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In this month's newsletter we have:
Presidential ponderings
Hardriders 2021
Membership details
Club kit - latest information
Looking back 30 years
Potholes
2021 Club TT details
Midlands Women's Time Trial Series
2021 Seven Cols Competition
Can you help the club?
The annual road race
Club rides - latest information
130th anniversary club ride
Fancy riding a tandem?
BSCC's world of Zwift
Yoga sessions
Club Blog
Forthcoming club events
Don't forget, copies of all previous newsletters can be found on the club website:
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Returning to some kind of cycling norm still appears to be a way off as I write this under the restrictions of the continuing national Tier 5 lockdown.
Nevertheless I hope you've been able to still get out on the roads whilst dodging snow showers and I'm really encouraged by the number of club members who are joining in with our many virtual sessions as part of their winter training - you don't need to be a racer to take part and they're a great way of keeping in touch with one another, even if it's just to laugh at DIY lockdown haircuts!
It won't come as a surprise that we are having to replan some of the near-term events that we'd usually be holding, moving them to warmer months when the probability of lockdown being removed is higher if the seasonal trajectory of the virus follows that of last year.
It's not all gloom and doom though, we've got our great new kit supplier on board, spring is around the corner and the days are becoming longer. Short sleeves and summer shorts aren't that far away now!
Paul
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Hardriders 2021 - updated news
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Entries are now open for the 2021 Hardriders 23 mile Open time trial which was due to take place on Sunday 7th March, and is held on the K4/23 course, taking in Sunrising Hill in both directions as part of the Wroxton-Ettington-Wroxton route.
Obviously being able to go ahead with the event is predicated on the Coronavirus Tier levels being massively reduced and to mitigate this not happening we've agreed with CTT an alternative date of June 27th and entries made so far will be carried across.
In this instance it should probably be renamed to Softriders as the risk of frostbite, ice, snow, mud, rain and gale force winds will be replaced by pollen, sunburn, flies, tractors and caravans!
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We'd like to welcome Tony Harradine, Mark Ellis, Diane Ashworth, Jorgie Gillett, Anna Wilkins, Josh Newbould and Ryan Day who have all recently joined Banbury Star.
Thank you to the many members who took the opportunity of the early bird discount to renew their membership last month.
For 2021 joining has changed a bit and we now use a much better online tool called MembershipMojo that gives us greater flexibility in managing the needs of 200+ members whilst still remaining on the right side of GDPR law. You still fill in a form and then make a payment to the club's account via BACS for your membership card to be delivered.
Please remember to complete your emergency contact details and any medical issues on the back of the card and also bring it along on club rides.
Membership subscriptions and any other payments to the club should now be paid direct to our Nat West account.
Sort code = 53-61-33
Account = 65953886
Having now moved entirely to online banking and contactless card payments no more cheques or cash will be accepted for membership or payment for club events.
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Club kit - latest information
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We have the following Endura garments in stock:-
Dave Speck has; 1 x large long sleeve jersey at £59, plus 1 x large women's short sleeve jersey at £54
Matt Sleath has; 2 x medium and 1 x large skin suits at £110 each, plus some child's short sleeve jerseys at £35 each
As mentioned above we now have a new kit supplier in Kalas. The process for ordering is very similar and every member will receive an email with the log-in details.
Full details of club kit are on the club website.
The ordering window for the first batch of Kalas kit has just closed with delivery expected in early April. We will open a second slot when the demand is there.
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As this is the club’s 130th anniversary year, we thought we’d have a look back through the club’s archives. Unfortunately, our records don’t go all the way back to 1891, but we thought - let’s go for 1991 for some recent history and look at our centenary year.
The year started with the club’s AGM on 16th January, held at St Paul’s Church Hall. A total of 31 members attended from a membership of 92. A great one third turnout when you compare this to our poor 2020 attendance of just 28, from a membership of nearly 200 and which could be attended from the comfort of your own home via Zoom.
The main club officers in 1991 were; John Broughton President, Paul Broadgate Secretary, Sheila Randall Treasurer and Phil Griffiths Racing Secretary.
Laurie Allitt agreed to organise the Centenary Run, which would be 100 miles, on Sunday 16th April, stopping as did the inaugural ride at the New Inn, Middleton Cheney.
As part of the club’s centenary celebrations the club agreed to organise the National Junior 25-mile TT Championship on 4th August, which was won by Gerald White in a time of 58.48. This was the first time the club had the privilege of organising a national event, which took place on a course outside Bicester, not Banbury.
During the year over 70 club and social rides were organised – most by the club stalwart of the time, Laurie Allitt. Club social evenings were then held on the third Wednesday of every month at St Pauls Church Hall. Also, interesting to note, is that probably the longest serving club member, Simon Kisley, was clearly the star of the winning team that yet again retained the Leiden Plaque - see above.
Winners of some of the club’s other trophies in 1991 were;
Hardriders TT Richard Prebble (Glos City CC) - Cavalcade Road Race Cup (held on the old central Queensway course) Brian Tinsley (Solihull CC) - Friswell Cup Phil Griffiths - Edmunds Cup Carl Holmes - Russell Memorial Bowl Robert Frowen - Manners Cup Ian Whenham - Durran Cup Steve Snow (1.15sec.) - Trinders Trophy David Egner.
The season ended with a Centenary Dinner on 30th November at the General Foods Social Club, Spiceball, Banbury. Centenary sweatshirts were produced, which sold for £9.50.
One interesting item we did spot amongst the archives was that member Roy Paginton had prepared a centenary audio-visual display. Is there anyone who knows anything about this, where it might be, or a contact for Roy or his family? We’d love to know. Any information to the Press Officer via the link below please.
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Potholes, sunken manholes, blocked gullies and assorted debris are something we all encounter every time we go out on the roads, quietly grumbling away as we swerve around the obstacles trying to avoid punctures or worse.
There have been many instances of cyclists suffering life-changing injuries after hitting potholes, particularly when filled with rainwater. Two years ago a man in Buckinghamshire broke his jaw, lost four teeth and fractured his spine after landing on his face after his bike broke in two when the front wheel went into a 9" deep hole.
We can help ourselves by reporting anything we come across via the Fix My Street website which automatically sends the reports on to the relevant council. You can addd a photo of the offending problem and the site is free, easy to use and your report could save a life.
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The 2021 time trial calendar is now live on the website and has been constructed with a "best case" set of dates and courses but are highly likely to change.
It's not just Covid that's impacted what we'd usually do, but also the on-going roadworks at the Kineton army depot which continue until the end of August and rules out the use of the B4100 for our 10 and 25 mile courses.
But don't despair, the more observant will see the K4/23 has been dusted off as it's a more than suitable back-up course for the long distance trophy races. What's the K4/23 I hear you ask? Just swap Warmington Hill for Sunrising Hill, subtract a couple of miles and think of Hardriders......
We also return to Tysoe on a modified course that still gives us a 10 mile race but avoids having to navigate the actual village at race pace. This will placate the locals whilst retaining what was a very popular route.
It goes without saying that all 2021 TTs will be predicated on the Coronavirus legislation in place at the time allowing inter-tier travel and group gatherings plus whatever rulings are passed down by cycling's national bodies. The experience we gained from running Covid-secure TTs last year will be rolled over to this as we demonstrated how well we can run events which turned out to be hugely popular.
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2021 Midlands Women's Time Trial Series
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After a break in 2020 due to the Covid restrictions, 2021 sees the return of the popular Midlands Women's Time Trial Series which takes place over fourteen events as part of CTT's Open time trials around the Midlands region.
Banbury Star is proud to be involved as our September Open will be used as the penultimate 2021 race and will undoubtedly attract some of the premier Midlands region women.
Whilst some of the earlier races may be in doubt, fingers crossed that the restrictions are lifted to allow the series to go ahead as there are some great trophies to be won.
Banbury Star has worked hard to make time trialling open, attractive and equal for women, these efforts are paying off as we averaged 25% female entries in 2020 and hope even more take part this year. It would be great if we can send a strong field to compete for the club.
Date Time Course Club
17/04/2021 2pm K33/10D Stratford CC
02/05/2021 8am K11/10T Coventry CC
15/05/2021 2pm K33/10S AeroCoach
22/05/2021 2pm K48/10 Stafford RC
05/06/2021 2pm K33/10D Worcester St Johns CC
19/06/2021 2pm K33/10D Beacon RCC
03/07/2021 11am K46/10 Wyre Forest CRC
11/07/2021 10am K33/10D Beacon RCC
31/07/2021 2pm K11/10T Rugby Racing Cycling Club
14/08/2021 2pm K11/10T Coventry CC
22/08/2021 8am K11/10T Leamington C & AC
28/08/2021 10am K33/10S Worcester St Johns CC
05/09/2021 9am K4/10W Banbury Star CC
26/09/2021 10am K33/10S AeroCoach
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Seven Cols Competition - more details
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Following last months announcement, here are some more details regarding this new challenge. Something, as we write, even COVID still allows us to do.
If there's enough interest, we'd like to turn this into an annual competition. It's a good local challenge and we're hoping a bit of competition and the chance to set PBs, will encourage more members to give it a go. What's more, you can have as many goes at it as you like throughout the year.
The link below to the club's website contains full details, including an entry form. More importantly there's also now a slightly amended Garmin route, which you'll need to download, as the original start/finish has now been moved out of town.
Our plan is to publish a monthly table of fastest times. The information on the entry form will allow us to split these into various categories in both age and gender. The Press Officer is already planning to try and set the over 70s electric mountain bike record.
Obviously a competition of this nature is self policing and relies on the good sportsmanship of all who take part, with timing confirmation via Garmin, Strava etc. There may be teething problems, but let's hope it'll be a success and maybe start a new trend in these odd times.
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Entries are now live on the British Cycling website for our 2021 road race scheduled to take place on Sunday 23rd May.
It's going to follow the same successful format as previous years with Category 3/4 men riding in the morning for the Cavalcade Cup and then Elite/1/2/3 women in the afternoon as part of the Women's Team Cup Series.
Of course this is predicated on some major changes in the legislation which currently don't allow for large groups racing for two hours on open roads - fingers crossed!
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Can you help the club......continued
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As mentioned elsewhere in the newsletter, we've had a great response to the request for help from the membership in taking on responsibility with some of the things which keep the proverbial wheels turning. There are still a few areas where we need help, these being:
- Become a British Cycling-qualified Ride Leader to lead a small group on our weekend club rides.
- Become a time keeper to occasionally help run our 2021 time trial events.
- Be the focal point for our Rising Stars junior cycling scheme
If you are keen in helping in any capacity please email the club's secretary in the first instance and we can then sort out the details.
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Club rides - latest information
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Since our last newsletter, we've now gone up a further Tier level which means our previous cessation of club rides remains in place.
We hope this situation doesn't last too long and that we can soon return to getting back out in groups once more. When we get the green light, we'll send an email to all members and will resume rides as we were, so pre-registration and small, multiple groups of up to six riders.
You can of course continue to ride alone, with your household support bubble or with one other person or take part in our virtual club rides. Just bring your own cake!
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To celebrate our 130th anniversary, we plan on holding a special club ride with the aim of getting as many club members, ex-members and special guests together as possible who then take one of three routes out to the Hook Norton brewery. We will do routes for both the GCR and Intermediate riders and there will be a special 130km for those who enjoy a challenge.
The actual date of our anniversary is Saturday 10th April but because of group meeting restrictions still likely to be in place then we've decided to move the date to Saturday 17th July. After 130 years, a few weeks delay can be forgiven! Please keep this date free in your diaries.
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Fancy riding a tandem - offer still open
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Club member Brian Reid, the man behind vintage and classic bike dealer, Golden Age Cycles, is offering all members the chance to try a tandem for free. The only stipulation is that any damage is paid for in full. Brian has 3 models available to try - hybrid, road (similar to that illustrated) and even a TT version. Surely it's worth a go - you and a friend might thoroughly enjoy it.
Contact Brian via the link below if you're interested.
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Thanks largely to the efforts of Mark Boyles and Andy Perry, Zwift is really now growing in popularity within the club.
A number of options are now open to members as follows:-
Monday evening training sessions continue at 7pm for those who want to enjoy training, competition and some fun during the winter. We also connect by Zoom video conference to allow real time chatting to take place, even for those who just want to have a look to see what they're missing.
In addition to this we now have, "Saturday Zwift No Cafe Ride" which will run now for the next few weeks until we can get back outside. These are no drop rides using Zwift "Keep Together" feature. This means it doesn't matter how hard you ride, the group will keep a constant pace and everyone stays together. Come along and join in.
Additionally, on Sunday will be another "Zwift Badge Hunting" longer ride.
Finally we have BSCC's Zwift 5 Event Series. Stage1, held on 21st January, attracted a great entry of 26 riders for the 10 mile Richmond course, which was won by Luke Norris. The next event (Stage 3) takes place on Thursday 4th February and full details of the series can be found via the link below. There is also now a league table on the website.
As always now, the latest details, session times etc., will be posted on Facebook together with the Secretary's weekly email.
Race Secretary Mark Boyles has produced a summary and guide which can be found via the link below.
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Have you tried our popular Yoga sessions?
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Don't forget our weekly Tuesday evening Yoga sessions, run by the excellent Jackie Balchin, a qualified instructor. Her hour long sessions are tailored for the cyclist and for all abilities and ages. There's no pressure to keep up with anyone, no one is watching you and it’s FREE.
We use Zoom for the sessions and log-in details of how to join will be emailed to all members each week.
Go on, give it a go.
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Lots of you have been very active on Facebook recently, commenting on various cycling related subjects or telling us of your daring deeds such as the Rapha 500. If it's something you're passionate about, or have an opinion or view on, then why not encompass it in a blog?
A growing number of members are also now very active on Zwift, even entering competitions, as well as the Monday sessions. Lets us know what it's all about, how you're doing and inspire others to give it a go.
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Forthcoming club events in 2021
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Zwift training sessions - every Monday from 7pm
Yoga sessions with Jackie - every Tuesday from 7pm.
Zwift 5 Event Series - 7pm on 4th, 11th and 14th February
Annual Road Race - Sunday 23rd May
Hardriders Open Time Trial - Sunday 27 June
130th Anniversary Ride - Saturday 17th July
Open 10 mile Time Trial - Sunday 5th September
For more details and other events please look at the calendars on the club’s website or Facebook group.
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Follow Banbury Star on social media
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