I have just received my copy of The Veteran magazine which is printed quarterly. It occurred to me that most of our competitive members are over 40 years of age and therefore are 'veterans' in cycling lingo and yet few of them understand the standard system based on age. This is laid down by the Cycling Time Trials (CTT) organisation – the governing body of the sport in UK. As you can see from the table they have standard times for all distances and all ages. The whole point of the table means that all 'vets' can compete against each other – no matter how old. For example if Jim rides a 10 mile time trial in 24.42 at age 46 he has a plus of 2 minutes as the standard time in the tables for age 46 is 26.42. In the same event if Jack (age 53) does 25.12 he has a plus of 3 minutes because the standard time for his age is 28.12. Hence, Jack beats Jim by 1 minute allowing for their different ages. If you think about it this system also allows you to compete against yourself year on year as the standard times increase as you age. Incidently if you join the Veterans Tine Trial association (VTTA) a plaque is presented at the annual dinner provided a rider beat his standard in any four of the seven events. If anyone is interested and would like to know some more contact me for the if, where and when. March 2009 You may remember that we had an enquiry via the web site a few weeks ago regarding Billy Lane - Harold starts his latest piece with his memories of the man......... I Remember Billy Lane Circa 1947 Billy Lane was National Grass Track Champion over 880 yards and competed regularly on Leigh cinder track with success. He rode regularly with another trackie - Charlie Halliwell who also lived in Wigan. He had a cycle shop in Hindley High Street but I think he moved abroad later. However, about 1985 (I think) I called at a newsagents in Lymm, Cheshire and the chap behind the counter recognised my Wigan Wheelers jersey and introduced himself as Billy Lane. After that I lost track of him. I believe his sister lived in Ladies Lane, Hindley, Lancs. Origins of the Littler Cup I had a phone call from Bob Williams (01942 517729) who is also looking for some information re one of his relatives – Thomas Sherratt (cicrca 1915). He was born in 1883 and died in an accident at Bryn Hall Colliery in 1920 aged 37. Mr Williams knows he won many cycle races and would like any information we could provide. I referred him to 'Cycling' magazine and the CTT but can anyone help further? Incidentally, I find that Mr Sherratt's family sold a very large cup to Syd Littler. It was a cycling cup won by Mr Sherratt. I believe this is our Littler Cup. The family have a medal 'Irish Cycling Association – 3 mile sprint' and believe he used to come up from the pit and ride to Queensferry and back regularly. New member We have a new member 16 year old Brian Britch whoi has been out on two club runs and is obviously a fit and very capable rider with good legs. Early Season Time Trials On Saturday March 21st Alan Winstanley rode on the Levens 10 mile course and recorded a time of 26.45. Jim Harrison, now in his mid 70s, did a 27 minute ride. On the same day Ian Hughes rode on the J2/9 25 mile course and did a 1.01.06 on his new Cervelo machine. Second claim member Richard Handley also rode the 10 at Levens in an impressive 20.16 to finish 5th overall. Richard followed this up on the next morning with a 9th place overall in a road race with 5 of the 8 riders in front being from the Halfords and Rafa/Condor pro teams. A successful weekend for the club was topped off by 13 year old Chris Lawless who won his 15 lap race around Southport Park – his second win on consecutive weekends. Club runs and other news As the weather starts to improve our regular Sunday club runs are attracting a healthy 10-12 riders each week. In fact the social ride to Delamere Forest on March 15th brought out 14 riders – thanks to Ian Hughes for organising the latest of these popular rides. The Wednesday and Friday turbo sessions have been very well supported over the last 6 weeks with 6-8 regularly turning up. I have no doubt this will pay off in the racing season. In fact I feel confident that this year we will have competition for all of the B. A.R trophies (best in club, seniors and vets). Also, at least 3 rides are entered for various sportives so I reckon if they can ride over 100 miles in hilly country a 100 mile time trial should be well within their ability. Finally, don't forget that the weekly Wednesday club 10's start on April 15th at 6.45 on the Rainford course (HQ on the slip road next to the Wheatsheaf pub). June 2008 Firstly, I would like to thank Paul Stupples for activating our web site once again. While our chat line for club members has been buzzing the club web site has lain dormant for some time. Thank you Paul. The summer season is now well underway for both the racing and touring fraternity. Several club members went to Majorca in May. The group was myself, Rod Jenkins, Gareth Y, Ron Lysons, Gary Taylor, Tony Handley and Kevin Cook. Usually we get 14 days of wall to wall sunshine but this year it rained on 3 separate days, which is more rain than I have seen in all of the previous 5 years. However, the company was good (120 cyclists in our hotel) and we rode over 650 miles in 12 days. The mountain rides are spectacular and very satisfying (when you have finished them). This is an excellent quality and value for money holiday so if anyone wants any info please contact me – it is now an annual event. Still on the touring theme, the Sunday club runs usually have 6-12 riders, depending on the weather. They are run off at an average speed of 13-14 mph and cover 60-80 miles. For any new members, or anyone who would like to join us, we meet at the Cherry Gardens Hotel (Wigan) one week and Ashton Library the next. Always starting at 9 am with 2 café stops and home about 4 pm. Also, the veterans section are out every Tuesday and Thursday – leaving Ashton at 9.30 am and getting home about 3-4 pm. We usually go into Cheshire on Thursday and round the Lancashire lanes on Tuesday. Contact me for more info (01942 717804). If anyone wants a ride out on Friday contact Lionel Lea on 01942 254157. So much for touring. On the racing front we still have turbo training sessions on Friday (7 pm) at the scout hut in Orrell. The 10 mile time trial series held on the Rainford bypass (headquarters Wheatsheaf Hotel lane) is well underway, and as the weather gets better into summer, the times are coming down nicely. Looking through the start sheets I would say we have about a dozen racing lads taking part with times going from 21 to 30 minutes. Ian Hughes recently rode a 25 mile time trial in 57 min 47 secs, though he had never gone faster than 1 hour before. That’s the upside! The down side is that he pulled a hamstring playing football the following week. Well, I suppose you can’t win ‘em all. Eddie Farrell is still trying to beat the hour and with a best ride of 1 hour and 2 secs it surely can’t be far away. Keep pulling away lad. Unfortunately John Griffiths’ rides are limited at the moment (his wife is poorly). We all hope she recovers soon John. Cecil Hopkinson, Paul Stupples and Alan Winstanley are all doing consistently good rides while Derek Lockett and Mike Fulford seem to be getting faster now they are getting the hang of it. I can’t let this section close without mentioning 17 year old Richard Handley. Although his racing team is ‘Max Gear’ he still considers his club as Wigan Wheelers and this season he was 4th in the national junior 10 miles time trial (80 starters) and then went on to win the junior national 25 mile time trial with a time of 56 mins 39 secs. His previous best ride was 55:00, but last weekend he rode an event near Carlisle and did 54:27. Apart from his solo rides he won an international event in Saudi Arabia in February, was 2nd in the Manchester div. Championship and has had 3 or 4 placings (in first 3) in senior events. All these were road races often against senior, more experiences riders. With the season only half way through I think he will have more surprises for us before the end of he year. Stop Press – he is down to ride the Tour of Ireland and the national junior road race championships. And how is this for a racing footnote! Jimmy Harrison recently rode a 25 mile time trial and did 1 hour 9 mins and 50 secs. So what you say. Well Jim is 76 years old and the standard time for that age is 1 hour 26 mins and 17 secs – giving him a plus of 16 mins and 27 secs. In fact it is a new Northern age record. Congratulations! By the way, the club run last Sunday to Southport Botanical Gardens and organised by Ian Hughes was a very good social event – 24 club members turned up. I think everyone enjoyed it. In fact we should have a similar event, probably in October, when the racing season is finished but before winter sets in. Well folks – that’s your lot. So I will sign off and report back in a few weeks time. May your wheels go round and stay round. Adios Amigos HW |
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After the extreme weather of December and at the start of 2011 it seems the right time to put together my recollections of the club cycling year of 2010 – so here goes. After a cold and frosty Xmas 2009, the early part of the year was quite mild and we were able to get out most of the time. For those who wanted to train intensively they were able to do so at the turbo sessions held each week at Orrell Scout Hut. Unfortunately, we lost this facility in April. However, the series of ten mile time trials held on the rainford bypass commenced in May so it was really no great loss. These time trials were held every Wednesday evening starting at 7 pm and ran from May to September. This year they were very well supported – in fact on several occasions we had over 35 riders often with winning times of 20-21 minutes. Altogether a very successful series. The Sunday club runs were reasonably supported – an average of about 10-12 riders turning out to cover the 60-80 miles (depending on the weather). The Sunday club runs were reasonably supported – an average of about 10-12 riders turning out to cover 60-80 miles (depending on the weather). We usually had 2 café stops and rode at an average speed of 14-15 mph. The regulars were Ron Lysons, Phil Bradshaw, Dave Gibson, Steve Saggerson, Ian Woodcock, Graham Welch and John Williams, all led by route master Ron Coulshed. For the uninformed the runs start alternately from the Cherry Gardens Hotel in Wigan and Ashton Library. We go north or west into Lancashire from the Cherry Gardens and south into Cheshire from Ashton, avoiding Warrington. For more information call me on 01942 717804 or check the club runs page. In May, myself and four other members made the annual two week holiday to Majorca (C'an Picafort). For me this is one of the highlights of the cycling calendar. The Sarah Hotel caters for over 130 cyclists in 3 weeks, providing excellent accommodation – bed, breakfast and evening meal all for £27 per day. At this time of year the weather is always good on the island and the countryside idyllic, from plains to mountains, while the rides cater for all abilities. Roll on May when I hope to be back. On the 9th and 10th of May Dave and Eileen Brabbin organised the annual 10 and 30 mile time trials on the Garstang circuit. In September I organised the 25 mile time trial again on the Garstang circuit. However, I wonder how long we can carry on using this course because the Broughton turn is now becoming a hazard due to the volume of traffic. Our last open event is the classic 10 miler on the Levens circuit. We always had over 200 riders and it is usually won in 19 minutes or less. It has become a major event in recent years, but unfortunately this year it has been suspended. This is again due to the volume of traffic. Meanwhile the older members and friends always go out on Tuesday and Thursday (details on the club runs page). We have between 5 and 10 riders out on these days and they are held at a more leisurely pace, always with two café stops. These chaps ride for the sheer love of cycling, fellowship and love of the countryside. It's at the café strops, and in between, that we put the world to rights. A few weeks ago we stopped at a water hole about 12 miles from home, and having covered about 40 miles, when an older lady asked, “surely you haven’t ridden here all the way from Wigan?” Now, I know I'm a bit long in the tooth, but hang on a minute. How little the British Public understand about cycling, eh! Earlier in the year Dave Brabbin took early retirement and started to race again. He already has a pedigree in longer distance events. This year he rode all trial distances and did 100 miles in 4 hours 16 mins and covered 247 miles in 12 hours. In fact, he and Ian Woodcock had a battle royal in the distance events, where Ian did 4 hours 15 mins for the '100' and 238 miles in 12 hours. Incidentally, Dave is 53 and Ian 50. It is a few years since we had such competition over the longer distances and they are surely showing a clean pair of heels to the younger riders. One other notable rider is Jim Harrison who at 78 years of age has set age records at 10, 25 and 30 miles. His times were 26 mins, 1 hour 11 mins and 1 hour 27 mins respectively. I know that at one training ride he covered 110 miles in the day. Come on you young lads – Jim could be your Great Grandfather. I looked back the other day to 1978 when young members were Dave Lowe, Bill Millor, Roy Holmes, Ian Woodcock, and Norman Taylor. While they were good road racers who only rode occasional time trials, three had beaten the hour for 25 miles by the time they were 18 and the others a year later. And this was done on road racing bikes – toe clips and all – because there weren't any low profile time trial bikes then. Two notable absentees this year were Mike Wink and Eddy Farrell. Mike, of course, was hit by a vehicle in Croatia. He suffered horrific injuries and his road to recovery has been long and painful. Eddy was knocked off his bike by a lady who 'didn't see him'. This aggravated a previous shoulder injury and set him back months. We wish them well and look forward to their return. With the end of the racing season we restarted the turbo sessions in November. They are now held at the John Eddleston centre in Billinge (details on the turbo training page). They are now very well supported – in fact one evening we had 14 riders. Riders find that riding a static bike is less painful in company. Between Xmas and New Year Barry Rimmer organised a track night at the Manchester Velodrome. Over 40 people rode, across all age barriers, from 9 to 60 years of age and I know they all enjoyed the experience. Thank you Barry. Well I think that's all for now folks. If you are a tourist – enjoy. If you look forward to the racing season – start now – if you have not already done so. By now you should have those long steady base miles. If not, it's not too late but get cracking – only 10 weeks to the start of the season proper. Best wishes – a happy new year, and may you have happy hours awheel. Harry Woodcock Club President. |
Early season action 2011 I am writing this letter on Thursday 3rd March, and since I am full of a head cold, and with nothing better to do, I decided to remind everyone in our racing community that the season kicks off on Saturday with the inter clubs 10 mile championship at Garstang and I believe we have 5 entries in it. I would also like to remind everyone to make a note of the dates for the five club trophy races (home page or club trophies) this season starting with the Maurice Jones '10' on May 7th. Also a reminder that the Rainford evening 10s get under way again for the season on Wednesday April 13th. This season Dave Brabbin has got permission for 50 entries each week, rather than the usual 40, as we have had to turn riders away on some nights. Don’t forget to check the rota for your marshaling nights. Last year a few marshals didn’t turn up. OK, I accept that jobs and families take precedence - but if you don’t let me know when you cant make it to marshal you will be putting the event in jeopardy. We must have at least 3 marshals each night, so please pay attention to the rota. The Sunday club runs have been well attended over the past few weeks, for example, 21 riders set out from the Cherry Gardens a couple of weeks ago. Five of the faster section went south, whilst the rest headed through the lanes towards Preston. Myself and four others veered off to Blackleach lane cafe, 6 or 7 miles north of Preston, while the rest went to Whalley. However, last Sunday was different with only three riders turning up, but it was raining cats and dogs! The turbo training sessions at the Eddleston Centre in Billinge have also been very well supported. The average number turning up over the past few weeks has been 14 riders – if you would like to attend go to the turbo training page for more details. I got a call from Richard Handley today. He has just arrived back from training with the full Raleigh Team. According to the 'Cycling' magazine of two weeks ago he was going very well indeed and he is looking forward to the season. His early season programme includes the the Eddie Soens Classic and the CDNW Pimbo Road Race back to back on Saturday/Sunday March 5/6th, then a race in Majorca (April 8th) and the The Rutland Classic. Go the to the Team Raleigh website for race reports (Richard won at Pimbo), photos and the full Team Raleigh programme. Good luck Richard, from the club, and your Tuesday and Thursday old pals. Postscript Have just got back from the inter clubs 10 at Garstang, Wheelers' results were as follows: Ian Woodcock 23.56 Barry Rimmer 25.13 Tony Derbyshire 25.24 Daniel Lansley 25.50 Brad Britch 27.37. There were 95 riders on the start sheet and Ian finished 10th overall and Barry 17th – very commendable considering Barry fell off his bike on Saturday morning. Mike Smith (Cleveleys CC) won in 22.20. Its good to see that two of the above riders are juniors and Bradley is 18. The weather was fair considering the time of year, but not a float day. Finally, Tony D had an operation on his jaw only a couple of weeks ago, which took over 6 hours, and has only been able to feed with liquids since. Well Done Young Man. Harry Woodcock March 2011 |
On the 3rd of April six Wheelers rode the 'Circuit of the Dales' – a hilly 50 mile time trial that is part of the Lakes and Lancs SpoCo series. It turned out to be a wet and windy morning, and rather cold. The outward trip to Hawes wasn't too bad, but the return over Ribblehead was very hard. The event was won by Andy Wilkinson in a time of 2.05. Generally, times were 5 minutes slower than last year. The results of the club riders were: Ian Woodcock 2.31.17 Phil Bradshaw 2.34.52 Dave Brabbin 2.41.53 Barry Rimmer 2.44.17 John Griffiths 2.53.24 Dave Gibson 2.53.30 Two friends of the Wheelers, who are triathletes, also rode and Jeff Fiddler clocked 2.55.54 and Paul Stubbs-Jeffries 2.56.57. These lads are members of Knutsford Tri Club and are training for the ironman. They have been training through the winter at our turbo sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meanwhile, on the flat, Ian Woodcock got under 61 minutes twice on consecutive weekends in mid-April on the Manchester/Cheshire '25' courses, and also clocked a 23:30 '10' towards the end of the month. Club News The Wednesday evening 10s on the Rainford bypass course have now started again and results, start times, and other info can be found elsewhere on the site. As the 10s get going again so turbo training has finished for the summer, but I will run the sessions again next winter starting in October. We had about 14 riders attending each week over the last couple of months, and I'm sure that the regular attendees will feel the benefits of their efforts as the season gets underway. Club runs have been well attended recently as riders have taken advantage of the good weather, with runs to Blackpool, Chester, Jodrell Bank, Kirkham and along the River Dee amongst others. Riders often don’t have time for the longer rides and cut the run short, so don’t let the distances scare you off if you fancy joining us – you will always have some company for the ride home if you decide to head back early. Richard Handley On Saturday April 9th Richard won the King of the Mountains prize in a 4 day stage race on the island of Majorca, despite a puncture on the final day. Richard is a second claim member, and at 20 years old, is now riding professionally for Team Raleigh. Richard's early season also included wins in 2 time trials and a road race – not a bad start! If anyone has any results or reports from their races please pass them on to me, or e-mail them to Paul, so they can go on the web site. |
Chris Lawless (Maxgear RT) rode the the Isle of Man Youth Tour over a Douglas, the race was run over three stages, with a field of 60 under 16s on the start sheet. Chris, riding for North West Regional Team, made a strong start in the prologue, which was run along the seafront on Friday taking 3rd place. Saturday's road race was held on closed roads, and Chris came home first. The final stage on Sunday was a criterium held at the National Sports Centre, and Chris took 14th place. This was good enough for him to win not only the overall yellow jersey but also the green points jersey. Race report and photos.
(L2511). On an extremely wild and windy morning Andy Wilkinson produced a very fine ride to win in 52.06, and Ian finished 17th with a 1.00.21.
rain before both races, lady luck was on our side, and although the roads were damp, it remained dry and breezy for the riders. Mark Halton (Dragtozero.com) won the '10' in 19.37, and the '30' went to Derek Parkinson (Cleveleys RC) in 1.06.16 – congratulations to both.
keep those wheels turning.
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| The President's Page Harold Woodcock. |
Whilst still aged 15, achieved the following in 2011. By winning the:- • Bradford, (Yorkshire) –The Road Race Circuit Title over 35miles Champions Jersey! • Manchester Velodrome – The under 16 Omnium National Title. • Manchester Velodrome –The under 16 National Pursuit Titles Champions Jersey! • Manchester Velodrome – The National Points Race! • Manchester Velodrome – The National Sprint Titles Champions Jersey! • Together with Jake Ragan the under 16 National Madison Titles Champions Jersey. Chris was also in the team that set a new under 16 Pursuit Record of 3minutes 21seconds over 3 kilometres…” I make that 33.5 mph for the 3 minute period”! This year Chris travelled to Holland to ride in a 3 day stage race for under 16’s this was a Road Race Criterium / Time-Trial . . . Chris finished in second place to the Dutch Champion. . . There were over 130 riders competing! “Congratulation Chris” P.S. On Friday 30th September, Chris attended the Wigan Sports Personality awards …The actual title is ‘Sports Achiever of the Year’… There were 12 finalists – Chris was the runner up – coming second to Harold Woodcock. Published 14th October 2011 |
