Southdown Velo Cycling club

Annual general meeting 2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The Southdown Velo 2013 AGM was held on 20th January at Bognor Regis Golf Club. A good turnout braved the snowy conditions for the evening's events with Chairman Ed Hand on emcee duties.

Eugene Bardwell was unfortunately unable to give his president's address due to being snowed in over on the Weald.

Committee

In the past year the committee had lost two members, Tina McGuinness and Frazer Nurse, but had co-opted two replacements in the form of Kim Piper and John Larkam. A vote was put to the membership to retain the committee in its entirety and this was carried without dissent. The committee is comprised therefore : Ed Hand, Mark Holland, John Larkham, Paul O'Donovan, Kim Piper, John Rowlands and Shaun Smart.

Ed described the work of the committee and extended the invitation to all to consider joining and work on behalf of the club.

Treasurer's report

The accounts have been examined by David Rang, he is not an easy task master, but all his points were relevant, so you can be assured that the figures are correct. With his help in the construction of the balance sheet I can present to you the 2012 Southdown Velo Accounts.

I don't intend to go through all the figure and I will take any specific questions at the end of my slot or when we are having a pint afterwards.

The major source of income is membership fees and the two major items of expenditure were clothing stock (£860 & Design Fee to Carvelho £121) which is available from John Larkham and coaching for children and track days (£327) together with first aid courses (£360).

Kim must be complemented for her negotiations over the Christmas party which ended up almost exactly on target - well £5 over.

The time trial made a profit of £75 and again my complements to the organizers and the caterers - more of which later. At the end of 2012 there were 166 paid up members of the club - average age 38, with nearly 40% of you born in the first 3 months of the year.

Coaching

Paul O'Donovan discussed the progress of the coaching team and how well the youth section was running with a regular turnout out to the fortnightly sessions and now the occasional road ride. There was a question from the floor about the possibility of a skills session for the grown ups.

Time trials

Last year the club ran the Goodwood Classic with great success.

This year we will be hosting a Portsmouth Time Trial Series event on 23rd June; a Veterans' Time Trials Association event on 25th August and the Goodwood Classic on 13th October.

Trophies

In Eugene's absence POD handed out the awards to:

Daryll Rice for time trial champion; Tim Costello for road race champion; Jamie Ford for most improved racer; Garret Turley for most improved non-racer; Andrew Bellamy for Good Geezer for catering the Goodwood Classic; Oscar Warrington for Youth road racer having won the Surrey League; Alderney Baker for Youth Cyclocross having won the Wessex League; Erin Baker for Youth Cyclocross male

Plans for 2013

Tony Toynton is organising a week at Alpe d'Huez from Saturday 15th June.

David Rang is organising a trip to the Pyrenees in early September.

Kit

Thanks go to Andy Davey for his hard work on the kit redesign.

Any other business

Tim Costello wondered what had happened to the plan approved last year to donate a sum to Chestnut Tree Hospice. The treasurer explained how this had come to be forgotten and that it would be corrected. He also informed the membership of a donation from surplus funds left over after bike transport to the Dolomites.

Conclusion

The meeting was adjourned and the members mingled.

Winter roller racing

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks to all who came to the roller racing last week. We saw some great racing and a fantastic final with Joe just edging out Connor in the last few seconds. Also James set one of the fastest times South Coast Sprints have seen. And also the top eight set the fastest times they have seen. Well done one and all :)

Here's the nail biting final between Connor and Joseph.

See the South Coast Sprints site for a full report and full set of photos.

Video by Dave Treagust and his iPhone. Photos by South Coast Sprints, to whom many thanks for another great evening.

Agenda for Annual General Meeting

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:23:11 +0000

Please find below an agenda for our meeting to be held Sunday 20th January 2013 at 07:00 PM. The weather does not look great just at the moment but the meeting will be bright and cheerful no matter what the outside temperature.

Regards John (Treasurer)

Introduction
President's Address
Election of Officials
Presentation of Accounts
Coaching
Time Trials
Trophy Awards
Plans for 2013
Any other Business

President's Christmas Message 2012

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:53:06 +0000

2012 has seen the profile of our sport raised to dizzy heights with GB achievements in the Olympics and also with the success of Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France. It is now down to each and every one of use to promote and celebrate our sport for what it is. A sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Back in early September I had the privilege of watching the Paralympic cycle racing at Brands Hatch, cheering on Sarah Storey as she rode away from the field to win a gold medal in truly emphatic style. It was a truly humbling experience seeing the disabilities that some of the competitors had overcome to take part in a sport that they clearly enjoyed.

2012 is also a milestone in my own cycling career, having competed in race events for 60 years and yes, some of you know my personal views on time trials, but my first event at 13 was a 25 mile time trial. Hardly any cars on the road then though, the bikes were also a lot different, no, not quite a Penny Farthing but a 3 speed,steel framed, Hercules that weighed a 'ton', no cycling shoes and definitely no crash hats. How times have changed.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you and your families a happy Christmas and a healthy and successful 2013.

Yours in sport, Eugene

Regional Cyclocross Championships

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Team Southdown Veldrijden had four riders in today's South of England championship in Basingstoke. South of England covers the South, South Western and Central divisions.

A slightly under par,with a cough, Harry Dridge was 11th in the under 12s, dad Gareth was 24th in the 40-49 age group, I, Tim Costello, was 7th in the 50+ group and Graham Dance 35th in the seniors.

A really great course. I wish I could do it all again.

If you are quick you can spot Gareth Dridge and Tim make cameo appearances at 00:50 and 1:53 in this video. I love the way riders just appear out of nowhere.

Team Southdown Veldrijden also had 2 riders competing in todays South East & Eastern Area Championship. We do know that Alderney finished 10th overall in the U12's and was 1st of the girls, but are still awaiting the results for the Youth race as initially Erin was down as a dnf, but he DID complete the race and by our reckoning should have been classified about 31st...

Photos by aluminiumfish

Sammy's birthday ride 24.12.12

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 10:36:14 +0000

On Monday 24th December, I will be celebrating the 9th anniversary of my 50th birthday! So to help me celebrate, I am proposing a cycle ride, meeting at Mercedes garage at 9.00am and heading towards to Rowlands Castle cafe, where I shall provide cake for all. Everyone welcome and hope to see as many there as possible.

Tim Costello's first ever win at cyclo cross!

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:54:24 +0000

My first ever win at cyclo cross! Well sort of... I just got the results and found I finished 18th out of 105 at Central Cyclo-Cross League Round 8 Didcot Phoenix event and was first in the 50+ category. I have scored 20 points. Actually I won a Christmas pudding once.

It was a fun but tough course. Mostly flat, but with a sequence of three short climbs. Two that you had to run up and one that could be just about ridden up with a dead turn at the bottom. A fast section through the woods and bunny hopping some tree roots.

I was gridded right at the back of the large field so when the whistle blew for the start the back row just stayed still as we waited for the traffic to clear. I wondered if by the time we got to the start line the lights would have gone red again. Fortunately the first part of the course was nice and wide otherwise there would have been an almighty pile up. I was trying to weave my way through when some riders tangled taking each other out and the course marking tape. Swerving to avoid them I found myself facing the leaders coming back the other way. I had to take a dive under the tape to get back on the correct side. As you can see from the picture above that required a spot of on the bike limbo dancing.

I weaved my way through the field avoiding crashing and wobbling riders as best as I could. After about a lap I had some clear air and just concentrated on going as hard as I could. On the last lap I passed a rider that I have now realised was the second 50+. The feeling of really powering through a tricky and slippery section and being on the ragged edge of losing the bike in a big slide was just fantastic.

This weekend, if I can avoid coughs and colds, is the South of England Championship at Basingstoke. Can't wait.

New Wheels for the Winter/Audax Bike.

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As I spend quite some time on my Winter/Audax bike I decided to treat myself to a new set of wheels that would feel a bit faster than your average hack bike wheels. Also with the Exposure Revo dynamo light being due out in the Autumn I thought it would be a good opportunity to go for a battery free option.

For many years I have used a Schmidt dyno-hub so despite the expense decided this would be the best option. They have recently updated their units to cope with the latest LED lighting so I chose the Son-delux. This unit has a very low “off” drag is like riding up a 1/50 (0.5%) when giving it’s full 6W output. I read somewhere that’s about one digestive biscuit per hour! (I think I can manage that)

After a quick chat with Jonathan at Strada Wheels in Lancing I decided to select some Velocity Aerohead Rims (similar in width to others I may want to use on this bike) these are very light at 425g so with some Sapim CX-Ray spokes I was hoping for some lightish hoops. He suggested we lace them 2 and 3 cross so that if needed I could replace a spoke at any time and supplied a couple of spares free of charge.

Being a fan of Chris King components I decided to try out his new R45 Hubs. So far I am not disappointed. (love the “buzz”)

Being a “light-weight” I was able to choose 24 spokes for the front and 28 for the rear this has meant that the back wheel is 800g and the front is 950g (if you remove the extra 290g for the Dyno-hub) you get a wheel set weight of 1460g which should give a pretty lively wheel.

On the road they feel very quick and you can certainly accelerate back up to your nominal speed with ease. They feel solid and there is no obvious flex from side to side when out of the saddle. The wheels were absolutely true and arrived on time and well packaged so would definitely recommend anyone in the market for some new wheels give them a try.

I rode a 200Km the other week and had to spend around two hours in the dark and can confirm the new light performs fantastically. It gave a wide spread beam with two of the LEDs and a nice spot with the other two. When you stop two go out and the other two remain on for a long time gradually dimming. You can certainly ride at speed with confidence that you can see most obstacles. Even stayed on while riding for a distance of about 200ft in 18” of water (great fun).

Only time will tell if they can stand up to the rigours of a winter on our roads but here’s hoping.

Oscar Warrington wins Surrey League

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Surrey League Mosquito Bikes Angmering Youth Series Final Rankings 2012

<table>

          <tr>
            <td>Pos.</td>
            <td>Name</td>
            <td>Club/Team</td>
            <td>Cat.</td>
            <td>Pts.</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>1</td>
            <td>Oscar Warrington</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>92</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>2</td>
            <td>Erin Baker</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>71</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>3</td>
            <td>Alderney Baker</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>49</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>4</td>
            <td>Harry Dridge</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>48</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>Jack Algar</td>
            <td>VO2 Development Team</td>
            <td>YB</td>
            <td>46</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>6</td>
            <td>Joseph Martin</td>
            <td>Private Member</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>45</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>7</td>
            <td>George Sloan</td>
            <td>Brighton Excelsior CC</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>39</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>8</td>
            <td>Adam Long</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>38</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>9</td>
            <td>Archie Sloan</td>
            <td>Brighton Excelsior CC</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>35</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>Isaac Warrington</td>
            <td>Southdown Velo</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>27</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>11</td>
            <td>Mark Jacobs</td>
            <td>Brighton Excelsior CC</td>
            <td>YA</td>
            <td>19</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>12</td>
            <td>Poppy Pattinson</td>
            <td>Oakwood Racers</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>17</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>13</td>
            <td>Gabriel De Gouveia</td>
            <td>AD Cycles</td>
            <td>YB</td>
            <td>15</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>14</td>
            <td>George Sales</td>
            <td>Redhill Cycling Club</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>13</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>15</td>
            <td>Cameron Flowers</td>
            <td>St Andrews Go-Ride</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>12</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>16</td>
            <td>Louis Rose-Ouvies</td>
            <td>Hillingdon
            Slipstreamers</td>
            <td>YB</td>
            <td>10</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>16</td>
            <td>Elloit Morele</td>
            <td>Hillingdon
            Slipstreamers</td>
            <td>YE</td>
            <td>10</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>18</td>
            <td>James Ellmore</td>
            <td>Mid Shropshire
            Wheelers</td>
            <td>YA</td>
            <td>9</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>19</td>
            <td>Rory Nash</td>
            <td>HYCC</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>6</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>19</td>
            <td>Corrine Side</td>
            <td>Bolton Hot Wheels</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>6</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>21</td>
            <td>Mikey Nash</td>
            <td>HYCC</td>
            <td>YE</td>
            <td>5</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>22</td>
            <td>Ewan Flowers</td>
            <td>St Andrews Go-Ride</td>
            <td>YD</td>
            <td>4</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>23</td>
            <td>Josh Holland</td>
            <td>Charlotteville CC</td>
            <td>YB</td>
            <td>2</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>23</td>
            <td>Joely Side</td>
            <td>Bolton Hot Wheels</td>
            <td>YB</td>
            <td>2</td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td>25</td>
            <td>Connor Bubear</td>
            <td>Private Member</td>
            <td>YC</td>
            <td>1</td>
          </tr>
        </table>

Wessex League Cyclocross Round 8

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Another early Sunday morning start in November for yet more Cyclo Cross fun... The journey up to Oxford left most people questioning their sanity with torrential rain causing mayhem on the roads!

The course was predominantly grass with an additional loop for the Vets and Seniors through some woods.

The day started with the Under 12 race at the slightly earlier time than usual of 10:30. Southdown Velo were represented as usual by Harry and Alderney. There was no let up in the rain and most of the riders were drenched before the race even started. Harry managed a very creditable 5th place finish whilst Alderney struggled , eventually finishing 13th.

In the Youth race we had Erin as our sole representative again. Like his sister earlier, Erin struggled with the cold, wet conditions and despite a mid race change to Alderney's bike (slightly lighter and with lower gearing) struggled to 18th place.

In the Vets Gareth Dridge was again our only entrant (Tim you have been noticeable by your absence this year!) The rain began to ease a little, but the course by now was turning into a mud bath and from what I could gather the loop through the woods was particularly bad. This didnt deter Gareth through and he finished a very impressive 15th.

The last race of the day was the Seniors and we were represented by Graham Dance. Graham finished 22nd and judging by his pic thoroughly enjoyed the mud bath !!!

Next weekend gives the cyclo cross team a chance for a lie in, before heading to Southampton for the National Trophy round on the 18th. Looking at the entry list, so far we have two members competing, Tim Costello in the Vets and Erin Baker in the Under 14 boys. (Gareth, Graham, are you racing there?) The Under 12 race is not part of the National Trophy, nor is it part of the Wessex League, but we will be represented certainly by Alderney, and maybe Harry ? It would be great to see a few of our club members cheering on the brave and foolhardy at this event... Who knows, you may get the desire to get cold and muddy yourself on the Boxing Day race in Southampton !