Discover a world of Freedom

With over 90 years of history and heritage to our name, there isn't much we don't know about all disciplines of cycling. Our roots are firmly set in touring with club members having explored over 60 countries at the last count. Needless to say we know the lanes of , and like the backs of our hands - so our weekly Sunday touring rides will take you to places from your doorstep that you never knew existed.

But that's not to say that's all we offer! If you join our Saturday and mid-week training rides, you'll really be in the company of some quality cyclists. Our racing members are some of the best in the country with five National Team Hill Climb victories to our name in the past 11 years, numerous time trial victories at country and national level and even an ex-national road race champion on our membership list. Club members have also participated in sportive events and our club rides will certainly get you fit for these.

If the recent Team GB & Team Sky successes have inspired you to get out on your bike then contact us now to discover a whole new world of fun, freedom and adventure. Riding in a group is easier than riding on your own so come and give it a try and see where and District CTC will take you!

New Members

This Section welcomes anyone who would like to try out our various activities. These include regular Saturday & Sunday club rides, Y.H.A. and camping weekends and a clubroom with a social programme from September to April.

Prior membership of the C.T.C. is not essential for new members but it does provide £10m third party insurance cover (which protects you on and off-road, including Sportives and Time trialling) and is necessary for anyone participating in club competitions. Full membership should be taken out after a trial period of approx. one month and prior to participating in any Y.H.A. trips, standard rides, time trials and club competition events.

Riders under 16 may participate in club rides provided they are accompanied by an adult or have the committee’s permission to ride with the club. All riders under 16 need to have their parent’s permission before participating in any club activities. A disclaimer will be required by the committee as proof of this. These can be obtained from the club secretary. (Inside front cover)

2015 Editorial: Helen Dawson-Smith Le Grand Départ

Well, yet another fantastic summer! It started early and finished late, just like a good “A” run should.

The highlight of the worldwide cycling calendar came right to our doorsteps, and the people of Britain really embraced “Le Tour”, making the 2014 race one to remember. One Grassington farmer even sprayed his sheep yellow in honour of the great race! The first stage started in and passed through the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales to finish in . Unfortunately, Britain’s Mark Cavendish crashed during the sprint finish. The second stage started in , over Blubberhouses and south to Keighley, before heading off to Hebden Bridge and over the bleak moors to . The third day headed south from Cambridge to finish on the Mall in London. The weather was kind for the three days, and only one Briton was out of the race by the time it left our shores. (Chris Froome, one of the race favourites, crashed several times before retiring on stage 5.) Our local boy, Sir Bradley wasn’t included in Sky’s team. Many of our members made their way to watch some of the stage, and their photos are on pages 20 - 22.

The Yorkshire tour organisers have set the date for the 1st “Tour de Yorkshire” from 1st – 3rd May 2015, a major new international cycle race, backed by . There is also going to be a “mass ride/sportive” for the likes of us, so make sure you get some training in over winter. If it’s anything like the “sportive” that our own ex-Olympian Dave Cook writes about on pages 13-18, then I will be watching it from a comfy bit of dry-stone wall!

Surely this surge of interest in British cycling has got everyone in the mood….if so; check out the exciting centre-spread for details of the next few months’ club runs. Remember that many people now turn back after a few miles, particularly those with children, so even if you didn’t want to do the whole ride, there will be someone to ride with. Several of our traditional “standard rides” are planned over the summer, including a 50km ride on 19th April, especially for those with or without children who want a shorter easier ride…and a certificate for doing it! Steve and Anni Gregson have written about their fascinating trips to Ghana and , on pages 7-8, 43-44 as well as some epic tales from days of old. Steve Hodgson has tempted me to get over to Wales for some fantastic roads that he describes. Anne and Tony have also made some great contributions (as ever), and Nick Dinsdale has kindly allowed us to reprint some of this published articles. Thanks to everyone who has put “pen to paper for this edition.

Remember that the annual Christmas YHA weekend and Christmas meal take place on 6th/7th December, and the “Spud pie do / Prize Presentation” is on 29th January; see “What’s on” on page 6.

The club room in has restarted for the winter months and we have already had (almost) record numbers of people coming down for the slide shows. Please do continue to come along and support the events which are listed in the “Social Programme” on page 26.

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BLACKBURN & DISTRICT CTC Member Group - Annual Report, 1st November 2013 – 31st October 2014.

NOVEMBER. Ken Hartley, our honorary club president, chaired the AGM once again, despite imminent treatment in hospital. 18 members attended. The clubroom was well supported for 2 picture shows – John Thorne’s Majorca (25 attendees) and the 90th Anniversary Review (22 attendees). There were 3 new winners for the competitions held this month. The 90th Birthday Treasure Hunt was won by Richard John, putting in a late challenge for the Supertourist Competition. After 30 years of trying, Dave Collinge won the Tourist Competition organised by his wife, Caroline. 10 members rode the event, in which Ian Stott came 2nd and Richard 3rd, gaining more big points for the Supertourist. Then Ian won the Freewheel and Richard was placed again, but it was still not enough to stop Tony Stott from being the overall Supertourist, 2013.

DECEMBER. Ken was in hospital again for more treatment. Tony crashed at Arnside and hurt his knee again. Ken Day returned to the clubroom after a month’s absence, following his brother Jeffrey’s illness and funeral. John Fleming passed away, sadly at Christmas. We last saw John at the 90th birthday celebrations, where he was still telling inspiring stories about Bartali and Mark Cavendish. On a better note, Anne and Tony presented “The Club Boundary” (18 attendees) and Richard did another amazing, unmissable “Fun Quiz” (14 attendees). The Xmas Party (14 attendees) was a feast of food and fun, a great Jacob’s Join and Anne’s charades. Nine members rode to Malham for the Xmas YHA weekend, where they were joined by Sarah and Eva for her first hostel trip. Jenny organised the Xmas dinner again at Waddington, attended by 22 members (minus two!). It was great to see our Swiss allies, Lucy and Neil Carta, and Chris, Lynne, Daniel and Benjamin Edmondson over Christmas. At the New Year, Ian, Jenny, Richard, Tara and Drew went skiing to the French Alps, while Anne and Tony celebrated “hootenanny” with the Helliwells. New Year’s Eva - she stayed out with Sarah and Carl, in Clayton, till the early hours!

The 2014 club magazine was a superb, bumper edition, compiled by Helen Dawson- Smith, containing vital information about our club, quizzes, and articles by Sam Bidwell, Steve Hodgson, Nick Mackey, Steve and Anni Gregson, Nick Dinsdale, Ian and Jenny, Caroline, Richard, Anne and Tony. Well done, Helen, for a fantastic edition!

JANUARY. The first club night was amazing. Dave and Caroline showed cycling clips, including a Tour de 2014 promotional video of Yorkshire, and Kyle Dempster’s extreme tour of Kyrgyzstan. As Kyle said in his video: “In this life, when you come to the end of the road, will you keep pedalling?” Only 3 riders were on the first clubrun of the year over Bowland Knotts – Mike Jay, Steve Hodgson and Nick Mackey. It was a better turnout for the next ride to Rivington, 8 in all, including 3 new members – Richard, Lorna and Graham. Then we had an amazing ride to Salford, National Cycle Route 6 on old railways and a canal towpath. 7 members had lunch at Ringley, via Clifton Lakes visitor centre. Meanwhile, back at the clubroom, there were some inspiring nights and great attendances – 30 attendees for the “Coast to Coast” (Anne & Tony), 22 attendees for Frank Whiteley’s “Extremes” and 34 attendees for the Prize Evening where “Matador” Mike Jay was awarded the Rawcliffe Trophy.

Page 2 of 48 With great sadness we learnt that Frank Whitely suddenly passed away. Our sympathies go out to Carol and her family, Bill and Rita. Jason and Stuart were top riders in this club in the 1980’s and the 1990’s.

SPRING. There were more good slide and digital shows at the clubroom, including Lakeland by Tom Melling, mystery pictures by Kenneth Day, Kilimanjaro by Mike Jay, and Ayrshire and the Bonnie Clyde by Anne and Tony Stott. Tony also organised the 2014 “Robin Hood” Treasure Hunt round Rishton, won by Ian Stott - 10 members entered including Matthew Smith (=3rd) and Eva Helliwell (=5th). We were still missing Ken Hartley at the clubroom. One of the best clubruns in Spring was over Sulber Nick and the Pennine Bridleway attended by 7 members. Paul Smith organised the 50 miles within 5 hours once again (6 riders) and also a 50 kilometre family event (14 entered from families Smith, Helliwell and Meredew plus Dave and Caroline). Just before the Giro started in Belfast, Anne and Tony set off from home to ride to Dublin, Ballycastle, Kintyre, Arran and Galloway – 4 countries, 6 ferries and 900 miles in 2 weeks. Dave and Caroline went to Germany, river wandering along the Moselle and the Rhine.

SUMMER. The 3 other reliability rides were all held during the beautiful summer. Ian Stott organised the 100 miles in 9 hours (14 riders including 7 from NLRC – Ian, Anne and Tony Stott, Ian Donohoe, Mick Bradbury, Steve Hodgson and Nick Mackey from Blackburn & District CTC, Roger Haydock, Steve Lawrenson, Steve Adair, Randal Davies, Gary Kay, Dennis Baron and Joe Curran from NLRC). Carl Helliwell organised the 200k in 12 hours (5 riders - Anne, Tony, Ian Donohoe, Steve Hodgson and Sarah). Sarah was only going to ride to Kirkby Lonsdale, but she just kept going and going! Her longest ride in the last 3 years was 50 miles before this event! Tony organised the 200 miles in 24 hours (3 riders). There are 2 Grand Slammers this year - Ian Donohoe (3rd time) and Steve Hodgson (1st time). There were some great clubruns during the summer, but the attendance has been dire. Steve Hodgson and Nick Mackey have been the stalwarts of these rides, sometimes joined by Anne and Tony, Mick Bradbury and Richard Broomhead. Top rides included Casterton Fell, Tunnel End, , and then Blackstone Edge to watch the Tour de France. What a summer! The weather was outstanding, the best year in living memory, and there were yellow bikes and bunting all over Yorkshire to celebrate the world’s greatest race. Our 2-up 10 was another brilliant event, won by Steve Stoneman and Tony Greenhalgh (Omnipex) in 20.44. Our own Ian Stott and Dave Ebbrell were 3rd in 21.20. Off first, Tony rode with Roger Haydock, and was overjoyed to do a “24” off a recipe of touring miles. 33 teams entered and Anne was well supported by our club. Dave Brown (NLRC) was timekeeper once again despite just arriving back from holiday. Unfortunately, our other regular timekeeper Geoff Tyrer (Preston Wheelers) was unable to come due to illness, but he sent a great replacement in Gail Warren ably supported by Dave Oak (). Ian organized the Spoco once again, for 43 riders round Bashall Eaves, won by Pete Williams (Haribo B) in a new event record of 24.32. Ian himself won the West Pennine 25 on the Whalley by-pass in 56.05, and Tony came 5th in 1.1.07 in his first 25 for 12 years. Tony also did a 23 minute 10, again on Whalley by-pass. Dave and Caroline went on tour to the French Alps, dipping into Switzerland and Italy. Steve Hodgson went cycling in North Wales, riding nearly every road around Bala and Snowdonia.

AUTUMN. Ian went on a tour of Switzerland visiting the Edmondsons in Neuchatel, and the Carters in Chateau d’Oeux just before Michael Carter was born! Congratulations to Lucy and Neil. The clubroom opened again and after a slow start, attendance exploded for the picture shows. Superstars was won by Tony again, but Page 3 of 48 guess who came 2nd despite making cups of tea for the club secretary all evening! Yes, it was Sean Carus! 8 people entered, including our new recruit Dave Oak, who has supported us every club night. I’ve already said that RJ’s quiz was amazing and unmissable – well, Richard organised another one, and for the 10 people who came it was just that once again. Attendance swelled into the 30’s for the picture shows, Anne and Tony’s “Four Countries”, Richard’s “End to End”, Dave Collinge’s “Wild West USA” and Steve and Barbara Thompson’s “Iceland”. The computerised Iceland show was the first to be just prints scanned in. Thanks to Tom for always washing up. There have been some great clubruns, as the long summer weather continued. Langstrathdale, and a remarkable ride around Manchester were the highlights. Plus, we had our first ever car-assisted clubrun. Nick, Steve, Anne and Tony met at Ingleton, and rode over Barbondale, the back road down to Sedbergh, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen for lunch, then Mallerstang and Ribblehead back to Ingleton. Just ace. Only Nick Mackey turned up for the Freewheel competition. Ian Donohoe is currently leading the 2014 Supertourist competition with 4 events still to be decided.

This year there have been many big setbacks and much sadness, but the club has been boosted by the return of an invigorated Ken Hartley, who has kept pedalling, plus tremendous support at the clubroom and at our races. It is now, on the cusp of a new year, that I hope the club will begin to boom again.

“In this life, when you come to the end of the road, will you keep pedalling?” Kyle Dempster.

Page 4 of 48 News Snippets

Baby Michael Jonathan Carter (pictured right) was born to Neil and Lucy on 9th September and weighed just over 8lbs (3.6kilos). Lucy had a tough time during the birth, but all the family are now doing well, and hoping to enjoy the Swiss mountains this winter.

Tony Stott, our Club Secretary qualified for free prescriptions, but no state pension nor free bus pass yet…..but he did celebrate his 60th with a party at cricket club in July (pictured left with all his ladies….and Ian!)

Tara Stott announced her engagement to Drew. They got engaged at the top of Pendle Hill on Christmas Day. (pictured right)

Also, Dave Ebbrell tied the knot to Rachel this summer.

We wish both couples all the best!

It was great to see Ken Hartley in fine fettle at the AGM meeting early November, as he has been quite unwell for some time. He has decided to step down as Chairperson after 15 years. Thank you Ken, and great to see you back.

Freewheel results, November 2014 Tourist Competition results, November Nick Mackey was undisputed winner of the 2014 freewheel 1st Nick Mackey 200 pts 1st Mick Jay 2nd Tony Stott 150 pts 2nd Sylvia Jay 3rd Mick Bradbury 100 pts Thanks to the organisers of both 4th Anne Stott (1st lady) 200 pts competitions.

The next club mag will be out next autumn. Please send any articles on anything including holidays, equipment, races, jokes, quizzes, recipes, at any time during the year to [email protected]. If you or someone you know would like to advertise in the club magazine, then please contact us.

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What’s On?

Christmas YHA Weekend to Malham Saturday 6th December – Sunday 7th December 2014. £14 pp in dormitory accommodation. See Dave Collinge for more details.

Christmas Meal at Bashall Barn, home of Bowland Brewery Sunday 7th December 2014 at 2pm 2 courses £13.95 (coffee extra) 3 courses £15.95 (includes coffee and mince pies) Order from the menu on the day. For booking, contact Anne Stott 01254 232537 before 4th December.

Prize Presentation Evening at the Club Room Thursday 29th January 2014, tickets £6. Contact Anne 01254 232537 or Caroline 01200 445245 for details and tickets.

Monday rides

Monday rides got up to 5 riders with the good weather, increasing in length and severity, all depending on the competence of the riders. For example, one day over summer we rode over Marl Hill, Tatham Fell and returned via Bowland Knotts, with a pleasant interlude at an old member`s home whilst we filled up our water bottles on a hot day. We are mostly non-Sunday riding CTC members and start from Wilpshire meeting 0915 for a 0930 start, taking a packed lunch along. Please contact Steve Gregson on [email protected] or on 01254 812458 before setting out, to check that the runs are on.

I can really vouch for these rides. I did a quick school run dash one Monday morning in summer, then met Steve and a few of his friends at Wilpshire station. We followed a route that Steve had planned on some tiny lanes around Chipping, and after a stop for a bite to eat at Inglewhite, we were on more quiet lanes back towards home. We even managed to avoid any A59 riding from Oaks Bar by taking a track that brought us out at Tiggi’s restaurant, opposite Sacchary Lane. We were home for just after 1pm, having discovered some new cycling roads, and with over 45 miles under our belts. Definitely recommended!

Helen Dawson-Smith

Page 6 of 48 Ghana The first six days in Ghana were certainly out of our recent comfort zones. Savage heat, loose tummies, heavy traffic near Accra, days with nothing more than biscuits to eat:

Leaving Accra on Jan 5th, the first ten miles on a cycle path at the side of a dual carriageway lined with micro-businesses and the road rising at between 5 and 11% as far as Aburi, where no proper food. 36 Celsius at mid-day. 6th Jan: Incessant village sprawls, ups and downs 5-10% all day, Anni hit on buttock by a car mirror, but the driver at least stopped to apologise. Scrub, bushes and isolated trees. I had been reading about the London-Edinburgh-London Audax and our days seemed to be so similar, `ride-eat-ride-eat-sleep a bit-ride`. 7th Jan: A very dusty hard shoulder with lots of rumble strips, sleeping policemen, cacti on roadside, hills to north and south. Again, 34 miles took all day, we are so slow. 8th Jan: Rolling road terrain with a final 11% hill to walk up. In addition, we cannot accurately find out about ferry times across Lake Volta and how near we can stay if there is only the one ferry at 10a.m. 9th Jan: We hear about a place to stay 20km from the ferry but no-one answers the door, so a neighbour telephones someone. We continue but there is nowhere to stay just mud huts, no food, a long way back to Mpraeso if we are isolated at the water’s edge. A big car arrives with 4 burly (but genuine) guys who invite us to return to their guest house. No thanks; we continue downhill along a dusty wide road to the ferry but one has just left however there are some wooden open boats waiting for the last four passengers, so in we go with our bicycles. Nowhere half decent to stay on the other side, so 15km in sapping heat but at least it’s flat. Plus slash and burn roadsides keep us cosy! I think it’s the second day eating only biscuits. 10th Jan: 39°C at mid-day. A sandy `piste`, washboarding, loose stones and again the slash and burn! Birdlife and bushes make for the interest. However, it’s flat. In mid-afternoon, we sat wearily on the road, fed up and whacked, but at Donkorkrom we find a restful Guest House in a garden and decide we have earned a few days rest. Ghanaians continue to be all friendly and cheerful. Longest day so far 38 miles. Mosquito nets, pills, repellent creams are all vital and require daily patience.

Heading to the ferry across Lake Volta east side, traffic had become much less now but on a sandy track I am still skidded into from behind by a motor-bike with an extra passenger carrying a bowl of fruit on her head. I had been wobbling along too. No damage.

We then put in an extra loop eastwards to the coast near Togo and found, at Keta, a Guest House by the beach with photogenic fishing boats/ men. On the way, 7 young men on side of road hand loom weaving bright Kente strips, clickety click. Further on drummers, trance-like dancers at some kind of religious or funeral event. In the lagoon, kingfishers, hornbills, plovers, stilts, weaver birds. Dragoman Tours pass us, open windows, a really strong old bus. Wonder if those adventurers are sorry or envious of us on 2 wheels?

Page 7 of 48 We continue on our `proper` holiday alongside the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, the sand and then the road, potholes connected with sand of which most lands on our shins and in the chains. Gosh we have brown legs! Or sand covered!. Cross the Volta Delta on an `engine boat`, just for us `special` price! At one point, on a lonely cul-de-sac along the coast, a Moslem lady in Blackburn Rovers top! My home town.

Eating improving too, octopus, lobster as well as the ocean’s fish. Safer than chicken. Even a gin & tonic one evening. Most days we are asked our age, cries of `Grandma`,`Grandpa` as they call folks who are past it.

West of Accra by now, we had decided to find more Rough-Stuff Touring and also avoid the main east west highway so turning west out of the Kokrobite guest house’s gate onto a hard sandy byway, this soon became a grass- centred track then a footpath, then just grass next to the beach then onto the beach until an estuary which we waded across, fast flowing so we gave 2 panniers to 2 young `porters`. The next day more dirt tracks but a nice hotel at the end. Then a 3-day diversion to the interior enjoying the cocoa plantations, short hills and hotels with colourful gardens where we ate our evening meals. Plenty of cycle repair sheds, wheel builders and even spare spokes. Another route including a walk on the beach to Elmina and a few days later to Besua after a very steep headland track. Later a visit to a slave fort bought by a Surrey farmer. A rest day and then off again only to be halted by mild threats of extortion/ protection money on another track that left us further back than when we started! Still, in February there have been some lovely days touring near beaches, palm trees and eating tasty, fresh fish.

What an experience at the frontier to the Ivory Coast , a long straight road that became full of folk selling palm kernels, other fruit and veg, plus all manner of goods on both sides of the road, exports/ imports from the Ivory Coast, trolleys moving in all directions and us trying to make progress forwards. Tall herb/ medicine sellers from Niger and Benin. Eventually we came to some closed gates and in the distance, a lagoon, perhaps 2km to the other side. The Police, then Customs then Emigration let us pass but we were nervous in case of not being let back in but in the end an officer took us to the edge of the Quay and we managed a photo. Mangos and avocado for lunch.

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That was it, our tour nominally ended; we turned our wheels for home. Just a couple of hundred miles to Accra with us rolling along in a big gear, hind-wind for the first time, and breaking a lifelong taboo when we rode the last kilometres to our guest house in pitch darkness. Yes, Ghana, ‘The White Man`s Grave’ had certainly grown on us. The Atlantic Ocean, the welcome by the lovely Ghanaians and the hot, dry weather the real plusses.

Steve Gregson, Blackburn

The First Ever Car Assisted Club Run.

Sunday 14th September 2014. 70 miles.

The smell of freshly cooked bacon filtered through the morning air as Steve, Nick, Tony and I stood outside Inglesport café, discussing our day’s route. We had all driven up early from home to meet in Ingleton at 9am. Our rough plan was to go to Kirkby Stephen for lunch, and then choose a route over to Hawes. I hadn’t ridden my bike much over the last 6 weeks and my mouth gaped open when Steve suggested Barbondale. “Yeaaahh”, I said enthusiastically punching the air with my fist.

From we took the back road, which clings majestically to the side of Casterton Fell, then up the lovely tempo climb of Barbondale. We let it rip down the descent into Dentdale, after braking for the hairpin bends. Just turning the corner before Gawthrop we came face to face with a herd of cows. We skidded to a halt. With swishing tails, mooing cautiously, and taking up every inch of the road, they all passed us, apart from two, a mother and big calf, who were getting themselves into a right frenzy. In fearful desperation, rather than pass us, they headed up the banking, and from a standing start, they jumped over the drystone wall that was at the side of the road. It was very impressive.

Page 9 of 48 From Gawthrop, we took a new road for us, the back road, by the River Dee into the market town of Sedbergh. Here, the annual sheep festival was on. There were lots of sheep replicas, dressed in all different attires, decorating the main street. The one that tickled me the most, was outside the Spar. She was dressed in kinky black knee length boots, a mini skirt, and fancy low top with big boobs, bleached blonde hair, bright red lipstick and matching handbag, Equipped with a shopping trolley, all ready to go into the Spar.

We followed the river Rawthey up Ravenstonedale between Baugh and Brant fell. Here I pointed out to everyone ’s highest waterfall above ground, Cautley Spout. Its broken cascades of water tumble 650feet down a cliff face from the high plateau of Calf Fell, the highest point of the Howgill Fells. Further up the dale a solitary man was repairing the road. Tony laughed “He was doing that when we passed him on the 200 miles in June.” At the junction of the A685 there was a road diversion sign, saying the road down to Kirkby Stephen was closed. As all Blackburn cyclists do, we ignored it! As we were dropping down the long descent to the town, we could clearly see the railway bridge was under construction. There were lots of men working and a massive crane taking up the entire road. The lads stopped and sighed, “You go first Anne,” said Steve; “We’ll stand a better chance of getting through.” “Yeah, I’ll use my womanly charms”, I saucily replied riding off. As I rode up to the bridge and the swinging crane, a man drove up in a pickup truck, leant out of the window and spoke to me, after which I turned round and waved the lads on forward. When we arrived in Kirkby Stephen, Steve asked what he said to me. “Oh” I replied laughing, “He said “You look fit. Can I take you out tonight?”” We had a discussion over lunch about the route back. After our initial enthusiasm to ride back over Tan Hill, Birkdale and the Buttertubs we agreed the most realistic option was Mallerstang.

Page 10 of 48 I love Mallerstang and its ruined Pendragon castle with its romantic Arthurian connections. It was founded by the father of King Arthur, Uther Pendragon. His army of 100 men were killed here by the Saxon invaders who poisoned their well. The road clings to the railway, between the shoulders of the bleak Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge. It’s a delightful ride. There’s more history further up the dale, at the hamlet of Outhgill, where the inventor Michael Faraday lived. He invented electricity. Ironically this was the last place in England to receive electricity.

We turned into a roaring headwind at Garsdale Head. Then received the rewarding tailwind all the way over Newby head to the finish at Ingleton. When Nick and Steve left us at Ingleton, we brewed up with the stove we had in the car. We sat relaxing in the sun, sitting on our fold-up Canada chairs, soaking in the view with new eyes. The , running below the railway viaduct, Kingsdale and Ingleborough above. I wondered where the railway station was, where it started and ended. It must have been an important place to have warranted such a massive construction over the river Greta. We later discovered that it linked Clapham to Tebay and was closed in1954. Ingleton! What a great holiday destination, mountains, river, waterfalls, caves, and an outdoor swimming pool. It had me captivated.

The first assisted car run, I thought, “What a super ride we’d had today”, with views ranging from the Lakeland hills to the Moors. In the last soft throws of sunlight we soaked in the scenic view, and felt like we were on holiday.

Anne Stott.

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Tel: 01254 55515 Email: [email protected]

Page 12 of 48 Grand Ballon by Dave Cook (Altitude, map and podium images courtesy of the vosgienne.org website)

I am currently undertaking a work secondment in Munich. Naturally as a man with no car and a couple of bikes I am becoming increasingly familiar with the generally very efficient and bike friendly German train network. With the help of this network, my ‘zone of coverage’ has gradually expanded to the extent that instead of undertaking a 3 to 4 hour Saturday ride in the Munich area (usually fuelled en-route by Kaffee und Käsekuchen in Macdonalds ‘MaCafe’… (are there any MaCafe’s in the UK ?), on one particular Saturday evening I was riding through the Douanes (border control) in Basel - passing from Switzerland into the French Alsace region. The plan was to ride over the Grand Ballon d’Alsace – the highest peak (1,424m) and road (1,325m) in the Vosges Mountains. The full blame for this little adventure goes to the panoramic poster I have of the entire Alpine range hanging on my bedroom wall... yeah – I know you can do what you want when you’re a Bachelor! Anyway, Basel didn't seem too far away from Munich - not whilst looking at the map whilst sitting in bed at least…in reality it was a 6 hour train journey away - albeit broken up with a little stop-over at Lake Constance. After an hour or so riding around Basel (nice city!) eventually finding a hotel near the airport, consuming steak tartare and chips (yes, vile I know but when in Rome… or Basel...), washing out my shorts (not as a result of the evening meal I would like to add) etc, I was ready to meet the challenge the following day – or so I thought...

Sunday morning: dull, grey and wet! This is in the lowlands of the Rhine Valley. Heaven knows what the weather would be like at 1,300 metres. Undeterred (for the moment at least), I set off and head north – direction Mulhouse and the Vosges. After having a wonderful (mmm... replace ‘wonderful’ with ‘stressful’) time negotiating the city of Mulhouse and not being able to see anything at all of the mountains despite these only being 15kms in front of me (well according to the map at least), I decided a short cut may be required. This was not just as a result of the low hanging ultra thick cloud but I did have the small constraint of having to catch a 3.00pm train to get back to Bavaria. So an executive decision was made... the Col du Hundstruck was going to have to do instead of the Grand Ballon. As it turned out, this was a nice little Col... only 350 metres or so height gain over 7 kms, steady gradient, a multitude of bends and hairpins and pretty much all in thick pine forest (welcome to the Vosges!). Anyway to cut a long introduction short – I had reached the Vosges but only really to the foothills... on the train back to Munich I convinced myself I needed more... much more!

Hence... the following week at work (as you do) saw me planning my second excursion to the Vosges. This was not going to be some small manoeuvre this time... oh no! This was going to be nothing less than a full scale invasion of pretty much the entire Vosges Massif. I duly entered ‘La Vosgienne Cyclosportive’. A 160km route crossing the Col de Hundstruck (the previous reconnaissance work would come in useful), the Petit Ballon d’Alsace and two more Cols before the three quarter point of the event was reached manifesting in a ride along scenic Route des Cretes plateau. The final quarter consisted of a descent off the plateau from the Markstein Mountain and then a small loop around into effectively the Rhine Valley before tackling the eastern approaches of the Grand Ballon via the Col Amic and then final descent to finish at the start point in the town of Thann – not too far from Mulhouse. Total height gain was declared as 3,500 metres.

Page 13 of 48 Fast forward to 8.15am on Sunday 7th September: here I am tackling the Col du Hundstruck. This time in the midst of 1000 riders with a thing called a helmet generating beads of sweat down my brow. And this time the weather was good. A little bit of cloud but otherwise blue sky. I was surely going to get much sweatier before the event was over. Anyway, no staggered start times for riders here... this is France (and I dare say anywhere else on the Continent), no matter how many punters have entered, everybody starts together (and incidentally, that includes the grandmother who got mixed up with the event on the way to buy 2 baguettes!) Using my knowledge of the Col to the best of my advantage I managed to duck and dive up to the first 20 riders by the top of the climb and even had time to mentally prepare myself for the descent which quite honestly was not for the faint hearted (which unfortunately I am!)

Mon Dieu – thank goodness I was at the head of the pack for this descent, as twisty as any helter skelter in Macdonalds children’s play area (apologies for another reference to the American fast food outlet ... I confirm I do not have a part time job there – honestly!). Needless to say, due to ‘faint-heartedness’, my position in the pack was not quite as advantageous at the bottom of the descent compared to the top. As far as I was aware there was not a total road closure in place for the event consequently I couldn't help but wonder if any of the chaps using the full width of the road ever think “Now what’s going to happen if any vehicle bigger than a Citroen 2CV is tootling along in the opposite direction?” I mention the 2CV because whilst in Germany I was fortunate enough to collide head-on into one of these vehicles. Fortunate because anything larger and I would not have been hobbling away with a bruised leg and a dented bike frame! The poor 2CV had to be taken to the knacker’s yard though (seriously). It was good to know at least that the tub glue bonding my well matured Clement Paris- Roubaix tyres to the rims appeared to be still doing its job!

There was a general slowing in the valley after the Hundstruck which allowed another regrouping of riders (including me :) ) before the next obstacle – the Little Ballon (and little it is not). I was never one for ‘frotter’ as the French say (or ‘rubbing elbows’). More literally, I believe this refers to the ability (or lack of it in my case) to not care about your front wheel disappearing up somebody’s backside as you try your utmost to stay somewhere near the front of the pack. A serious amount of ducking and diving was again required to get me back to the leading 20 riders or so. Add the word wheezing as well because, well, let’s just say old age and lack of race preparation do have a habit of creating a heavy breathing effect. I use the word ‘race’ in case anyone has been fooled by the relatively benign term ‘Cyclosportive’. Please don’t think of a group of cyclists riding two abreast, with a little bit of half-wheeling going on – this was a full on Belgium Classic scenario, full width of the road, pavement at times, knocking car wing mirrors and scaring the hell out of other road users, rider pack. I think a revised name of ‘Championnats du Monde dans les Vosges’ may have been more appropriate. As the gradient on the Ballon steepened though, naturally the field began to spread out. I was Page 14 of 48 too preoccupied trying to hold the wheel in front of me to look back down the road but inevitably there must have been a line of cyclists spreading all the way back down to the valley and beyond. The elastic at the front was gradually becoming taut... very taut. At about 5kms from the top it snapped... as a result there were about 8 riders in the first group, about 4 in the next and then me and 2 others just behind. To give you an indication of just how much I was on the limit, as we came off the old Ballon road leading up from the town of Sewen and back onto the main road near the top, the gradient raised a little and I found myself wanting to change down a gear, only.... I looked down and saw I was already in the 25 sprocket! “Jeez – have my legs gone or what?! I’m already in the 25!” Then I realised I was still in the 53 ring! Heck did I feel embarrassed, my dad always told me never to put the chain under that much lateral stress! (Sorry Dad.)

The three leading groups merged going over the summit to form a lead group 15 men strong. The Little Ballon isn’t a straight over and down kind of hill. The road runs along a plateau for a couple of kilometres. Being pretty much a tourist these days, my eyes began to wander… I spotted a nice looking Restaurant / Cafe and made a mental note for the future - under less stressful circumstances this would be a good place to lunch. I also caught a glimpse of the memorial stone to Rene Pottier, who, as everybody knows of course (J), was the first rider to get to the top of a mountain in the Tour de France (the Ballon d'Alsace was the first mountain introduced in the Tour de France in 1905). I did wonder if he had suffered as much as I had just done! I also had time to realise just how hairy my legs were! This was in complete contrast to everybody else of course who were all displaying the fruits of at least an hour’s labour with the razor. Putting me to one side, it must have looked a very professional front group. I imagine I was quite a disappointment to my fellow riders.

After thinking about food, the Tour de France, hairy legs and God knows what else, I realised that I had better prepare myself for what was inevitably going to be another hair-raising descent…

I got myself into a reasonable position - in the middle of the group. By the time we had done 4 or 5 hairpins I was well and truly at the back of what was now a fully stretched line of cyclists. The lead men were literally sprinting out of every bend and if you have ever ridden a tight circuit race before you can imagine what that does to the people at the back of the line... severe whiplash nicely sums up the experience! Just how worrying is it when you look down at the hairpin in front of you and watch the lead riders straining on the biggest gear they have got knowing that you are still freewheeling and have got to go round the apex of the bend at a silly speed before can you begin sprinting yourself to try and hold that wheel in front of you! This riding downhill lark was every bit as challenging as going up the damned hills! Needless to say I found myself in No-Mans Land (in other words, riding by myself) at the bottom of the hill. However this was soon rectified through a couple of kilometres of blatant drafting behind the service car. I remember the expression on faces as I popped back into the group again… very much an incredulous “Non! Zeez damned foreigner with the ‘airy legs, eze weez us again!”

We had probably been riding now for one and a half hours. Being a bit of a mileage man I was now beginning to feel warmed up and other than the mental stress of trying to stay alive on the descents, generally not feeling too bad. On the next climb of the Col d’Oderen which kicked up quite steeply right from the start, we started shedding riders until there was 10 of us left in the front. What was becoming rather annoying was the contents of my rather bulky rear pockets i.e. my wallet, mobile phone, car keys, pump and (of course) jam sandwiches, causing my whole jersey to oscillate wildly when climbing out of the saddle. Again I could

Page 15 of 48 sense my fellow competitors thinking “Mon Dieu... he eze still 'ere ! Lets get rid of zeez espece d’idiot before he knocks us all off our bikes!”

The summit came and went and as sure as eggs is eggs I went off the back again on what was this time a very narrow and bumpy descent (in other words I had no chance whatsoever in staying on!) This time the race cars came past me at about 200kms per hour. I assume they too had had enough of watching my pitiful descending ability by now. I was trying my best to keep within a reasonable distance of the leaders but I knew this was a totally lost cause when the route left a small town and the valley road stretched out straight in front of me for what was probably a kilometre: I think I could just about make out the back-end of an official race car in the distance. I had probably lost about one minute to the leaders on a 8km descent! Nibali would have been proud of me! Consequently I faced a very lonely 10kms ride to the next Col (de Bramont). The climb twisted up through what appeared to be an ever increasingly thick pine forest to the Route des Cretes – or the ‘Summit Drive’ as a rough translation. The Route des Cretes runs for about 10kms along the top of the eastern half of the Vosges mountains. Not that I was looking at the scenery of course but it is a beautiful scenic road. The pine forest disappears and you are surrounded by green meadows and this is at an altitude of around 1200 metres. The most southerly point of the road is the Grand Ballon d’Alsace. The Restaurant Self-Service located there is not called the ‘La Vue des Alpes’ for nothing. Apparently on a fine day, you can see as far as 120kms from the radar station visitor viewing platform on top of the Grand Ballon.

Figure 1: Road from Kruth to Thann marks shorter route. Ballon D'Alsace is on larger route only

I realised at this point that I appeared to be possibly spending more time sight-seeing than thinking about pushing on the pedals. Thankfully two riders who had been dropped on the Col d’Oderen caught me and brought me back to my senses. Actually if truth be told they actually flew past me making very light work of the strong headwind and I had to make another nose of the saddle sprint to get onto the back of them. Unsociable sods! Since I was spending more time behind them than in front of them, I soon worked out one chap was a Belgian riding for a Brussels club, the other a German sporting (honestly) a little bit of well trimmed facial hair - almost like a more infamous ancestor of his. He was also riding very much in a

Page 16 of 48 Jan Ulrich style - i.e. pushing a massive gear. I am convinced he must have been using a 56 tooth chain ring. He would have been very much at home on the A6. Anyway as I was doing everything I could to tuck-in to their slipstream and trying to avoid doing any turns whatsoever on the front, I realised I was beginning to feel rather thirsty. I guess we had covered somewhere in the region of 100kms by now and my 2 bottles had long since been consumed. Just as I was thinking, ‘to make things a really enjoyable day, I am probably going to get cramp now! I spotted someone looking like a team manager at the side of the road with a big crate of spare bidons.... “Monsieur, je peux!?” I spluttered and was duly rewarded with a fresh bidon! Wow, I felt like I was back in my racing days again only... we were soon going to commence the next descent - down the Markstein Mountain to the town of Guebwiller. “Can I avoid being blastered away as on the 3 previous descents?!” I asked myself. I was going to have to seriously psyche myself up for this one. Just then it occurred to me that we were pretty much in the area where Contador had fallen and broken his tibia in the Tour. Great!

So a left turn at the Markstein ski station heralded the start of the “Round 4 Test of Cook’s Descending Skills”. I was focusing like I had never focused before on the German rider’s back wheel and trying to keep the gap as small as possible. The Belgian guy was sitting on my back wheel... presumably he hadn’t previously observed my descending style! I am assuming there was some historical reason or desire for Herr Ulrich to put the English competitor in as much difficulty as possible… he just couldn’t resist sprinting hard out of every bend – and I mean really accelerating: out of the saddle and lunging furiously as if he was in the final 200 metres. Needless to say, this action was having more than a minor impact behind… I was literally going cross eyed as a result of making the corresponding counter effort to try and keep any where near him. The end of the descent couldn’t come soon enough! I will pick a fight with anyone who’s says going downhill is easy! I had done it though - we were all still together!

A relatively flat section of the route now ensued as we passed through the town of Guebwiller. The civilian motorbike outrider gave us as much protection as he could as we negotiated our way through the streets… thankfully no Sunday opening yet at least so the roads were reasonably quiet - but it’s probably only a matter of time before a Tesco or Morrisons opens up. Having said this, as we were at the 130km point by now with 4 cols in the legs and still one to go, if a Morrisons had been open, I could have been easily persuaded to pop into the café for a quick pot of tea and fresh egg mayonnaise & cucumber sandwich! (Yeah it’s my favourite – and I normally turn up after 7.00pm when all the leftover sandwiches are at a reduced price - joke J).

The final col of the day was the Col Amic. From the town of Guebwiller, this is a climb on a narrow quiet back road, naturally in the middle of a pine forest, with a steady gradient providing a total height gain of something like 600m over 10kms. You can continue to climb up to the Grand Ballon from the top of the Col Amic – which essentially takes you up one half of the Grand Ballon Mountain. I am ashamed to admit that at this stage I was damned pleased we didn't have to climb all the way to the top of this mountain..! Despite the Amic only constituing 50% of the total Grand Ballon climb, the fact that 4 cols had already been covered does tend to have a somewhat non-negligible effect on just how hard any subsequent hill actually feels! Furthermore the temperature was probably now in the mid twenties centigrade and the contents of the courtesy bidon had long since vanished… yeah, I was gasping for a brew again. Luckily a Godsend arrived by way of an official feeding station at the foot of the climb. However, the question now arose of how do I stop, get a drink and scoff a bit of cake without totally losing sight of my companions and avoid having to chase like a nutter to get back? Panic over – the Belgian chap suddenly yells ‘Hey, we all stop OK!’ For a very brief moment I thought should I attempt a bit of kidology with a reply along the Page 17 of 48 lines of “Well, I do really want to continue old chap but being an Englishman, I am one for fair- play so I will stop with you”. Instead I heard myself blurting ‘Thank **** for that’. Jan also agreed to the truce and I duly plunged my empty bottle in a big ready mixed bucket of energy drink! What kind it was – I didn’t care in the slightest! In fact it could have probably been antifreeze and I probably would have drunk it all the same...! I just wish I hadn’t submerged my trackmitts in the substance at the same time! So, in addition to contaminating the contents of the bucket for the next rider, I now had the enjoyable experience of riding this final col with soaking mitts spreading sweet, sticky electrolyte drink all over my handlebars, brake levels and face (as I tried to wipe the copious amounts of snot from my nose!) To be honest I was well past caring about the niceties of what I looked like at this point. I am sure there must have been at least one family somewhere in the Alsace Region that evening absolutely bent over double in hysterics after watching me ride past on their homemade video footage of the event, mixing the style of Michel Pollentier (look him up on U-Tube if you don’t know him – 1978 Tour de France) with Lee Evans as I desperately tried to stay in contact with a mad German and a Belgian cyclist. So I clawed my way over the Amic and we even passed a rider who had been spat out the lead group. By my calculations there were now 8 riders ahead of us (probably a large number of minutes ahead of us – but that’s not important). 11th place is not bad for an old fart I told myself. Yes – I was under absolutely no illusion whatsoever that I was ever going to beat Jan and the Belgian in the final sprint. Other than a nasty little click up to the 1st World War Memorial at le Vieil Armand, it was all downhill (!) now to the town of Cernay and then a flat 6km run-in to the finish. Obviously though I couldn’t relax just yet. We still had this final downhill section to go! It was pretty much an identical experience to the previous descent i.e. cross-eyed sprinting out of every hairpin. The ferocity of the sprinting was beginning to annoy me now – the more Jan continued to sprint, the more I was determined to keep him close in my gun sights! It was like the Battle of Britain all over again (...only we were in France of course). If nothing else my descending skills had certainly improved over the course of the 160km route. It’s very doubtful I will maintain these skills for a future cyclosportive (whenever that may be) so if anyone wants to put me to the test whilst I still have this experience in my DNA, please let me know and I’ll meet you on top of Waddington Fell for the dual! I’m sure I’d lose, but it’s a question of how much I will lose by - I am confident it will be less than prior to completing this cyclosportive!

I finished in 11th position overall in the event J. We were something like 8 minutes down on the winner – who incidentally was a 40 year old! So any thoughts I had of standing up on the top spot of the Veterans podium turned out to be fruitless. This chap was over six foot tall as well and the guy who finished third Vet didn’t wait for the little prize ceremony. Hence the photograph of us two on the podium looks like something out of Jack and the Bean Stalk or something, with this giant stalk of a man looking down at me and trying to shake my hand! The post race meal of pasta and pork and a slice of apple tart was great… but there again, I suppose most things taste good after 5 hours of riding up and down (medium sized) mountains! Despite the physical and mental suffering I endured (isn't that why we do these things anyway? :)), I really enjoyed the event and I can recommend La Vosgienne Cyclo to anyone. Check out the website at vosgienne.org. There is a shorter course of 100kms as well. Note – the event is only organized every 2 years – so next event should be September 2016. Put a note in your diary… that is assuming you have a 2016 diary of course.

Page 18 of 48 Page 19 of 48 Tour de France, 2014. As mentioned in the Editorial, the response by the English public to the Tour de France’s July visit was outstanding. No-one dared to believe how the English would embrace the race as it crossed through some of their counties, most notably Yorkshire. Several of our members made individual or family trips to view the fantastic spectacle as well as a club run to the top of Crag Vale (between Hebden Bridge and Littleborough).

Here are a few shots of the events including pictures of the incredible effort that people had put into decorating their premises for the event.

Polka dot “bike” with

the “four jersey”

bunting on a dry-

stone wall in Hawes

(Anne Stott)

Mural on Haworth main street. (Anne Stott)

Page 20 of 48 Breakaway group with “veteran” Jens Voigt in the centre, riding up Wharfedale on Stage 1, Leeds to Harrogate. (Helen Dawson-Smith)

Team Omega Pharma Quickstep, with Mark Cavendish 3rd from right (just hours before he crashed out of the Tour) riding up Wharfedale on Stage 1, Leeds to Harrogate. (Helen Dawson-Smith)

Page 21 of 48

Very un-bike-friendly bike policy, only allowing 2 bikes per train!!! The last sentence “Get there quicker – avoid bringing your bike where you can” just sums up this country’s public transport system. Maybe all the Guard’s vans have been sold to other European countries that actually use them! (Helen Dawson- Smith)

Packed “fan park” at Hebden Bridge watching the events unfold on the big screen. (Helen Dawson- Smith)

Helen Dawson-Smith

Page 22 of 48 DIARY DATES 2015

* All of these events count towards The Super Tourist Competition.

Look out for hostel weekends on the club room notice board, or see Dave Collinge for information.

Thursday 8th January Signing on for racing and touring events, Club Room.

Thursday 29th January Prize Presentation Evening, Club Room

Thursday 19th March Last Club room before summer break

Sunday 19th April *50 Miles or *50km in 5 hours. Meet WBS 9.am

Sunday 17th May *100 Miles in 9 hours. Meet WBS 9.am

Thursday 21st May 2up Team Time Trial

Wednesday 10th June Spoco Event, Bashall Eaves

Sunday 14th June *200km in 12 hours. Meet WBS 8.am

Saturday 27th June *200miles in 24 hours Meet WBS 5am

Wednesday 19th August *Club Hill Climb, Close Brow 7.pm.

Sunday 6th September *Beard Cup Hill Climb

Thursday 1st October *Club Room opens for winter with Superstars competition

Sunday 1st November *Treasure Hunt and Freewheeler. Meet WBS 9.30.am

Thursday 5th November Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Saturday 5th December Christmas Youth Hostel weekend

Sunday 6th December Christmas Dinner

Thursday 17th December Christmas party at Club Room

* Event count towards the Super Tourist Competition. Entry fee for the Super Tourist events are £5 in advance (for them all) or £2 on the day for each event

Page 23 of 48

Date Destination Meet Leaving Lunch Tea Approx Time Distance (miles) 04/01/2015 Trough of Bowland WBS 09:30 Scorton 60 11/01/2015 Hunter Bark WBS 09:30 Feizor 55 18/01/2015 White Coppice BR 09:30 Brinscall 40 25/01/2015 Barden Tower WBS 09:30 Burnsall 55 01/02/2015 Cockersands Abbey RCP 09:30 Café d'Lune 60 08/02/2015 Bowland Knotts WBS 09:30 Clapham 60 15/02/2015 Ribble Estuary {Half Term 1st weekend} BR 09:30 Blackleach 50 22/02/2015 Druid's Altar, Bordley {Half Term 2nd weekend} WBS 09:30 Airton 60 01/03/2015 Cold Edge WBS 09:30 Hebden Bridge Stanbury 65 08/03/2015 Ribblehead WBS 09:30 Ingleton Waddington 70 15/03/2015 Salford Quays {Mothering Sunday 2015} ATH 09:30 Salford Belmont 70 22/03/2015 Darnbrook Fell WBS 09:30 Grassington Settle 70 29/03/2015 Tatham Fell {British Summer Time starts 2015} WBS 09:30 Ingleton Slaidburn 65

NB: Riders are reminded that it is advisable to carry maps – even the more experienced members of the club sometimes encounter route finding problems when club runs visit infrequently visited destinations.

Key: WBS => Whalley Bus Station, RCP => Ribchester Car Park, BR => Brownhill Roundabout/Traffic Lights, ATH => Town Hall

NB: All rides will LEAVE at the time stated. Please meet 15 minutes earlier, to allow for mechanical or other problems.

Page 24 of 48

Date Destination Meet Leaving Lunch Tea Approx Time Distance (miles) 05/04/2015 The Great Sea Wall {Easter Sunday} RCP 09:00 Knott End Cobble Hey 70 12/04/2015 Appletreewick WBS 09:00 Storiths Gargrave 70 19/04/2015 50 miles or 50km within 5 hours Std Ride WBS 09:45 Settle Waddington (Finish) 50 26/04/2015 Littledale RCP 09:00 Wray Gardenmakers 75 03/05/2015 Tunnel End {May Day Bank Holiday Weekend} ATH 09:00 Marsden Hebden Bridge 80 10/05/2015 Keer Valley RCP 09:00 Silverdale Feizor 90 17/05/2015 100 miles in 9 hours Standard Ride WBS 09:00 Dent Settle 100 24/05/2015 North Wirral Cycleway (Car Assisted) Railway 09:00 80 {Spring Bank Holiday Weekend} Station 31/05/2015 Low Gill WBS 09:00 Ingleton Dunsop Bridge 75 07/06/2015 Snowdon Crags Stump Cross Tea WBS 08:00 Embsay 85 Room 14/06/2015 200km in 12 hours WBS 08:00 Staveley Scorton 125 21/06/2015 Shaking Moss {Father's Day 2015} WBS 08:00 Sedbergh Horton In Ribblesdale 100 27/06/2015 200 miles in 24 hours WBS 05:00 200 28/06/2015 Austwick WBS 09:30 Feizor 50 05/07/2015 Last of the Summer Wine Country ATH 08:00 Dobcross Hebden Bridge 85

* Events count towards the Super Tourist Competition. Look out for further details on the club website.

NB: Riders are reminded that it is advisable to carry maps – even the more experienced members of the club sometimes encounter route finding problems when club runs visit infrequently visited destinations.

Key: WBS => Whalley Bus Station, RCP => Ribchester Car Park, BR => Brownhill Roundabout/Traffic Lights, ATH => Accrington Town Hall

NB: All rides will LEAVE at the time stated. Please meet 15 minutes earlier, to allow for mechanical or other problems.

Page 25 of 48 Blackburn & District CTC Club Room Dates - Social Programme 2015

Primetime Centre: Norden School, Stourton St, Rishton, Lancashire. Thursdays between 7:30pm and 9:30pm, entry subs £1

The Clubroom is an integral part of our club. It serves as a meeting place during the winter months with various activities. Please support your clubroom, especially the events where people have put themselves out to organise something (slide shows, superstars, quizzes etc.). We also have access to a table tennis table and brews are readily available…. (Ken Day and Tom Melling will always be on hand to wash up), and you can catch up on all the latest gossip and stories from club members.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB ROOM OR WE WILL LOSE IT! EVERYONE WELCOME ANYTIME. December 4 th Blast from the Past Phil Hacking. 11 th Print and Digital Competitions Anne Stott. 18 th Christmas Party. Bring some food and a party spirit. Club room is closed after tonight until January 8th 2015.

2015 - January Happy New Year Everyone! 8th Unbelievable Stunts: Cycling videos. Caroline and Dave Collinge. Signing on night for club events and race membership. 15th “We’re just going out to play, Mum”. Anne Nicholson & South America, India, and Asia Neil Stirling. 22nd Early Burns Night. Anne & Tony Stott. A tribute to Robbie Burns, (don’t forget to wear your kilt) 29th Potato Pie Prize Presentation Evening: 7pm start Tickets £6 from Anne Stott or Caroline Collinge Anne & Caroline.

February. 5th A Ken Day Special and Members’ Miscellany Ken Day/All. 12th Up the Hidden Valley. Part 1 (Slides / talk) Norman Mitchell. Pendle Witches 19th Club Room Closed For Half Term. 26th Tour de France Gala. Pictures and quiz Caroline and Dave Collinge.

March 5th Chris Miller And The Isle of Mull - Anne & Tony Stott 12th Up the Hidden Valley. Part 1 (Slides / talk) Norman Mitchell. 19th My 12 Challenges (Digital) Eddie Whittle.

The Club Room will close for the summer after the 19th March and reopen on Thursday 1st October. Thank you all for supporting our club room. This winter has been one of the best for attendance and picture shows. Have a good summer, and hope to see you all again this winter.

Page 26 of 48 THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION – over 40 years ago (adapted from Tony’s diaries). Part Four.

In 1972, the club’s summer tour was north to , with Tom Melling, Ken Day, John and Martyn Smithson and I. We caught the midnight train from Preston to Perth. Tom asked Ken what day it was, about 1.00 am, and he famously replied, “It’s today tomorrow to-now!” We rode north and saw mighty salmon leaping at Shin Falls. The Sutherland beaches were deserted and magnificent, white sands gleaming in the endless sunshine. Tom was over the moon with the weather. It was so hot Ken took his Greenspot jacket off! We rode to Cape Wrath, mainland Britain’s most north-western extremity, wrapped in an eerie mist. Skye was sublime. Back at Perth we all had to wear clean white socks for the group photo – Tom said it makes your brown legs look even browner!

Evening 10 on A59, By-pass (a cutting from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph). “On a lovely summer’s evening, two riders got inside 24 minutes, not exactly commonplace on this windy course. Francis Barton of Accrington Clarion did 23.45 and Peter Greenwood of Nelson Wheelers did 23-46. In 3rd place was popular Tom Melling (Blackburn) perhaps better known as a club-run leader and touring enthusiast (just back from a tour of Scotland?) who always performs very well in competition. He did 24.40 and not the least noteworthy ride was that of Anne Smith (Mellor) who merely removed the mudguards from her touring machine and on heavy wheels and tyres returned 28.58.”

Thursday, 28th September, 1972. Last night at the clubroom (British Legion, Great Harwood) it was an ordeal saying goodbye to all my cycling friends before I ride to Durham University – Tom, Ken, John Dewhurst, Mervyn, Dave Moore, Phil Hargreaves, Steve Fleming, Pete Thompson, Delli (Dave Ellison), Ian, Martyn, Roger Haydock, Chris Miller, Stan (Ormerod) and Anne ….. I’ll always remember her freewheeling away at the end of the night, round the corner, out of sight. Tonight I found a letter behind the door. “Will you meet me at 10.00 am, Whalley Arches, tomorrow morning? I will ride as far as Ribblehead with you.” Friday, 29th September. When I left Anne at Ribblehead I rode over the Buttertubs and The Stang to Barnard Castle YHA. Hills? What hills? I don’t remember riding over any. Tom rang me at Barnard Castle. What a comfort, what a friend.

Durham, 1972-1973. I always cycled there and back, sending a heavy trunk in advance by British Rail. Soon after I started there, Tom cycled up for the weekend. I rode back to Yorkshire with him, but when I left him it started to snow. He had to turn back at Park Rash and go home via Bishopdale instead. He got home about midnight, but still had the courtesy to call on my Mum and Dad and let them know how I was. During the time I was away, I met the club at various youth hostels ….. Keld, Saltburn and Elterwater. It was always hard leaving them to ride back to Durham.

Saturday, 16th June, 1973. I met John Dewhurst in Durham, and rode north and westwards through sunny Blanchland and Rookhope into Allendale. We sampled Newcastle Exhibition ale in Allendale Town (2 pints each) and our legs were like jelly riding up to Ninebanks YHA. Next day we rode over Hartside in the rain, then the Eden lanes, Ravenstonedale and Eldroth. A memorable ride in excellent company.

July, 1973. The summer tour was to Norway, organised by Tom. There were 7 of us, including the brothers, John and Martyn, John Dewhurst, Ken Winterburn (Flying Pixie) and Ken Day. Tom was struggling out of Bergen, and we had to carry his bags and camping equipment. At the head of the Sognefjord, 112 miles from the North Sea coast, we rested for a couple of days. Tom said he felt better, but he was only fooling us. So we climbed over the Jotunheiman, a tortuous ascent straight from sea-level. Half way up we waited for Tom, and Ken Day. We waited for a long time, and we were on the verge of dropping back down when Ken appeared, very red and in a big flap. “Tom says we have to carry on at all costs. He’s Page 27 of 48 going to catch the bus back to Bergen,” Tom had tricked us, slapping his face before we set off to give his cheeks some colour. We had to make a decision, and it was easy. We stashed our bags and rode to the summit, and had a brew in the café there (this was not the time Ken Day’s famous Greenspot jacket set on fire). I gazed longingly towards Lom, a place I have never been to and perhaps never will, then we dropped back down the Jotunheiman to find Tom. We limped back to Bergen, Tom catching as many buses as he could after visiting the doctor. He had gastro enteritis.

Sunday, 26th August, 1973. I did the Three Peaks with Anne. We met at Whalley, 6.00 am, and rode up to Stainforth. It was raining. In the public conveniences two men were sleeping on the tiled floor. I went back outside and said to Anne, “Hey, come here and look at this.” It was the Flying Pixie and Captain (Brian Haworth). They were monitoring an overnight Duke of Edinburgh walk and decided it was drier to sleep in the loos! They started to cook up, and at least they did not have to go far for a wash or to the toilet! We cycled and walked and carried the bikes over Pen-y-gent, Whernside and Ingleborough, and then rode home! It was a long day, and thank goodness it stopped raining for us on the peaks.

Sunday, 2nd September, 1973. I rode the club 50 mile championship, my first one. At that time this was for the North Lancashire Road Club, the racing offshoot of our touring section. Our event was incorporated in the Lancaster CC “Silver Jubilee” time trial. My chain de-railed at the start, jamming between the sprockets and the wheel. I had to take the wheel out to get started. The adrenalin was well pumping! I can’t believe I was fastest club rider, in a time of 2.06.13 (4th overall). My first trophy. Other times were:

1. Geoff Greenwood West Pennine RC 1.58.51 (winner of the Silver Jubilee trophy) 2. Keith Boardman Birkenhead Victoria 1.59.07 (Chris’s dad) 3. Geoff McGann West Pennine RC 2. 05.10 4. Tony Stott NLRC 2.06.13 (tourist? of course!) 5. Chris Miller NLRC 2.07.36 6. Terry Waring NLRC 2.08.21 8. Roger Haydock NLRC 2.08.53 15 John Dewhurst NLRC 2.14.38 18 Dennis Walsh NLRC 2.15.22 (did you blow up, Dennis?) 26 Johnny Draper NLRC 2.17.25

(Under the wing and winged wheels of Ken Hartley and his infamous speed training, I went on to win this Lancaster CC event in 1991. I was awarded the special “Silver Jubilee” huge silver trophy. Mr (Gordon) Brennan told us to take great care of it when Anne and I picked it up at their dinner/dance the following January, on the coldest night of the winter. On the way home we put the trophy in the footwell of our van, but we had to keep the heating on maximum to stop the windscreen from freezing and to keep Anne’s feet warm. Ping! “What was that?” I asked Anne. “I don’t know,” she replied. Ping! Ping! The heat inside the van caused the engraved silver band around the trophy to ping off! Ooooops, sorry Gordon!)

Durham, September-December 1973. I suppose I got race fit on a recipe of the big rides to Durham and back, but I had no top end speed as I didn’t train. I got under the hour in my 2nd “25” (59.15, equal with Rod Goodfellow, Beacon RC). All the time I was at Durham I really missed the club and my cycling friends. I met them at Keld YHA in November, and at Elterwater YHA for the Christmas holiday. But at Elterwater, I never saw Anne. She was camping at Chapel Stile with the motorbike gang, all club riders including Dave Stamp, John Mullen, Margaret Gregson (Henry’s daughter), Terry Waring, John Kitching and Chris Clarkson. I never saw Anne. And all the time I was at Durham, she never came to visit me.

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NJD Sports Injury & Physical Therapy Clinic

Members of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST)

Nick Dinsdale MSST, BSc (Hons) Nicola Dinsdale MSST, BSc (Hons) Executive Committee Member of SST Sports Therapist to Blackburn Rugby Club

We treat muscle & joint pain e.g. low back, neck, shoulder, hips, legs etc

Treatment by: heat, remedial massage, ultrasound, laser, biomechanical assessment, foot orthotics, & specific rehabilitation programmes

E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01200 427457 www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk

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NJD Sports Injury Clinic 36 Moorland Crescent Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4PY Tel: 44 (1200) 427457 e-mail: [email protected] www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk Written for Costa Blanca News (Spain)

Crank Length

Graduate Sports Therapist Nicholas Dinsdale (member of The Society of Sports Therapists) examines the latest philosophy surrounding crank length and the latest science.

The purpose of this article is not to provide recommendations on given crank lengths, but to increase awareness, thereby enable the cyclist to make better informed decisions.

Traditional philosophy For many, the idea ‘longer is better’ has long prevailed amongst cyclists, coaches and bikefitters. This philosophy has been based on experience and intuition rather than science. Traditionally choice of crank length has been based on the cyclist’s height or inseam leg-length. While various formulae exist their reliability remains questionable. For unknown reasons new road bikes usually come with crank lengths of 170mm or 172.5mm and Mountain-bikes are usually supplied with 175mm crank length, supposedly to provide more leverage. Road time-trialists often choose longer crank lengths, typically 175mm or 180mm in the belief of improved power output.

What does the research say? Although research is sparse, traditional philosophy is being challenged, especially amongst triathletes. As a result of the growing evidence, many elite (USA) triathletes are moving towards shorter crank lengths with significant improvements in performance. The question is why?

In 2001, Martin and Spirduso tested 16 race cyclists (of various heights). They performed maximal sprint power across a range of crank lengths between (145mm to 195mm). Surprisingly, they found that maximum power output and metabolic cost was unaffected over the range of crank lengths. More recently (2011), Martin and colleagues carried a similar study and substantiated their previous findings. They concluded by stating that both studies suggest that cyclists are now free to choose crank length on criteria other than height or inseam- length.

In 2010, Mcdermid and Edwards carried out a study on well-trained female cross-country mountain bike riders. The aim was to compare various performance measurements while using different crank lengths (170mm, 172.5 and 175mm). Similar to (Martin, 2001) they also found power output and endurance performance remained unaffected across the range of crank lengths. However, the time taken to reach maximal peak power was much shorter for the 170mm compared with the 175mm crank. This suggests a potential race advantage due to the ability to respond quickly (accelerate) to changes in terrain when using the shorter crank 170mm.

Pedalling kinematics Let’s look how changes in crank-length affect our pedalling technique and muscle activity. We know that changes in crank length change the range of motion of the hip and knee joint and change cadence (RPM). The effect of changing crank length from 175mm to 165mm will increase the rate of cadence by 5%, - about the same percentage as the change in crank-length. The loss in leverage is taken up by an increase in cadence. Coincidentally, this difference (5%) equates to the difference between a ‘compact’ 50 tooth chainring compared with a 53 chainring, likewise the difference between 20 and 21 teeth on your rear cassette.

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NJD Sports Injury Clinic 36 Moorland Crescent Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4PY United Kingdom Tel: 44 (1200) 427457 e-mail: [email protected] www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk

While cadence is affected (5%) - foot speed (and muscle fibre shortening velocity) remains unaffected. What does this tell us? Well, 5mm change in crank length means only a small amount of adaptation is required, in return for potential benefits, about to be highlighted.

Potential implications Although research is sparse and remains inconclusive let’s try and make some sense of it and see if we can derive some practicable benefits. We know that longer cranks increase the range of motion at the hip and knee joint. This increased range of motion places joints in a more flexed position, which in turn, increases compressive loads on the joint surfaces. Therefore, cyclists with existing hip or knee problems, common in older cyclists, may well benefit from shorter cranks. Many riders claim to have become symptom free after moving to shorter cranks.

Studies and numerous wind tunnel tests have unequivocally shown that a lower bar position improves aerodynamics by reducing the drag factor. We also know that shorter cranks open up the crucial ‘hip-angle’, which allows the cyclist to lower the bar position, crucially with no loss in power output. Improved aerodynamics means faster ground speeds for a given power output. Many elite triathletes and some time- trialists already enjoy this potential benefit. The hip-angle represents the angle between the thigh and the torso. A reduction in crank length of 5mm equates to 5 degree increase in hip-angle. Changes in crank length necessitate a change in saddle height e.g. 5mm shorter crank requires 5mm increase in saddle height.

Conclusion Within a range, there appears to be no power-loss or metabolic cost when using shorter crank lengths. However, shorter cranks appear to offer potential benefits for triathletes and time-trialists through improved aerodynamics for the same hip-angle. Shorter rather than longer cranks reduce stress on joint surfaces. Ideally, some experimentation in crank length would desirable - but could prove costly as cranks can be an expensive purchase.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Academic studies referred to within

Authors: J.C. Martin and W.W. Spirduso Title: Determinants of maximal cycling power: crank length, pedaling rate and pedal speed. Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol. Date: 2001 May; 84(5):413-8.

Authors: P.R. Barratt, T. Korff, S.J. Elmer and J.C. Martin Title: Effect of crank length on joint-specific power during maximal cycling. Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Sep;43(9):1689-97. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182125e96

Authors: P.W. Macdermid and A.M. Edwards Title: Influence of crank length on cycle ergometry performance of well-trained female cross-country mountain bike athletes. Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol. Date: 2010 Jan; 108(1):177-82. doi: 10.1007/s00421-009-1197-0.

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NJD Sports Injury Clinic 36 Moorland Crescent Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4PY United Kingdom Tel: 44 (1200) 427457 e-mail: [email protected] www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk

Abstracts:

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2001 May;84(5):413-8. Determinants of maximal cycling power: crank length, pedaling rate and pedal speed. Martin JC, Spirduso WW.

Source University of Utah, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, 250S. 1850E. Rm. 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0920, USA. [email protected]

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of cycle crank length on maximum cycling power, optimal pedaling rate, and optimal pedal speed, and to determine the optimal crank length to leg length ratio for maximal power production. Trained cyclists (n = 16) performed maximal inertial load cycle ergometry using crank lengths of 120, 145, 170, 195, and 220 mm. Maximum power ranged from a low of 1149 (20) W for the 220-mm cranks to a high of 1194 (21) W for the 145-mm cranks. Power produced with the 145- and 170-mm cranks was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that produced with the 120- and 220-mm cranks. The optimal pedaling rate decreased significantly with increasing crank length, from 136 rpm for the 120-mm cranks to 110 rpm for the 220-mm cranks. Conversely, optimal pedal speed increased significantly with increasing crank length, from 1.71 m/s for the 120-mm cranks to 2.53 m/s for the 220-mm cranks. The crank length to leg length and crank length to tibia length ratios accounted for 20.5% and 21.1% of the variability in maximum power, respectively. The optimal crank length was 20% of leg length or 41% of tibia length. These data suggest that pedal speed (which constrains muscle shortening velocity) and pedaling rate (which affects muscle excitation state) exert distinct effects that influence muscular power during cycling. Even though maximum cycling power was significantly affected by crank length, use of the standard 170-mm length cranks should not substantially compromise maximum power in most adults. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Jan;108(1):177-82. doi: 10.1007/s00421-009-1197-0. Epub 2009 Sep 22. Influence of crank length on cycle ergometry performance of well-trained female cross- country mountain bike athletes. Macdermid PW, Edwards AM.

Source Universal College of Learning, Palmerston North, New Zealand. [email protected]

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the differential effects of three commonly used crank lengths (170, 172.5 and 175 mm) on performance measures relevant to female cross-country mountain bike athletes (n = 7) of similar stature. All trials were performed in a single blind and balanced order with a 5- to 7-day period between trials. Both saddle height and fore-aft position to pedal axle distance at a crank angle of 90 degrees was controlled across all trials. The laboratory tests comprised a supra-maximal (peak power-cadence); an isokinetic (50 rpm) test; and a maximal test of aerobic capacity. The time to reach supra-maximal peak xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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NJD Sports Injury Clinic 36 Moorland Crescent Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4PY United Kingdom Tel: 44 (1200) 427457 e-mail: [email protected] www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Sep;43(9):1689-97. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182125e96. Effect of crank length on joint-specific power during maximal cycling. Barratt PR, Korff T, Elmer SJ, Martin JC.

Source Centre for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom.

Abstract Previous investigators have suggested that crank length has little effect on overall short-term maximal cycling power once the effects of pedal speed and pedaling rate are accounted for. Although overall maximal power may be unaffected by crank length, it is possible that similar overall power might be produced with different combinations of joint-specific powers. Knowing the effects of crank length on joint-specific power production during maximal cycling may have practical implications with respect to avoiding or delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changes in crank length on joint-specific powers during short-term maximal cycling.

RESULTS: ANOVAs revealed that crank length had no significant effect on relative joint-specific powers at the hip, knee, or ankle joints (P > 0.05) when pedaling rate was optimized. When pedaling rate was constant, crank length had a small but significant effect on hip and knee joint power (150 vs 190 mm only) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that crank length does not affect relative joint-specific power once the effects of pedaling rate and pedal speed are accounted for. Our results thereby substantiate previous findings that crank length per se is not an important determinant of maximum cycling power production.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Saddle designs, saddle tilt and their effect on pelvic angle, urogenital problems and comfort

Bikefit expert and graduate Sports Therapist Nicholas Dinsdale (member of The Society of Sports Therapists) looks at common urogenital problems amongst cyclists and a potential cause of low back pain.

Research shows that cyclists are more likely to suffer from urogenital symptoms than their sedentary counterparts. For men, typical symptoms include temporary groin numbness, pain, tingling sensations, erectile dysfunction, and frequent need to urinate. For women, typical symptoms include frequent bladder infections and painful skin irritations. The likely cause(s) include saddle design, saddle tilt, saddle height, riding position and excessive body weight. Furthermore, low back pain while riding has been associated with saddle position. Without saying, it is important that any of the aforementioned symptoms are thoroughly investigated to eliminate serious disease.

What is the problem? The issue lies with the vulnerable perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus that is a mass of soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels. When we sit on a saddle for prolonged periods we compress the delicate structures (nerves and blood vessels) which can lead to the aforementioned urogenital symptoms and conditions. Heavy riders put more compressive pressure on the perineum compared with light weight riders. Studies show that race cyclists offset much of the load from the saddle by transferring body weight through the pedals. This has the effect of decreasing pressure on the perineum.

Incidence level A comprehensive review, which involved 62 pertinent research studies investigated urogenital disorders amongst cyclists, the review found that 50%-91% of the cyclists suffered geneitalia numbness, and 13%-24% suffered erectile dysfunction. Other sources of research suggest that that while cyclists may have high incidence of urogenital pain / disorders, it seems to be unrelated to prostate diseases – but cyclists can present with elevated serum PSA levels.

Saddle designs Over the last decade, saddle design has been the target of a great deal of scholarly and commercial research. While personal choice still remains the key aspect, certain guidelines should be considered. Regardless of riding style, body weight should be supported on the pelvic bones (sit bones), known as the ishial tuberosities. Therefore, we should select a saddle width accordingly. Usually bigger riders, with a wider pelvis need wider saddles, similarly do women.

Page 34 of 48 NJD Sports Injury Clinic 36 Moorland Crescent Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4PY United Kingdom Tel: 44 (1200) 427457 e-mail: [email protected] www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk

When we look closely at the anatomy of our sit bones, they are wide at the back and gradually become narrower at the front. This anatomical feature has implications on riding position – meaning the contact point with the saddle moves depending on riding position. Riders that use an upright riding position sit towards the back part of their sit bones, thus require a wider saddle. When we bend forward as in an aero position (triathlete) our body weight (contact point) moves forwards on to the narrower frontal part of the sit bone, thus necessitates a narrow saddle.

Many modern saddles have a partial or complete cut-out designed to decrease pressure on the perineum. Some saddles are nose-less – designed to leave the perineum totally unloaded. In a recent study involving USA police officers, traditional saddles were replaced with a nose-less variety. Although the nose-less saddle requires some getting used to, the majority of officers found the transition fairly straightforward. After a six month trial the number of men reporting improvements in genital sensation increased dramatically. Men reporting lack of genital numbness rose from 27% to 82% after using nose-less saddles. Moreover, around 97% of officers continued to use the nose-less saddle after the trial had finished.

Saddle tilt Generally, the saddle should be horizontal (green line), plus or minus a few degrees. Men often prefer a slightly elevated nose (red line) and women often prefer a slightly downward position nose (blue line). Riders that spend most of the time riding in an upright position often have a horizontal or slightly elevated nose; whereas riders that spend more time on the drops (aero- position) will prefer a slightly downward nose. Anatomically, the tilt of the saddle affects your pelvic tilt, which has biomechanical implications. Research suggests that a forward pelvic tilt, facilitated by a slightly downward nose, is more favourable for low back suffers because it decreases lumbar flexion and de-stresses the longitudinal ligaments of the lumbar spine – in addition to potentially decreasing perineum pressure.

Summary Urogenital problems are common in both men and women cyclists. Although saddle design is down to personal choice, your riding-position, pelvic-width and saddle-tilt are critical factors in minimising urogenital problems and achieving cycling comfort.

References Page 35 of 48 Bartoletti, T et al. (2009). Cycling and genitourinary symptoms: results from an observational analytical cohort study. Journal of Andrological Science; 16:98-103 Bressel E. & Larson B. (2003). Bicycle Seat Design and Their Effect on Pelvic Angle, Trunk Angle and Comfort. Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(2); 327-332. Goldstein I. (2008). Awareness, Bicycle Seats, and Choices. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5(8), 1773-1775. Leibovitch I. & Mor Y. (2005). The Vicious Cycling: Bicycling Related Urogenital Disorders. European Urology, 47(3); 277-287.

THE FOUR COUNTRIES TOUR (2 weeks tour in April 2014: 900 miles)

England: (Clayton-Le-Moors to Chester) Heading down to Liverpool on the bikes, it’s 8 a.m. and the sun is shining. The wind blows us along the side roads and cycle paths through Ormskirk, past the historic Lathom abbey. The sweet smell of hawthorn fills the air. Blossom and bluebells dance in the wind. That day Liverpool were playing Norwich, the city was dead. We passed a big wall mural of the four Beatles; I start to sing ….. “It’s been a hard day’s ride; I’ve been trying like a dog. It’s been a hard day’s ride, I’ll be sleeping like a log, But when I get on that ferry, I’m gonna be merry….” Not quite as melodic as Gerry’s “Ferry across the Mersey” which serenaded us across the river to Birkenhead. From here, we had a top ride right round the Wirral peninsular, taking a fantastic old railway cycle track at West Kirby to Neston along the Dee estuary, into Cheshire. Across yellow sands and water was Wales, just a stride away.

Wales: (Chester to Anglesey) Croeso i Cymru. We crossed the border into Wales, and then did a big tempo climb out of Pantyfford on the A1504. It was Easter Sunday, the sun was shining, and it was another tail wind. Denbighshire, Conwy, and down the valley to Betws-y-coed, “the Gateway to Snowdonia”. We rode on the historic coach route, London to Holyhead, into Snowdon’s rugged beauty. I was excited about riding over the famous Pen-y-pass to Llanberis, fired up with apricot flapjack and Welsh pancakes; I was ready to tackle anything. The A4086 climbs steep and steady between Glyder Fawr and Snowdon’s towering massif, then descends to Llyn Padarn, and the bright coloured buildings of Llanberis. After riding 72 miles, we sampled a few of Wales’ special Purple Moose beers, sitting by the lakeside. They were like nectar. The next day we crossed the Menai Bridge built by Thomas Telford in 1818. Croeso i Ynys Mon - Welcome to the Isle of Anglesey. We were a bit tight for time riding across Anglesey to Holyhead ferry terminal. But the gods were with us, it was another roaring tail wind, all the way to the ferry to sail to Ireland. Page 36 of 48

Ireland: (Dublin to Kintyre) Dublin was built around the river Leith. The international hostel is a combination of an old church, nunnery and school. Inside, green glossed walls hold untold misery, as did the small cell dormitories that we slept in. Outside the city buzzes with music and bars. Irish writers reign here. Literary posters line the streets bragging Joyce, Shaw, Beckett, Yeats and others. We stayed late in MacCarthy’s bar listening to Irish fiddles and songs, enjoying real Irish Guinness, even at the price of £5.50 a pint, and £3.50 for a half!

Next day, we bee lined for Newgrange, a 5,000 year old Neolithic burial chamber that stands majestically on the bend of the river Boyne. It’s older than the pyramids by 500 years. It has an impressive front facade of quartz and granite. Above the entrance to the chamber there is a roof box; at the winter solstice the roof box allows the sun to penetrate the passage, eventually illuminating the whole chamber. The ritual lasts just 17 minutes. Along with its neighbours Knowth and Dowth, similar chambered burial mounds, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. You have to go through the visitors’ centre, and take the official guided tour to view the mounds. For 8 euro it’s excellent and unbelievable when they recreate the winter solstice illuminating the inside of the chamber. We stayed just across the road at Newgrange Lodge. It was tastefully decorated with paintings and ornaments in Neolithic style and a bargain at 49 euros (£40) for an en suite room and a 4 star breakfast. We rode north, up the coast towards the Glens of Antrim. I wondered where we were in relation to England on the coast. From the mouth of the River Boyne across the Irish Sea is The . We crossed from Southern into Northern Ireland at Carlingford lough, where the “Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea”. The Mourne Mountains are majestic, with emerald fields and yellow gorse lying at their feet. We stayed in the mountains at a lodge that night, and were the only guests. It was arctic inside, so when Mariad (70 year old Irish warden) invited us to an Irish music night, we jumped at the offer. It was an evening of spontaneous recitals and personal repertoires. The Irish musicians played fiddles, tin whistles, bodrun drums and uilleaen pipes. When approached to sing, we realised we only knew the first 2 lines of songs, or just the chorus. The next day I made up for our disgrace, by singing my own compositions to Tony, as we rode up to County Down. Van Morrison (an Irish rock star) poetically sings about his journey “coming back from Downpatrick” after a day’s bird watching. We rode round to Van’s St John’s Point. “…on and on over the hills to Ardglass” where he got Page 37 of 48 “….a couple of jars of mussels and potted herring in case he got hungry before dinner” but we got fish and chips because we were starving before tea. The song is called “Coney Island”, which ironically isn’t an island but a small headland just before Strangford Lough. The last lines of the song are…. “and all the while going to Coney Island, I’m thinking, wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all time.” He also sings about Strangford Lough where we got the ferry (a service which has run for over 4 centuries) across “the narrow” to the Ards peninsular. Strangford Lough, the largest sea inlet in Britain, is almost totally enclosed by the Ards peninsular. The 100 sq miles of Lough holds submerged drumlins, inlets, bays, and coves. In 2007 it became the home to the World’s first commercial tidal Power station, Seagen. The underwater generator takes advantage of the Lough’s fast tidal flow. We tacked across the Ards peninsular, which gave us the advantage of both the Lough and coastal views. Straight across the sea on the coast of England we would be at St. Bees Head. This bird haven Lough, is just 15 miles from Belfast busy city. Belfast is a city of murals. Walls full with memorials, of soldiers, freedom fighters, and the famous Alex Higgins, snooker player. Higgins and Wiggins. The pink Giro adverts of Wiggins, on his bike, decorate the city. With his black socks and sideburns he passed us everywhere on taxis, buses, and trains, all ready for the big Giro ride on May 11th. We followed Wiggins, up the Antrim coastal road (not to be missed) to Ballycastle, where the Kintrye Express ferry was waiting to take us across the channel to Kintyre.

Scotland: (Kintyre to Gretna Green) The Kintyre Express bunny hopped over the waves, like we were hopping over Kintyre to Aran. When we landed in Kintyre, we rode up to the Mull. A demanding climb (from sea level) of 5 miles uphill, with 6 arrows, but well worth it for the view of Ireland’s Fair head, and Scotland’s Islay. We had sunrise in Belfast and sunset in Kintyre. Only two roads leave Cambletown, up Kintyre’s long leggy peninsular to Tarbert. One on the east, a single track road with 16 arrows, down the side of Kibrannan Sound, with a view of Arran; one on the west, flat, beside the Atlantic coast, and the sound of Gigha. The “west is best”, hugging the shoreline, beside silver sands with translucent water lapping endlessly, with sublime views of Islay, Jura and Gigha across the turquoise sound.

Page 38 of 48 From the Kintyre Peninsula, we caught the ferry across to Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, our stepping stone to home. Goat Fell’s Mountains soar above yellow broom and the ruined castle of the enchanting Lochranza. There’s deer and woodpeckers in the hostel grounds. We had two rest days here. The first day, we walked up Goat Fell. It was perfect weather. From its granite summit we had a feast of stunning views of Kintyre, Islay, Kyles of Bute and the Ayrshire coast. Next day we explored the west coastline of the island. The Cock of Arran, with its “Hutton unconformity”. The red sandstone King’s Cave, where Robert the Bruce hid, and got courage from watching a spider building its web. All the tour, the only rain we had was riding to the ferry at Brodick.

Stepping off Arran onto the Scottish mainland, we started on the last leg of our journey home to England. We were heading for the Galloway hills and Newton Stewart for the night. It was 6 pm when we stopped in Maybole for food, and then we saw the sign for Newton Stewart, 35 miles! It was a bit of a shock, having already ridden 63 miles that day. We soon focused up, on the big ride ahead over the mountain road, up the Devil’s Elbow, over the Balloch Pass, and down the long wooded Glen Trool. No vehicles passed us riding through “The Dark Skies” to Minnigaff. It was 10pm when we arrived at the hostel, happy, hungry and exhausted. The day after, we took the Military and Raiders’ roads, through the rolling Galloway hills, then round the rocky coves and sandy bays of the Solway Coast. From Gretna Green, we avoided the busy roads by taking a great cycle route into England and the picturesque Lake District.

England: (Gretna Green to Clayton-le-Moors). My chain and gears had been creaking for few days. On the busy road riding into Ambleside my chain snapped, right outside a bus shelter. We’d just gone inside the shelter, to repair it, when a heavy shower of rain started. How lucky are we? By the time we’d finished mending it, the sun was shining again. It was our last night on tour and we were staying at Windermere Hostel. On the lakeside road we passed the Lowood Hotel, where Tara and Drew were guests at a wedding reception. So naturally, we stop at the hotel to see them, (and have a beer at the same time.) It made a great end to the tour. When we came out it was dusk, and a lovely scene. The Langdales, stood in all their glory, silhouetted in the still lake. We were both glowing inside. I turned to Tony, and said, smiling… “Wouldn’t it be great, if we could do this all of the time?

ANNE STOTT.

Page 39 of 48 Welsh cakes.

Baked for refreshments on Thursday 2nd October for the Four CountriesTour picture show.

Ingredients. 225g plain flour 85g caster sugar ½ tsp. mixed spice ½ tsp. baking powder 50g butter, cut into small pieces 50g lard, cut into small pieces plus extra for frying. (I used stork cooking marg) 50g currants 1 egg, beaten, splash of milk.

Method.  Tip the flour, sugar, mixed spice, baking powder and a pinch of salt, into a bowl.  Then, with your fingers, rub in the butter and lard until crumbly.  Mix in the currants.  Work the egg into the mixture until you have a soft dough, adding a splash of milk if it seems a little dry – it should be the same consistency as shortcrust pastry.  Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to the thickness of your little finger.  Cut out rounds using a 6cm cutter – re-roll any trimmings.  Grease a flat griddle pan or heavy frying pan with lard, or oil and place over a medium heat.  Cook the welsh cakes in batches, for about 3 mins each side, until golden brown, crisp and cooked through.  Delicious served warm with butter and jam, or simply sprinkled with caster sugar.  Cakes will stay fresh in a tin for 3/4 days.

As they would say in Wales “Blasus” (“delicious”)!

Anne Stott

Page 40 of 48

Wales

I had not been to Wales for a few years but got the chance to return during September when we had a spell of really good weather. Having stayed near Bala in a fine bunkbarn, which I had to myself for 5 nights, riding both ways over the Bwlch - y - Groes pass on the superb single track roads around Lake Vrnwy I moved south to Borth, a few hilly miles north of Aberystwyth.

The sea defences were being upgraded after the previous winter’s storms so I had to dodge some massive earth moving vehicles to reach the warm shallow water for a swim, which I did as soon as I arrived. I had chosen Borth in order to do a favourite ride from the coast up to Nant-y-Moch reservoir, which is a hidden gem. After having missed my way slightly, as usual, trying to avoid riding on the busy A487 Aberystwyth road I reached Tal-y- Bont where the ride proper starts. A signpost points the way to Nant-y-Moch and takes you up a very steady climb for about 4 miles with magnificent views of the valley below. From the rocky outcrop at the top, the distant sea can be seen. The road then becomes undulating as you follow the edge of the reservoir for several miles, eventually leaving it as you cross a dam which contains a hydro electric generator. When you hit the much busier A44 near Devils Bridge, there is quite a long uphill drag, I did not want to go down as far as the towns of Llangurig and Llandiloes so took the 1st left turn after Pant Mawr on to very steep narrow lanes and valleys which leads to the Clywedog forrest and lake near Staylittle.

As I approached a picnic area where I intended to stop and eat I found myself passing a strung out group of walkers/joggers. When one shouted encouragement at my baleful attempts up a hill I asked her what event was taking place and was astounded to learn it was a single day walk of 45 miles from Clun to Cardigan Bay - this put my efforts into perspective. From the picnic spot they were headed towards the reservoir I had been around via a pass over Plynlimon close to the sources of the rivers Wye and Severn before dropping to the coast.

I continued on to Staylittle before turning left and heading down the mountain road to Machynlleth, surely one of the greatest downhill rides in Britain, or climbs if you’re daft enough to go up the other way, which I had been the previous day. From there it was a flat run back to Borth to finish off a great day’s riding.

Steve Hodgson

Page 41 of 48 Please note that Paul Hewitt cycles is now located at

17-19 Preston Road, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 4NT

Page 42 of 48 Georgia

The map showed a way over the Lesser Caucasus mountains to Manglisi in the next valley, but as we pushed our bicycles in constant rain up the steep and stony track, there had been no signs of civilisation for 5 hours when suddenly we came across the Kvatakshevi Monastery but there was `no way onwards` and `no room at the inn` so it was back down into the valley for a sleep and re-think. Georgia, in the Caucasus was a natural destination after previous tours in and Azerbaijan. There were three distinct parts to this tour:

Part 1. Cycling east from Airport, Iveria was flat and scorchingly sunny through with the attractive renovated Sighnaghi walled town and then on to the wine centre Telovi. Traffic all the time becoming lighter, thank goodness. There,our landlady said that the roads westwards were unmade and impassable for bicycles but we found them perfect for us who travel at 12kph. Maybe car drivers who want to drive at 80kph or faster find them frustrating. The hilly countryside was beautiful and the snow covered 5000mt Caucasus mountains often visible to the north. In , the homestay owner, a lecturer, looked after us really well with home grown food, wine and we danced.

Part 2. At Zhinvaly, we turned north on the Georgian Military Highway, the road to the high mountains and Russia. The rain started and as we climbed it turned colder, so that at Pasanauri, we were ready for a nice warm bed but the only hotel there was shut. A helpful young lady appeared and soon we were following two young men to their small guesthouse 3km out of town. There, a party was in full swing. What a spread and wine flowing! A 3 piece band soon got everyone dancing. After showering, changing and getting the stove going with 2 pieces of wood which smoked the room out (our panniers smelt for 2 days) we joined in. The stove stayed warm all night and dried our clothes. Continuing to pass many parked lorries, the Highway headed upwards to Gudauri in cold rain and almost at the ski resort, we took shelter in a honey maker’s wooden caravan with 2 Berlin long distance cycle campers. They explained about the huge landslide that blocked the valley and would need 60 earth movers 3 weeks to clear, hence the waiting lorries.

A rest day in Gudauri was out of the question, mist and heavy rain, but suddenly the hotel receptionist asked if we wanted a lift back towards Tbilisi `in 10 minutes`. A quick pack, (they had already put our 2 bikes on the minibus) and we were off to stay the night in lovely historic . Still, a bit of a rest day (only 5 miles). Weather down in the valley warm enough.

Part 3. The Lesser Caucasus. Our map showed 2 routes (with road numbers!) over the mountains to Manglisi but our first attempt had been unsuccessful,and a second night in Mtskheta was needed to check the route with the Tourist Office and the police, also to buy a pair of plimsoles to cycle/ walk in to replace my cycling shoes that had lost their soles. Again, in rain and mud the consistency of clay, it was mostly pushing through steep woodland, past Page 43 of 48 historical statues () and with numerous false summits in more open country. Clouds were below us by then. At one time it looked like a lone church was to be our sleepover but suddenly the stream in which we were struggling upwards was noted as flowing in our direction. Hurray, we were past the top (1700mt.). Wet and victorious, at 6pm, the asphalt was reached. There had been no signs of civilisation, apart from one empty church, for 7 hours. It was an hour downhill to the welcoming Manglisi hotel where the receptionist re- opened the kitchen to cook us a meal. 2 young mothers with their babies, holidaying in the good woodland air, spoke good English and we managed to partly clean off the football sized lumps of mud! At Tsalke, BP had taken every room for the new pipeline construction but a friendly young lady had already offered her home to us. The family had come down from Svaneti where 6 months of snow annually made farming hard (they spoke an unwritten Svaneri language). It was all we could do to leave, partly hidden, a donation.

At the top of the Paravani Pass, 2100 mtrs, thunder and lightning, then heavy large hailstones but we could shelter behind a parked car, Anni was bruised for a few days from the hailstones. The road was white and slippery as we descended but after a few minutes, warmth and steamed local trout, in a cafe run by Armenians. On then via Armenian-inhabited and AkhalkalakiI, travelling by day to avoid the perils of cognac and wolves, all the while open Steppe landscape with snow covered mountains in the distance, but the road nicely graded. A steady climb, but with aggressive dogs to outrun, to Vardzia where there would be plenty to keep you busy for a week, especially if you like history and to walk in the mountains. The cave town was especially interesting. On then, descending leisurely to , then with its spa gardens for another `rest day`. There, a near 3 hour train ride (30p!) takes you up to the 1600mt. ski resort and then a wonderful 18 miles descent back to town. Never mind downhill skiing. This was the summer equivalent.

Just two long days on quiet, rolling minor roads to within a short ride from the airport. Gori, is Stalin’s birthplace and an overnight in a renovated Soviet style hotel, overlooking the rail carriage that took him to the Potsdam Conference. Then a wonderful day with beautiful views north to the South Ossetia Caucasus range. Small shops open on the Sunday sold fresh bread, water and snacks. A final day, a short ride through Tbilisi to collect our cardboard box was also no problem, there was a wide embankment by the river, rather like by the Thames but no-one using it so we could make good progress and enjoy good views of the capital.

So, Georgia a fantastic experience, the plusses the high mountain scenery, quiet roads bordered with colourful flowers and the most welcoming folk. Perhaps friendly horn blowing and the dogs in the mountains the only minusses. We will be back, next time to Racha, Svannetti and perhaps the Black Sea coast. Anyone fancy a trip?

Steve Gregson, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Page 44 of 48 Riding with Children

Taking children out on bikes can start at a very early age. Our two were in the seat on the back of the bikes from about 10 months old, and some children go in them even earlier. This is fine until they get to about 3 or 4 years old when they get too heavy for the bike seat.

In the meantime, they like to start riding their own bikes. We found that balance bikes worked really well, as they scoot along using their feet and learn how to corner, brake and balance with the security of knowing their feet are on or very close to the ground. We found that they then moved easily to pedal bikes (without stabilisers) at about 3 years - 3.5 years old.

Around this time, we moved Matthew on to a tandem (when going out as a family), which he loved for several months. However, as he was already riding his own bike at this point, he wanted to be more independent, so we started looking for places that we could take the children, where they could ride their own bikes and we could either walk or ride. Here are a few of the places we have discovered, but I am sure there are many more, so if you know of anywhere, please do let us know at [email protected]

School playground Most schools allow families to use the playground out of school hours, and ours is where Charlotte first rode (see picture right). There is usually flat grass (football pitch) which can be used for a less confident rider

Puncture Alley (from Hansons Garden Centre on old A59) This road, very well used by cyclists and dog-walkers usually has little traffic, and can be a good training ground.

Page 45 of 48 Whitendale The road from Dunsop Bridge café up the Whitendale valley (to the end) is a fantastic gradual valley for children on bikes (and adults!). It’s well over 3 miles each way (further if you want to go uphill) and almost traffic free. We usually walk whilst they ride. There’s a play area at the start/finish just behind the café and there’s very cheap parking and toilets at the Pay and Display car park about 100m away.

Fleetwood – – Lytham or any “proms” Sea-front promenades provide a wide, flat, car-free environment for small cyclists. Watch out for dog walkers and occasional steep drops to the beach/sea though! There are always plenty of benches, views and ice-cream outlets!

Disused railway lines These make great straight traffic free cycling paths. There are a few of these in our area and the one from through Lancaster to Caton is great. (See picture – right -)

There are also many of these in the North East, from the mining days, and probably many in South Yorkshire and Wales too?

Trans Pennine Trail, from Southport to Hornsea This is route 56 / route 62 of the Sustrans route. The western part, from Southport to Penistone claims to be 96 miles mostly traffic free. We cycled a very small part of this recently, near Lymm, and were pleasantly surprised to find information boards and boards with old photographs of the railway stations en route.

Guild Wheel Preston’s Guild Wheel circular ride around the outskirts of Preston (21 miles) is a great one for slightly more confident children; Matthew did it just as he turned 6. Some of it is on quiet roads, but most is on traffic-free tarmac paths. It passes through the play area at Brockholes at Junction 31 of the M6, which is very popular. This play area can also be reached on almost traffic-free roads, from Osbaldeston through Balderstone and Bezza Lane.

Canals are another possibility for miles and miles of traffic free cycling, but we haven’t tried those yet….for obvious reasons!

For more information, the Sustrans website (http://www.sustrans.org.uk) is very detailed, colour-coding the different type of riding (traffic-free/on-road route).

Helen Dawson-Smith

Page 46 of 48

Page 47 of 48 Rough Stuff

Blackburn and District CTC have a long history of incorporating Rough-Stuff into their day rides from North Lancashire and week-end/ Easter/ summer tours further afield.

Tom Melling talks of a Feb 1963 clubrun east to west over Mastiles Lane when the heavy snow settled level with walls on the side, on arrival in Malham the cafe was closed and the snow became freezing rain; the club arrived back in Blackburn at 10.30pm. He also remembers an epic crossing of Langden Castle in a 1963 blizzzard.

Once while camping in Little Langdale, the club did Striding Edge via Glenridding. The descent was ride-able and after Dunmail Raise, a Morris Minor later declared it could not pass them even at 70mph!

Another 1970`s epic during a week-end away was on Wrynose after Hardknott in the snow when 10 riders rescued the Mountain Rescue Land Rover from snow drifts. Much embarrassment/ hilarity can be imagined after this episode!

An invitation ride organised by Ken Hartley had too many frisky youngsters so he asked an experienced 3 Peaks cyclo-cross rider to take them over Langden Castle; consequently there were some tired legs but keen new members.

Tom Melling and Tony Stott have done Striding Edge and Helvellyn both ways. Ian Stott has done Helvellyn via Glenridding and Low Man, also the Roman Road over High Street. Several riders have done High Cup Nick (both ways) and the Stott family including a young Ian and Clare went over Cross Fell to Greg's Hut in the snow (an epic).

A dozen or so members including the Gregsons, RSF members, did a snowy Gatescarth Pass on a recent February tour. These February Lakes tours were an annual feature of the club for many years from the 1980`s until recently. Anne and Tony Stott (Section and D.A. secretaries) have done the South Downs Way twice, the North Downs Way 3 times, the Ridgeway and the Icknield Way 3 times.

Scotland, of course, has always been a favourite and in the early `80s, Jim Boocock led a small Blackburn CTC group bivying over the Lairig Ghru in August. On another club hostel tour, 6 or 7 youngsters with an adult were on a track high above Loch Morlich when they came across an unlocked Land Rover with loaded rifles inside. When the occupants arrived back they were admonished by one of the cheeky youngsters who also piped up “You are Princess Anne”. She replied “Who are you?”, but she was amazed, impressed and interested in their exploits with such heavily loaded bicycles.

Club runs from Whalley, Accrington etc continue to incorporate many sections of Rough-Stuff e.g. Stockdale Lane, Hawkswick Clowder, Salter Fell etc. The informal Wednesday runs have also incorporated a lot of rough-stuff through the years, especially when Ian Appleby, a RSF member is present.

It should be noted that these rides mostly began and still begin in Blackburn and are carried out on standard club-tourers.

Steve Gregson, Mellor, Blackburn. CTC Life Member. RSF.

Page 48 of 48 Blackburn & District CTC Information.

 Clubroom : Primetime Centre, Norden School, Stourton St, Rishton, Lancashire. Between 7:30pm and 9:30 pm Thursdays, entry £1.

 Secretary : Tony Stott, Field Cottage, 16 Hygiene Place, Clayton-le-moors, Accrington, Lancs., BB5 5HW. Tel: 01254 232537.  President: Ken Hartley  Chairperson Anne Stott  Treasurer: Caroline Collinge

 Vice President & Racing secretary: Dave Collinge, Hill Foot Farm, Twiston, Clitheroe. ( [email protected] )  Welfare Officer: Helen Lang  Registration Officer: Helen Lang  Promotions Officer / Webmaster: Paul Smith ( [email protected] )  Social Secretary: Anne Stott  Magazine Editor : Helen Dawson-Smith ( [email protected] )

 Committee Members : Carl Helliwell, Richard John, Mick Bradbury

 Website : Http://www.blackburnanddistrictctc.org.uk

The committee, or Activity providers, as CTC H.Q. refers to them, looks after the day to day running of the club; however, any suggestions, ideas, complaints, relevant information, issues to be brought up in front of the committee or offers of help for any of the many events, should be directed to the club secretary or one of the officials named above, some of whom are pictured below.

(Inside back cover)