Number 143
Feb 06
NEXT COPY DATE – TUESDAY 28th MARCH
HON SEC’S JOTTINGS by John Bedford
Cycle Jumble. The next major event is the Cycle
Jumble on Saturday 4th March at Erdington Methodist, from 10am to
1pm. Admission for helpers free, for others just 50p. Should be some good
bargains. All tables have been sold. There will not be a Saturday ride that
morning.
Donations of jumble to Tom Moore or John Green.
New Rides. I am hoping to start the new
Wednesday afternoon rides from 1st March. The meet will, for the
first month, be at Mere Green island leaving at 2pm. Future meeting points will
then be decided by those riding. The pace will possibly be a tad faster than
the Thursday ride. Leader volunteers very welcome.
I am also hoping to get Family Rides started
from the 8th or 9th April.
I have produced a new leaflet which should be
distributed during February and March.
Please ask for copies if you know of any
potential riders. Non-family riders would also be welcome if they are at the
very beginner stage i.e. unable to cope with the 15-20 miles of the slow ride
on Saturday mornings. Harry and Sheila Child have agreed to help with this new
development.
Promoting Cycling. I have put together a series of
slideshows on cycle touring. If anybody knows of a non-cycling club which would
like to be entertained and informed, then I have a leaflet which can be passed
to the appropriate organiser
Social Matters. The Social side has now picked up
nicely. There was a good crowd at the Clubroom for my slideshow on cycling in
the American Rockies. Geoff took a party of 25 to Manchester for the January
‘Revolution’ at the Velodrome. The
following evening 16 of us, plus 3 from the South side, enjoyed listening to
Garry Allcock and his All Stars Big Band at David Lloyd’s Leisure Centre. Beryl
and I go most months when we are not away. Please feel free to contact us if
you would like to experience live music from the Glen Miller, Ted Heath and
Frank Sinatra era. On the 29th January fifteen members joined the
Lichfield Group for their New Year Lunch at Darnford. The catering was of a
high standard and everybody enjoyed the occasion. It was a good opportunity to
meet up with old friends. Please pass any ideas for future social events to
John and Mary Evans.
The next Big Band evening is on 12th
March at David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Shady Lane at 8pm. Pay at door. Please let
me know if you want seats reserved.
Heart of England
Rally, Meriden, 20th-21st May. It has become established that as a
Section we run the led rides on the Saturday. The participants come from around
the UK, and it would be nice if some of our newer members came along to give
them a warm welcome and ride with them. As there will not be a normal Saturday
ride, please keep this event in mind and let me know if you can help. John and
Mary Evans will be leading a 10 mile Family Ride from Meriden. There will be a
35 mile ride to Atherstone and Val and Chris will be leading a 50 mile ride to
Upton, near Market Bosworth. In the evening there will be a pre-bookable meal
and an illustrated talk by Mick Ives “Tour de France – I did it my way!” The full programme for this significant CTC
event is now available from me.
Staffordshire
Highways. A member
has passed a copy of the Lichfield Mercury to me. In it there is a report of
the Staffordshire County’s proposed budget for next year. This makes bad
reading for us as they propose to cut £1 million off the Highway maintenance
budget. Nevertheless, they can find an extra £14 million to support services to
vulnerable children and adults. Many of the roads are already in a poor state.
How would you like this matter dealt with so we can still enjoy riding in
Staffordshire? As they say, answers on a postcard, please.
The A5. I am in touch with the Highways
Agency, trying to get some improved crossing points between Cannock and the
A5127, Wall Island.
CLUB JERSEYS
We now have in stock a limited number of Club
Jerseys, which are subsidized by about £20 each.
Short sleeves in Airlux in sizes S, L @ £22
each.
Long sleeve in Airtherm in sizes M & L @
£28 each
If interested please contact Val Jones on 353
9142 for further details.
Southern Wheelers
Twice across the Avon
Sunday 26th
March 2006
50 miles in 3½, 4,
or 5 hours
All CTC Sections and friends are
invited to shake off
those
winter blues and join in a new route for this annual challenge ride- with
spectacular views and
just a
few hills
9am start from
The Bull’s Head,
Earlswood (GR 124744)
No entry fee
–though a voluntary donation to the CTC Cyclists’ Defence Fund would be
appreciated
Captains will lead
the ride and a Route map will be available including a coffee stop
details from John
Bennett Sec 0121 459 9319 jmbennett@sumari.co.uk
or Jim Godsall
0121 742 6686
NOSTALGIA by Brian Langdell
Northern News June – July 1951
The Tissington Well Dressing in May was well
attended by several groups from the Northern, including Tom and Hilda Dorn and
their two children who rode all the 90 mile round trip. At Yeavely the main
group went to Mrs. Robinsons to eat their lunch and were fixed up with a large
pot of tea providing they were out in 10 minutes since she was expecting a
large party! A tour of the wells was described, ending with ‘It really is worth
riding the 90+ miles to see the Well Dressing since the Television Units
efforts could not convey the full beauty in black and white’.
The Section sent a donation towards fighting
the scheme to build a hydro-electric generating station in Snowdonia.
The committee decided not to hold a ‘Flannel
Dance’ in the summer since it would have limited appeal
On September 15-16th, the Prince of
Darkness (Ted Nevett) would be taking an Autumn Moonlighter Ride. ‘by the light
of primus stoves and it is hoped the moon’.
The Hardriders Section had been renamed ‘The
Alternatives’ to encourage new members and reduce the excessive numbers
attending the Social Section rides. The committee co-opted Bob Garnett (a.k.a.
Rob) to organize the section on behalf of an enthusiastic group of new members,
drawing up a runs list and booking tea for every Sunday.
Members were rushing around to buy up chromed
components and ordering new frames with chromed ends before the Government put
restrictions on nickel supplies starting August 1st.
The Northern Batchelor’s weekend was to Ludlow
with a belated lunch at Rock due to problems with a Benelux derailleur. They
visited the Roman Baths near Downtown Gorge, then on to Wigmore where the
‘plain’ tea consisted of tongue and chocolate éclairs! Things were a bit tight
at the B&B and three had to share a bed, which was bad enough, but Percy in
the middle insisted on smoking himself to sleep!
While the
men were away on the ‘Batchelor w/e’ their spouses went by bus to Wall under
Haywood (Wenlock) to the ‘Pluff’ P.H, a favourite B&B with the Northern. On
a previous visit Terry had accidently broken the large water jug from the
bedroom washstand when she took it to the waterpump and decided this was the
best opportunity to take a replacement. Terry wrote up the trip as a poem in
the style used by Longfellow when he penned the ‘Hiawatha’ epic. This is the
first of the five verses; if you want to read the rest let me know.
On one
lovely April morning round about the twentyfirst,
Right
beside the railway station on the trail called Navigation,
In the land
of BIRMINGHA-HA, where the traffic one-way flowing,
Brings the
Headache sharp and painful to the warrior known as Bobby,
Agent of
the Great White Chieftan on his lonely traffic duty,
Came four
Damsels dressed for travelling,
Three
grass-widows and one maiden
Came the
blue-eyed, dark haired Frances, squaw of George the
Pattern Maker,
Little Ivy,
navy suited, wife of Wigwam Builder, Bennett,
Came down
Terry from the Northland, from the land of Sutton
Coldfield,
With the
slender maiden, Connie, knowing not the joys of cycling,
Though she
loves so well to wander to the lands across the ocean,
to the lands of warmth and
sunshine.
A SUNDAY ‘C’ RIDE TO HIGHBURY HALL, MOSELEY. by Mary Evans
This ride was not for those
who wished to get the miles in, but for those who wanted something a little
different, especially on a cold winter’s day.
Seven cyclists caught the
train at Four Oaks to Selly Oak. We clambered on board aware that the train
driver was huffing and puffing somewhat, but we were able to squeeze ourselves
and bikes into one carriage.
On approaching Selly Oak I
volunteered to be the sacrificial lamb, wedging myself between the two doors
whilst the bikes were wheeled out very speedily!
We wended our way through the
streets of Selly Oak and Stirchley (all very familiar territory to me as I hail
from these parts), reaching Highbury Hall within 15 minutes.
Highbury Hall was the home of
Joseph Chamberlain (son Neville “Peace in our time” Chamberlain), so named
after the London suburb where he, Joseph, had spent his childhood (Arsenal fans
take note).
Highbury Hall is a beautiful
mansion with many interesting features, not least the marquetry panelling,
tiles and plaster panels depicting many different plants. Chamberlain loved
plants, particularly orchids, and so throughout the house plants of every
description are depicted in the woodwork, ceiling and decorations. This nature
theme is continued on the exterior of the house which has many interesting
details.
Having had lunch we wandered
at will around the house and gardens, enjoying the views of the parkland.
We returned to Sutton on the 3
o’clock train, having had a satisfying day out.
We would like to do more ‘C’
rides like this, so if anyone hears of places of special interest which are
open to the public and which are accessible either by train or bike, please let
us know.
A READY MADE TOUR OF THE BIG SUR –
CALIFORN
by John Bedford
A number of members saw the slideshow that I
presented at the clubroom in January. A member has asked me for details, so I
thought it worth sharing. This is a slight modification of the actual route,
based on our experience. The first few nights were pre-booked due to certain
events and shortage of accommodation along the Big Sur. Started 14th
September.
Day 1. Wednesday. Motor to Heathrow. Stay
and park at a nearby hotel booked through www.holidayextras.co.uk
Day 2. Thursday. BA flight to San
Francisco Airport. Stay at Red Roof Inn about 4 miles south. Adjoining café for
meals.
Day 3. Friday. Burlingame station about 2
miles away. Choose train that goes to Tamien. Holds 32 bikes in last carriage.
Bikes free. Relax.
Lunch in Tamien. Main road south to Morgan
Hill. Pre-booked Country Inn. Open-air music evening downtown Friday evenings.
25+ miles
Day 4. Saturday. Take G8 Hwy, steady
climb. Loos at Ohlone Indian park. Hecker Pass 1308 feet. Down towards
Watsonville (here we saw Mountain Lion!) Choose the right Saturday and visit
the County Fair – an interesting experience. Pre-booked Red Roof Inn due to
Fair – quite a long way out of town and food. Reasonable ride to beach. 27+
miles
Day 5. Sunday. Destination Monterey.
Fairly detailed map required. Café at Moss Landing. Cycle track from Marina to
Monterey. 30 miles
Prebooked hotel 2 nights because of Jazz
Festival. Time to look round.
Day 6. Monday. Took renowned 17 mile
ride, which by the time we got back to Monterey was about 26 miles. Cycletrack
avoids Hwy 1 on return from Carmel.
Day 7. Tuesday. Take cycletrack and join
Hwy 1 near Carmel. Start of Big Sur. Some good climbs. Glen Oaks Motel at Big
Sur village pre-booked by phone months ahead. 30 miles.
Day 8. Wednesday. Big Sur still.
Treebones Resort pre-booked, very isolated. Stayed in a Yurt (a what?). 39
miles
Day 9. Thursday. Visit Hearst Castle $36
seniors each. 75 minute tour excellent. San Simeon a possibility, but mainly
chain motels. We preferred Moonstone Beach, but more expensive. 37 miles.
Day 10. Friday. If short of time suggest
turn here, heading inland to Paso Robles. 35 miles.
Day 11. Saturday. Follow Salinas River
north (North River Road) to San Miguel. Food here. Rejoin Hwy 101, but have to
leave later & go through San Ardo. To King City – Keefer’s Hotel
recommended. 65 mls.
Day 12. Sunday. 10 miles of Freeway to
Greenfield. Visit Soledad Mission. Stay at Salinas. John Steinbeck
birthplace. 56 miles.
Day 13. Monday. Castroville. Leave by
Freeway & head for Elkhorn (country route requires detailed map). To
Watsonville and Santa Cruz. 46mls
Day 14. Tuesday. Depending on time can
continue up coast road but shortage of accommodation. Try Pigeon Point YH (34
miles) or Pacifico (70 miles). Alternatively head for San Jose and pick up the
train back to the airport. It may be possible to do longer distances some days
and thus save some time to visit San Francisco. From Pacifico it is possible to
take a bus with a bike rack to Colma and then get the train into S’Frisco.
ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT RECRUITMENT!
Mr. T Butler, Radio WM
30 November 2005
Dear Tony,
After listening to your
various broadcasts over the years, and hearing your catchphrase 'on yer bike'
countless times, I was more than a little surprised a few weeks ago to hear
your outburst against cyclists.
I have been a regular
cyclist for the last 60 years, racing, touring and, for the last few years
prior to my retirement, cycling eleven miles each way to and from work (weather
permitting). I currently ride with the Northern Section of the CTC two or three
times a week, and would like to make one or two comments in our defence.
Regular cyclists ride
defensively. We understand that in an accident the cyclist will come off worst,
irrespective of where the blame for the accident lies. This defence, among
other things, takes the form of dressing to be conspicuous, hence the bright
clothing. As all of us are also motorists, we appreciate the potential problems
of sharing the roads with cyclists, and as a club we make every effort to keep
off main roads, preferring to ride on the car-free country lanes.
Inevitably, short
distances of main road have to be negotiated, where we make every effort to
minimise any difficulties overtaking us by singling out, and splitting into
smaller groups when the number of riders exceeds about 12, leaving gaps for the
overtaking motorist.
Fortunately, most of the
motorists we encounter do not have your jaundiced view. They are prepared to
give way in some of the more awkward situations, and give a wave of
appreciation when we pull off the road to allow them to pass on some of the
very narrow lanes.
I can only assume that
your views are as a result of your encounters with the 'rogue' cyclists who get
all of us a bad name; those who ride on footpaths, with no lights at night, or
who ignore traffic lights, for instance.
I enclose a runs list up
to Christmas, and invite you to join us one Tuesday (the easiest ride) for a
gentle 25-30 mile ride. We take two stops on route, the second at a little
country pub, so that you can have a relaxed pint at my expense.
I look forward to your
reply. After all, you did take part in a cycling programme on TV a few years
ago!
Yours sincerely
Albert Atkins
[Unfortunately Albert
did not get the courtesy of a reply – but I like the approach. Ed]
LONDON TO PARIS CYCLE
RIDE FOR St GILES HOSPICE
12th July –
16th July
IT IS FREE TO JOIN THE
RIDE BUT YOU ARE COMMITTED TO RAISE £550 IN SPONSORSHIP.
The journey
starts on Wednesday 12th July from BYL (the event sponsors) offices
in Croydon at 7am. You cycle to the ferry and spend the next three nights in
hotels in France. Breakfast and dinner, water stops and lunch will be provided
every day. On the Saturday night (the final night) a Dinner and Party will be
held in Paris.
Day One 85
miles, Day Two 70 miles, Day Three 60 miles, Day Four 50 miles.
Further
details from Sarah Shelton on01543 432538.
From The Beech Leaf, the magazine of the South
Bucks DA
The cold March winds do blow
And we’ve had a bit of snow
But we cyclists are such a hardy bunch,
That we have to turn the pedals
Though we won’t earn many medals
If it’s only to the nearest pub for lunch.
.*********
Overheard at a Garden Centre where a group of
“big boys”, all wearing cleated shoes, arrived for coffee.
“They all walk so badly you wouldn’t think
they’d be fit
enough to ride bikes.”
*********
Wife to husband:
Let’s go upstairs and make love.
Husband to wife:
Have a heart, I can’t do both.
PENDLE BIKE RACKS
10% discount to Club members on racks
Please ask for details from John.