Fade to Grey – the Cat and Fiddle hill climb
Promoted by Weaver Valley CC Sunday September 27th 2009
From Richard Handley and Paul Stupples
As an introduction to Richard's account of his day I thought I would provide a little background information on the event. As
most of you will know the Cat and Fiddle is the main A537 Macclesfield to Buxton road. The course starts just outside
Macclesfield town centre and climbs appropriately 1100 feet in 6.5 miles to finish at the Cat and Fiddle pub at the top of the
pass (course profile). Almost a full field of 115 riders were on the start sheet and race day dawned grey and mild with little
breeze. What wasn't clear from the HQ was that the surrounding moors were shrouded in a thick grey mist but warming up
on the lower slopes of the climb it seemed that fitting a flashing back light the day before had been a good idea after all. I was
on my road bike (with the aerobars removed) but there was a wide range of machines on show from full blown aero TT bikes
to stripped down road bikes although I didn't see anyone riding a fixed wheel. Start time arrived and having negotiated the
road works which forced the start a little further up the road than normal I was off. No helping shoves allowed in hill climbs so
with a distinct wobble I heaved the gear round and crept up the very straight, wide main road which leaves the town centre.
This quickly degenerates into a twisty tree lined section with an unbelievably rough surface. The early effort is probably the
steepest part of the course and the poor surface made keeping the momentum up even more challenging than it would
otherwise have been. Unusually for a time trial the course had mile boards all the way up, and half and quarter mile boards in
the last mile – useful for judging your effort, but slightly disconcerting as you struggle past the '5 miles to go' point
wondering how high your heart rate will go before your legs seize up.
With the light breeze helping, and the road surface improving, I soon got into a rhythm and even managed to catch a couple
of riders in the first 2 miles, an unusual experience for me. These opening 2 miles are fairly evenly graded and never very
steep so I managed to keep a low gear turning steadily only getting out of the saddle to keep on top of the gear and
accelerate out of the corners. The upper two thirds of the course are more varied with one significant descent where it is
possible to recover a little, and then a long twisting section of false flats and short steeper sections. Even I managed to get
onto the big ring here so that gives you some idea of the nature of the course. However, the fog was now a real problem and
as the course twisted and turned, and the gradient changed constantly, it was very difficult to judge the effort as I couldn't
see more than a few yards ahead. Even though I've ridden and driven the climb a couple of times I still found myself making
poor gear choices a couple of times as the road continually disappeared into the all enveloping greyness and the whole
experience turned into some sort of weird, grey walled turbo torture – psychedelia in reverse.
Never the less I felt strong all the way, chasing down a few riders who were warming up or out training kept me going and I
maintained a decent effort all the way. As it usually does the finish eventually approached and with a final spectacular
misjudgement of how far was left (despite the marker boards) I lurched over the line and rumbled to a gasping halt in the
wind swept lay-by next to the pub. The ride back to the HQ was probably more unpleasant than the race with the approaching
traffic looming out of the fog on the wrong side of the road and the breeze picking up and rattling my race cape all the way
down. Rather than the traditional notion of hill climbs being nasty, brutish and short I felt that in terms of length and effort it
was comparable to a '10' and looking at previous times and event records (Mark Lovatt 18.30 in 2004 and Anne Plant 24.13 in
2008) fits in with this. I overheard some good natured grumbling in the changing rooms of the wind picking up and benefiting
the later starters but I enjoyed the ride, if only as something a little different to the normal churning up and down a by pass,
and have entered the NLTTA hill climb championship at Rivington in mid October so I must be a glutton for punishment.
So, having had a taste of the race from the back, I finished 67th of 104 finishers in 25.52, here is Richard's account of life at
the sharp end. Richard finished 3rd in 18.30, 50 seconds in front of 4th place, and behind Mike Cuming (2nd in 18.24) and
winner Matt Clinton who clocked 18.17 but was denied the course record because of the road works which shortened the
course by about 100 meres. What Richard is too modest to include is that on the previous day he had flown round the
A25/11 near Uttoxeter to record 50.03 in the Team Swift '25'. This placed him second to Matthew Bottrill's 48.59 and took
another half minute off his PB.
Richard Handley's Cat and Fiddle 2009
I stayed at my friends house on the night before (Mike Cuming, he's been coming over for our Wednesday night 10's as
Macclesfield start hill climbs up the Cat really early and he's had enough of them) which was handy as he lives less than 15
minutes from the start, so it was a case of roll out of bed onto the start line! We got there with about 50 minutes to the off,
and I started a warm up on the rollers shortly after. For the race, I decided that a skinsuit and aero helmet was best, but I
rode on my road bike with a 39/53 and a 25/11 gearing, but I used some deep section wheels (65mm) which aren't the
lightest but are pretty aero as I thought that aerodynamics would play more of a part than lightness. I started in my little
ring and after the rough road for the first half mile I changed to my big ring, but still tried to spin a little instead of pushing.
For me I had a slight tailwind up the climb, and by the time I had reached the top the fog had cleared, which made riding down
a bit more pleasant! I've never raced the Cat and Fiddle before but I had ridden it a few days before on an easy ride and have
been over it in the car on our way on holiday in the past. I entered with no previous history for hill climbs, after having ridden
my only other one over 3 years previous, so wasn't too sure what to expect, and from everyone I spoke to I got the
impression of comparing it to a 10 rather than a hill climb. I've finished the season nearly 3kgs lighter than I started (60kgs
now) so I decided I might as well give them a try as I seemed to be getting on pretty good on the hilly road race circuits
(probably because the flat ones end up in bunch sprints more than because I've found climbing legs and I might as well give
up before the finish if its going to be a sprint!) I was planning to do the nationals, but a 2 and a half minute climb definitely
wouldn't suit me, so I'm going to leave the hill climbs for the year but I will be back for the Cat and Fiddle next year, and will
put a bit more thought into them and ride The Snake Pass and The Horseshoe Pass also as they're a little longer than the
normal hill climbs. I didn't do any specific training for the race, although I still seem to be going OK from the Brittish TT
Champs, so I'm trying to make that last for as long as possible! I never expected to win a hill climb, I was hoping to get
pretty close to Matt Clinton as he's seems to be good over the short ones, but a bit of an unknown quantity in the longer
ones, but I was gutted that Mike beat me, we're pretty similar at TT's, road races and sprinting, so its always pretty close,
and we wind each other up then and send each other into panic training! The race went well for me, I saved myself a little at
the bottom because I knew that blowing at the top would be disastrous and then lifted it in the last 2 miles. If I could have
found 10 seconds anywhere it would be from having clip on aerobars, I rode on the drops but both Matt and Mike had clip ons
on, so I think I would try that for next time to get a better position, and a little previous experience of the climb should count
for something next year (thats what I'm telling myself anyway!)
Roll on next year! Full Results
Late Summer Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
Chris Lawless secured victory in the Cycling Development North West league following the final event - a cyclo-cross race –
near Lancaster. With the best 5 results to count from the 7 race series Chris won the under 14 boys league by 12 points
after placing highly in the individual races all year including several wins. For more details, results and pictures go to the CDNW
website.
Richard Handley competed in the under 23 National Time Trial Championships in early September over a 20.2 mile course near
Hemel Hempsted finishing 4th in 44.20 which was less than a minute away from a top 3 placing.
Jim Harrison continues to set age related records with a time of 2h 33 mins in the veterans NLTTA '50' - a new best for the 77
years age group for the North Lancashire region.
On a good day near Stoke the Stone Wheelers '25' on September 12th saw Richard Handley improve his personal best by
nearly 2 minutes to 50.38 for 2nd place overall. John Williams also took advantage of the good conditions to reduce his PB,
also by around 2 minutes, to 57.31. To continue the rapid theme Danny Burrows clocked 21.12 at Levens on the same day.
July Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
On Sunday July 12th Ian Woodcock and Mike Preston braved a wet and windy start in south Wales to ride the very hilly Devil
Ride sportive. Covering 108 miles on the testing roads of the Brecon Beacons, and with 9000 feet of climbing including the
notorious Devil's Staircase from which the event takes its name, the route presents a real challenge. On a day of improving
weather both riders achieved a silver standard award with Ian clocking 6h 38 mins and Mike 7h 29 mins. For full results and
photos go to the event web site.
On the same day Jim Harrison clocked a 1.11.14 on the Winmarleigh '25' course and two weeks later recorded 1.7.27 in the
VC Cumbria '25' on the A66 between Keswick and Cockermouth to beat his age related standard by over 19 minutes.
Richard Handley has returned from a period of racing in France in fine form. In the 90 km MaxGear road race on the Pimbo
circuit in early July he chased down the early break and held off the majority of an experienced field to finish 3rd. He followed
this with a win in a juniors/veterans TLI road race in Wales before finishing the month with a creditable 15th (of 140 riders) in
the 98 mile East Yorkshire Classic road race. This is one of the major races on the UK road calendar – round 10 of the Premier
Calendar - and this year riders had to cope with not only the steep climbs and rolling roads of the Yorkshire Wolds but also a
wet and miserable Sunday morning. For more details go to the British Cycling website.
Finally for now Chris Lawless maintained his form through July with 1st place in Bradford and 2nd in Blackpool as he continues
his campaign in category B of the national Youth Road Race Series. For results and photos go to the series web site.
Warrington RC 4up 25 mile Team Time Trial
Cheshire 25 June 2009
This event took place on the Chelford/Twemlow Lane J2/9 course and the team of Dave Brabbin, Ian Hughes, Danny Burrows
and Ian Woodcock recorded a time of 54.47 which placed them 13th out of 30 teams. Shorter Rochford RT won the event
with 49.20 and went on to win the CTT National Team TT Championships held over 38 miles with a similar 30mph+ ride.
Read Ian's account of the event below, take a look at some photos of the team in action, or see the full results.
From Ian Hughes
Woody sat, dazed, by the side of the A50. His skinsuit was now dashed with blood from the cuts sustained to both arms. A
scratched aero helmet suggested that things could have been more serious still. The black Scott TT bike lay on its side,
carbon bars snapped in two and the rear disc wheel damaged beyond repair.
Seconds earlier we had crossed the finish line together at thirty mph but the race seemed insignificant now.
Time Trials, or the “Race of Truth” as they are known, offer no hiding place. Solitary confinement is the nature of the beast.
Unless, that is, it happens to be a “Team Time Trial”. As the name suggests, competitors ride in teams of two, three, or four.
The idea being that each rider takes turns on the front and then drops back to rejoin the line at the back, hence being able to
shelter and recover before their next turn on the front. So yes, there is somewhere to hide in this particular type of event but
there is also the possibility of “getting dropped”, something which doesn’t trouble the minds of an individual time triallist. It
was with these two conflicting thoughts running around my head that I arrived at Allostock village hall, HQ for the Warrington
Road Club four up team time trial event on Jun 25th. The team comprised of our captain and inspirational leader, Dave
Brabbin; Danny Burrows, by far our strongest rider;Ian Woodcock, newly returned to racing this year and yours truly, a
nervous wreck, terrified of getting dropped!
The week previous, at Rainford, had been our one and only rehearsal and, it’s fair to say, there was certainly room for
improvement…staying together being the first aim! The course, as will be known to many club members, was the J2/9 25 mile
course near to Jodrell Bank in Cheshire. It isn’t my favourite course, the many undulations play havoc with my Steak Pudding
diet, but the weather was hot and dry and as the time to our start grew nearer three of us took off down the A50 for a gentle
warm up whilst Dave stayed at the HQ dripping sweat on his Turbo trainer.
Warm up over and the four musketeers sped briskly to the start, three miles away from the HQ.
We arrived at the start with thirty seconds to spare and then the countdown commenced. I had spoken with Danny on the
journey from Wigan and I was confident that if everything “clicked” we could do a “55”. The time for talking was over and
despite my pleas to Dave to “go easy at the start”, he set off the line like Chris bloody Hoy. Hell, this is going to be hard, I
thought after just 500 yards but I took my first turn on the front and managed to crest the first hill without getting dropped.
Danny came through and set the pace high, staying on the front longer than the rest. The first 10 miles was fairly fast but as
we exited Twemlow Lane, I knew that the efforts had to be stronger. Each and every one of us pushed harder, confident now
in our ability as a team to stay together, not wanting to let the others down, eager to get a good time.
The clockwork order was now a subconscious response; Dave, me, Danny, Woody; Dave, me, Danny, Woody; Dave – me
again, harder this time 27mph, 28mph, 29mph, hold it there. Danny comes through, got to get back on Dave’s wheel, now
recover. Dave once told me, whilst staring at a results board in a Cheshire village hall, that someone nearly always gets beaten
by a second or two and this thought should be uppermost in your thoughts whilst racing. Where can I gain a second? Where
can I gain two seconds? We rounded the tight left junction from Seven Sisters Lane onto the A50 for the final time. Dave
took the turn first and didn’t hesitate like me. Lightly touching the brakes and changing down two gears meant I lost three
bike lengths. Sprinting out of the saddle, I regained the wheel. Two miles to go and every effort was now flat out. It was then
that another team passed by. It shocked me to think that we had been caught but the other team were still on their first
circuit and had fresh legs. Woody was on the front and closed them down brilliantly. We passed them back but then, almost
immediately they came by again. Only a quarter of a mile to go and I hit the front with an all out effort. We passed the other
team again, riding wide into the road so as not to draught. The sight of a man in a deckchair and a chequered flag signalled
the end and the pain was over. I hit the stop button on my computer and glanced down at the display. Through sweat
stained glasses I saw 00:54:47 – job done!
I looked around for my team-mates and it was then that I saw Woody lying by the side of the road, just past the finish. It
seems that, just after crossing the finish, and whilst third in line, he hit one of the numerous pot-holes that now adorn the
roads and lanes which make up the J2/9 course. The impact punctured his front wheel and threw him off the bike onto the
tarmac of the A50.With hindsight he was lucky not to suffer anything more than cuts and bruises but it still brought a sober
end to the race. It didn’t stop us all enjoying sandwiches and cake back at the village hall though. The race was won by the
semi-pros from Shorter Rochford with a “49”!!! All in all we were pleased with our time. It was Danny who contributed most
and without him the time would have been undoubtedly slower but everybody did big turns and it was much more of a team
effort than the last time I rode this event, when a certain young Richard Handley dragged the whole team round almost single
handedly. I can wholeheartedly recommend this event as an alternative to those lonesome solo time trials. Just beware of the
pot-holes!
June Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
Following his early season success on the road Chris Lawless has turned to the track riding the qualifying events for the
national youth omnium championships at Edinburgh, Dundee and Scunthorpe. Finals will be held in early August and Chris has
a good chance of qualifying. Staying at the younger end of the club's interests Richard Handley's fine form continued as he
improved his PB for '25' to 53.30. It hasn't all been plain sailing though as Richard unfortunately snapped his chain on the
start line of the Levens '10' on June 20th and so missed out on riding against Brad Wiggins as he tuned up for his great first
week of the tour by scorching round in 18 minutes. Richard will be racing in France over the summer for a team\ in Chamburey
thanks to support from his UK team sponsors Kinensis and the Dave Rayner Fund.
The national 50 mile time trial championship promoted by Warrington RC was held on June 20th on the J5/12 course near
Stoke. Dan Burrows finished in a great time of 1.58.28 which placed him 52nd behind winner Michael Hutchinson who
averaged over 29 mph to win by 4 minutes with a 1.43.18. The following morning five wheelers competed on the L2524
Levens course. Ian Hughes ducked under the hour again with 59 minutes dead, Alan Winstanley recorded 1.09.59, Jim
Harrison 1.10.00 and Derek Black 1.16.10. John Williams official time was 1.02.24 but frustratingly included a late start
penalty of 2 minutes 25 seconds.
The 150 mile Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge is one of the toughest cyclosportive rides in the UK. Taking in the biggest climbs in
north Wales the route which includes 5000 m of ascent culminates with a vicious 30% climb and 'mountian top' finish. Two
wheelers took on the mega challenge with Ian Woodcock covering the arduous route in 10h 35 mins and Mike Preston 12h 10
mins. Steve Broderick took on the Midi route – a mere (!) 100 miles with 3500 m of ascent and finished in 9 h 11 mins. Well
done to all. For more details and full results go to the Dave Lloyd website.
May Round Up
Racing action and the Majorca trip
From Harry Woodcock
Junior Success
Chris Lawless has maintained his early season form with another series of successful races through May. The month began
with a trip to the Isle of Man for the 2 day Youth Tour. Held over 3 stages Chris finished 2nd overall by less than 2 minutes in
the Youth B section – for full results and video go to the IoM Youth Tour website. In mid-May Chris travelled to Lancaster for
the latest round of the Cycling Development North West Youth League. Held over 2 stages of 5 and 18 miles Chris finished
with a 2nd and a win. For full results and details of future events go to the CDNW website. Chris returned to stage racing for
the CDNW-Maxgear North West Youth Tour held over the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. After 5 stages, spread
over 3 days, and taking in Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston Chris missed the overall win by just 11 seconds after nearly 3
hours of racing finishing in the top 5 on each stage.
Return to action
After a break of 8 years Ian Woodcock faced the timekeeper once again this season. However, rather than easing back into
the racing gently he knocked out a 2.07 '50' in preparation for the classic Anfield '100' held on bank holiday Monday at the
end of May. Ian finished 18th overall in 4.26.11 in the 107th edition of this notoriously tough event won this year by Andy
Wilkinson in a new record of 3.42.00 full results. Ian rounded the month off with a 59.21 for 15th place overall in the Preston
Wheelers '25' at Garstang on May 31st.
Club trip to Majorca
Several club members enjoyed the annual trip to Majorca this year based at Can Picafort on the south coast of the island. Wall
to wall sunshine and temperatures in the high 20s made for perfect cycling weather and a good time was had by all. With 140
cyclists gathering for up to a fortnight there was something for everyone from relaxed touring to more strenuous training
rides over the high mountain passes some of which exceed 3000 feet. If you would like to join the autumn trip or next years
early season trip contact Harry Woodcock on 01942 717804.
Other results
Richard Handley continues to impress with an overall win in the Ribble Valley 10 in 21.39 and a PB in the Stone Wheelers '25'
with 52.30 which placed him 3rd behind winner Stuart Dangerfield in 49.38 despite a strong cross wind.
Several members rode the Blackburn 2 up '10'. Richard Handley teamed up with Tony Greenhalgh and posted 20.15, Dave
Brabbin and Dan Burrows finished in 22.15, and Ian Hughes and Derek Lockett in 25.00. In solo action Dan Burrows and Ian
Hughes both got under the hour in the Dukinfield CC '25' on the J2/9 with 57.10 and 59.45 respectively. Also riding were Jim
Harrison (1.10.52) and Alan Winstanley (1.11.14). A decent night for the monthly Southport CC club '25' on the
Tarleton/Rufford/Banks course saw Ian Hughes dip under the hour again (59.13) whilst Derek Lockett missed out by just 19
seconds (1.00.19) with John Griffiths posting a 1.03.00 and Alan Winstanley 1.10.00.
Macclesfield Wheelers '25'
Cheshire 11th April 2009
From Danny Burrows
Hi all happy Easter. Rode my first 25 in club colours. It was supposed to be J2/9 round Jodrell Bank via Chelford Ollereton &
Twemlow but when I arrived the time keeper informed us all that there were temp traffic lights on the course & some antique
fair (or something like that) so that messes your head up a bit. Anyway the revised circuit was actually fairly enjoyable. It went
down the A50 the reverse way to the original course then sharp left down this B road then left over the motorway back to the
A50. There was a start bit then 2 & a half laps. Some of the drags were bloody hard when you're trying to keep mashing your
big chocker. I had to sit back down a couple of times when my left calf crumpled up into a tight ball. Anyway it went a lot
better than expected I got 4th with 57.30. Hoped to just beat the hour so fairly happy. Lost out on 3rd by 3 seconds. Can't
think who that was but the winner was Charles McCulloch (Shorter Rochford) with a 52 something. That's really rapid for that
course. Anyway the moral of this story is always be prepared to get messed up by the public. Pity our beloved sport is the
only one subject to being interfered with but not to worry Cheers, Danny.
Easter Action
A round up of racing news from mid March through to the Easter weekend
From Harry Woodcock
Danny Burrows and Alan Winstanley tackled an early season '10' on the Twemlow-Chelford course (J2/3) on a windy Saturday
March 14th. The event promoted by the Manchester and District TT Association was the first race of twenty which make up
the season long Cheshire Points Series. Alan clocked 29.07 and Danny finished an impressive ninth in 23.44, just over a
minute behind the winner. A couple of weeks later Ian Woodcock and Stephen Broderick rode the somewhat longer Cheshire
Cat Sportive covering the 115 mile route in 7 hours 4 mins and 7 hours 51 mins respectively – read Step[hen's account of his
day below. On Saturday April 4th four Wheelers faced an unpleasantly windy afternoon for the Withington Wheelers '25' which
comprised 2 laps around the J2/9 Chelford-Twemlow circuit with the imposing Jodrell Bank radio telescope visible from much of
the course. Ian Hughes (1.01.39), Alan Winstanley (1.13.48) and Derek Black (1.16.23) all battled hard against the strong,
gusty wind but Paul Stupples found the conditions too taxing with the after effects of a cold still in his legs and retired during
the opening lap.
Second claim member Richard Handley (riding for MaxGear RT) began a busy Easter weekend with a blistering 19.28 '10' in the
Hull City RC event on the V718 South Cave course on Good Friday. An average speed of over 30 mph saw Richard finish 3rd
senior, 16 seconds behind winner D. Parkinson (Clevelys RC). However, the ride of the day was by V40 Wayne Randle who set
a new course record of 18.58. For more details go to the Hull City RC web site.
Richard's Easter in the north continued the following day with the opening stage of the classic Girvan 3 day road race. The
race, part of the UK's Premier Calendar series of elite road races, comprised four hard stages through Galloway and Ayrshire
on the west coast of Scotland and attracted over 100 international class riders. Despite the quality of competition, and a
puncture on the final stage, Richard finished the race in a group with Rob Hayles. The overall winner was Marcin Bialoblocki of
Poland and more info can be found on the race web site.
Chris Lawless, riding for Eastlands Velo, has had a successful start to the Dolan Bikes junior criterium series held in Southport
with a win and 2nd place in the opening two events in March.
The Cheshire Cat 2009: Report from a Sportive Virgin
March 29th 2009
from Stephen Broderick
Only two wheelers on the start line on a glorious morning.
Unfortunately John Williams had succumbed to the illness that had threatened my participation earlier in the week. So it was
up to Ian Woodcock and me to fly the flag for the Wigan Wheelers.
We had both signed on the previous day, saving us the hassle of doing so on Sunday morning.
Taking into account my illness earlier in the week and that this was my first sportive, I had a plan of how the day should go;
take it easy over the first half of the course which is relatively flat, saving energy which will be required for the hilly last forty
miles, easy.
Needless to say things didn’t go to plan. Unfortunately I was riding with Ian, who has a somewhat competitive nature (it
must be in the genes). From the start we were jumping from one group to the next. Actually it was quite exhilarating riding
in amongst groups of 20-30 riders. Average speed over the first 30 miles was 19mph.
We were soon at the first of three feed stations; all the stations were well stocked with energy drinks, and a mixture of
bananas, cakes, doughnuts & sausage rolls.
Off again, we settled down in amongst a group of approx. 25, going at a good pace.
We were soon south of Nantwich and beginning to head northwest this was when reality started to take hold. Once east of
the M6 the terrain started to roll, I began to slow down and our group split into two. Ian in the front group, me in the one
behind. Looming in the distance was the hill that had woken me at times during the winter; Mow Cop. On my arrival at the
second feed station, Ian was just leaving. That was the last I would see of him until the finish. My average speed to this, the
60mile point had dropped to 17.8mph.
The climb up Mow Cow was only about two miles after the feed station. Everyone seemed to be taking as much time as they
could in getting to the start of the “Killer Mile”. But, there was no avoiding it, this was the moment of truth, left turn and up
we go. The climb starts off at approx 6-7%, levels off for a short section then kicks up again at 15%ish. Some young lads
were sat egging us on at this point saying that they cycled up it everyday; yeah right. After this section the road flattens
slightly, round a left turn and there it is a wall of tarmac with a pub half way up. Stay to the left lads the right side is gritty we
were told by marshals. This section is 25% but not overly long about 100 yards or so. Much gritting of teeth and grinding of
legs with a bit of zig zagging and I was up complete with new record max heart rate of 186. There was still another ¼ of mile
up to the top but I had done it.
Still euphoric I started on the descent. Then it started, a cycling first for me, cramp, in both calves oh sh*t! Ahead was
another climb up and over Bidulph Moor, not a severe climb but steady. Every time I started to push it I could feel the cramp
starting again. For the next half hour I took it steady and drank plenty. The cramps went away for now.
The next big climb was from Danebridge up Wincle this was picturesque, long and steep. Quite a number were walking up. I
followed a rider up of similar ability and made it over he top and into a fast descent towards Macclesfield. Here was the final
pit stop, sausage roll time (get the salt levels up).
The climb up through Mac Forest was in my opinion THE Killer Mile; there was still ice on the road at the top which is 20%.
When I went up there were more trekking up than cycling up, still I just about managed it. My legs were starting to go now
and cramp again, I did not really enjoy the next hour or so trundling along at 10mph or so. The groups had long since split
and people were in ones and twos.
There was still a climb up Nab End and then down into Bollington.
The route was levelling off now with only the optional cobbled climb of Swiss Hill in Alderley Edge in between me and the
finish. I decided to give the cobbles a go, got half way up and then had to get off or run over a lady rider who had fallen right
in front of me. There was no way I could get going again on the cobbles so I pushed the bike the 50 or so yards to the point
were the hill levelled. This hill really is a test of your technique; maybe we could do it one Sunday!!
The end was in sight and I was now on the familiar Chelford Road through to Knutsford. Like Ian had earlier I got into a small
group and we worked our way to the finish at a decent pace, back at around 20mph.
Ian had completed the 105 miles with an overall time of 7.04 whilst I finished with an unremarkable 7.51, average ride time
speed plummeting to 14.7mph.
Still I had done it. OK it may not be the hardest sportive out there, (although it has been toughened up from last year) with
total climb 2,200 metres. However as an introduction to Sportives I think it would be hard to beat.
You could argue that why pay £28 to ride a route you could do anytime for free.
However, I enjoyed riding in the larger groups and moving in between them. If one is going too slow there will be a faster one
to catch in front or if necessary you can drop back to a slower one behind. There is also a great mix of people. I was
chatting with a young lad from London and later with a 19.5 stone gent from Birmingham who had entered for the 66 mile
route, missed the turn and ended up doing the 105 miles!
Lesson learnt; DO THE HILLS AT YOUR OWN PACE. You will be quicker than some but slower than others, IT DOESNT
MATTER.
It certainly whetted my appetite to do more. Maybe you could come along next time.
Full Results
A busy Weekend
March 21st/22nd 2009
from Harry Woodcock
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.
Combined Clubs '10'
Garstang 7th March 2009
from Harry Woodcock
Members of the Wigan Wheelers Cycling Club started the 09 racing season on Saturday 7th March. The event was the
Combined Clubs 10 mile time trial held on the Garstang out and home course.
It was a wet, cold and dull day – in fact the only redeeming feature was the light prevailing wind. The fastest (and youngest)
of our riders was Danny Burrows who went round the course in 23 min 19 sec (25.7 mph) while the second rider was Derek
Lockett in 25 min 27 sec. John Griffiths and Mike Preston tied for third place with 27 min 58 sec. Derek Black got round in 32
min 11 sec but he is not at full strength due to lack of training, having a recent illness. The fastest rider on the day was Craig
Battersby of the Lancashire Road Club in a time of 22 min 15 sec.
Bolton-by-Bowland SpoCo
Promoted by the Rossendale Road Club on 28th February 2009
From Paul Stupples
Spring (almost) and a (not so) young man's fancy turns to thoughts of the new time trial season. For me this means the
Lakes and Lancs Sporting Courses (SpoCo) competition and a trip to the picturesque village of Bolton-by-Bowland in the
Ribble Valley, a few miles north east of Clitheroe, on the last day in February. A damp but mild Saturday afternoon greeted the
slightly smaller than usual field of 49 who faced the timekeeper for the first time this year in Rossendale Road Club's short but
testing season opener. Ahead of them lay a tough 10.3 mile circuit (L112) winding around the rough, lumpy lanes to the
north and west of the village. A small knot of supporters gathered with the timekeepers next to the village green to send each
rider off to tackle the opening draggy climb of around 3 miles, with it's short steeper section early on to get the heart rate up
and the legs burning. This year a stiff breeze helped riders on this long opening effort towards Paythorne before a brief
descent to the first of three tight left handers which delimit the course. Having made the turn riders faced a couple of miles of
rolling minor road. A muddy and potholed surface added to the challenge of several short sharp rises heading towards the
high point of the circuit marked by a radio mast. This landmark is tantalisingly visible a good while before the gasping riders
pass by and get the first real chance to recuperate a little as they swoop down to another tight turn onto the main Sawley-
Settle road. The anxious look on the marshal's face suggested that my bike handling skills were only just up to the job but
once safely round the turn a long descent towards the finish line begins. Although a better road surface than elsewhere on
the course, several false flats and a couple of short rises, together with a stiff headwind whistling up the valley meant that the
pressure remained on and effort levels high on this long section. A final twisting, off-camber, plunge to a tricky crossing of the
river over a narrow stone bridge at Forest Becks leads to a final short steep effort up the other side of the valley. A brief
flatter section, the only one on the circuit, leads to the final corner and a rapid sprint down the hill to finish just outside the
village. A welcome freewheel over another bridge takes you back to the HQ and a hard earned cup of tea.
This year, the already technically demanding course was enlivened by a good covering of mud (and other less wholesome
brown stuff), and an encounter for many with the local hunt complete with dogs, horses and red jackets, but no foxes as far
as I could see. Thankfully, the wind was considerably gentler than previous visits I've made to this race and this is probably
reflected in the times. The last 7 miles are cruelly exposed to the prevailing south westerlies and it can be a real slog along the
ridge to the mast and back down towards the river. The event was won by D. Tiffen (Probikekit.com) in 25.06, who,
surprisingly went off number 47 and gave me a bit of a shock when he caught me for 3 minutes and went hammering past on
the road to the radio mast. I'm not sure what the course record is but Gethin Butler has got well under 25 minutes at least
twice in the past and there always seems to be a few sub 26's, which, given the nature of the course and the time of year, is
pretty remarkable going. Nothing quite so remarkable about your correspondents performance as I just scraped under 32
minutes. This placed me, by a few seconds, as 2nd V70 – unfortunately I've only just joined the V40s – but I reckon if I train
really hard for the next 30 years the prize money will start rolling in.
For full results and details of forthcoming Lakes and Lancs SpoCo events visit the website.
Promoted by Weaver Valley CC Sunday September 27th 2009
From Richard Handley and Paul Stupples
As an introduction to Richard's account of his day I thought I would provide a little background information on the event. As
most of you will know the Cat and Fiddle is the main A537 Macclesfield to Buxton road. The course starts just outside
Macclesfield town centre and climbs appropriately 1100 feet in 6.5 miles to finish at the Cat and Fiddle pub at the top of the
pass (course profile). Almost a full field of 115 riders were on the start sheet and race day dawned grey and mild with little
breeze. What wasn't clear from the HQ was that the surrounding moors were shrouded in a thick grey mist but warming up
on the lower slopes of the climb it seemed that fitting a flashing back light the day before had been a good idea after all. I was
on my road bike (with the aerobars removed) but there was a wide range of machines on show from full blown aero TT bikes
to stripped down road bikes although I didn't see anyone riding a fixed wheel. Start time arrived and having negotiated the
road works which forced the start a little further up the road than normal I was off. No helping shoves allowed in hill climbs so
with a distinct wobble I heaved the gear round and crept up the very straight, wide main road which leaves the town centre.
This quickly degenerates into a twisty tree lined section with an unbelievably rough surface. The early effort is probably the
steepest part of the course and the poor surface made keeping the momentum up even more challenging than it would
otherwise have been. Unusually for a time trial the course had mile boards all the way up, and half and quarter mile boards in
the last mile – useful for judging your effort, but slightly disconcerting as you struggle past the '5 miles to go' point
wondering how high your heart rate will go before your legs seize up.
With the light breeze helping, and the road surface improving, I soon got into a rhythm and even managed to catch a couple
of riders in the first 2 miles, an unusual experience for me. These opening 2 miles are fairly evenly graded and never very
steep so I managed to keep a low gear turning steadily only getting out of the saddle to keep on top of the gear and
accelerate out of the corners. The upper two thirds of the course are more varied with one significant descent where it is
possible to recover a little, and then a long twisting section of false flats and short steeper sections. Even I managed to get
onto the big ring here so that gives you some idea of the nature of the course. However, the fog was now a real problem and
as the course twisted and turned, and the gradient changed constantly, it was very difficult to judge the effort as I couldn't
see more than a few yards ahead. Even though I've ridden and driven the climb a couple of times I still found myself making
poor gear choices a couple of times as the road continually disappeared into the all enveloping greyness and the whole
experience turned into some sort of weird, grey walled turbo torture – psychedelia in reverse.
Never the less I felt strong all the way, chasing down a few riders who were warming up or out training kept me going and I
maintained a decent effort all the way. As it usually does the finish eventually approached and with a final spectacular
misjudgement of how far was left (despite the marker boards) I lurched over the line and rumbled to a gasping halt in the
wind swept lay-by next to the pub. The ride back to the HQ was probably more unpleasant than the race with the approaching
traffic looming out of the fog on the wrong side of the road and the breeze picking up and rattling my race cape all the way
down. Rather than the traditional notion of hill climbs being nasty, brutish and short I felt that in terms of length and effort it
was comparable to a '10' and looking at previous times and event records (Mark Lovatt 18.30 in 2004 and Anne Plant 24.13 in
2008) fits in with this. I overheard some good natured grumbling in the changing rooms of the wind picking up and benefiting
the later starters but I enjoyed the ride, if only as something a little different to the normal churning up and down a by pass,
and have entered the NLTTA hill climb championship at Rivington in mid October so I must be a glutton for punishment.
So, having had a taste of the race from the back, I finished 67th of 104 finishers in 25.52, here is Richard's account of life at
the sharp end. Richard finished 3rd in 18.30, 50 seconds in front of 4th place, and behind Mike Cuming (2nd in 18.24) and
winner Matt Clinton who clocked 18.17 but was denied the course record because of the road works which shortened the
course by about 100 meres. What Richard is too modest to include is that on the previous day he had flown round the
A25/11 near Uttoxeter to record 50.03 in the Team Swift '25'. This placed him second to Matthew Bottrill's 48.59 and took
another half minute off his PB.
Richard Handley's Cat and Fiddle 2009
I stayed at my friends house on the night before (Mike Cuming, he's been coming over for our Wednesday night 10's as
Macclesfield start hill climbs up the Cat really early and he's had enough of them) which was handy as he lives less than 15
minutes from the start, so it was a case of roll out of bed onto the start line! We got there with about 50 minutes to the off,
and I started a warm up on the rollers shortly after. For the race, I decided that a skinsuit and aero helmet was best, but I
rode on my road bike with a 39/53 and a 25/11 gearing, but I used some deep section wheels (65mm) which aren't the
lightest but are pretty aero as I thought that aerodynamics would play more of a part than lightness. I started in my little
ring and after the rough road for the first half mile I changed to my big ring, but still tried to spin a little instead of pushing.
For me I had a slight tailwind up the climb, and by the time I had reached the top the fog had cleared, which made riding down
a bit more pleasant! I've never raced the Cat and Fiddle before but I had ridden it a few days before on an easy ride and have
been over it in the car on our way on holiday in the past. I entered with no previous history for hill climbs, after having ridden
my only other one over 3 years previous, so wasn't too sure what to expect, and from everyone I spoke to I got the
impression of comparing it to a 10 rather than a hill climb. I've finished the season nearly 3kgs lighter than I started (60kgs
now) so I decided I might as well give them a try as I seemed to be getting on pretty good on the hilly road race circuits
(probably because the flat ones end up in bunch sprints more than because I've found climbing legs and I might as well give
up before the finish if its going to be a sprint!) I was planning to do the nationals, but a 2 and a half minute climb definitely
wouldn't suit me, so I'm going to leave the hill climbs for the year but I will be back for the Cat and Fiddle next year, and will
put a bit more thought into them and ride The Snake Pass and The Horseshoe Pass also as they're a little longer than the
normal hill climbs. I didn't do any specific training for the race, although I still seem to be going OK from the Brittish TT
Champs, so I'm trying to make that last for as long as possible! I never expected to win a hill climb, I was hoping to get
pretty close to Matt Clinton as he's seems to be good over the short ones, but a bit of an unknown quantity in the longer
ones, but I was gutted that Mike beat me, we're pretty similar at TT's, road races and sprinting, so its always pretty close,
and we wind each other up then and send each other into panic training! The race went well for me, I saved myself a little at
the bottom because I knew that blowing at the top would be disastrous and then lifted it in the last 2 miles. If I could have
found 10 seconds anywhere it would be from having clip on aerobars, I rode on the drops but both Matt and Mike had clip ons
on, so I think I would try that for next time to get a better position, and a little previous experience of the climb should count
for something next year (thats what I'm telling myself anyway!)
Roll on next year! Full Results
Late Summer Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
Chris Lawless secured victory in the Cycling Development North West league following the final event - a cyclo-cross race –
near Lancaster. With the best 5 results to count from the 7 race series Chris won the under 14 boys league by 12 points
after placing highly in the individual races all year including several wins. For more details, results and pictures go to the CDNW
website.
Richard Handley competed in the under 23 National Time Trial Championships in early September over a 20.2 mile course near
Hemel Hempsted finishing 4th in 44.20 which was less than a minute away from a top 3 placing.
Jim Harrison continues to set age related records with a time of 2h 33 mins in the veterans NLTTA '50' - a new best for the 77
years age group for the North Lancashire region.
On a good day near Stoke the Stone Wheelers '25' on September 12th saw Richard Handley improve his personal best by
nearly 2 minutes to 50.38 for 2nd place overall. John Williams also took advantage of the good conditions to reduce his PB,
also by around 2 minutes, to 57.31. To continue the rapid theme Danny Burrows clocked 21.12 at Levens on the same day.
July Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
On Sunday July 12th Ian Woodcock and Mike Preston braved a wet and windy start in south Wales to ride the very hilly Devil
Ride sportive. Covering 108 miles on the testing roads of the Brecon Beacons, and with 9000 feet of climbing including the
notorious Devil's Staircase from which the event takes its name, the route presents a real challenge. On a day of improving
weather both riders achieved a silver standard award with Ian clocking 6h 38 mins and Mike 7h 29 mins. For full results and
photos go to the event web site.
On the same day Jim Harrison clocked a 1.11.14 on the Winmarleigh '25' course and two weeks later recorded 1.7.27 in the
VC Cumbria '25' on the A66 between Keswick and Cockermouth to beat his age related standard by over 19 minutes.
Richard Handley has returned from a period of racing in France in fine form. In the 90 km MaxGear road race on the Pimbo
circuit in early July he chased down the early break and held off the majority of an experienced field to finish 3rd. He followed
this with a win in a juniors/veterans TLI road race in Wales before finishing the month with a creditable 15th (of 140 riders) in
the 98 mile East Yorkshire Classic road race. This is one of the major races on the UK road calendar – round 10 of the Premier
Calendar - and this year riders had to cope with not only the steep climbs and rolling roads of the Yorkshire Wolds but also a
wet and miserable Sunday morning. For more details go to the British Cycling website.
Finally for now Chris Lawless maintained his form through July with 1st place in Bradford and 2nd in Blackpool as he continues
his campaign in category B of the national Youth Road Race Series. For results and photos go to the series web site.
Warrington RC 4up 25 mile Team Time Trial
Cheshire 25 June 2009
This event took place on the Chelford/Twemlow Lane J2/9 course and the team of Dave Brabbin, Ian Hughes, Danny Burrows
and Ian Woodcock recorded a time of 54.47 which placed them 13th out of 30 teams. Shorter Rochford RT won the event
with 49.20 and went on to win the CTT National Team TT Championships held over 38 miles with a similar 30mph+ ride.
Read Ian's account of the event below, take a look at some photos of the team in action, or see the full results.
From Ian Hughes
Woody sat, dazed, by the side of the A50. His skinsuit was now dashed with blood from the cuts sustained to both arms. A
scratched aero helmet suggested that things could have been more serious still. The black Scott TT bike lay on its side,
carbon bars snapped in two and the rear disc wheel damaged beyond repair.
Seconds earlier we had crossed the finish line together at thirty mph but the race seemed insignificant now.
Time Trials, or the “Race of Truth” as they are known, offer no hiding place. Solitary confinement is the nature of the beast.
Unless, that is, it happens to be a “Team Time Trial”. As the name suggests, competitors ride in teams of two, three, or four.
The idea being that each rider takes turns on the front and then drops back to rejoin the line at the back, hence being able to
shelter and recover before their next turn on the front. So yes, there is somewhere to hide in this particular type of event but
there is also the possibility of “getting dropped”, something which doesn’t trouble the minds of an individual time triallist. It
was with these two conflicting thoughts running around my head that I arrived at Allostock village hall, HQ for the Warrington
Road Club four up team time trial event on Jun 25th. The team comprised of our captain and inspirational leader, Dave
Brabbin; Danny Burrows, by far our strongest rider;Ian Woodcock, newly returned to racing this year and yours truly, a
nervous wreck, terrified of getting dropped!
The week previous, at Rainford, had been our one and only rehearsal and, it’s fair to say, there was certainly room for
improvement…staying together being the first aim! The course, as will be known to many club members, was the J2/9 25 mile
course near to Jodrell Bank in Cheshire. It isn’t my favourite course, the many undulations play havoc with my Steak Pudding
diet, but the weather was hot and dry and as the time to our start grew nearer three of us took off down the A50 for a gentle
warm up whilst Dave stayed at the HQ dripping sweat on his Turbo trainer.
Warm up over and the four musketeers sped briskly to the start, three miles away from the HQ.
We arrived at the start with thirty seconds to spare and then the countdown commenced. I had spoken with Danny on the
journey from Wigan and I was confident that if everything “clicked” we could do a “55”. The time for talking was over and
despite my pleas to Dave to “go easy at the start”, he set off the line like Chris bloody Hoy. Hell, this is going to be hard, I
thought after just 500 yards but I took my first turn on the front and managed to crest the first hill without getting dropped.
Danny came through and set the pace high, staying on the front longer than the rest. The first 10 miles was fairly fast but as
we exited Twemlow Lane, I knew that the efforts had to be stronger. Each and every one of us pushed harder, confident now
in our ability as a team to stay together, not wanting to let the others down, eager to get a good time.
The clockwork order was now a subconscious response; Dave, me, Danny, Woody; Dave, me, Danny, Woody; Dave – me
again, harder this time 27mph, 28mph, 29mph, hold it there. Danny comes through, got to get back on Dave’s wheel, now
recover. Dave once told me, whilst staring at a results board in a Cheshire village hall, that someone nearly always gets beaten
by a second or two and this thought should be uppermost in your thoughts whilst racing. Where can I gain a second? Where
can I gain two seconds? We rounded the tight left junction from Seven Sisters Lane onto the A50 for the final time. Dave
took the turn first and didn’t hesitate like me. Lightly touching the brakes and changing down two gears meant I lost three
bike lengths. Sprinting out of the saddle, I regained the wheel. Two miles to go and every effort was now flat out. It was then
that another team passed by. It shocked me to think that we had been caught but the other team were still on their first
circuit and had fresh legs. Woody was on the front and closed them down brilliantly. We passed them back but then, almost
immediately they came by again. Only a quarter of a mile to go and I hit the front with an all out effort. We passed the other
team again, riding wide into the road so as not to draught. The sight of a man in a deckchair and a chequered flag signalled
the end and the pain was over. I hit the stop button on my computer and glanced down at the display. Through sweat
stained glasses I saw 00:54:47 – job done!
I looked around for my team-mates and it was then that I saw Woody lying by the side of the road, just past the finish. It
seems that, just after crossing the finish, and whilst third in line, he hit one of the numerous pot-holes that now adorn the
roads and lanes which make up the J2/9 course. The impact punctured his front wheel and threw him off the bike onto the
tarmac of the A50.With hindsight he was lucky not to suffer anything more than cuts and bruises but it still brought a sober
end to the race. It didn’t stop us all enjoying sandwiches and cake back at the village hall though. The race was won by the
semi-pros from Shorter Rochford with a “49”!!! All in all we were pleased with our time. It was Danny who contributed most
and without him the time would have been undoubtedly slower but everybody did big turns and it was much more of a team
effort than the last time I rode this event, when a certain young Richard Handley dragged the whole team round almost single
handedly. I can wholeheartedly recommend this event as an alternative to those lonesome solo time trials. Just beware of the
pot-holes!
June Round Up
From Harry Woodcock
Following his early season success on the road Chris Lawless has turned to the track riding the qualifying events for the
national youth omnium championships at Edinburgh, Dundee and Scunthorpe. Finals will be held in early August and Chris has
a good chance of qualifying. Staying at the younger end of the club's interests Richard Handley's fine form continued as he
improved his PB for '25' to 53.30. It hasn't all been plain sailing though as Richard unfortunately snapped his chain on the
start line of the Levens '10' on June 20th and so missed out on riding against Brad Wiggins as he tuned up for his great first
week of the tour by scorching round in 18 minutes. Richard will be racing in France over the summer for a team\ in Chamburey
thanks to support from his UK team sponsors Kinensis and the Dave Rayner Fund.
The national 50 mile time trial championship promoted by Warrington RC was held on June 20th on the J5/12 course near
Stoke. Dan Burrows finished in a great time of 1.58.28 which placed him 52nd behind winner Michael Hutchinson who
averaged over 29 mph to win by 4 minutes with a 1.43.18. The following morning five wheelers competed on the L2524
Levens course. Ian Hughes ducked under the hour again with 59 minutes dead, Alan Winstanley recorded 1.09.59, Jim
Harrison 1.10.00 and Derek Black 1.16.10. John Williams official time was 1.02.24 but frustratingly included a late start
penalty of 2 minutes 25 seconds.
The 150 mile Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge is one of the toughest cyclosportive rides in the UK. Taking in the biggest climbs in
north Wales the route which includes 5000 m of ascent culminates with a vicious 30% climb and 'mountian top' finish. Two
wheelers took on the mega challenge with Ian Woodcock covering the arduous route in 10h 35 mins and Mike Preston 12h 10
mins. Steve Broderick took on the Midi route – a mere (!) 100 miles with 3500 m of ascent and finished in 9 h 11 mins. Well
done to all. For more details and full results go to the Dave Lloyd website.
May Round Up
Racing action and the Majorca trip
From Harry Woodcock
Junior Success
Chris Lawless has maintained his early season form with another series of successful races through May. The month began
with a trip to the Isle of Man for the 2 day Youth Tour. Held over 3 stages Chris finished 2nd overall by less than 2 minutes in
the Youth B section – for full results and video go to the IoM Youth Tour website. In mid-May Chris travelled to Lancaster for
the latest round of the Cycling Development North West Youth League. Held over 2 stages of 5 and 18 miles Chris finished
with a 2nd and a win. For full results and details of future events go to the CDNW website. Chris returned to stage racing for
the CDNW-Maxgear North West Youth Tour held over the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. After 5 stages, spread
over 3 days, and taking in Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston Chris missed the overall win by just 11 seconds after nearly 3
hours of racing finishing in the top 5 on each stage.
Return to action
After a break of 8 years Ian Woodcock faced the timekeeper once again this season. However, rather than easing back into
the racing gently he knocked out a 2.07 '50' in preparation for the classic Anfield '100' held on bank holiday Monday at the
end of May. Ian finished 18th overall in 4.26.11 in the 107th edition of this notoriously tough event won this year by Andy
Wilkinson in a new record of 3.42.00 full results. Ian rounded the month off with a 59.21 for 15th place overall in the Preston
Wheelers '25' at Garstang on May 31st.
Club trip to Majorca
Several club members enjoyed the annual trip to Majorca this year based at Can Picafort on the south coast of the island. Wall
to wall sunshine and temperatures in the high 20s made for perfect cycling weather and a good time was had by all. With 140
cyclists gathering for up to a fortnight there was something for everyone from relaxed touring to more strenuous training
rides over the high mountain passes some of which exceed 3000 feet. If you would like to join the autumn trip or next years
early season trip contact Harry Woodcock on 01942 717804.
Other results
Richard Handley continues to impress with an overall win in the Ribble Valley 10 in 21.39 and a PB in the Stone Wheelers '25'
with 52.30 which placed him 3rd behind winner Stuart Dangerfield in 49.38 despite a strong cross wind.
Several members rode the Blackburn 2 up '10'. Richard Handley teamed up with Tony Greenhalgh and posted 20.15, Dave
Brabbin and Dan Burrows finished in 22.15, and Ian Hughes and Derek Lockett in 25.00. In solo action Dan Burrows and Ian
Hughes both got under the hour in the Dukinfield CC '25' on the J2/9 with 57.10 and 59.45 respectively. Also riding were Jim
Harrison (1.10.52) and Alan Winstanley (1.11.14). A decent night for the monthly Southport CC club '25' on the
Tarleton/Rufford/Banks course saw Ian Hughes dip under the hour again (59.13) whilst Derek Lockett missed out by just 19
seconds (1.00.19) with John Griffiths posting a 1.03.00 and Alan Winstanley 1.10.00.
Macclesfield Wheelers '25'
Cheshire 11th April 2009
From Danny Burrows
Hi all happy Easter. Rode my first 25 in club colours. It was supposed to be J2/9 round Jodrell Bank via Chelford Ollereton &
Twemlow but when I arrived the time keeper informed us all that there were temp traffic lights on the course & some antique
fair (or something like that) so that messes your head up a bit. Anyway the revised circuit was actually fairly enjoyable. It went
down the A50 the reverse way to the original course then sharp left down this B road then left over the motorway back to the
A50. There was a start bit then 2 & a half laps. Some of the drags were bloody hard when you're trying to keep mashing your
big chocker. I had to sit back down a couple of times when my left calf crumpled up into a tight ball. Anyway it went a lot
better than expected I got 4th with 57.30. Hoped to just beat the hour so fairly happy. Lost out on 3rd by 3 seconds. Can't
think who that was but the winner was Charles McCulloch (Shorter Rochford) with a 52 something. That's really rapid for that
course. Anyway the moral of this story is always be prepared to get messed up by the public. Pity our beloved sport is the
only one subject to being interfered with but not to worry Cheers, Danny.
Easter Action
A round up of racing news from mid March through to the Easter weekend
From Harry Woodcock
Danny Burrows and Alan Winstanley tackled an early season '10' on the Twemlow-Chelford course (J2/3) on a windy Saturday
March 14th. The event promoted by the Manchester and District TT Association was the first race of twenty which make up
the season long Cheshire Points Series. Alan clocked 29.07 and Danny finished an impressive ninth in 23.44, just over a
minute behind the winner. A couple of weeks later Ian Woodcock and Stephen Broderick rode the somewhat longer Cheshire
Cat Sportive covering the 115 mile route in 7 hours 4 mins and 7 hours 51 mins respectively – read Step[hen's account of his
day below. On Saturday April 4th four Wheelers faced an unpleasantly windy afternoon for the Withington Wheelers '25' which
comprised 2 laps around the J2/9 Chelford-Twemlow circuit with the imposing Jodrell Bank radio telescope visible from much of
the course. Ian Hughes (1.01.39), Alan Winstanley (1.13.48) and Derek Black (1.16.23) all battled hard against the strong,
gusty wind but Paul Stupples found the conditions too taxing with the after effects of a cold still in his legs and retired during
the opening lap.
Second claim member Richard Handley (riding for MaxGear RT) began a busy Easter weekend with a blistering 19.28 '10' in the
Hull City RC event on the V718 South Cave course on Good Friday. An average speed of over 30 mph saw Richard finish 3rd
senior, 16 seconds behind winner D. Parkinson (Clevelys RC). However, the ride of the day was by V40 Wayne Randle who set
a new course record of 18.58. For more details go to the Hull City RC web site.
Richard's Easter in the north continued the following day with the opening stage of the classic Girvan 3 day road race. The
race, part of the UK's Premier Calendar series of elite road races, comprised four hard stages through Galloway and Ayrshire
on the west coast of Scotland and attracted over 100 international class riders. Despite the quality of competition, and a
puncture on the final stage, Richard finished the race in a group with Rob Hayles. The overall winner was Marcin Bialoblocki of
Poland and more info can be found on the race web site.
Chris Lawless, riding for Eastlands Velo, has had a successful start to the Dolan Bikes junior criterium series held in Southport
with a win and 2nd place in the opening two events in March.
The Cheshire Cat 2009: Report from a Sportive Virgin
March 29th 2009
from Stephen Broderick
Only two wheelers on the start line on a glorious morning.
Unfortunately John Williams had succumbed to the illness that had threatened my participation earlier in the week. So it was
up to Ian Woodcock and me to fly the flag for the Wigan Wheelers.
We had both signed on the previous day, saving us the hassle of doing so on Sunday morning.
Taking into account my illness earlier in the week and that this was my first sportive, I had a plan of how the day should go;
take it easy over the first half of the course which is relatively flat, saving energy which will be required for the hilly last forty
miles, easy.
Needless to say things didn’t go to plan. Unfortunately I was riding with Ian, who has a somewhat competitive nature (it
must be in the genes). From the start we were jumping from one group to the next. Actually it was quite exhilarating riding
in amongst groups of 20-30 riders. Average speed over the first 30 miles was 19mph.
We were soon at the first of three feed stations; all the stations were well stocked with energy drinks, and a mixture of
bananas, cakes, doughnuts & sausage rolls.
Off again, we settled down in amongst a group of approx. 25, going at a good pace.
We were soon south of Nantwich and beginning to head northwest this was when reality started to take hold. Once east of
the M6 the terrain started to roll, I began to slow down and our group split into two. Ian in the front group, me in the one
behind. Looming in the distance was the hill that had woken me at times during the winter; Mow Cop. On my arrival at the
second feed station, Ian was just leaving. That was the last I would see of him until the finish. My average speed to this, the
60mile point had dropped to 17.8mph.
The climb up Mow Cow was only about two miles after the feed station. Everyone seemed to be taking as much time as they
could in getting to the start of the “Killer Mile”. But, there was no avoiding it, this was the moment of truth, left turn and up
we go. The climb starts off at approx 6-7%, levels off for a short section then kicks up again at 15%ish. Some young lads
were sat egging us on at this point saying that they cycled up it everyday; yeah right. After this section the road flattens
slightly, round a left turn and there it is a wall of tarmac with a pub half way up. Stay to the left lads the right side is gritty we
were told by marshals. This section is 25% but not overly long about 100 yards or so. Much gritting of teeth and grinding of
legs with a bit of zig zagging and I was up complete with new record max heart rate of 186. There was still another ¼ of mile
up to the top but I had done it.
Still euphoric I started on the descent. Then it started, a cycling first for me, cramp, in both calves oh sh*t! Ahead was
another climb up and over Bidulph Moor, not a severe climb but steady. Every time I started to push it I could feel the cramp
starting again. For the next half hour I took it steady and drank plenty. The cramps went away for now.
The next big climb was from Danebridge up Wincle this was picturesque, long and steep. Quite a number were walking up. I
followed a rider up of similar ability and made it over he top and into a fast descent towards Macclesfield. Here was the final
pit stop, sausage roll time (get the salt levels up).
The climb up through Mac Forest was in my opinion THE Killer Mile; there was still ice on the road at the top which is 20%.
When I went up there were more trekking up than cycling up, still I just about managed it. My legs were starting to go now
and cramp again, I did not really enjoy the next hour or so trundling along at 10mph or so. The groups had long since split
and people were in ones and twos.
There was still a climb up Nab End and then down into Bollington.
The route was levelling off now with only the optional cobbled climb of Swiss Hill in Alderley Edge in between me and the
finish. I decided to give the cobbles a go, got half way up and then had to get off or run over a lady rider who had fallen right
in front of me. There was no way I could get going again on the cobbles so I pushed the bike the 50 or so yards to the point
were the hill levelled. This hill really is a test of your technique; maybe we could do it one Sunday!!
The end was in sight and I was now on the familiar Chelford Road through to Knutsford. Like Ian had earlier I got into a small
group and we worked our way to the finish at a decent pace, back at around 20mph.
Ian had completed the 105 miles with an overall time of 7.04 whilst I finished with an unremarkable 7.51, average ride time
speed plummeting to 14.7mph.
Still I had done it. OK it may not be the hardest sportive out there, (although it has been toughened up from last year) with
total climb 2,200 metres. However as an introduction to Sportives I think it would be hard to beat.
You could argue that why pay £28 to ride a route you could do anytime for free.
However, I enjoyed riding in the larger groups and moving in between them. If one is going too slow there will be a faster one
to catch in front or if necessary you can drop back to a slower one behind. There is also a great mix of people. I was
chatting with a young lad from London and later with a 19.5 stone gent from Birmingham who had entered for the 66 mile
route, missed the turn and ended up doing the 105 miles!
Lesson learnt; DO THE HILLS AT YOUR OWN PACE. You will be quicker than some but slower than others, IT DOESNT
MATTER.
It certainly whetted my appetite to do more. Maybe you could come along next time.
Full Results
A busy Weekend
March 21st/22nd 2009
from Harry Woodcock
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.
Combined Clubs '10'
Garstang 7th March 2009
from Harry Woodcock
Members of the Wigan Wheelers Cycling Club started the 09 racing season on Saturday 7th March. The event was the
Combined Clubs 10 mile time trial held on the Garstang out and home course.
It was a wet, cold and dull day – in fact the only redeeming feature was the light prevailing wind. The fastest (and youngest)
of our riders was Danny Burrows who went round the course in 23 min 19 sec (25.7 mph) while the second rider was Derek
Lockett in 25 min 27 sec. John Griffiths and Mike Preston tied for third place with 27 min 58 sec. Derek Black got round in 32
min 11 sec but he is not at full strength due to lack of training, having a recent illness. The fastest rider on the day was Craig
Battersby of the Lancashire Road Club in a time of 22 min 15 sec.
Bolton-by-Bowland SpoCo
Promoted by the Rossendale Road Club on 28th February 2009
From Paul Stupples
Spring (almost) and a (not so) young man's fancy turns to thoughts of the new time trial season. For me this means the
Lakes and Lancs Sporting Courses (SpoCo) competition and a trip to the picturesque village of Bolton-by-Bowland in the
Ribble Valley, a few miles north east of Clitheroe, on the last day in February. A damp but mild Saturday afternoon greeted the
slightly smaller than usual field of 49 who faced the timekeeper for the first time this year in Rossendale Road Club's short but
testing season opener. Ahead of them lay a tough 10.3 mile circuit (L112) winding around the rough, lumpy lanes to the
north and west of the village. A small knot of supporters gathered with the timekeepers next to the village green to send each
rider off to tackle the opening draggy climb of around 3 miles, with it's short steeper section early on to get the heart rate up
and the legs burning. This year a stiff breeze helped riders on this long opening effort towards Paythorne before a brief
descent to the first of three tight left handers which delimit the course. Having made the turn riders faced a couple of miles of
rolling minor road. A muddy and potholed surface added to the challenge of several short sharp rises heading towards the
high point of the circuit marked by a radio mast. This landmark is tantalisingly visible a good while before the gasping riders
pass by and get the first real chance to recuperate a little as they swoop down to another tight turn onto the main Sawley-
Settle road. The anxious look on the marshal's face suggested that my bike handling skills were only just up to the job but
once safely round the turn a long descent towards the finish line begins. Although a better road surface than elsewhere on
the course, several false flats and a couple of short rises, together with a stiff headwind whistling up the valley meant that the
pressure remained on and effort levels high on this long section. A final twisting, off-camber, plunge to a tricky crossing of the
river over a narrow stone bridge at Forest Becks leads to a final short steep effort up the other side of the valley. A brief
flatter section, the only one on the circuit, leads to the final corner and a rapid sprint down the hill to finish just outside the
village. A welcome freewheel over another bridge takes you back to the HQ and a hard earned cup of tea.
This year, the already technically demanding course was enlivened by a good covering of mud (and other less wholesome
brown stuff), and an encounter for many with the local hunt complete with dogs, horses and red jackets, but no foxes as far
as I could see. Thankfully, the wind was considerably gentler than previous visits I've made to this race and this is probably
reflected in the times. The last 7 miles are cruelly exposed to the prevailing south westerlies and it can be a real slog along the
ridge to the mast and back down towards the river. The event was won by D. Tiffen (Probikekit.com) in 25.06, who,
surprisingly went off number 47 and gave me a bit of a shock when he caught me for 3 minutes and went hammering past on
the road to the radio mast. I'm not sure what the course record is but Gethin Butler has got well under 25 minutes at least
twice in the past and there always seems to be a few sub 26's, which, given the nature of the course and the time of year, is
pretty remarkable going. Nothing quite so remarkable about your correspondents performance as I just scraped under 32
minutes. This placed me, by a few seconds, as 2nd V70 – unfortunately I've only just joined the V40s – but I reckon if I train
really hard for the next 30 years the prize money will start rolling in.
For full results and details of forthcoming Lakes and Lancs SpoCo events visit the website.
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