|
This month's newsletter is again full of club activities and news. In addition to what have become regular features, we've some recommendations on insurance, news of Stars on Tour and final details of the first Banbury Star Retro Ride. We've even included the full Tour de France results. Following our last, well attended quarterly meeting, we've also outlined some of the main topics and explained what our new constitution means.
Please send any comments or proposals regarding the monthly newsletter to the Press Officer.
|
|
|
All previous newsletters are now available to view on the club website and can be viewed by clicking on this link:
|
|
|
One of the most rewarding aspects of being the President is hearing about what cycling means to the club's members and not long after taking over the reins I received a mail from someone enquiring about possible membership and asking to come along on a club ride but who added they were nervous, especially about riding in groups. That person came along on a gentle cafe ride one Saturday not long after and you can read about their story on the club's blog - Sam has provided a great insight into what he's had to overcome in recent times and how cycling has helped him. It's examples like this that show how far Banbury Star has come in recent times.
Our club rides go from strength to strength and we are fortunate in having a dedicated group of ride leaders who perform sterling work in keeping everyone safe and on the right road, in all weathers and throughout the year. As we grow in membership, we're looking at the introduction of one or two more rides to help manage the large groups and the impact on other road users and to do this we will need a couple of more ride leaders. My thanks go to Sam Wootton, Mel Seale and Will Peel-Yates who've recently donned the L-plates to help out, if you'd also like to do this please get in touch with John Tustian.
At the most recent quarterly meeting, the Club adopted a formal constitution, building on its 126 years of heritage. My thanks go to those who helped draft the document, and also to the members who provided comments and then voted for it at the meeting. It clears the path for our continued growth in the coming years.
|
|
|
Due to work commitments, Neil Richards has had to stand aside as our Treasurer, my thanks go to him for his work and he'll continue to organise this year's prizegiving dinner. This means we do need someone else to fill the role, if you would like to volunteer a small amount of time to help the club please contact me.
Finally, to help celebrate my rather special birthday, I'd like to invite all members to come along on one of the "Fifty at Fifty" rides planned for Sunday 13th August, you can choose between 50miles or 50km with coffee and cake available for all at the Chandlers Arms. No candles though, the cake would disappear beneath the sheer numbers of them.
Paul
|
|
|
Last year, Banbury Star member Aidan Daniels suffered serious injuries following a collision whilst riding his bike and needed to be airlifted to hospital in Coventry where he underwent a successful 10-hour operation to repair his broken kneecaps and left wrist.
By the time you read this, Aidan's wife and fellow member Katherine will have just taken part in the Prudential Ride London 100 to help raise funds for the air ambulance service who came to his rescue. Well done Katherine from all of us!
For more of Katherine and Aidan's story please click on the link.
|
|
|
Members corner is your chance to have your say, or perhaps make a request, on any cycle or club related subject. Names can be withheld if that's your preference. The link below is your contact.
|
|
|
Banbury Star CC would like to extend a very warm welcome to the following new members: Tony Ellis, Simon Penson, Alastair McVail, Natalie Herbert and Simon Furneaux. Will Stowell also returns to the fold.
Please remember to present your card as proof of membership when using the 15% discount members receive at Broadribb Cycles and fill in the details on the reverse and finally bring the card with you on club rides.
|
|
|
On the Bank Holiday Monday, Banbury Star will be defending the Leyden Plaque trophy, which is presented to the winning club at a handicap time trial event being hosted in 2017 by Didcot Phoenix CC. Other competing clubs include Bicester Millenium CC, Oxonian CC and Coventry Road Club.
The course is the fast 25 mile H25/17 route with the start in Cumnor just outside Oxford.
We'd like as many club members as possible to enter the event, it's not just for the hardcore racers and details will be published in the coming weeks as to how to do this.
|
|
|
All clubs have rules and regulations, they are one of the joys of being a club or organisation and Banbury Star is no exception with our own set of rules being defined in the old membership handbook. As we have moved on from a paper handbook and the way in which cycling in the UK continues to enjoy growth, those out on club rides, club members and officials fall under an increasingly legislative umbrella and it was becoming clear our rules were not sufficient and in need of an update. British Cycling, to whom we affiliate, are very helpful to clubs in this respect and provide a template constitution which can be tailored to suit each clubs' needs.
Drafting and accepting our very own constitution helps formalise the club's position with the sport's governing bodies and local authorities, e.g. Sport England, British Cycling and the NSPCC particularly with regards to the welfare of our existing and future junior members and has greater clarification on the roles and responsibilities of club officers. In addition, most funding bodies will not consider applications from groups without a constitution which would have limited us with our future plans.
So here it is in all its glory:
|
|
|
The hotly-contested downhill freewheel competition is coming soon, providing the annual opportunity for those who climb a hill slower than their granny to get one over their 55kg mountain goat club mates.
Will anyone be able to beat the reigning champion, Tom Giddings this year? Remember, any bike can be used and skin suits, aero helmets and total body waxing are positively encouraged in the drive to secure those extra few metres of coasting, a whole year's worth of bragging rights plus the Trinders Trophy.
2017's event will be held on Saturday 19th August in Hempton, conveniently the day after the club BBQ so intensive training involving beer, pasties and steak can now start in earnest.
|
|
2017 Tour de France results
|
|
|
After 21 stages, covering 3,540 kilometres, which included 23 mountain climbs and two time trials, the 104th edition of the Tour de France finished in Paris on 23rd July. Chris Froome gave his supporters a scare when he was dropped after breaking a spoke, many GC riders fell by the wayside due to injuries from crashes and many young riders took the opportunity to show the old guard it's maybe time to retire. Here are the category winners;
Yellow Jersey (GC Overall Time) - Chris Froome (Team Sky)
Green Jersey (Points) - Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb)
Polka-Dot Jersey (Best Climber) - Warren Barguil (Team Sunweb)
White Jersey (Best Young Rider) - Simon Yates (Orica-Scott)
Winning Team - Team Sky
|
|
|
The club is organising a BBQ for members, partners and children which will be held at the Reindeer Inn in Banbury on Friday 18th August starting at 7pm.
The price will be £12 per head and pre-payment will be required so as we can manage the food for all the hungry cyclists who will no doubt be eating as much as possible in readiness for the downhill freewheel competition the following day.
|
|
2017 Time Trial Season so far
|
|
|
Banbury Star Wednesday night time trials have always been popular, but this season has seen a particularly large increase in the number of riders entering. Many new members, including women and juniors are now giving time trialling a go, together with riders from other clubs, a couple of local pro-riders and our friends at Team Cherwell. A record number, 52, entered the K4/20 in mid June and 40+ entries are now common.
During July Simon Kisley won the Russell Memorial Bowl for the 25 mile TT on the K4/25W course, while Naomi de Pennington broke both the women's K4/15 Hilly and K4/25W course records.
|
|
|
We ended July with the introduction of a new three-way interclub event, with our friends from Team Cherwell being joined by the speed merchants from AMG Mercedes who showed they are just as quick on two wheels as four by winning the points-based event.
Also, as you may have picked up on Facebook, or in the Banbury Guardian, a number of members regularly compete at other TTs throughout the season, enjoying some good results. In particular Keith Barcock came very close to going under two hours for the 50 mile discipline.
As usual full results of the season to date can be found by clicking on the link below.
It doesn’t matter what level of cycling you aspire to, or what road bike you have, please come along and have a go. And remember the club loan bike can be used if required.
For more information, including downloadable course maps, results and the all-important marshal roster, please follow the link below on the club’s website:
|
|
|
Kizzies Bistro
A real favourite with a lot of members and a cafe stop that features on a couple of club weekend rides. Kizzies is situated on the South Oxfordshire canal at Heyford Wharf, Station Road, Lower Heyford, OX25 5PD. Open from 9am to 4pm, but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, a wide range of food is always available. As our picture shows sitting alongside the canal with a tea or coffee is a big attraction.
|
|
|
We raise this question because over the last few months members have been involved in cycling accidents. As a club we think it only right to strongly recommend that members seriously consider taking out insurance for their riding activities. In fact, we know of a few clubs who now make this compulsory for any member joining a club ride, but this is not our intention.
The best advice we can give is to join either British Cycling or Cycling UK, where both memberships include excellent full liability cover and legal support for all eventualities.
We now live in a world where injury lawyers are common place, so we also need to consider the consequences if we on our bikes cause an accident.
British Cycling members benefit from a 10% discount at Halfords and Chain Reaction so it's not difficult for the membership subscription to pay for itself.
|
|
|
Here are the highlights of the club's quarterly meeting:
- the contribution of Dave Mobbs for many years of service as the club's Secretary was recognised by him being named as an Honorary Life Member.
- Ian Maconnachie was voted in as the Membership Secretary and Club Secretary.
- club membership now stands at 149 which includes 11 juniors and 19 females.
- a healthy financial position thanks to income from the road race, membership income and the sell of old kit stock.
- an overview of the very favourable press reports we enjoy was given.
- a new constitution was adopted for the first time.
- progress on what to do with the club's archive material, some of which goes back to 1903.
- co-ordinators named for the creation of a junior section to introduce the Go Ride scheme in 2018.
- confirmation that in 2018 we will have a Race Secretary in Mike Hicks who, along with a lot of help, organises the Hardriders time trial, and has plans for an even bigger road race and a late-summer open time trial in 2018.
|
|
|
Nearly 40 club members took part in the 2017 Broughton Castle sportive held on Sunday 9th July choosing one of four routes ranging from a 5.5 mile family fun ride all the way up to the 100 mile challenge out in the deep Cotswolds. Well done to everyone who took part, with the proceeds going to the Dogs for Good charity, a very worthy cause.
|
|
|
It's been a busy few weeks for some club members who've left the joys of the Shire for things somewhat hillier than they experience on our very own Seven Cols. After the Good Ol' Boys (Keri, Andy, Chris and Mike) trip to the Ventoux, it's also been climbed by James Bossi and Dave Pittman, whilst Gary Hammond took part in the Maratona dles Dolomites along with 8999 other riders. Lee Heron also went up into the high Alps, preparing for the trip by climbing some hills in Majorca. And if that wasn't enough he then ventured into Wales for the Dragon Ride before returning back to France with son Toby to also join the Cingles club with multiple ascents of Mont Ventoux. Please keep on posting your holiday snaps on the club's Facebook group, the rest of us aren't jealous. Much.
|
|
|
The second batch is now with Endura and it's time to think about winter clothing as the opportunity to order is coming. Each member will receive an email directly from Endura when this takes place.
If there are any items you'd like to see added in the future (e.g. caps, gloves etc) or have any questions please contact Dave Speck.
New members qualify for a £20 refund from the club when you make your first purchase of kit.
|
|
Bill's Bargain Basement - a few items left
|
|
|
Bill Ord still has a few remaining items of old club kit in stock available at knockdown prices. Amongst the items are are couple of medium tops and a small women/child skin suit. Please have a look at the following link to see what's left:
|
|
Banbury Star Retro Ride 10th September
|
|
|
We are planning on holding our very first retro ride on Sunday September 10th, to complement the usual 10am ride. Old bikes* and clothing will be the order of the day with a trophy available for the best turned-out rider. Double points will be on offer for those sporting an original leather helmet!
To prepare for this epic outing and help your old bikes get around successfully, Golden Age Cycles will be offering a discounted bike service before the day. Also, for those keen to take part, but who don't have a suitable old bike, Golden Age will have bikes available to hire.
The ride will be of about 35 miles and as they did a great job of catering for us on the Cycling Weekly magazine ride, we plan on stopping at the Chandlers Arms, Epwell for coffee and cake.
Bike hire needs to be arranged with Golden Age 3-4 weeks before the event and an early booking is encouraged.
There will be a nominal entry fee with the proceeds being given to a charity that supports cycling in Africa.
*up to the early 1990s but preferably 80s and older.
|
|
|
Please look at the club's website and Facebook group for details of organised rides, all of which have downloadable Garmin maps
10.00am Saturday: easy café ride.
9.00am Sunday: fast ride
10.00am Sunday: intermediate café ride.
All rides now start at Broadribbs Cycles.
|
|
|
For new members in particular, plucking up the courage, or getting the right motivation to attend your first club ride is not always easy. Our last blog, written by Sam Wootton, highlights this situation so well, in a very frank and honest account.
Our fifth blog in November last year, "Cycling for Therapy", told a similar story of how club cycling has been so beneficial.
|
|
|
Please keep the stories, topics, events, rides, opinions and general comments coming. The last blog was only around 480 words, so you don't have to write a novel. A good photo is always welcome.
blogger@banburystar.co.uk is waiting to hear from you
|
|
Banbury Star CC social evenings
|
|
|
The next social night will be on Thursday 3rd August at the White Horse pub in Banbury, starting at 7.30pm to which all members are invited.
|
|
|
Chances are that after following 3 weeks of Tour de France coverage you might want to give watching cycling on TV a rest for a bit.
However, if that's not the case then there's still plenty to watch, with Eurosport covering a variety of mainly 3 day events throughout August which also sees the start of the year's final grand tour, the Veulta a España. Also, don't forget the Bike Channel, now available on FreeSat, which covers a whole range of cycling disciplines and adventures.
|
|
|
Social Nights 7.30pm:
- Thursday 3rd August
- Thursday 7th September
Time Trials: Weekly series every Wednesday evening
Silverstone F1 circuit ride: Tuesday 1st August
Fifty at fifty ride: Sunday 13th August
Club BBQ: Friday 18th August
Freewheel competition: Saturday 19th August
Durran Cup Hill Climb Wednesday 23rd August
Leyden Plaque inter-club TT: Monday 28th August
Banbury Star Retro Ride: Sunday 10th September
Quarterly meeting: Tuesday 17th October
For more details and other events please look at the calendars on the club’s website or Facebook group.
|
|
Follow Banbury Star on social media
|
|
|
|
