NORTHERN NEWS

Number 136                                                                                                                                              April 05

               

  

HON SEC’S JOTTINGS                                       by John Bedford

I was very honoured to be again presented with the H.W. Parkes Award at the Birmingham slideshow recently. This award has been presented within the Birmingham & Midland District Association since 1966 – ‘For meritorious services to the Club and the Birmingham & Midland DA’.  I would like to put on record my thanks to Beryl for her continuing support and help in all I do.

 

Shenstone bridge closed from 3rd May for 5 weeks-delays expected.

 

Publicity Having worked with the North Birmingham Primary Care Trust I am hopeful that Chris’s poster and our ‘Cycling for Fitness and Pleasure’ leaflets are now on display in 27 doctor’s surgeries. I would welcome any feedback from members (though I hope you don’t have to visit your doctor!), particularly if you see that the number of leaflets is low in numbers, or the poster is not on display.  I am also looking for other locations where we can put up a poster and leaflets for free (Libraries are already covered. I would welcome ideas.  I am trying again to write short bits for the ‘Observer’ and ‘News’. To make this effective I need to know about unusual events or interesting places visited. Here is the first one we had printed by the S/C News as an example:

“Despite the recent poor weather most rides have taken place. At the beginning of February the three Saturday morning rides went to Curdworth Parish Church to support their ‘Coffee and Croissant’ morning, in aid of Church funds. The Sunday ride on the 27th February called at Saredon to see the windmill, and later visited Moseley Old Hall, the National Trust property. This was one of the places where Charles 2nd hid after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. About 30 members went to Brian’s Spring Brunch at The Dog at Whittington on the Friday 25th February. Also on the social side a number of members went into Birmingham, earlier in the month, to see an excellent slideshow on ‘Places to Cycle”.

Six new riders turned out on Saturday, 2nd April. I have others on my list and am hopeful they will eventually join us.

e-mail. It would be helpful if contributions were sent using Microsoft Word. I have not learnt how to convert from other systems such as Text.

Thinking ahead. You are invited to join Beryl and myself at The Golden Beeches weekend in the Chilterns on October 22nd & 23rd. More details later, or see www.southbuckscycling.org.uk

Volunteer wanted. Head office has sent out a Cyclists’ Manifesto and would like us to discuss this with our MPs and parliamentary candidates. Can anybody help, please? It would be particularly interesting to find out how they see the cycling lobby.

Change of Plan. The car-assisted ride on Wednesday 27th April will not be to The Lias Line at Leamington Spa, but will be to the Churnet Valley & Weaver Hills. Details from Chris Jones.

 

ANOTHER OUTING TO THE                                    by Brian Langdell

BRITISH ROAD TRANSPORT MUSEUM, COVENTRY

 

The new cycle display is now open and is called the ‘Cyclopedia Exhibition’. Eileen Sheridan officially opened the new layout in March. As last year, we will be traveling by train from New Street Station. The walk from Coventry station (bus if wet) will take us past several famous buildings. There are of course many other forms of transport on display (buses, cars, motor cycles etc.) and there is a reconstruction of the Coventry Blitz WW2. You will also be able to experience breaking the World Land Speed Record in a very realistic simulator.

DETAILS

DATE.   Wednesday June 1st.

MEET.    On platform, New St Station for 10.06 Central Train service to   

               Coventry.                  

COST.     Museum free

                Train free with Centro Senior Citizen Pass (otherwise approx £4      

                 cheap day return).

FOOD.     Café in museum. Supermarket opposite sells sandwiches.

 

All invited, no need to book, just turn up at station.

My telephone no. is 07906 704 874

 

WEST COAST MAIN LINE UPGRADE                   by Alistair Hanlon

Between Tamworth and Armitage the whole length of the present two rail track is to be upgraded to four.  Approx fifteen road bridges over rail tracks and under bridges at some locations have to be replaced and extended. A new bridge is to be constructed to eliminate the present level crossing at Hademore (outskirts of Whittington).  The work will be planned so that in all cases except one a new bridge will be built alongside the present one. Traffic will then be diverted on to it and the old bridge demolished. The exception is at Shaw Lane opposite Hanch Hall.  This will be achieved by constructing the new bridge support buttresses and road deviation work to a state where the new main bridge concrete spans can be swung by cranes into position over one whole weekend and allow diverted traffic to be resumed immediately afterwards.  It is envisaged that work will be proceeding at a number of sites simultaneously but no programme is available for this yet.  The network rail planning manager feels sure there will be very little upheaval for our cycling activities. All work starts in April, completion anticipated to be in 30 months.

 

WANTED – WOMEN TO CYCLE THE NILE – 6-14 November.

Join Professor Robert Winston for a unique women-only cycle ride in Egypt. Visit the pyramids, then cycle 400kms along the Nile to raise funds to improve the health of women and their babies.

Further information on 0845 408 2698 or events@actionforcharity.co.uk  Or see www.actionforcharity.co.uk.

Our own Sue Jinks did it last year and she hasn’t given up cycling!

  

NIGHT RIDE                                                        by Maurice Purser

 

'Come on out for a spin - the moon is full and the night is a!ive"

 

This is the greeting from a young friend; he just bursts into the room where we sit with a blank sheet of paper, wondering what on earth to send off to Northern News this time round.

 

The temptation to succumb to the comforts of an easy chair sometimes needs that sort of prod, but how grateful we are of that aiding and abetting when the prospect of the open road opens up - so into the waste paper basket with that blank sheet - on with the fluorescent coat and gloves, ease the dear old bike from its dreaming in the shed, and let's get going.

 

Now the city is far behind, the wind on our starboard beam, and the rough activity of the night takes us into its embrace. No one else seems to be abroad; just the headlights of a solitary overtaking vehicle stab at the darkness before us into a tunnel of shadows chequered by moonlight, of wildly waving trees and rustling hedgerows.

 

We are out; how sweet to taste the sharp air, and sense the blood leaping to warm us. On such a night the wind has waited for our coming, and on such a night we are able to return the compliment in full.

 

An hour, no more, of travel, makes a little measure of miles, before we turn into the drive of a friend's farm for a treat of coffee and home-made cake - the sort all full of fruit and crumbly to the touch, then back into Curborough's friendly lane to turn for home. Perfect is the night, busy with the music and movement of the wind which fans the stars, making them shine more bright; a tiny pin point leaves its anchorage to go skimming down the sky, then a little furry thing skims across our way before vanishing into the undergrowth.

 

After the little adventure we are now back in the warmth of home, so to rescue that abandoned sheet of paper and put it all down before it's

forgotten.

 

MAJORCA HOLIDAY - March 2005                        by Val Jones

 

Through Brian and Sally Langdell, together with Pam and John Green, we were lucky to be offered spare places on a cycling holiday with the Dorset group. Their organiser, Rob, used to ride with the Northern many years ago. The destination for the first week was Puerta Pollensa in the north of the island followed by a week in Cala Millor on the east coast.

       

We flew from Bournemouth Airport to Palma and were transported by coach to the hotel without a hitch. The place was full of cyclists although most were there for early training having superb stripped down bikes and definitely no saddlebags. However the camaraderie was great and the food stupendous. Buffet meals with as much as you could possibly eat for both breakfast and evening meals. Rosa’s, just opposite the hotel, made up baguettes for picnic lunches and we were ready each morning for the off by 9.30.

     

Some of the area around Puerta Pollensa is quite flat but there are mountainous parts too. We visited markets in old towns, a monastery in the hills at Lluc, marinas on the coast but the best ride had to be along the headland of  Formentor which stretches northwards from Puerto Pollensa. It’s an out and back ride involving five climbs. The day started misty but soon cleared and by the time we reached the first view point with sheer cliffs dropping into a turquoise sea the sun was out. A descent to a lovely unspoiled beach surrounded by pine trees for elevenses, before tackling the next two climbs to the lighthouse where we had lunch. The return journey was just as breathtaking in more ways than one with a final swoop down to the marina for a well deserved cuppa and a huge slice of chocolate cake.

     

On the middle Saturday the coach appeared to take non cycling partners and our luggage to the next hotel, while we rode the fifty odd miles across the island. We stopped at Petra for lunch. This appears to be a mecca for cyclists with the main square and its cafes full of multi coloured lycra clad bodies jabbering away in various languages.

 

We arrived in Cala Millor at the four star Hotel Said a little weary but happy to find the buffet meals still as generous, although we appeared to be the only cyclists staying there. The resort itself was not to our taste but the surrounding countryside made pleasant riding. Plenty of byroads and also good traffic free main roads.

           

Brian led us on one notable ride travelling through lanes to the bustling market town of Arta for elevenses. We then headed along a designated cycle route for the coast. All was fine for the first mile and then the rough, pot-holed surface began. This was not too bad as we climbed up into the hills. Arriving at a view point it was decided not to risk the descent to the sea so we lunched on the side of the road. We definitely made the right decision as retracing  back to Arta going down at speed  and trying to avoid the worst holes was extremely tricky. However, only one of the party  punctured  so we escaped lightly. Had the surface been good it would have been a lovely ride through  the wild and rugged countryside.

 

I must mention the entertainment at the Hotel Said. A Brazilian group of three men and two women were extremely athletic especially the tassel swinging. The Avant Guard group did leave the men cold. Rob went to sleep and Chris disappeared to watch football  as the lady-men strutted their stuff. I was very relieved the jokes were all in German as I’m sure they were quite risque.

 

All too soon it was time to come home. We had ridden every day covering over 500 miles and enjoyed sunshine on all but two days, no rain and light winds. The food and accommodation were excellent and the organisation ran like clockwork. Unfortunately Pam and John had had to return home during the first week because of a deterioration in the health of Pam’s step-father. We missed their company greatly and were very sad to hear of his death before they  managed to get home.

            There is a possibility that there may be a joint tour organised next year with a group from the Northern flying from Birmingham and meeting up with the Dorset gang on Majorca. The same travel agent, who proved to be excellent, would be used. The cost this year for flights, half board accommodation and transfers to and from the airport and between hotels was £510. Remember you can bring non cycling partners and you can ride as much or as little as you want. I can’t guarantee the same weather but it will help get you fit for the summer. If anyone is interested let me know. Arrangements will begin to be made around August/September time.

                                                                                                           

 

DON’T FORGET THE

 

HEART OF ENGLAND RALLY

Meriden

MAY 21st – 22nd

 

Saturday:

100km & 160km Challenge Rides

XPLORE self led ride to the old coaching town of Atherstone

Evening Meal (Pre-booking essential)

Filmshow & Quiz

 

Sunday

‘A Celebration of Cycling’ on the Green

Family Charity Ride

Arden Rides

 

PROGRAMME AVAILABLE CONTAINING

ALL THE DETAILS

 

 

 

CYCLING IN STAFFORDSHIRE                             by Arthur McHugh

 

The longest cycle ride I've done - as far as I recall –

Began at dawn one summer day a mile or two from Wall:

A band of cyclists gathered as the eastern sky grew pale,

And off we went towards Comberford, Hademore and Edingale.

 

From there we passed through Dunstall on to far-off Withington

By Anslow Gate and Hanbury, Hoar Cross and Marchington,

Through Upper Tean and Lower Tean and Ellastone and Blore

Until we stopped for coffee at the "Fisherman's" front door.

 

And there we paused for half-an-hour, and bragged of rides we'd been

To Kinver, Enville, Bobbington, The Bratch and Kiddemore Green,

Six Ashes, Wergs, and Bilbrook Lane, Trescott and Bishop's Wood,

Great Chatwell, Orslow, Pattingham, Long Compton, Nurton, Brewood.*       

 

Then after coffee, well refreshed, we set off once again,

Still heading North, across the moors, up towards the River Dane,

By Waterhouses, Cheddleton, Elkstone and Bumtcliff Top,

Then on through Rushton Spencer right to very near Mow Cop.

 

We had our lunch at Gillow Heath, beside a warbling rill

That runs through Biddulph, Halmer End, Newchapel, Coalpit Hill,

Alsager's Bank and Silverdale and Baldwin's Gate and Hales,

And Mucklestone and Loggerheads and all the way to Wales.

 

So homeward then we took our way - flagging a little now –

By Cranberry and Swynnerton, South towards the River Sow,

And on through Millmeece, Norton Bridge, Chebsey and Stone we went,

From there to Yarlet, Marston, Salt, along the stately Trent.

 

And on we went, and on we went, though slackening our pace,

By Hopton, Hixon, Weeping Cross, heading for Cannock Chase

Through Acton Trussell, Etchinghill, Longdon and Hazelslade,

Hoping the end of this long day would not be long delayed.

 

Yet on we went through Gentleshaw, through Chorley and Farewell

Until we passed through Lichfield, and heard the vesper bell;

So famished, weary, yawning, stiff - as night began to fall

We finished where we'd started off, not all that far from Wall.

 

*(pronounced Brood)

 

 

PASSIONATE ABOUT CYCLING                      by John Bedford

 

In 1953 I rode many miles, and hope that the following diary entries may bring back similar memories for those of you who were cycling in that era. At the time I was living in Loughborough and riding with theLoughborough Wayfarers.

 

Tue Aug 4th. Put three speed on bike. Left 9.30. Uneventful to Ashbourne – saw two lone cyclists and one club only. Took Leek road and soon started to climb after passing over River Dove. Very strong headwind and sidewind but extremely hot. 5 miles from Ashbourne parked by roadside for ½ hour for dinner – meat sandwiches. Mainly downhill to Leek. Stopped at War Memorial. Buxton A53. First 4 miles steady but then a steep climb with the Roaches towering majestically up on one side and a steep sided and wooded valley on the other.

 

Two very keen racers managed to cycle up but I took it easy and walked – enjoying the marvelous view. After about a mile and a half of walking the summit was reached. For a few miles the road was very undulating with moorland on one side and grassy dales on the other. To the east was the gentle line of the Morridge, probably originally the ‘Moor Ridge.’ The Royal Cottage Inn and Flash Bar were quickly passed, due mainly to the wind behind me. Soon I was riding along by the side of the well known, by cyclists, Axe Edge – a steady 1 in 14 for about six miles along which one hurtles in to Buxton.

 

Having been round Buxton before I managed to bypass the town, coming onto the A6 in Ashwood Dale. Tea was soon stopped for – a 4d mug of it. Off again – with a climb along Wye Dale. Soon I was careering down Taddington Hill, with woods high above on either side, into Bakewell.

 

At the entrance to Haddon Hall it began to rain fast so the new cape was christened. It soon stopped but I rode with the cape on all the way into Matlock. Here I enquired about a train to Loughborough due to gear trouble – but too expensive! At Matlock Bath stopped for tea at the small café- the usual. On the way to Derby there were a few more showers, but nothing heavy. Loughborough was reached about 7-45.  Mileage 115.

 

Whilst I rode with the Wayfarers I was prone to go off and do my own thing at times. So it was when we went to Elton Hostel for Brenda and George’s birthday party. Before setting off I played in a school hockey match.

 

Sat 26th Sept. The sun had got to my back tyre- I had it out but couldn’t find the puncture. Left Loughborough at 12. Derby A6. Turned off at Duffield. Began to get hilly on the way to Wirksworth, a very old town once the centre of lead mining. Went to the church, many monuments, earliest about 1600. Got a brass rubbing. Some Norman parts and Saxon relics. Passed Cromford Black Rocks – popular with climbers. Cromford. Another suspected puncture at Matlock Bath. Looked for club at Matlock but did not find them.

 

Darley Dale. Took narrow rough road to Stanton Lees. Good walk most of the way to Stanton in the Peak. Stopped for a bit of tea in shade of trees. Good views over Derwent Valley but quite a few houses to spoil the view. At Stanton had puncture but pumped; finally had to mend it – a patch had lifted. Passed Robin Hood’s Stride which I had visited with Gifford last year. Elton YH about 5.30. Two old people now run the hostel. Had new toilet – modern, but still got primuses. Same room, The Druids, as before.  Mileage 48.

 

Sun 27th Sept. Did not get up till 8.30. Left hostel 10.30. Mist in valleys, but sun high up. Passed Haddon and Bakewell to Ashford in the Water. Climb up to Monsall Head, where a magnificent view of the dale stretches away in a horseshoe. A really lovely valley formed by the River Wye on its way to meet the Derwent. On to the A623 for a few miles.

 

Country lane to Little Hucklow. Soon after a 1 in 6 down to Castleton. Saw the scarred ruins of Pevril Castle perched above the village.

 

Good walk past Mam Tor, the ‘Shivering Mountain’. Good view of the Hope Valley. Over Rushup Edge, still walking, into the Vale of Edale. There, stretching before me was the farthest unexplored north; new virgin country. Down I plunged, twisting and turning to the River Noe. Saw Edale YH snuggling among the trees in its own valley. The road ran on to Hope, a beautiful name for a village, winding over the river and under the railway. At Hope got up speed, still through hilly and beautiful country to Matlock. With club to Derby. Home 5pm. Mileage 86.

 

No mention of the Birthday Party at the hostel. I wonder what went on!

 

FUEL FOR CYCLISTS                                                by Sue Jinks         

FLAPJACKS

Ingredients

2 oz Golden Syrup                          4 oz Brown or White Sugar

4 oz Margarine                                8 oz Porridge Oats

Optional extras: Sultanas/Cherries/ Nuts

 

Method

Pre–heat to 180°C /Gas mark4

Mix together syrup, sugar and margarine. Add oats and fruit. Press into greased tin (9x7). Cook for 15 – 20 minutes. Leave to cool slightly, then score to the size of biscuit you want. 

(It’s delicious!  JB)

 

THE B.A.R. REVISITED                                                       Anon

 

Having tried to repair my old ‘Speedo’ for the last time, I took the plunge and bought a top of the range cycle computer (as they are now called) for about a fiver from a local high class grocery store.

 

While not wearing my specs when riding I found my new toy very confusing. It wasn’t until I thought that I was doing 120mph up Schoolhouse hill that I carefully looked at the thing and found that it was informing me of all sorts of things that I didn’t think I wanted to know. Information such as the time, temperature, how long I’ve been riding, when it’s time to clean my bike, but most intriguing, it had a heart rate monitor.

 

This I looked at with interest, and soon was checking my rate up a variety of slopes when other conditions were constant. I was confused to discover that often the rate would not be consistent, or even what I expected, along familiar stretches of road. I tried taking up various positions in the group, and discovered that I only had rogue readings when I was following lady cyclists. These variations I logged, of course, and found they were directly related to the individual ladies in the club.

 

I have no idea, of course, what causes this phenomenon and would be pleased to receive any theories that you may have. The data is available from the above in a discreet envelope.

 

MILDENHALL CYCLING RALLY                       August 27-29

 

One of the best weekends in the cycling calendar. If you’ve never been then why not give it a try this year. Travelling to Mildenhall is easy using the M6 and the A14. Early booking is required for B&B or campsites.

Even if you don’t wish to join in any of the range of cycling activities, there is a real cycling buzz all weekend. Besides the racing, there are leisure rides, an audax, cycle jumble, a trade show, children’s sports, a film show, a quiz etc.

Mildenhall is a pleasant little town with a lot of history, some good pubs and the food shops stay open late over the Bank Holiday. If you require any further information at this stage just contact John or Beryl, or for a copy of the Information Brochure send a A5 SAE to

Vera Staines, 7 Jellicoe Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2JU.

Let’s make it a club weekend.

 

ROSEMARY HILL ROAD                                   by John Bedford

 

For many years I have been reporting the potholes on Rosemary Hill Road. This road is half in Staffordshire and half in Birmingham, but Birmingham has the responsibility for the maintenance. Please will as many people as possible ring

303 6644 and complain about the overall state of the road between Streetly Lane island and Walsall Road. When phoning say you are a cyclist and the poor surface makes the road unsafe. Thanks.