Chester Road Club

2012 Chain Gangs

Tuesday Chain Gang training sessions will begin 10th  April and will continue until the last Tuesday of September. They will comprise 2 laps of the Saighton circuit. Riders should meet adjacent to the Rake and Pikel ready for a 7-00pm start.

Riders will be allocated to groups according to ability.

Novices, those who are new to group riding or are slower than 28’-30” in the Saighton 10 mile time trials will ride with Geoff and Gerry in Group 3. This group will concentrate on improving group riding skills.

Group 2 will comprise riders who post times between 26’-00” and 28’-30” in the Saighton 10s. They will choose a suitable leader from the group.

Group 1 will be for riders who record times between 24’-00” and 26’00” in the Saighton 10s. Ashley Stephens will probably lead this group.

The expected times for the groups are about 40’-00”, 36’-30” and 33’-30”. Thus Group 3 will start at 7-00pm, Group 2 at 7-03’-30” and Group 1 at 7-06’-30”. If groups do not adhere to start times, the order of start will be reversed.

There will be a briefing prior to the start and each group will discuss riding skills or lack thereof at the finish.

The groups will time themselves each week and group times will be posted on the website to allow riders to check their progress through the season. Riders from groups 2 and 3 who improve their skills, fitness and 10 mile times during the season will move up to a faster group.

The sessions will concentrate on improving group riding skills rather than speed during April. Speed will rise somewhat in May as the focus switches to raising lactate threshold. Thereafter speeds will peak as the emphasis changes to improving VO2 Max.

The sessions are for training, not substitute races. Riders should focus on training and skills with group safety being a priority. Tribars will not be allowed on grounds of safety. Concentrate on riding as a group until the last kilometre when team sprint leadouts for a nominated sprinter will be practised.

LED safety lights will be required for the first month.

Gerry

CDNW Road race league, event2-Chester RC Road Race march 2013

1.      In 2012 the club events series will comprise:-

18^th February Broxton Hilly 14

3^rd May Saighton 10

24^th May Saighton 10

31^st May Saighton 10

14^th June Saighton 10

5^th July Saighton 10

26^th July Saighton 10

16^th August Saighton 10

C.T.T. handbook available from Febuary 2012 from Geoff Chaplin. These D area code and West Cheshire open events are local to Chester and start genrally on Sunday mornings. Pre enter two weeks before-study the course map in maps or ask the organiser or Geoff Chaplin. Download form from our site or C.T.T


D/EVENTS 2012

The following rules will apply to the proposed competition:-

1.      The competition will be named “The Bike Factory Trophy”.

2.      The trophy will be open to all current, paid-up members of cycling clubs which organize club events season long in the Chester area. At present this comprises the Chester Road Club, Port Sunlight Wheelers, and the Birkenhead Victoria Cycling Club. Members of the Ellesmere Port Cycling Club and Chester Go-Ride CC members of a suitable age will also be eligible to compete. The Bike Factory/Concept Store may also compete for the trophy.

3.      The trophy will be based on the series of club events organized by the Chester Road Club.

4.      Eligible riders will be awarded points throughout the season in club events in which they compete. They will be awarded points dependent upon their “handicap time”.

5.      Teams of three members from each of the five clubs will contest the series.

6.      The team counters for each club will be the three members who, after the final event of the series, have gained the most handicap points during the season.

7.      The trophy will be awarded to the club or team gaining the most points during the season.

8.      The winning club will hold the trophy for one year and return it after 12 months.

9.      The trophy will be presented at the end of season buffet in the Rake and Pikel if possible.

10.    The three members of the victorious team will be awarded engraved plaques or Chester Road Club medals.

11.    Eligible riders must submit details of their best performance on the Saighton 10 mile course during the past two seasons to the Chester Road Club.  This information must be received in good time before their first performance in the competition in order that their handicap can be calculated. Late submission of these details will mean they will not receive a handicap for their first performance and will not be awarded points for that event. The handicap will be increased by 50% for the “Hilly 14”. A recent performance on another 10 mile course can be used if the rider has not raced on the Saighton course. This time will be adjusted to reflect the relative difficulty of the Saighton course. Novice riders will be awarded a handicap of

5’-00” if they are aged under 40 or a handicap based on their VTTA standard time for 10 miles if they are aged 40 years or more.  Handicaps for members of Chester Go-Ride CC will be assessed by an alternative method yet to be decided.

12.    Handicaps will be calculated based on a notional scratch rider with a 20’-00” time. Thus if a rider has recorded a time of 24’-15” on the Saighton course their handicap will be 4’-15”.

13.    Points awarded in each counting event will reflect the number of eligible riders competing in that event. Thus if 17 eligible riders take part, points will be awarded from 17 down to 1.

14.    Points will be awarded on handicap time. The rider’s handicap will be subtracted from his/her actual time to give a handicap time. Handicap times will be ranked from fastest to slowest with the fastest handicap time gaining maximum points and the slowest one point.

15.    Any eligible rider who competes in 5 events or more will be awarded one bonus point for each event in which he or she rides.

16.    If an eligible rider is unable to compete in an event for a valid reason but he or she assists in the organization of the event, he or she can be awarded 5 points. This must be approved prior to the event and cannot be awarded retrospectively.

17.    Handicaps will be adjusted throughout the series to reflect current performances. The handicap will be adjusted by 70% of the difference between 20’-00” and the handicap time. Thus if a rider records a handicap time of 19’-00”  his or her handicap will be reduced by 42 seconds (0.7 x 60seconds). Similarly a rider setting a handicap time of 21’-00” will have his or her handicap increased by 42 seconds. It has been found in previous seasons that adding or subtracting the full difference causes excessive oscillations in handicaps.

18.    In 2012 the series will comprise:-

18^th February Broxton Hilly 14

3^rd May Saighton 10

24^th May Saighton 10

31^st May Saighton 10

14^th June Saighton 10

5^th July Saighton 10

26^th July Saighton 10

16^th August Saighton 10

 There are plenty of events across the region Cross events at Otterspool prom, Liverpool on the 29th October E Liverpool Wheelers.

Geoff BewleyMemorial race 12th November and also 20/11 (LiverpoolMercury) The north wales cylocross site has loads of information and details.

 Gary Maoudis and Ashley Stephens will be organising some trips outn to Llandegla mtb centre and the Penmachno mtb course for some higher intensity training this winter, to get involved email Gary on garymaoudis@gmail.com

Ash Stephens is currently organising weekend rides from 29th Oct 2011. For more info ring/text Ash on 07788176161 rides leave from Chester and Queensferry most saturdays and sundays.These rides are fast training rides geared towards racing fitness. 16-19mph Always hilly when possible.

Also available are slower paced social winter rides of 3-4 hours 13-15mph flat, with our own Gerry Robinson.These rides start from the county officers club on plas newton lane. Are genrally round the quiet Cheshire lanes with  a cafe stop towards the end of the ride for tea and cake at one of the many places Gerry has found to be suitable ie. bike friendly over the years. Contact Gerry on m.grobinson@btinternet.com

The first of Gerrys rides took place yesterday (2nd October). Word hasn't got round about the run yet so only Neil Southern and I turned up. Hopefully numbers will increase as Autumn progresses. We set off via Waverton and Tattenhall, past Carden Park Golf Course and through Worthenbury to Bangor on Dee. On reaching Bowling Bank, we turned right into the network of narrow lanes that lead to Holt then returned to Chester by way of Lavister and Dodleston. Fifty miles were covered at a steady effort which resulted in an average speed of 14.4mph. Neil wasn't feeling hungry at the end so we didn't stop for coffee and cake.

Sunday 9th Oct Six of us set off from County Officers Sports Club but were brought to a halt within a mile by a puncture. Repair completed we carried on via Waverton and Beeston Castle to Spurstow where we turned onto the single track lane to Faddiley. Another puncture stopped us at Chorley (Cheshire not Lancashire). Time was passing so it was decided to shorten the route slightly. The homeward journey went past  Cholmondely and Tattenhall to Old Ma's cafe in  Gatesheath for coffee and cake then on through Bruera and Saighton to Chester. 



16TH Oct Geoffs run out. 6 Riders Geoff ,Dave, Neil, Phill, and a prospective member went out to Waverton, Tattenhall, Farndon, Bangor on dee, back through Malpas, Tilson, Aldford, Waverton 60 sunny, pleasant miles for the Hoole group.

Sunday 23rd oct 2011 Gerry Seven riders set off heading through Waverton and Oulton Park into a block headwind. We took the Wrenbury road out of Nantwich where, mercifully, the combination of hedgerows and a change of direction made progress somewhat easier. Beyond Wrenbury the twists and turns of the narrow country lanes made for interesting riding. A puncture brought us to a halt on the old coach road above Brown Knowl and nobody dissented when a cafe stop at the Ice Cream Farm was suggested. Revived by coffee, cake and conversation and aided by the strong wind, the final miles home sped by. Sixty miles in good company, what more could you ask for on a Sunday ride!

Sat 29th Oct Mountain biked round the red route at Llandegla mtb centre

Sunday 30th Oct Ash lead a ride out into Wales garmin link

Neil Southern Sunday 30th Oct. lead out the group from Chester for gerry at 10am  Five riders braved the damp morning - and headed off towards the "hilly"part of Cheshire (Frodsham hills). Taking a long route to MickleTrafford we headed out past Manley Mere and tackled the first climb upto New Pale Road (views across to Wales and Merseyside). On the descent we went through Kingsley and down to the River Weaver, taking a 'No Through Road' route to Acton Bridge. Going over fairly flat lanes we headed south to Little Budworth and Eaton, via a loop through the lanes, where we bumped into (almost literally) three other riders from the club(riding out of Two Mills cafe). Next stop Delemere Station cafe for a quick drink and cakes to refuel before tackling the ride back via Kelsall, Oscroft and Mickle Trafford - and at a quicker pace. 60 miles at 15mph - enjoyable ride.

Clubrun 6^th November 2011

Seven members, namely Neil Southern, Phil Millar, Gary Maoudis, David Brian, Ian Taylor, Gerry Robinson and 2^nd claim member Dave Smith set off through Waverton heading towards Farndon. Family commitments restricted Gary’s ride and he left the group at Shocklach to return home. The remainder carried on via Tallarn Green until a puncture brought proceedings to a halt near Eastwick. Repair effected we rode on to the southernmost point of the ride at Painters Green where we turned for the homeward leg. The two Daves distanced the others on the draggy climb from Higher Wych to Agden and turned left at the top. Unable to hear our shouts on the descent, they continued to Malpas while we turned off towards Bradley and Nomansheath. By now more than one pair of legs were feeling the effects of the undulating terrain and as we climbed up to Broxton Old Hall following the Old Coach Road it was suggested that we stop at Old Ma’s Cafe in Gatesheath. This was met with unanimous approval and subsequently we were reunited with David Brian at the cafe. Refreshed by cake, conversation and freshly ground coffee we returned to Chester via Greenlooms and the Greenway.

 Clubrun 20^th November 2011

Eight members met at Newton Lane. The ride proper began in Handbridge after a few minutes spent dodging Christmas shoppers in the centre of Chester. Those at the front set a brisk pace along the Wrexham road through Lavister and Holt. Farmers were cutting hedges so we avoided the narrow lanes while skirting the Wrexham Trading Estate until a herd of cows stopped us near Bowling Bank. We took the Worthenbury road after crossing the old bridge at Bangor on Dee. Dave Morris left us near Shocklach (family commitments) and the rest carried on along Dog Lane up the long drag eventually emerging south of Malpas. We followed the Old Coach Road to Brown Knowl and on to Tattenhall where all except Dave Smith stopped at the Ice Cream Farm for refreshments. The temperature had dropped so gilets were donned for the final miles home through Golden Nook to Waverton and Chester. Another fifty miles deposited in the training bank.

Clubrun 27^th November2011

Ten members posed for a group photograph before setting off. Rowan (15) had chosen one of the windiest days of the autumn for his first clubrun. Geoff Chaplin had kindly loaned him a bike. We departed in the direction of Tattenhall with the wind on our backs. Phil punctured on the road to Harthill and Neil volunteered to stay with him while the remainder carried on. Gerry gave Rowan some tips on climbing technique at the base of the climb. The advice must have been sound as Rowan left him, bridged a 50 metre gap to the three leaders and stayed with them to the top, all this without the aid of toeclips and straps or clipless pedals. Gary left the group at Wrenbury to attend a family birthday celebration in Market Drayton while the rest of us carried on to Ravensmoor aided by the strong wind. We turned into the wind here and began the slog back. At Bunbury, with 40 miles in his legs, Rowan was tiring so Gerry dropped off the back of the group to shepherd him and provide shelter and encouragement over the final miles to the Ice Cream Farm. Emergency transport home (Mum’s taxi) was summoned at the cafe. Phil and Neil rejoined us and we set about the serious business of supping coffee and demolishing cake, a necessary prelude to the final windy miles home to Chester. 

Clubrun 4. December 2011

Six hardy souls braved the cold on a morning which signalled the approach of winter. We set off aided by a tailwind through Waverton then alongside the canal toward Tattenhall. Bearing right at the base of Harthill, we climbed up to Brown Knowl and onto the Old Coach Road by Broxton Old Hall. As we reached Hampton the wintry rain that had been threatening all morning arrived. We could see the bank of wet weather heading our way from Wales so at Nomansheath the group agreed to shorten the ride and returned to Chester along wet roads by way of Shocklach and Aldford.

Christmas Clubrun 11 December 2011

There hadn’t been a seriously wet Christmas Clubrun since the 1990s. The weather certainly made up for it this year! Undeterred, ten of us set off into the rain for a two-hour ride to work up an appetite. Ashley and Co. had ridden via chez Maoudis to join us and Ash’s stentorian tones were soon booming out over the convoy. We splashed our way through the lanes in a loop via Greenlooms, Huxley and Clotton. The puddles along the roadside were reminiscent of the umbrella scene from the musical film “Singing in the Rain”; Ashley provided the Gene Kelly vocals but dancing on a bike proved beyond him. Overshoes were insufficient protection against the rain and near Tarvin, as their shoes filled with water, Jeff and Gerry decided to make a bee-line (as if any bees would be foolish enough to fly in that rain) for the dinner stop at Trafford Hall.

Damp cycling kit soon decorated any available radiator surface, chairs were draped with rainjackets, dry vests were donned, hot coffee supped and motor-borne friends greeted. At half-past twelve we trooped into the restaurant for lunch. Well-cooked, hot food and friendly conversation soon banished memories of the weather. We shared the room with a morose, sullen group of teenagers, a stark contrast to the lively cyclists. Proof if it was needed that even in the worst of weather cycling raises the spirits. Fortunately the rain had passed by the time we made our way home.   

Our thanks go to our retiring Social Secretary Jean for organising the event.

Sunday 8yh jan 2012
Ash group ride click here
Gerry's grp lead out by neil 8-1-2012

Report for today.

Four riders (Ian, Karl, Rowan and Neil) braved the uncertain weather- no sign of Gerry, so quick agreement to make up our own training run.Set off to Mickle Trafford and headed out towards Beeston Castle via Tattenhall. Up around the steeper side of Beeston before setting off to Nantwich via Peckforton castle and the lanes. From Nantwich, headed to Oulton Park via Wettenhall - which with a tail wind and Karl and Rowan on the front, went very quickly. Next stop Delamere Station cafe for a very quick snack, spoilt slightly by the return of the mist/ rain. At this point Karl and Neil took the direct route back to Frodsham and Rowan and Ian headed back to Chester. Mileage 49 to 54 (depending ondestination) average of about 15.5mph (keeping to Gerry's winter training remit). Good ride, but pity about the wet leg home.

Sunday 22nd January 2012

Five riders (Gerry, Tim, Phil, Karl and Neil) met up on a rather

blustery morning, however Gerry advised that he would only be having a

short ride (to Eureka). The rest of us decided to head out to Bangor on

Dee via Tattenhall and Malpas - mainly with tail wind helping up and

down the hills. Head wind from Malpas to Bangor, keeping up a fairly

good pace by changing front riders. Hardest part of ride was from

Bangor to Holt - wind was brutal - with Karl and Neil running off the

road at one point (no harm done). Well earned rest stop at Holt garden

centre before quick run back to Chester via Christleton and the

cycleway. 52 miles in all - but felt much longer on the legs!