday 4th December 2017 Issue 102 Page 2 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Page 11 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles Diary of Events 4 laps 31:19 6 laps 41:54 Thursday 2nd November Turbo training sessions begin. Clubroom. Time to be announced Vets Male 40-49 Novice Men 77th Jonathan Narbett 5 laps 48:39 1st Simon Norman 4 laps 36:00 Sunday 5th November Central League Cyclo Cross, Icknield RC - Shuttleworth College 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip Vet Women 6 laps 42:42 4th Gill Fullen 5 laps 44:27 Thursday 9th November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced Vet Male 50+ 1st Helen Boatman, Team Milton Keynes 33rd Alastair Fadden 5 laps 42:19 5 laps 42:35 Thursday 16th November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced

Sunday 19th November Central League Cyclo Cross, RAF - Halton For Our Younger Readers

Thursday 23rd November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced 1 5 4 6 4 3 5 6 — Saturday 25th November Central League Cyclo Cross, Corley Cycles - Milton Keynes Bowl 6 3 5 Thursday 30th November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced 1 6 2 Saturday 2nd December Central League Cyclo Cross, Kettering CC - Kettering 2 3 1 Thursday 7th December Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced 1 3 4

Sunday 10th December Muddy Monsters Cyclo Cross Ashwell Grass Track SG7 5LT 5 5

2018 2018 3 2 fill eachline andrectangle with numbers1 6 1 4 Monday 1st January NYD Lottery Ride Clubroom 11.00 SUDOKU

Sunday 7th January Muddy Monsters Cyclo Cross Hinchinbrooke School PE29 6GP 6

4 1 6 — 2 Sunday 14th January Muddy Monsters Cyclo Cross Welwyn Track AL8 6XE 5 6 1 5 Sunday 21st January Muddy Monsters Cyclo Cross Ashwell Grass Track SG7 5LT

——————————— ——————————————————————————– 4 3 1 4 5 3 1 Wednesday Mornings Wecyle Wednesdays meet at Barkers Lane entrance to Priory Park. 09.30 Contact Rick - 01767 651097 or Terry - 01234 857131 2 4

Saturday Mornings Go-Ride sessions. Various locations, based on Priory Park. 0.900 (Check with Alison Cooper 07835 236 640) 5 1 2 3

Sunday Mornings Club-runs leave from Swan Hotel at 09.00 (check web site)

Club-runs for less ambitious riders leave from the Swan Hotel at 09.00 6 5 3 fill eachline andrectangle with numbers1 6 Issue 102 Page 10 Issue 102 Page 3 16th James Baylis 6 laps 39:09 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Ethan Stevenson, Team Milton Keynes 4 laps 32:30 CLUB MEMBERSHIP 7 laps 37:28 Race 5 (Continued) Vet Male 40-49 Senior Male SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE ON JANUARY 1st 21st David Course 9 laps 43:59 37th Michael Laborero 8 laps 1:09:41 55th Oswin Grady 8 laps 42:20 1st James Hyde, Renvale RT Joining Fee** £ 5 Membership Secretary:- Jon Carver. 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles 9 laps 1:01:47 Senior 18+ £20 Subscriptions may be renewed by contacting Jon 9 laps 40:25 Vet Male 40-49 Couples £25 in person at the Clubroom, Vet Male 50+ 26th David Course 6 laps 51:00 Family (Couple +under 18’s on line via the Club website, 34 th Alastair Fadden 8 laps 42:03 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip in full-time education) £33 by post to :- 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden 6 laps 43:50 Junior (16-17 yrs) £ 8 Membership Secretary, Bedfordshire Road C.C. 9 laps 41:13 Vet Male 50+ Juvenile (12-15 yrs) £ 6 Southill Road, Cardington, Bedfordshire, Novice Men 17th Jon Friend 5 laps 42:01 Under 12 years old Free MK44 3SX 24th Chris Priestley 5 laps 33:56 41st Alastair Fadden 4 lps 39:40 60+ on 1st January £10 Please make cheques payable to ‘Beds Road C.C.’, 1st Steve Wootton, Team Milton Keynes 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden Or by Bank Transfer to :- 6 laps 33:22 5 laps 38:35 ** Applies to new members and ex- Lloyds TSB, High St, Bedford. ------isting members who renew after Account Name Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club Sunday 15th October Race 4. Sunday 29th October Race 6. 31st March . Account No. 01293926 - Sort Code 30-90-66 Hemel Hempstead CC Kingston Wheelers & GS Prestige Please use the reference Joe Bloggs-subs* so Members who have not renewed by U10 Girls Vet Male 50+ that we can identify from whom and why re- 31st March are presumed to have 3rd Cecelia Linden 5 laps 13:06 24th Alastair Fadden 5 laps 43:41 mittance was made. resigned. They will need to re-apply 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden for membership after this date. 6 laps 12:38 5 laps 38:04 *Change to your real name (some people didn’t) Vet Male 40-49 Vet Women 29th Oswin Grady 6 laps 40:45 4th Gill Fullen 5 laps 47:25 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip 1st Helen Boatman, Team Milton Keynes Magazine distribution 7 laps 40:21 5 laps 45:48 Please read carefully. Vet Male 50+ ------21st Jon Friend 7 laps 46:24 Sunday 5th November Race 7. Members for whom we have no e-mail address will continue to receive the 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden Icknield RC magazine in the post. 7 laps 42:16 U10 Girls Members for whom we have a current e-mail address will receive an e-mail ------4th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 10:59 containing a link to the Club web site, where the magazine can be read or Saturday 21st October Race 5. 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Streamers downloaded. If this does not happen it means that we do not have your correct Team MK 4 laps 11:28 address and you should contact the Editor as soon as possible. U10 Girls U14 Boys Members with an e-mail address, but who prefer to receive a paper copy, can 3rd Cecelia Linden 4 laps 10:23 Jake Manning 3 laps 31:17 still do so by contacting the Editor (details on back page.) 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers Alexander Norman 3 laps 32:46 5 laps 11:15 James Baylis 3 laps 35:35 British Library U14 Boys Jack Peters 3 laps 38:44 A copy of this magazine is kept in the British Library and forms an important part of the Club 11th Jake Manning 3 laps 32:35 History. It is vital therefore, that accounts are as complete as possible. Would you all please send 15th James Baylis 3 laps 35:36 Deadline for copy for next edition. Monday 4th December 2017 results, reports and stories to the Editor so that a true picture of Club activities is recorded. 16th Alexander Norman 3 laps 35:36 Deadline for copy for next edition. Monday 4th December 2017 Continued on P.11 Page 4 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 9 Open Time Trials 24th Matthew Cook 1:00:21 25th David Course 7 laps 44:47 Wednesday 19th July VTTA 25th Jon Friend 1:00:22 New Committee. 31st Oswin Grady 6 laps 39:23 10 miles F11/10 29th David Cook 1:02:17 The following have been appointed to 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip Results 32nd Mick Case 1:04:04 the committee. 7 laps 38:30 9th Paul French 21:06 Winner Leon Wright Chairman, Ian McDonnell Vet Male 50+ Winner Geir Robibson Race Hub 52:35 Secretary, Jon Carver 20th Jon Friend 7 laps 45:57 Regents Park Roulers 19:00 ------Treasurer, Jackie Popland 45th Alastair Fadden 6 laps 43:41 ------Sunday 6th August RTTC National Membership Sec., Jon Carver 1st Simon Hime, Finchley RT Saturday 22nd July N&DCA Championship 25 miles British Cycling Sec., Manz Khan 7 laps 41:32 25 miles F14/10 =132nd Paul French 55:20 Club Events Sec., Vacant ------19th Andrewmark Smith 1:02:26 Winner Daniel Bingham Captain - Men, David Cook Saturday 30th September Race 2. 21st David Cook 1:03:22 Brother NRG Wattshop 45:50 Captain - Women, Joy Wilkinson CC Luton Winner Paul Pardoe ------Road Race Co-ordinator, Vacant U10 Girls Peterborough CC 55:05 Sunday 20th August CC London Time Trial Co-ordinator, Vacant 4th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 11:23 ------25 miles F10/25 Evening League Sec., Mick Case 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers Sunday 23rd July Verulam CC 10th Jon Friend 59:08 Junior Sec & GoRide Sam Baylis 3 laps 08:22 25 miles F1b/25 Winner Luke Clarke Clubhouse Sec., Vacant U12 Boys 13th Matt Donovan 57:21 TMG Horizon Cycling Team 53:18 Maintenance Sec., Vacant Harvey Taggart 4 laps 16:19 Winner Matt Sinclair ------Time Trial Recorder, Patrick Smith 1st Oscar Martin, Team Milton Keynes Lutterworth Cycle Centre RT 51:27 Sunday 27th August VTTA Championship Social Sec., Chris Wilson 6 laps 12:27 ------25 miles E2/25 Webmaster, Graham Laming U14 Boys Saturday 29th July Chronos RT 28th Grant Orsborn +15:39 53:55 Editor, Terry Bush 14th Jake Manning 3 laps 34:16 10 miles F2/10 54th Jon Friend +13:22 55:04 Communication Sec., Vacant 17th James Baylis 3 laps 37:32 43rd AndrewM Smith 22:46 69th David Cook +11:16 59:22 Club Kit Coordinator, Simon Stevens 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC Winner Ross Clarke Winner Peter Horsnell +22:19 4 laps 33:33 TMG Horizon Cycling Team 19:51 Chelmer CC 1:07:45 Vet Male 40-49 ------31st David Course 6 laps 53:31 Sunday 30th July East Anglia VTTA Saturday 2nd September N&DCA 44th Oswin Grady 5 laps 45:52 25 miles E2/25 10 miles NC16H Cyclo Cross 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip 46th Jon Friend (+11:57) 56:17 24th AndrewMark Smith 25:43 Central League Series 6 laps 46:23 58th Grant Orsborn (+11:03) 58:31 David Cook 26:22 Saturday 23rd September Race 1. Vet Male 50+ 60th David Cook (+10:55) 59:43 Winner Scott Walker Welwyn Wheelers 43rd Alastair Fadden 5 laps 48:05 70th John Mitcalf (+9:38) 57:01 Team Bottrill/HSS Hire 22:04 U10 Girls 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles Winner Kevin Tye (+20:08) ------4th Cecelia Linden 2 laps 12:31 5 laps 38:08 VeloRefined.com Aerosmiths 48:57 Saturday 2nd September Team Velovelocity 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers ------25 miles E2/25 2 laps 07:42 Sunday 8th October Race 3. Sunday 6th August Beds Road CC 59th Paul French 52:33 U14 Boys Leighton Buzzard RCC Charity 25 miles F1b/25 78th Jon Friend 53:32 15th James Baylis 4 laps 37:06 U10 Girls 8th Thomas Robb 55:29 80th Grant Orsborn 53:36 19th Jack Peters 3 laps 33:19 5th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 13:26 15th Grant Orsborn 58:22 Winner Kevin Tye 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers 19thCody Nelson (J) 59:37 VeloRefined.com Aerosmiths 47:08 5 laps 31:14 3 laps 10:33 22nd John Mitcalf 1:00:05 ______Vet Male 40-49 U14 Boys

Continued on P.10 Page 8 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 5 Beyond this, long downhill sections en- a few cattle grids which require careful Cycling inspiration: Beautiful Bedfordshire to the right and you will catch a glimpse of able a quick recovery, before the route negotiation, particularly when wet. (This article first appeared in Cycling the two Cardington Sheds, huge structures rejoins the outward journey at Wilden, A great place to stop and admire the river World magazine May 2017, with the title which dominate the skyline for miles. with a second chance to appreciate Barford Great Ouse is at Danish Camp in Willington, “Cycling Challenges in the Quiet Bed- These were originally built during the an unexpected Norwegian log cabin fordshire Countryside”) First World War for the construction of providing refreshments and various airships. More recently, they have pro- entertainment events throughout the It doesn’t take long to realise that flatlands vided cavernous space to build the large year. have their own arsenal to throw at you to sets used in the filming of Batman Begins For those whose love lies in moun- test your cycling mettle. Having moved and The Dark Knight and rumours of the tain biking, head to Chicksands Bike from the somewhat hilly environment of latest film stars to grace the sheds abound. Park for high octane jumps; or to the Yorkshire to the county of Bedfordshire, Coming full circle, the sheds are currently trails near Woburn Sands, and the I made the mistake of thinking that cycling used as the home for the development of Forest of Marston Vale in Marston would be easy. But the agricultural the Airlander. If you spot a line of people Moretaine for the low octane ver- landscape, where fences and hedges are holding binoculars to their faces staring sion. few and far between, allows fierce winds across the field, this usually means a And if all this cycling ends in an un- to stream across the land and test your flight is imminent and well worth the wait. expected mechanical, two local bike resolve. I now always check the local Returning past the club house, the route shops offer coffee and cake alongside weather forecast to determine whether to heads towards Cople, turning right repairs, and the opportunity to gaze at face the headwind, or have the aid of a through the village. Grassy fields lie on new shiny things: Flamme Rouge Cy- tailwind to grab a Strava segment. Days both sides before reaching the first test: cles in Bedford; and Stripes Bikes in with no wind are a rarity to be savoured. Moxhill. Well, to be fair, most people Woburn Sands, the kick off place of What else does Bedfordshire offer? would consider this just a slight undulation choice for heading to the mountain Towards the end of the long winter months in the landscape but the previous fast run biking trails. local clubs offer their Reliability Rides, along the flat has lulled you into a false So what does Bedfordshire offer with a chance to test yourself against sense of an easy ride. A few gear changes Gt. Barford the cyclist? Quiet roads winding sometimes pretty adverse weather before and you’re at the top. Avoid the enticing through tidy farmlands and wood- spring takes hold. Bedfordshire Road long straight downhill section and instead Bridge before eventually arriving back at lands, with wildlife aplenty. Not for- Cycling Club offers not one but two such the clubhouse. getting the numerous cafes on hand offer- events during the month of February, an Alternative cycling routes are present in ing succour to the weary. excellent way to get out and explore the the form of Sustrans route 51. Not to be Still want hills? Two legendary slopes local region. confused with Area 51, which is a US air offer the autumnal hill climbing challenge The 60 mile route offered by the club is an force base in Nevada rumoured to hold for local clubs: Sharpenhoe Clappers opportunity to clock up a metric century and alien life, route 51 offers its own hazards (maximum gradient 15.5%) and Bow starts and finishes at the club house which in the form of walkers, dogs, and chil- Brickhill (maximum gradient 19.5%). lies in the small village of Cardington to dren on bicycles. From Priory Park in Each will test you to the limit and are the south east of Bedford. Bedford to Sandy, the route follows an definitely not for the faint hearted, even Before starting the ride proper, it’s worth old railway link, offering flat, traffic-free without a headwind. taking a short detour, turning right out of cycling. It is feasible for a road bike but the club house and heading west. The road is better with a hybrid or mountain bike to Joy Wilkinson (Ladies Captain, BRCC) quickly takes a sharp turn to the left. turn left past Sheerhatch Wood. Take a cope with nature’s offerings of leaves and Copyright © 2017 Joy Wilkinson, all After 100 m or so, look across the field deep breath of damp, loamy woodland twigs that litter the surface, in addition to rights reserved.

Continued on P.6 Page 6 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 7 air and, if you’re heading this way at the the Augustinian Bushmead Priory, open experience. This peace provides prepa- ubiquitous rabbits. start of spring, have a careful look into only on the first Saturday of the month. ration for the only busy stretch, a short Continue on from the park to Chellington the trees to spy the carpet of bluebells It does, however, provide a useful off stint on the A6 on the way to Wymington. where a sharp left forces you to conduct a amongst the shadows. road space for a brief rest, adjustment of Straight roads now give way to ones speedy gear change as the road suddenly Other things to keep an eye out for on pesky mudguards, puncture repairs, and which curve around the contours of the slopes up without prior warning. A long the ride are the elusive and shy muntjac the like. landscape as they sweep around fields uphill drag where dry stone walls frame deer, badgers, foxes, hares, rabbits, and Once past Little Staughton, head towards and farms. Take a chance to admire 18th views of fields with woodland beyond. don’t forget to look upwards into the Pertenhall, Swineshead and Yelden. An century thatched stone cottages in the vil- Curvaceous lanes snake up and down, blue sky for buzzards circling overhead alternative route for another occasion is lage of Podington. Feel free to take a leading eventually down to the river at searching for prey. deep lungful of air, you may just catch Felmersham, with more stone cottages to The route now takes the perfume of honeysuckle emanating admire before heading on to Milton Ernest. you through a series of from someone’s garden. Here the Coffee Shop at the garden centre villages: Moggerhanger, Next stop: Harrold - Odell country park provides a further option for refreshments to Chalton, and Blunham, with refreshments and cycle racks available celebrate completing two thirds of the before crossing the at the Dragonfly café in the visitors centre. ride. River Great Ouse over The cake selection is usually amazing and The final third takes you back across the old Barford Bridge and you’ve earned it by now! Be aware that A6 to the windmill at Thurleigh, currently a into Great Barford. the café can get very busy, particularly if B&B which provides a useful marker for This is a good chance the sun is shining which attracts walkers the right hand turn past Salph End Farm. to appreciate traditional Another tearoom awaits English villages with with coffee and cake as thatched cottages, quiet well as tea. roads, cosy Tudor style One final challenge re- pubs, and marvel at mains to further sap tired the engineering feat of Yelden legs and this is Church the bridge as you look Hill in Ravensden. It down at colourful narrow boats lazily to continue onto Great Staughton from starts off with a gradual floating down the river. Little Staughton, and then to Perry and incline, then a slight pla- The A1 provides a natural boundary to the shores of Grafham Water. A café at teau before the gradient the east with few places for cyclists to the visitors centre gives stunning views increases. Looking up, cross safely, and most cycle routes take across the reservoir, denoted as a site of you can see the top. Or the safer option heading north over the Special Scientific Interest with diverse what you think is the top top of the busy A421. If you feel in need habitats for birds. A ten mile circular because the road sneaks of a coffee or more substantial sustenance, cycle track takes you around the water’s Grebe Lake at Harrold - Odell country park away with a sharp angled a short detour following signs to Chawston edge, a trail most suitable for hybrid and bend to the left. And will take you to the Edible Kitchen, a mountain bikes and great with children. and cyclists alike. But this does give you slots in a final kick in gradient, just as cycling friendly café situated on a chilli The land evens out once more towards chance to rest and admire the wildlife you think you have finished, forcing an farm. Yelden, with gently rolling curves helping skimming across Grebe Lake – over 160 even greater effort before the relief as Retrace your steps to continue to Colmworth, you glide past peaceful pastures. Be species of birds can be spotted, and if the road eventually levels out. On a 20 where gently rolling countryside gives careful of taking too deep a breath of the birds are not your thing, study the wild mile trip, this hill is just a slight irritation way to a more lumpy roller coaster ride- fresh country air, a recent spread of manure flowers and see if you can spy a fox or but now, towards the end of a 60 mile like experience. Trees on the right hide on the land can make this an unpleasant a weasel or even a shrew amongst the ride, it requires slightly more effort. Continued on P.8 Page 6 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 7 air and, if you’re heading this way at the the Augustinian Bushmead Priory, open experience. This peace provides prepa- ubiquitous rabbits. start of spring, have a careful look into only on the first Saturday of the month. ration for the only busy stretch, a short Continue on from the park to Chellington the trees to spy the carpet of bluebells It does, however, provide a useful off stint on the A6 on the way to Wymington. where a sharp left forces you to conduct a amongst the shadows. road space for a brief rest, adjustment of Straight roads now give way to ones speedy gear change as the road suddenly Other things to keep an eye out for on pesky mudguards, puncture repairs, and which curve around the contours of the slopes up without prior warning. A long the ride are the elusive and shy muntjac the like. landscape as they sweep around fields uphill drag where dry stone walls frame deer, badgers, foxes, hares, rabbits, and Once past Little Staughton, head towards and farms. Take a chance to admire 18th views of fields with woodland beyond. don’t forget to look upwards into the Pertenhall, Swineshead and Yelden. An century thatched stone cottages in the vil- Curvaceous lanes snake up and down, blue sky for buzzards circling overhead alternative route for another occasion is lage of Podington. Feel free to take a leading eventually down to the river at searching for prey. deep lungful of air, you may just catch Felmersham, with more stone cottages to The route now takes the perfume of honeysuckle emanating admire before heading on to Milton Ernest. you through a series of from someone’s garden. Here the Coffee Shop at the garden centre villages: Moggerhanger, Next stop: Harrold - Odell country park provides a further option for refreshments to Chalton, and Blunham, with refreshments and cycle racks available celebrate completing two thirds of the before crossing the at the Dragonfly café in the visitors centre. ride. River Great Ouse over The cake selection is usually amazing and The final third takes you back across the old Barford Bridge and you’ve earned it by now! Be aware that A6 to the windmill at Thurleigh, currently a into Great Barford. the café can get very busy, particularly if B&B which provides a useful marker for This is a good chance the sun is shining which attracts walkers the right hand turn past Salph End Farm. to appreciate traditional Another tearoom awaits English villages with with coffee and cake as thatched cottages, quiet well as tea. roads, cosy Tudor style One final challenge re- pubs, and marvel at mains to further sap tired the engineering feat of Yelden legs and this is Church the bridge as you look Hill in Ravensden. It down at colourful narrow boats lazily to continue onto Great Staughton from starts off with a gradual floating down the river. Little Staughton, and then to Perry and incline, then a slight pla- The A1 provides a natural boundary to the shores of Grafham Water. A café at teau before the gradient the east with few places for cyclists to the visitors centre gives stunning views increases. Looking up, cross safely, and most cycle routes take across the reservoir, denoted as a site of you can see the top. Or the safer option heading north over the Special Scientific Interest with diverse what you think is the top top of the busy A421. If you feel in need habitats for birds. A ten mile circular because the road sneaks of a coffee or more substantial sustenance, cycle track takes you around the water’s Grebe Lake at Harrold - Odell country park away with a sharp angled a short detour following signs to Chawston edge, a trail most suitable for hybrid and bend to the left. And will take you to the Edible Kitchen, a mountain bikes and great with children. and cyclists alike. But this does give you slots in a final kick in gradient, just as cycling friendly café situated on a chilli The land evens out once more towards chance to rest and admire the wildlife you think you have finished, forcing an farm. Yelden, with gently rolling curves helping skimming across Grebe Lake – over 160 even greater effort before the relief as Retrace your steps to continue to Colmworth, you glide past peaceful pastures. Be species of birds can be spotted, and if the road eventually levels out. On a 20 where gently rolling countryside gives careful of taking too deep a breath of the birds are not your thing, study the wild mile trip, this hill is just a slight irritation way to a more lumpy roller coaster ride- fresh country air, a recent spread of manure flowers and see if you can spy a fox or but now, towards the end of a 60 mile like experience. Trees on the right hide on the land can make this an unpleasant a weasel or even a shrew amongst the ride, it requires slightly more effort. Continued on P.8 Page 8 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 5 Beyond this, long downhill sections en- a few cattle grids which require careful Cycling inspiration: Beautiful Bedfordshire to the right and you will catch a glimpse of able a quick recovery, before the route negotiation, particularly when wet. (This article first appeared in Cycling the two Cardington Sheds, huge structures rejoins the outward journey at Wilden, A great place to stop and admire the river World magazine May 2017, with the title which dominate the skyline for miles. with a second chance to appreciate Barford Great Ouse is at Danish Camp in Willington, “Cycling Challenges in the Quiet Bed- These were originally built during the an unexpected Norwegian log cabin fordshire Countryside”) First World War for the construction of providing refreshments and various airships. More recently, they have pro- entertainment events throughout the It doesn’t take long to realise that flatlands vided cavernous space to build the large year. have their own arsenal to throw at you to sets used in the filming of Batman Begins For those whose love lies in moun- test your cycling mettle. Having moved and The Dark Knight and rumours of the tain biking, head to Chicksands Bike from the somewhat hilly environment of latest film stars to grace the sheds abound. Park for high octane jumps; or to the Yorkshire to the county of Bedfordshire, Coming full circle, the sheds are currently trails near Woburn Sands, and the I made the mistake of thinking that cycling used as the home for the development of Forest of Marston Vale in Marston would be easy. But the agricultural the Airlander. If you spot a line of people Moretaine for the low octane ver- landscape, where fences and hedges are holding binoculars to their faces staring sion. few and far between, allows fierce winds across the field, this usually means a And if all this cycling ends in an un- to stream across the land and test your flight is imminent and well worth the wait. expected mechanical, two local bike resolve. I now always check the local Returning past the club house, the route shops offer coffee and cake alongside weather forecast to determine whether to heads towards Cople, turning right repairs, and the opportunity to gaze at face the headwind, or have the aid of a through the village. Grassy fields lie on new shiny things: Flamme Rouge Cy- tailwind to grab a Strava segment. Days both sides before reaching the first test: cles in Bedford; and Stripes Bikes in with no wind are a rarity to be savoured. Moxhill. Well, to be fair, most people Woburn Sands, the kick off place of What else does Bedfordshire offer? would consider this just a slight undulation choice for heading to the mountain Towards the end of the long winter months in the landscape but the previous fast run biking trails. local clubs offer their Reliability Rides, along the flat has lulled you into a false So what does Bedfordshire offer with a chance to test yourself against sense of an easy ride. A few gear changes Gt. Barford the cyclist? Quiet roads winding sometimes pretty adverse weather before and you’re at the top. Avoid the enticing through tidy farmlands and wood- spring takes hold. Bedfordshire Road long straight downhill section and instead Bridge before eventually arriving back at lands, with wildlife aplenty. Not for- Cycling Club offers not one but two such the clubhouse. getting the numerous cafes on hand offer- events during the month of February, an Alternative cycling routes are present in ing succour to the weary. excellent way to get out and explore the the form of Sustrans route 51. Not to be Still want hills? Two legendary slopes local region. confused with Area 51, which is a US air offer the autumnal hill climbing challenge The 60 mile route offered by the club is an force base in Nevada rumoured to hold for local clubs: Sharpenhoe Clappers opportunity to clock up a metric century and alien life, route 51 offers its own hazards (maximum gradient 15.5%) and Bow starts and finishes at the club house which in the form of walkers, dogs, and chil- Brickhill (maximum gradient 19.5%). lies in the small village of Cardington to dren on bicycles. From Priory Park in Each will test you to the limit and are the south east of Bedford. Bedford to Sandy, the route follows an definitely not for the faint hearted, even Before starting the ride proper, it’s worth old railway link, offering flat, traffic-free without a headwind. taking a short detour, turning right out of cycling. It is feasible for a road bike but the club house and heading west. The road is better with a hybrid or mountain bike to Joy Wilkinson (Ladies Captain, BRCC) quickly takes a sharp turn to the left. turn left past Sheerhatch Wood. Take a cope with nature’s offerings of leaves and Copyright © 2017 Joy Wilkinson, all After 100 m or so, look across the field deep breath of damp, loamy woodland twigs that litter the surface, in addition to rights reserved.

Continued on P.6 Page 4 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Issue 102 Page 9 Open Time Trials 24th Matthew Cook 1:00:21 25th David Course 7 laps 44:47 Wednesday 19th July VTTA 25th Jon Friend 1:00:22 New Committee. 31st Oswin Grady 6 laps 39:23 10 miles F11/10 29th David Cook 1:02:17 The following have been appointed to 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip Results 32nd Mick Case 1:04:04 the committee. 7 laps 38:30 9th Paul French 21:06 Winner Leon Wright Chairman, Ian McDonnell Vet Male 50+ Winner Geir Robibson Race Hub 52:35 Secretary, Jon Carver 20th Jon Friend 7 laps 45:57 Regents Park Roulers 19:00 ------Treasurer, Jackie Popland 45th Alastair Fadden 6 laps 43:41 ------Sunday 6th August RTTC National Membership Sec., Jon Carver 1st Simon Hime, Finchley RT Saturday 22nd July N&DCA Championship 25 miles British Cycling Sec., Manz Khan 7 laps 41:32 25 miles F14/10 =132nd Paul French 55:20 Club Events Sec., Vacant ------19th Andrewmark Smith 1:02:26 Winner Daniel Bingham Captain - Men, David Cook Saturday 30th September Race 2. 21st David Cook 1:03:22 Brother NRG Wattshop 45:50 Captain - Women, Joy Wilkinson CC Luton Winner Paul Pardoe ------Road Race Co-ordinator, Vacant U10 Girls Peterborough CC 55:05 Sunday 20th August CC London Time Trial Co-ordinator, Vacant 4th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 11:23 ------25 miles F10/25 Evening League Sec., Mick Case 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers Sunday 23rd July Verulam CC 10th Jon Friend 59:08 Junior Sec & GoRide Sam Baylis 3 laps 08:22 25 miles F1b/25 Winner Luke Clarke Clubhouse Sec., Vacant U12 Boys 13th Matt Donovan 57:21 TMG Horizon Cycling Team 53:18 Maintenance Sec., Vacant Harvey Taggart 4 laps 16:19 Winner Matt Sinclair ------Time Trial Recorder, Patrick Smith 1st Oscar Martin, Team Milton Keynes Lutterworth Cycle Centre RT 51:27 Sunday 27th August VTTA Championship Social Sec., Chris Wilson 6 laps 12:27 ------25 miles E2/25 Webmaster, Graham Laming U14 Boys Saturday 29th July Chronos RT 28th Grant Orsborn +15:39 53:55 Editor, Terry Bush 14th Jake Manning 3 laps 34:16 10 miles F2/10 54th Jon Friend +13:22 55:04 Communication Sec., Vacant 17th James Baylis 3 laps 37:32 43rd AndrewM Smith 22:46 69th David Cook +11:16 59:22 Club Kit Coordinator, Simon Stevens 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC Winner Ross Clarke Winner Peter Horsnell +22:19 4 laps 33:33 TMG Horizon Cycling Team 19:51 Chelmer CC 1:07:45 Vet Male 40-49 ------31st David Course 6 laps 53:31 Sunday 30th July East Anglia VTTA Saturday 2nd September N&DCA 44th Oswin Grady 5 laps 45:52 25 miles E2/25 10 miles NC16H Cyclo Cross 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip 46th Jon Friend (+11:57) 56:17 24th AndrewMark Smith 25:43 Central League Series 6 laps 46:23 58th Grant Orsborn (+11:03) 58:31 David Cook 26:22 Saturday 23rd September Race 1. Vet Male 50+ 60th David Cook (+10:55) 59:43 Winner Scott Walker Welwyn Wheelers 43rd Alastair Fadden 5 laps 48:05 70th John Mitcalf (+9:38) 57:01 Team Bottrill/HSS Hire 22:04 U10 Girls 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles Winner Kevin Tye (+20:08) ------4th Cecelia Linden 2 laps 12:31 5 laps 38:08 VeloRefined.com Aerosmiths 48:57 Saturday 2nd September Team Velovelocity 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers ------25 miles E2/25 2 laps 07:42 Sunday 8th October Race 3. Sunday 6th August Beds Road CC 59th Paul French 52:33 U14 Boys Leighton Buzzard RCC Charity 25 miles F1b/25 78th Jon Friend 53:32 15th James Baylis 4 laps 37:06 U10 Girls 8th Thomas Robb 55:29 80th Grant Orsborn 53:36 19th Jack Peters 3 laps 33:19 5th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 13:26 15th Grant Orsborn 58:22 Winner Kevin Tye 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers 19thCody Nelson (J) 59:37 VeloRefined.com Aerosmiths 47:08 5 laps 31:14 3 laps 10:33 22nd John Mitcalf 1:00:05 ______Vet Male 40-49 U14 Boys

Continued on P.10 Issue 102 Page 10 Issue 102 Page 3 16th James Baylis 6 laps 39:09 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Ethan Stevenson, Team Milton Keynes 4 laps 32:30 CLUB MEMBERSHIP 7 laps 37:28 Race 5 (Continued) Vet Male 40-49 Senior Male SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE ON JANUARY 1st 21st David Course 9 laps 43:59 37th Michael Laborero 8 laps 1:09:41 55th Oswin Grady 8 laps 42:20 1st James Hyde, Renvale RT Joining Fee** £ 5 Membership Secretary:- Jon Carver. 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles 9 laps 1:01:47 Senior 18+ £20 Subscriptions may be renewed by contacting Jon 9 laps 40:25 Vet Male 40-49 Couples £25 in person at the Clubroom, Vet Male 50+ 26th David Course 6 laps 51:00 Family (Couple +under 18’s on line via the Club website, 34 th Alastair Fadden 8 laps 42:03 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip in full-time education) £33 by post to :- 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden 6 laps 43:50 Junior (16-17 yrs) £ 8 Membership Secretary, Bedfordshire Road C.C. 9 laps 41:13 Vet Male 50+ Juvenile (12-15 yrs) £ 6 Southill Road, Cardington, Bedfordshire, Novice Men 17th Jon Friend 5 laps 42:01 Under 12 years old Free MK44 3SX 24th Chris Priestley 5 laps 33:56 41st Alastair Fadden 4 lps 39:40 60+ on 1st January £10 Please make cheques payable to ‘Beds Road C.C.’, 1st Steve Wootton, Team Milton Keynes 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden Or by Bank Transfer to :- 6 laps 33:22 5 laps 38:35 ** Applies to new members and ex- Lloyds TSB, High St, Bedford. ------isting members who renew after Account Name Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club Sunday 15th October Race 4. Sunday 29th October Race 6. 31st March . Account No. 01293926 - Sort Code 30-90-66 Hemel Hempstead CC Kingston Wheelers & GS Prestige Please use the reference Joe Bloggs-subs* so Members who have not renewed by U10 Girls Vet Male 50+ that we can identify from whom and why re- 31st March are presumed to have 3rd Cecelia Linden 5 laps 13:06 24th Alastair Fadden 5 laps 43:41 mittance was made. resigned. They will need to re-apply 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden for membership after this date. 6 laps 12:38 5 laps 38:04 *Change to your real name (some people didn’t) Vet Male 40-49 Vet Women 29th Oswin Grady 6 laps 40:45 4th Gill Fullen 5 laps 47:25 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip 1st Helen Boatman, Team Milton Keynes Magazine distribution 7 laps 40:21 5 laps 45:48 Please read carefully. Vet Male 50+ ------21st Jon Friend 7 laps 46:24 Sunday 5th November Race 7. Members for whom we have no e-mail address will continue to receive the 1st Dave McMullen, Cotswold Veldrijden Icknield RC magazine in the post. 7 laps 42:16 U10 Girls Members for whom we have a current e-mail address will receive an e-mail ------4th Cecelia Linden 3 laps 10:59 containing a link to the Club web site, where the magazine can be read or Saturday 21st October Race 5. 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Streamers downloaded. If this does not happen it means that we do not have your correct Team MK 4 laps 11:28 address and you should contact the Editor as soon as possible. U10 Girls U14 Boys Members with an e-mail address, but who prefer to receive a paper copy, can 3rd Cecelia Linden 4 laps 10:23 Jake Manning 3 laps 31:17 still do so by contacting the Editor (details on back page.) 1st Katie Allsop, Hillingdon Slipstreamers Alexander Norman 3 laps 32:46 5 laps 11:15 James Baylis 3 laps 35:35 British Library U14 Boys Jack Peters 3 laps 38:44 A copy of this magazine is kept in the British Library and forms an important part of the Club 11th Jake Manning 3 laps 32:35 History. It is vital therefore, that accounts are as complete as possible. Would you all please send 15th James Baylis 3 laps 35:36 Deadline for copy for next edition. Monday 4th December 2017 results, reports and stories to the Editor so that a true picture of Club activities is recorded. 16th Alexander Norman 3 laps 35:36 Deadline for copy for next edition. Monday 4th December 2017 Continued on P.11 Issue 102 Page 2 The Bedfordshire Cyclist Page 11 1st Euan Woodliffe, Welwyn Wheelers CC 1st Roy Chamberlain, Team Corley Cycles Diary of Events 4 laps 31:19 6 laps 41:54 Thursday 2nd November Turbo training sessions begin. Clubroom. Time to be announced Vets Male 40-49 Novice Men 77th Jonathan Narbett 5 laps 48:39 1st Simon Norman 4 laps 36:00 Sunday 5th November Central League Cyclo Cross, Icknield RC - Shuttleworth College 1st Neil Ellison, WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip Vet Women 6 laps 42:42 4th Gill Fullen 5 laps 44:27 Thursday 9th November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced Vet Male 50+ 1st Helen Boatman, Team Milton Keynes 33rd Alastair Fadden 5 laps 42:19 5 laps 42:35 Thursday 16th November Turbo training sessions. Clubroom. Time to be announced