Club Run 24th Feb - Paget Cohen

(Club) Run to Heaven farm, Danehill
Sunday 24th February by Paget Cohen

After a late night and a few bevies I'm afraid I didn't rise early enough to be in Uckfield by 9, but I was at least out on the, mercifully dry, road.  I'm glad to report no serious damage to my hip from last week's landing, but I did have to replace the rear quick release lever before it snapped off.  The roads may have been clean, aside from the odd patch of melt-water, but conditions were perishingly raw thanks to a biting North Easterly.

My mission, which I chose to accept, was to arrive at the tea stop at 11am by my wits alone.  I started with a convoluted zigzag route via Little London, Lions Green and Foxhunt Green before emerging onto the B2192 at Easons Green only to find it closed for resurfacing.  Not wanting to backtrack nor take a huge detour I approached a workman who kindly informed ne I should be able to get through to Halland with care;  which I did, taking full advantage of the lack of through traffic to pick the safest line on and off of those stretches where the top surface had been skimmed off in preparation.

Being on my lonesome, and with few cars about anyway, I decided to make the most of that and the tailwind, stick to the Broyle then cut through Broyle Side to head to Barcombe.  Down the pleasant lane to Norlington (almost exactly where Simon Farmer punctured late last year) a small orange sign at the side of the road caught my eye (not literally I hasted to add).  As I approached I could read the legend ' Warning - Cat in Road'.  I figured it unlikely to be a permanent hazard, but barked twice just in case when lo and behold around the next bend there was indeed a small feline sat calmly in the carriageway!

Putting that behind me I turned North through Barcombe Cross and Newick to join the A275 just South of Sheffield Park.  By now my fingers and toes were visible if not palpable, but I was still a tad early so took a slight detour before pitching up at Heaven Farm.

I had only just removed by gloves and helmet when Ian McG, Mark L, Terry, Stuart K and a young lad I didn't recognise rolled up. Turns out his name was Sam and a mate of his had been with them until he collapsed due to near hypothermia forcing the group to stop and lend him their jackets whilst they waited for his Mum to turn up to collect him.

As ever a few Wanderers were already enjoying tea and company and we were joined by several more, including, I'm happy to relay, my fellow crash victim of last week Alan Lloyd;  although he admitted to sticking to main roads en route just to be on the safe side.

After welcome hot drinks and cake we left Sam in the stewardship of Chris H for their run back to Lewes and made a beeline ourselves for Uckfield.  We still found time for Terry to break his front mudguard and laughing-boy Mark to puncture approaching Piltdown;  other Wanderers turning up just to enjoy watching him fumble with numb fingers and brain cells.  Having said my goodbyes in Uckfield I still felt good enough to bag a few extra miles via Hadlow Down making a most satisfactory 45 in total.
 

Press Release 16th February 2013 - Alan Lloyd

Last Saturday four members of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club rode the “Mad Jack” Audax event. The ride covers some of the most stunning scenery offered by the High Weald, however riders have to pay for the privilege of stunning vistas by investing heavily in sweat and toil by ascending a total of 2506 metres on the circular route through Burwash, Brightling and the Fairlight Country Park, before a tortuous return leg to Hailsham.

Later that evening, over fifty club members and guests attended the annual prize giving awards evening, ably hosted by Club Chairman Chris Martin.

Peter Morris was recognised for his outstanding season which saw him claim both the Senior and Short Distance BAR awards along with the season long Classic League competition. Peter’s most outstanding moment of the season was undoubtedly his success in the prestigious Lewes Crits road race series, where he was crowned overall winner.

Other winners on the night were David Beale who received the Middlemarkers trophy, Alan Lloyd for the Points competition and Vet’s BAR award and Junior talent Dan Gardner, who claimed the Junior BAR award to round off a fabulous season of racing. Nick Dwyer had another record breaking season, lowering the club 10 and 25 records, whilst Rob Pelham proved his mastery of the 100-mile event by winning both the ESCA and SCCU events in sub four hour times. Peter Baker, John Mankelow and Alan Lloyd were awarded medals for being the top National VET’s team in this year’s 100-mile competition.

Natasha Fuller swept all before her and claimed the Ladies BAR, her stunning season also saw her notch up 10 new club records. Doug Gardner deservedly received the Zonca Bradshaw trophy, awarded for the rider who has a big heart and shows real commitment to the club.

A touching footnote to the evening’s proceedings arose when partially sighted Peter Burbery, a long serving and respected member of the club, took to the stage and proceeded to recount the racing carer of another Lewes stalwart, Horry Hemsley. Peter recalled that as the years had progressed Horry had commented that as opposed to his glory years he had to resign himself to being a back marker for most events. In a light hearted recognition of this, Peter had made a fabulous trophy, complete with flashing light, in the form of the “Lantern Rouge” an award given to the back markers in iconic races such as the Tour de France. Horry received his award to heartfelt applause in recognition of his continued support and participation in club racing events.

More details of all events may be found at www.lewesawanderers.co.uk/index.htm as well as the club’s new blog site at http://www.leweswanderers.blogspot.co.uk

Press Release 10th February 2013 - Alan Lloyd

On Saturday four members of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club turned up to ride the Worthing Winter Warmer, an Audax event starting at Dial Post.  Rob Pelham, Micky Turner and John Miller elected to ride the thirty miles from Uckfield to the start at a crazy nineteen miles per hour average!

As entrants set out on a raw morning they were somewhat fearful of icy conditions, but thankfully for most of the circuit the roads were clear and frost free.  In contrast to some of the recent Audax events the course was relatively gentle, with only one steep climb at the mid-point section of the course at Blackdown Hill.  As the road soared it became ominously dusted with snow, and whilst being picturesque was not really appreciated by the riders as they battled towards the summit.

All the Wanderers successfully completed their ride, including the fourth Lewes man Adrian Hills.  At the end of the ride the Uckfield boys had to make the long ride home to complete an arduous 120-mile adventure.  This high mileage training is invaluable for John and Micky who are in training for the epic Audax London-Edinburgh-London ride to be held in August (also being ridden by Chris Martin and Paul Gibbons).

The following day was to see the final round in the somewhat arcane “Reg Porter Competition”.  This event reflects the eccentricity of the English, as no other nation could possibly dream up three such disparate and quirky events.

This round was based on speed judging, with riders having to trace round two loops of a circuit at set speeds without the aid off a speedometer, one loop at thirteen miles per hour with the second loop a mile an hour slower.  Judging speeds is deceptively difficult, especially as the second loop takes in the climb up to Glynde.  After this point riders were starting to bunch, indicating that most of them had seriously miscalculated their respective speeds.

At the start of the day Micky Turner and Adrian Hills were locking horns for top spot, but the drama of the day proved too much for them as they finished way down the field.  Master of the event was veteran racing legend Ian Landless who paced one loop to such a nicety that he was within one second of his target time.

After the event riders returned to Peter & Ann Baker’s house where they were treated to lashings of hot tea and cakes with a collection being made for the Children’s Society raising over forty pounds.

In the steam filled room and with riders tensely munching their cakes Peter sat hunched over his laptop entering complex numbers into a mystifying spreadsheet to ascertain the results.

For the speed judging round Ian Landless was top dog with the human dynamo Peter Baker runner up. Peter should have a good feel for speed judging as last year he completed over 23,000 miles, riding every day in the year in the process.  New boy Mark Longhurst judged his speed well and finished high enough to claim the prized Reg Porter Trophy, hopefully one of many trophies to be captured by Mark in the future.

This Saturday the Wanderers are holding their annual prize giving ceremony hosted by Club Chairman Chris Martin at the Roebuck Inn, Laughton.

More details of all events may be found at www.lewesawanderers.co.uk/index.htm as well as the club’s new blog site at http://www.leweswanderers.blogspot.co.uk

Mad Jack

I never intended to ride/enter the 2013 edition of the classic Mad Jack audax, but with the cancellation of Hills and Mills due to snow, Andy Seviour kindly offered to swap our entry across to this event.  Great!!

The reason I didn't intend to ride it mainly because its too bloody hard and also because the weather is always crap (making it harder), but being tight, I couldn't let my entry fee go so easily.

I retired the bike from Cyclo Cross duties the previous weekend when it was running perfectly despite the grotty weather and mud and and made it ready for its audax debut (swapped the cross tyres to road tyres).  A gear cable outer split in the week so was also swapped for new, meaning the gears which were perfectly indexed running through rusty split gear cable outers would no longer work (how does that work?).  You may notice a gear related theme following Micky's earlier post.

I downloaded the route onto the Garmin the night before and Amanda and Eva very kindly offered to give me a lift to the start in the morning.  Following weeks of crap weather it was great to wake up to sun, hardly any wind and it wasn't even raining.

A quick group photo in the car park and we set off.  The garmin instantly got confused  telling me I was at the end of the route and so didn't give me any more directions.  I rode with Micky and John for a bit, but they started to edge away on the steeper bits, Rob came past giving chase and so I was on my own.

I thought I new the route so expected to regroup with the mighty 3some at the top of the next climb.  The climbs on the Mad Jack are relentless, steep and almost always start immediately following a steep descent, meaning its necessary to get as much speed down as possible and maintain the speed through the transition before getting the gears right to ride up the climb.

Unfortunately most of the descents were smashed with pot holes and at the bottom there was often a large sized crater to overcome, as I prepared for the final big climb before the first feed I hit one of these craters and immediately felt the rear wheel complain.  I wasn't sure what was wrong it just felt odd.

I continued on the climb and soon had the noise of a puncture added to the thud of the rear wheel.  I realised at this point the course had changed as no-one was coming back down the climb and there was no feed at the top.

I stopped to change my tube at the top and checked the rear wheel, which felt okay except for a few lose spokes.

James Ryan kindly leant me a tube (saved me using a c02 cartidge) and we set about chasing the riders that had passed, James was riding like a machine, but my legs were really struggling after the stop.  Worse still, the garmin was still showing the route on the map but the nature of the course continually crossing over and looping out of Battle was such that I couldn't tell in which direction we were meant to be going.

We stopped at a lovely little cafe/sandwich stop in Battle and I considered my options, how would I continue without knowing the directions, I hung around for a bit and opted to follow Tony Gale and Chris Hough.
I assume Tony had one of these clever new integrated garmins as I couldn't see any maps, directions or route sheet, yet he was calling out directions in good time even explaining how the route change would affect the distances we would face each of the main challenges.

We rode a nice big route out towards and round Burwash, a quick stop at a BP garage for a banana and we were off again.

We saw the Midge out on his bike as we headed back to Battle, but I was in oxygen debt at the time so I didn't realise it was him until he had passed us in the opposite direction.

Back to Battle just as Sam Ramsey was leaving, he had a Garmin so I opted to join him.  Sam's garmin was working perfectly, but his gears were not.  We made good progress and started picking off riders in front.  We saw Rob, John and Micky ending their Fairlight loop just as we were about to start the really hard part of the course, Doleham Halt and then the horrible climb to Fairlight.

I had packed plenty of food in my pockets but was getting thoroughly fed up with malt loaf, I thought wrapping slices in tin foil would make them easy to unwrap and eat on the bike, it didn't, it was a struggle to unwrap them and a struggle to chew them.

I was a little gutted there was no food at Fairlight, but the ride back to Battle included some nice flat bits which we used to good effect.   I grabbed a tuna salad roll from the cafe at our final visit and we set off in search of Hailsham.

The route doesn't let out and even heading for home there a few final stings in the tail, one such steep climb seemed to get the better of Sam and he loudly voiced his concerns at his ability to keep going, but keep going he did.

With the good weather the views had been stunning all day, but the ride had saved the best to last with simply beautiful views around Bodle Street Green and Stunts Green. Views which are normally shrouded in cloud.

We caught a further 2 riders, but somehow it seemed rude to overtake them so close to the finish, Sam said he would be fine on his own and to go ahead alone, fine except I still didn't know the route and I really didn't have the legs to go any quicker.

Sam and I rolled into Hailsham in 6 1/2 hours, tired and hungry but really pleased to have ridden the classic Mad Jack in extraordinary beautiful conditions and it was great for me to ride with so many Wombles.

Might even ride next year...

Old Loom Mill Club Run

Club Run to Old Loom Mill, Hailsham
Sunday 17th February by Paget Cohen

At last some dry and sunny weather, although mist still lingered in Heathfield and Framfield it would be the last I'd see of it all day, but not the last of the hazards.  Arriving in Uckfield early I found David Hodgson window shopping and we were soon joined by (recent Reg Porter victor) Mark L, Stuart K, nice Martin, Carl M, Peter Barling and Alan Lloyd.  With Ian McG unavailable Martin was deputising and came prepared with written directions on a post-it stuck to his wrist and an Ordnance Survey in his back pocket just in case.  His chosen route would take us along familiar lanes through Palehouse Common, Easons Green, Waldron and Lions Green to Horam where we turned left towards Marle Green, then left again in the direction of Vines Cross.

Here I was hoping we would turn right as a) I was struggling from 5 weeks off the bike and b) I knew that ahead lay a dangerous downhill S-bend I know as "The Corkscrew";  indeed I recall warning David as we began the descent.  As it was he and the advance party made it round, but Alan and I both hit the ice, then hit the ice, and found ourselves sliding on our hips towards the grass verge.  Having given Skeleton Bob (or should that be Skeleton Bike) a try and rejected it I'm pleased to report that having each checked our equipment was still in working order we were able to revert to an upright stance on top of our bikes as we somewhat gingerly cut through to Warbleton and turned South for Cowbeech.

Once over the A271 by the trugg shop and across the levels we picked up a steady trickle of Wanderers attempting their own long-distance speed judging contest - that of arriving at the tea stop after opening, but before everyone else.  Despite most lanes being dry up till now the one on to Horse-Eye Level was still under water and one of our number had the misfortune to shatter their mudguard on an unruly twig.  The Level itself, however was glorious - bathed in sunshine, enhanced by the reflection off the drainage ditches and flooded fields.  The same could not be said for Down Ash Lane which was still awash with huge muddy puddles and riven with bomb craters.  Those on the front could have saved their breath by assuming 'Holes' and alerting us to any 'Good Road'.

My first visit to Old Loom Mill, but I hope not my last as choice, service, prices and cakes were all excellent;  I quite understand why so many Wanderers made the effort to join us.  The run for home was enlivened only by Martin coming a cropper on some mud on the pavement approaching the Hailsham by-pass crossing, but he was fortunate enough to land on the grass.  My lack of fitness told as the road turned uphill and I didn't actually get to say "cheerio" to anyone as the elastic had snapped long before I went my own merry way, although unbeknownst to him I had Carl as a distant carrot for a few miles.  Ho, hum, a good 48 miles and, for the first time in months, no punctures that I was aware of!

It was only upon closer inspection when cleaning the Marin and myself that the full extent of the crash damage became apparent;  a bent quick release lever (bike) and a teabag-sized slice of skin that came way with my shorts.  Today my left hip is doing a passable impression of a volcano - a large swelling with an angry looking red summit.  I hope for his sake that Alan got off more lightly.

** EDIT - The following picture is sent from Mr L, depicting the results of his slide on Sundays club run. Personally I dunno what's worse, the bruising or Mr L's budgie smugglers ;o)

Broke Back Saddle - Paul Gibbons

Fancied a bit more Rotherfield today and no surprises, Simon did too. Set off just after eight o’clock, discovering that I still feel like a bucket of lard, although 15-20 psi in your tyres is never going to feel fast on the road! We made reasonable time to the woods, via a mix of on and offroad and as we got there, the sun rolled out. First bit of downhill went well, if a little wet and we began to get into the swing of things. I decided to show Simon the new bit of singletrack I found the other day, which was definitely a bit trickier today-lots of off camber stuff above a cold looking river.

 With the new tracks done, we headed back up through the woods, with CC’s drivetrain complaining quite a lot! Despite his frustration, we agreed on a final fling from top to bottom, before heading for home. As we were nearing the end, I heard a loud crack followed by more cursing. I assumed CC had just got it all a bit wrong on entering the final gully and come off, but it was his seat pin which had sheared a bolt, leaving a rather forlorn looking saddle hanging off the back.

 All sorts of things went into a rather serious amount of bodging to get the saddle back on-a piece of wire first, then some good old baler twine, followed by a discarded inner tube and finally some duct tape, job done.

Simon was fairly fed up by now, so we started out for home, although still trying to stay offroad as much as possible. We passed the village stores in Town Row and started the climb up to Argos Hill, which is when I felt the need for food-we kept going. It always seems like a tough ride home even though Rotherfield is only about five or six miles in a straight line from my place. At least CC was struggling too, but blaming his broken bike.

The final climb up to Heathfield saw an almost unseen occurrence-me leading out in front of Simon by quite a distance and staying there till the top! His bike was slowly giving up the ghost, breaking a spoke now and feeding the fire of despair. We rolled into my place for a welcome cuppa at 12:30 with a hard earned 44kms on the clock-it felt like a lot more, CC a finished man!

Mad Jack 2013 - By Micky T

MAD JACKS Audax 2013

Cycling to earn your beer for the awards dinner could be easier  !!

However as this seems to be a must on the Audax calendar, the fact that it is the same day as the dinner and generally rubbish weather seems to make it more appealing for me.

Fortunately the weather was kind this year.  Rob, John and I meet in Uckfield at 8 for our Standard Audax Procedure ( 19 mph ride over ). 

Lots of Wombles milling around , John Mankelow, Sam Ramsay , Chris Hough , Red Leader Mark Winton , James Ryan joined us after a car park meeting , and Treble Hard Tony arrived a little later.



Photo taken and off. Splinter action straight away - it is a course that you try to go at your own pace with all the hills - but boys will be ...
JM, MW , JR & MT were towards the front - Rob waiting in the car park to let us have a start . Lost James and Mark with a puncture I think just before the first of three controls in the middle of Battle. Rob had now made his entrance and found a fast friend to play with .

We set off again and John's rear-mech started playing up . Up Brightling in the near sunshine and met Midgo doing hill Reps for fun . Rob was waiting at the top as his friend didn't want to play anymore and it was back to Battle . John was not having a great bike day and punctured , then to Dolhem Halt ( like that name ) with John's gears getting worse. The top half of his rear sprocket could not be engaged and he had to resort to using the 39 front ring ( which is practically unheard of ) Fairlight was even more of a struggle .

Back to Battle -  again - and the long way it seemed to Hailsham .

Quick coffee and chat with Andy and cycle home.

I have to say I am used to being very well fed on this Audax - but this time with no Dave Hudson I was a little unprepared and blimmin hungry . The loops back into Battle were a bit repetitive . But it is
a good testing route . My Garmin said 2600 m plus of climb !! And as always good to be out and having fun.

It was on the way home that I really felt it. John was now down to the 11T rear sprocket and  we were struggling to keep hold of Rob's wheel at Halland . I said good bye to John who was heading north . Rob was a flashing red light in the distance. I now had well over 100 miles on the clock and limped home on the 25 course back to Fairwarp. I consumed as much as possible in 5 minutes before I could take my shoes off.

Quick bath - one for me one for Isaac - and off to win raffle prizes at the dinner.

Cheers to all Wombles Mad Jacker's

Kit Order

A kit order will be sent to our supplier Kalas, in early March.  If you want any kit whether it is a skinsuit, winter jersey or anything in between please contact Graham Jeffs at:

 

Email: grahamjeffs@sky.com

 

Telephone: 01892 664898 / 07813 900474

Wimps Wednesday - 13th February 2013 - By Paul Gibbons

Another Wednesday. Another windy Wednesday. Another windy, wimps Wednesday! Another day of not really wanting to go out!

Thankfully, with plenty of banter flying around on the forum, it somehow makes “not going out”, not an option, as you fast gain the reputation of being a wimp! With this in mind, I reluctantly got ready and set off for the Downs. Parked at the bottom of Firle, for reasons that will become clear later, I set off. I got to the bottom of the climb, discovering I was already in bottom gear and set off-not a good sign. I hadn’t gone far when a torrent of blood started running out of my nose-a problem I suffer with from time to time. I continued on, but ploughing up the side of Firle, offroad, was not helping the flow of blood! Halfway up, I was struggling to breath properly and I had to stop. My bike was covered in blood, along with everything else and having stopped, the resulting pool of blood on the ground looked like the scene of a murder! Oh well, might as well carry on now, the blood bath was not going to stop and I was well and truly covered.

Finally I reached the top and saw a single light twinkling in the carpark. Rob was on his lonesome; Pete had punctured, but was on his way. Rob kindly described my new look as  something out of a zombie movie, or the fact I had been eating road kill without cutlery. With the wind biting as well, we dropped over the brow to shelter from the bitter chill whilst we waited for Pete. Upon his arrival, we got going and I decided it was going to be one of those rides as we set off towards Bo Peep. My mind and sole were elsewhere, I was already on the limit and I thought about calling it quits before the inevitable happened-“don’t be stupid you wimp”, I carried on in silent suffering!

Once at Bo Peep, we headed for Seaford. As usual, once things start going down, I found myself on the front, but I was struggling to ride uphill. Some of these tracks I haven’t done for years, so in some ways it was quite nice to do them again. As we got round Seaford, I was now on new turf. Pete took us along the cliff tops before dropping down to the seafront and onto Bishopstone-somewhere else I had forgotten about. The boys were giving me a good work over and unfortunately for me, I already knew which way Pete was taking us back to Firle-not one of my favourites when you’re not on form.

We had a brief pit stop whilst trying to find South Heighton before the long haul up to Firle and finally it felt like the wind wasn’t trying to push you backwards. We hit the track going up, which is just a long haul grass climb. I actually didn’t feel too bad and tucked in to try and save myself, then my chain came off-Pete and Rob kept going. It was a very quick fix and I was off, chasing after a set of lights. It’s hard to tell, but I was slowly gaining on Rob, whilst Pete had shot off ahead, then my chain came off again! Rather demoralised, I set off, the lights were now a long way off and the will to chase had gone-my chain came off again, fight lost!

Waiting at a gate to let me through, with my wimp badge plastered across my forehead, Pete said we were nearly at the top, which was great news because it meant heading back into the now howling wind. It was a job to stay on track down to the carpark and no one wanted to hang about. With thanks said to Pete, we headed off in different directions, Rob having accepted a lift home with me-wimp (only joking!). The next bit was the whole reason for wanting to do wimps Wednesday. I warned Rob about the first bit of down hill before I dropped over a steep bank and disappeared. I heard a few mutterings in the wind about not following me; so I slowed down to let him catch up. I love this bit off of Firle so it’s hard for me to go slow ,and the only reason for parking at the bottom, but I knew Rob might have a job keeping up. All things considered, he did pretty well and popped out the bottom of the track seconds behind me with a large grin on his face-gotcha, he enjoyed it! He was even more impressed with the fact I had ridden up it at the start, losing copious amounts of blood, which you couldn’t see at speed on the way down!



All in all a good ride, thanks Pete. Hopefully I might feel a bit better next week and maybe lose my “wimp” badge I earnt this week.

London Cyclocross Team Championship

I spent all morning watching the rain splash against the window and didn't go outside at all so it wasn't until I went outside to get the bike ready that I realised how cold it was.

After a pre race meal of toast, cheese and ham (very Belgian) I went outside to get the bike ready to realise it was bloody freezing.  Nick Smith had offered to give me a lift ad we made it to the start in good time. 

A quick change and we headed out to pre-ride the course.  It was awful, we could barely ride half of the course as it was so peaty and muddy, there would be a lot of running with the bikes.

We had a quick team chat at the start (Steve Burgess, Nick and I with the additional extra of Doug Gardner) and it was decided I would start on the front line (yikes) with Nick and Steve starting 10 feet behind. 

At the start shout (the commissaire forgot his whistle) we were off, the lightening quick start I visioned didn't happen and I went backwards very quickly, inevitable if you start at the front I suppose. 

I was swamped by the riders, the start loop was that horrible wet muddy muck, we then headed out onto a field and I chose the wrong side of the path and got swamped more.  Frustrated I dug in and after 1/2 lap I started to pick off a few riders and was amazed that at 'race pace' most of the course was indeed rideable and dare I say very enjoyable.

Most of the climbing was on fire roads and the descents were slippy, it was a little bit like riding a road bike with a puncture.  There were plenty of hairpins that began rideable but as the race matured there was more and more running, which I unusually seemed to cope with well.  The long climby bits soon became a ride through mud that developed the consistency of quick sand. 

Given the heavy nature of the course it didn't take long to start to catch and lap riders, this proved an interesting challenge as most corners had one line in and out and the relentless nature of the corners meant if you lost your line you were in the wrong place for the next corner.

I spotted a Wanderer up ahead and closed on Doug Gardner just in time to see him grind to a halt, put an arm out and fall in a heap, I checked he was okay as I passed (good job he was as I wouldn't have stopped).

Next on my radar was Nick who had had a couple of falls, I passed as he dismounted and tried not to fall on my arse, at about the same time the leader caught and lapped me.  Its great seeing the fast guys in action, they seem to make effortless progress across the tough conditions.

Now on my final lap I caught Doug one last time before taking the bombhole for the final time, I overtook a rider going into the bombhole and was following another rider closely, who promptly stopped dead at the top and we all crashed into each other. 

I slid back down the bombhole and was forced to climb back out, pleased not to lose any more positions I rode round to take the finish.

We hung around for the finish, had a quick team photo and swapped stories. 

Doug had a tough time, having a number of crashes, but certainly looked like he enjoyed the fun.  Steve had a cracking ride and didn't seem to have any dramas.  Nick had 2 or 3 crashes but once he was going made good progress catching plenty of riders.

I'll post results when I get them. 

But all that's left to say is a MASSIVE thank to the Crawley Wheelers for putting on an excellent event, particularly the marshals for standing around in the freezing cold and wet conditions.  

Reg Porter Competition 2012/13 - Round 3 - The Speed Judging - By Chris Martin

Another Reg Porter Competition done and dusted - congratulations goes to new boy, Mark Longhurst on his victory and special mention goes out to the top seven who took on each round and kept the battle alive to the finish.  Mark wasn’t planning on making the Awards Evening, but was heading home to rearrange his social plans, so he can collect this, the most prestigious of our trophies

Thanks to Bob the promoter Comben and his team, Richard the clock Meed and Laurie the pretty assistant Leaney.  And after, to Team Baker (Peter & Anne) for their excellent hospitality.  With a reduced field, probably down to the grim, wet and cold conditions, there was extra cake to go round and three pieces found their way my way!  Thanks to all for their cash donations (including Micky T) who didn’t even get to sample the goodies, as he’d used up his day-release with the previous day’s Worthing Winter Warmer and had to make a dash (splash) for home and some dad duties.  Anne was delighted to report a sum £43.80 was raised for Children’s Charities.

It was wet and grim and various contenders failed to make the start, somehaving more legitimate excuses than others. Defending Champion, Micky T looked a nervous man despite going into the final round with a three point lead and as if often the case in Reg world he cracked and made a bit of a hash of the Speed Judging.  His mission to do a 13mph lap followed by a 12mph effort on the more technical and longer second lap was confuddled as his 30 second man (me) caught him as we hit the second lap.  I tried to get away, but he came past and dropped me on the climb and then proceeded to brake test me as we scrubbed the speed off heading down the other side.

Turning left for home a MTB boy came past us and was enjoying putting the MAMILs to the sword when I explained the rules - that brought the baggy shorted dude down to reality with a bang.

Micky and I reached the final turn to see Dr Stuart sailing straight on towards Laughton!?  Prior to this misdemeanour, Alan Lloyd had a special place in LWCC history as the only man to go off-course on the Speed Judging.  Now, if a Teacher and a Doctor both share the ignominy of committing such an act, what

does that say about our education system?!

Luckily for Stuart, Micky gave him a shout and he soon can flying past both of us in the TT position, sadly the damage was done and he finished last!

I crossed the finish line ahead of Micky, but between us we’d ballsed it up and we both finished well down the field.  I at least lived up to my Twitter name (ChairmanSlow) as I was too slow on both laps.  Micky hung on to claim second on GC, whilst I was pipped for the lower step on the podium by Mr Yates.

Star performer of the day, was the Sun God, who told me that he was as white as me now that he’d given up wintering in the southern hemisphere and that he was getting some product of Tom Glandfield to reinstate his teak look.  Ian missed perfection on his second lap by a tantalising one second.

Reg facts: 29 gave it a go on at least one round.  Graham Jeffs & Stephen Burgess were top dogs, when brain power was needed along with cycling prowess. Nick Dwyer is the master of aerodynamics (I think we knew that).  Ian Landless is nearly perfect.  And Mark Longhurst beat them all.  Role on next year, when

I will win it again.

Chris Martin

Worthing Winter Warmer

Mick Irons & his happy band of helpers always put on a wicked event, & not being on our 'manor' it gives you the chance to ride some seldom travelled routes over the other side of the county. This coupled with the fact I had the day off work prompted me to sling an entry in the post.

After an overshoe malfunction shortly before leaving I meet Micky T & John Miller outside Boots just after 07:00. We decided due to the low temps to stick to the main road over to Dial Post & set off up the bypass towards the A272. Before we'd even reached Piltdown I snapped my chain (something else I have in common with Fabu), but with Johns assistance we had it fixed before Micky had finished watering the plants. Head down for the rest of the journey over we rocked up at the HQ shortly after 08:30, having witnessed directly in front of us some joker spin his car 2 or 3 times & plant it backwards into a tree (knob!).

Coffee taken on board, a quick chat with Adrian Hills (the only other Womble) & Brevet cards collected Me, MT & John set off as a happy little threesome towards to back of the 83 strong peloton.

As the group rolled along on the flat roads out of Dial Post we could see a couple of groups starting to establish themselves up the road. Nothing to worry about yet & still early days. After a few miles, whilst we were having a good catch-up with 'Audax Mark' (who we haven't seen since last years Audaxes - apparently he's gonna do L-E-L on fixed!!!), some little fella went shooting down the outside off the front of our group & making his way to the Tet de la course (or whatever it is?).

"I'm not happy about that!" I said to Micky, who was busy telling Audax Mark about all the other times he's done LEL, so I was obviously not getting any help from there. We took another couple of turns on the route & the gap to the front group was getting far too big, so across I went. No mans land for a couple of minutes, then contact was made. This group contained quite a few Worthing Excelsior jerseys & a few undercover guys, about 10 in total. They obviously meant business as they weren't hanging about & were lined out behind a big guy setting a good pace.



The smart move was obviously to sit in & regain ones composure for a while before sizing up the group & seeing what the 'dynamic' was. Instead I asked myself "what would Tommy Voeckler do?" & just motored up the outside of 'em all & set a quicker pace of my own on the front. Knowing I still had at least one with me I waited till an opportune moment about 10 minutes later before looking over the shoulder. Turns out the bunch behind had been whittled down to just 2. After a little while more of setting pace we chilled & started to chat between us until the Black Down climb. One of the guys dropped his chain over the high side of his cassette, whoops. We rolled in to the control at the top of he hill & were quickly joined by the cream of the following group, which by all accounts had been towed along by John Miller for a fair while.

Not unusually for the Black Down control, it was snowing, & snowing quite hard with VERY BIG bits of snow falling & settling in quick order. Fed & watered & with the snow in mind I decided to be the first away from the control. The descent was in sh1t order & the climb back up & descent down Quell Lane was even worse. Fortunately the snow was restricted to the higher ground & down at 'normal' level it was just wet & cold as normal. I pressed on alone till near the second control where I was joined by another couple of Worthing Excels.

More cake, more tea & on to the finish. We shared a bit of the work for a few miles before we turned out of a junction onto a long, straight & gradually downhill section of road. Now, I'm 93kg in my birthday suit, so if I hit a downhill & gravity is pulling me at speed to the bottom who am I to argue with Newtons Law?

So it was that I completed the last 15ish miles solo (again) & really gunned it to the finish. That said I wasn't back at the hall long before the first of the followers started to trickle in & eventually Micky & John turned up, freezing & filthy to get a feed in & warm soup inside them before we embarked on the final 30 miles back to Uckfield.

The ride home wasn't anywhere as eventful as the ride out. Even our average speed had tailed off & with 120ish miles on the clock another massive day in the saddle was completed.

Big thanks to Mick Irons & his crew for sorting another fantastic event. I foresee a good season ahead  for the WECC as they had a number of guys in good form at todays ride.

Definitely not your usual Audax.

Wimps Wednesday - 6th February 2013

Simply too much testosterone flying around on 'Stanmer Tuesday' & 'Friston Thursday' for me. Plus my  24 inch wide shoulders don't fit between trees only 23 inches apart, however night MTB'ing seemed fun. So it was that 'Wimps Wednesday', with an emphasis towards Cross Country riding was born.

After the excellent ride last week with Me, Pete, Mark & Gibbo I was looking forward to more of the same this week. It didn't start well however with Pete phoning in his apologies before I had left Uckfield. I made it to Firle Beacon Car Park in quick time this week, a little before the 19:30 RV.

I circulated around at the top of a very cold & blustery beacon waiting for my comrades to show looking east & west waiting to see the lights snaking there way across the darkness towards me........& waiting ........... & waiting........... & waiting. I was beginning to think I hadn't got the memo when I eventually caught sight of self changing, flickering light coming from the West.

So it was, just me & Mark who set off from the car park in the general direction of Eastbourne. A strong chilly wind blowing over our left shoulders from behind, but feeling hard work already.

It always amazes me how close places can be when you travel between them cross country, & before we knew it we were at a devilishly steep & slippery descent in to Alfriston. Whoever I'm following down this ramp seems to disappear out of sight in quick order, partly because I'm rubbish on mud, & partly because I'm following nutters like Gibbo & Mark. Fortunately the practice is making me better. Unfortunately everyone else is getting quicker too.

We moved on to what is now becoming more familiar territory, climbing up Windover Hill where I should my complete naivety of this 'Strava' stuff. I set off up what is a 10+ minute off road climb like the proverbial scalded Gazelle, only to stop at what I thought was past the 'segment' finish. It wasn't till I got home that I realised I'd stopped about 20yards short of the actual finish. Damn!!! Nevermind, I'm not gonna trouble the real quickies, but I was hoping to improve on my 312th place :o(

With my legs now shot to bits from my fruitless Strava glory hunting, things were starting to feel a bit tough. A tour of the fire roads around Friston Forest & our route turned back towards Firle. First West, to Seaford & then North West, DIRECTLY into the gale which had been blowing over our shoulder earlier. It was on this run in back to where we started that Mark showed his metal, his smaller silhouette & lower riding style cutting through the fierce headwind whereby I suffered enormous sense of humour failure, grinding to what seemed a complete stop. If it wasn't for the fact I was a) in the middle of nowhere, & b) in the presence of a witness I would probably have called my mummy to rescue me.

Fortunately, on the run in to the Beacon the route changed direction slightly again & spirits slightly raised before Mark & I went our separate ways. Off the top of the downs the wind died considerably & I made it home (slowly) on the roads with a tough, but in hindsight enjoyable ride in the bank.

Wimps Wednesday - 6th Feb 2013

As usual for me, when I plan to ride the bike the wind whips up and this Wednesday would be no different. About 1/2 hour before I was due to leave a text conversation from Paul made it clear he wouldn't be joining us.

With doubts in my mind I left bang on time for a head/side wind challenge to the meeting point.  Instead of just wind this week, the hail added an extra unwanted dimension.

Despite riding as hard as I could I was still late to the meeting point to find Pete was also a DNS.  Rob had been waiting a few minutes in the cold so we didn't hang about, heading off straight away, we failed to make a decision about route choices and ended up following the big route Pete had suggested.

We were riding roughly with the wind but it didn't seem to be assisting us, in fact even with the ground much firmer than last week it felt pretty tough and my legs were on one of those days when they just felt empty.

We rode the same steep descent into Alfriston, but a lot quicker this week, great fun.

Rob lit the afterburners up the horrible long man climb, it was impressive to see his lights heading into the distance.  Down in the valley I could see the gritter was out on the roads.

We continued along the South Downs Way past Jevington before heading down to East Dean then into the back of Friston Forest.

Up to this point we had a great ride, we chatted and rode with a minimum amount of faffing, the lack of mud meant the bikes worked well.  We got through Friston fine and even the big hill up to Tom's house was bearable  it was the exposed section from Seaford to the downs that would be my undoing.  It started off fine, but as we progressed the wind got stronger and we slowly turned until we were heading straight into the wind.

Rob kindly opened the gates for me so progress was good, but I was getting slower and slower.  I didn't realise but I was getting cold, I started to think that lying down and going to sleep on the side of the trail would be a good option.  I realised this was a warning sign that all was not well, at the next gate I struggled to put on the extra jacket I always pack as an emergency, grabbed a drink and got some emergency haribo down me.  At this point Rob gave me something to take home with me, I was so tired I promptly dropped it, luckily the wind stopped and didn't take it too far away.

The haribo made me feel sick but gave me the kick I needed to continue on.  We could make out the silhouette of the South Downs Way up ahead, after what felt like an age we rejoined the South Downs and a bit more headwind before turning back to Firle where we headed our separate ways.

Riding home was a bit of a blur, not through speed sadly simply from the effort needed to propel myself home.  I got in just before 11, grabbed a shower and I was asleep even before my head hit the pillow.

Despite having a tough ride, it was great to be out for a big mid-week ride.  Thanks to Rob for dragging me round.  When will we learn and chose a slightly shorter route??

Press Report - February 2013 - By Alan Lloyd

A hint of spring prompted a large contingent of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling to rise from their enforced winter hibernation to brave the elements on the open road.  At the start of the ride the thermometer was hovering around zero, but thankfully there was little sign of icy roads as the group left Uckfield.  However as the elevation increased, the laws of Meteorology dictated that the temperatures fell.  The climb up Argos Hill proved particularly tricky with rutted roads glistening with pockets of ice, forcing riders to slither with hearts in mouth as they anticipated a painful introduction to the tarmac.  All riders completed the climb successfully, though the sheet ice at the bottom of the descent tested rider’s resolve and skill to the full.

The midpoint of the ride was at Hartfield in the splendid Pantry café who provided a warm welcome to riders from various clubs who had braved the day.

The homeward leg had a nasty sting in its legs with the long climb up Chuck Hatch before the ride split up for riders to head home.

Non-members are always welcome to join in club runs, but riders need to be reasonably fit as rides can extend to fifty miles over hilly Sussex terrain.  The meet up point is outside Boots in Uckfield, with rides setting off at 9am.

Next week sees the keenly anticipated final round of the Reg Porter trophy, with Micky Turner in pole position attempting to retain his champion’s crown.  The final round is the speed judging competition were riders have to complete a loop around Glynde trying to cycle as close to two prescribed speeds for two halves of the circuit.  The use of speed computers is not allowed.  This deceptively simple sounding exercise is really something of a lottery with guesswork usually prevailing over reason.

Yikes, its Trikes!!!

But not a Longbarrow in site ;o)

Wimps Wednesday - 30/1/13

These evening rides are fast obtaining a reputation that they simpler are not what they say on the tin.

With plenty of banter on the forum in the days leading up to the ride it was a much anticipated ride.  A fierce headwind blew me to Firle, despite leaving a few mins early I still arrived a few minutes late.  One of the best bits of riding at night is how far you can see other light sources, I could see Paul heading from the other direction as I met with Rob and Pete.

A bit more banter about route choices and the like and we were off, Paul still smarting from his thrashing at the reliability trial set off at a rapid pace with Rob giving chase and Pete and I rolling along at the back.

Having ridden down Rob was lit up light a Christmas tree and was shining more rear light at me than I was shining in front of me.

Pete soon started to have some bike problems and was struggling to pedal, I set off in search of a twig to clear the mud but the top of the Downs is so barren there was nothing.  My ambitious route would have taken us to the back of Seaford before heading into Friston for some singletrack and back along the south Downs Way, 20 miles in total.

Paul led us on an even more ambitious route, heading along the Downs where we dropped into Alfriston on a super steep descent (which I didn't even know existed) and up the massive long hill behind the long man of Wilmington where Rob set off for Strava glory.

Pete decided at the top that his bike problems were too much and he would head for home at the first opportunity.

Towards Jevington we turned right into the back of Friston Forest through the most awfully muddy conditions, I had to get off and walk as it was now time for my bike to struggle with the dreaded chain suck and Pete's bike was almost unrideable - Pete headed for home and we headed off in search off some some lovely dry(ish) single track - surprisingly we found some!

Paul gave us a high speed tow to Alfriston just as the moon started to pop up behind the Downs.  We headed for the Old Coach Road via a swimming pool (it may just have been a very deep puddle).  Now in the big ring my chainsuck disappeared and I felt pretty good for 1/2 mile before losing concentration on a muddy section and seeing Rob and Paul disappear off into the distance, I lost the fight and let them go.

Behind Firle Paul and Rob headed for home and I was left with a long ride back with the monster of all headwinds to contend with, it was getting late, cold and dark, not a great time for my front light to fail for no obvious reason, well maybe the ride through the swimming pool may have caused  problem or 2.  Riding on my own and down to just one light that I was convinced was beginning to flicker, I started to get a little spooked in the dark.

The ride into the headwind wasn't quite as bad as I expected and I headed home with a 4 hour ride on the clock.

Here's to the next Wimps Wednesday.

Cyctic Fibrosis Trust Charity Bike Ride - Saturday 9th March 2013

Get a team together for this fun charity bike ride. Teams should consist of a minimum of 5 riders; maximum 7. Starting at the top of Ditchling Beacon (car park) from 9:30am, teams will be set off in order of estimated completion time (slowest to fastest). All team members must ride together for the duration of the route, assisting each other with punctures, map reading and hill climbs! It is the responsibility of the team captain to ensure team members carry the required equipment ie: spare tubes, pumps, drinking water. The team time will be taken when all team members arrive at Seaford Downs Leisure Centre. The first 3 teams will receive a prize.

The route is approximately 20 miles following the South Downs Way, crossing the bridge above the A27 near Lewes, over the Downs at Kingston to Southease. Cross the River Ouse and railway line and up past Firle Beacon to Bo Peep. Going South, leaving the South Downs Way to follow the track behind Blatchington Golf Course & joining the Alfriston-to -Seaford Road at the Seaford boundary. Turn right, approximately 1 mile on-road to the leisure centre at the A259.

Lockers and showers are available for use at the Leisure Centre . Refreshments will be provided and once all teams have arrived at the finish, there will be a short presentation of prizes. In addition the bar will be open!

Cost:- £20.00 per person (paid by Saturday 23rd February) includes goody bag & refreshments at the end. All proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Entry form available to download HERE