November 2000
November 2000
MY LONGEST DAY
Reading Ruaraidh's account of his longest day, and 203 miles, brought to mind my even longer day. Now, I am well aware that as one approaches old age, reminisces tend to be embellished. Not this one. It was all documented at the time. The start sheet, result sheet and my own report of the event are all on file, for posterity.
Way back in '54, I rode the Yorkshire Cycling Federation 12 hr. on the 26th. September, and did 292 miles that day. The previous day, I had ridden to Collingham, near Wetherby in Yorkshire, to the River View Café, where I stayed overnight. The start of the event was 2˝ miles from the B&B. I ran out of time at 229.996 miles, 3 miles into my second circuit and only 6 miles from the B&B, so by the time I returned to the River View Café, I had covered 236 miles. I had a bath, something to eat, I suppose, turned my wheel round from 86 fixed and set off home. 'Home' in those days was Middlesborough, 56 miles northeast. I arrived home just before midnight. My total for the day was 292 miles.
If I had been in the BNE at the time, I would have claimed my mileage as a record, but we were tough Yorkshire men and even harder men on Tees-side, so claims for less than 300 would not have been considered.
PS. Whilst researching my archives, I noticed that Marjorie Banyard of the Liverpool Grosvenor also rode and covered 222.034 miles at her first attempt. I hope she did not ride home.
PPS. Before Jack McA, Mike Daly, Sid Old and others claim higher mileages, just note that mine was done during the same day, not a Saturday and Sunday weekend ride.
Alan Johnston
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM is to be held on Thursday 14th December starting at 8 pm please make every effort to attend. In accordance with club rules, any proposals for rule changes must be with the Secretary, in writing with a proposer and seconder, by Thursday 23rd November.
We will require a new Time Trial Secretary and Rota steward as both of these posts are to be vacated.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I have been sent the following quote from the Festina Drugs Trial in France.
'I realised early on that I didn't have any intellectual capacity, so I decided to become a cyclist.' - Richard Virenque
Mike Daly
NORTHEND TAKE FRENCH TROPHY FOR SECOND YEAR
In northern Provence the local club run a number of tourist trials (randonees) under the title of Toboggan de Cotes de Rhone. So called because they go up and down the hills where the famous Cotes de Rhone Villages wines are grown. The longest and hardest is 85 kilometres with 1100 metres of climbing. With a maximum time of about five hours as the presentations tend to start early as the participants are anxious to start on the food and drink left over from the feeding station! After starting at 7.30 and climbing numerous hills with magnificent views across the valley the riders arrive at the feeding station about 9.30 to find a typical village square and fountain surrounded by food and drink.
There are always three 25-litre tanks of wine, red, white, and rose and mounds of baguettes smothered in pate, bowls of olives cakes, and fruit. Some don't make it any further but the North End Team of Pete and Kate bravely press on. As we have ridden the event before we know that all the wine and food will be transferred to the finish where there will be even more supplies. Not to mention the local secret weapon of a mixture of rose wine and a fruit liqueur. They did tell us the name but somehow it has slipped my mind!
At the finish the local dignitaries distribute the trophies accompanied by a jazz band and much cheering and determined attempts to clear up all the food and drink before weaving back home.
The Trophy? well that goes to the club (BNECC) from the furthest distance! No contest. The club from Grenoble used to get it until we turned up but they can't compete against the North End.
Pete Hudson
NORTHEND AND FRIENDS MAJORCA 2001
We still have a double room with Balcony and Sea view available for two weeks in March 2001 with a group of 42 riders. We hoped to keep this open for a Northend pair but will shortly need to open up the offer to "friends" as we will soon have to give the travel company the names. Phone or e-mail Pete & Kate (01352 810369) for more details or talk to those already booked or who have been before.
We will be in Majorca from 17th November until 1st December. Think of us breakfasting on the terrace while the snow pours down here!
CLUB WEEKEND
A full report next month suffices to say we are still trying to dry out!!!!!!!
FOR SALE
Bike Shed clearance. We have five bikes on Campag Ergo so no longer need the 3 pairs of wheels hanging in the shed. These are all Shimano Ultegra 7-Speed with Mavic rims with tyres and tubes and cassette in varying degrees of wear. Ideal for winter hack bikes. Any reasonable offers?
Pete Hudson (01352 810369)
HILL CLIMB
The club hill climb took place on Sunday 22nd September, twelve brave racers tried their luck including Clive Walmsley wearing his championships jersey, and Danny Bird our youngest member in his first ever event riding his dads 23 inch bike!! Mike Garner was aiming for a hat-trick having won for the last two years but he was beaten into second place by another good ride by Andrew Christie
FLINTSHIRE CHALLENGE
The Flintshire was a great success, thanks to all who helped and marshalled. Well done in particular to Dave Parry who organised this event for the past three years. This was his last one so we are looking for new organisers!
Any offers ???
PS … Thanks to everyone that sent their contributions this newsletter ...keep them coming!
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