Happy New Year

I hope you all had a good Christmas and I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Look out for all our rides in the coming weeks, including Fit Camp 2013 and Training with the Goat!

This coming weekend will be a Level 5 ride to Trosley Country Park on Sunday, for the more established riders. 41 miles, slow climbing for 20 and a Cat 5 climb. Busier roads and large roundabouts. Usual time of 9.30am.

New Years Day will be the traditional 'Hangover Cure' ride along the Thames to Greenwich for strong coffee! Suitable for all our current riders. This ride will start at 10.00am

MG will be starting training groups in January, starting with the beginners on Sunday 6th January. Please check with him to find out which group you should be with!

Also for January - the all new and improved 'Fit Camp 2013' - the full cycling experience for the complete beginner! Watch this space next week for details!

Kids Club @ LEC will resume on Saturday 12th January.

Gaffer

LEC Christmas Ride - Level 1

Sunday 23rd December, 9.30am. - Blackheath Level 1. (Stopping in Greenwich Park if wet)

Join in the Limited Edition Christmas Ride, suitable for all riders. Dress yourself or your bike in a Christmas theme and help us celebrate the last ride before Christmas.

Everybody welcome!!

*#<~.,_,.~>#*#<~.,_,.~>MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!<~.,_,.~>#*#<~.,_,.~>#*

Weekend Activities

Saturday 15th December:

9.30am - 11.00am: Kids Club @ LEC Christmas session. Games and prizes, come dressed in Christmas!

1.00pm: Off Road Ride to Lessness Abbey, with Denis. Approx 2 hours.

Sorry, no Fit Camp.


Sunday 16th December:

9.30am - 12.30am: Level 3 - Green Roof Cafe. Approx. 20 miles with a stop at High Elms Country Park for tea and cake. Ride Captain - the Gaffer.

12.30pm - 1.30pm: Christmas Carols and mince pies at Eltham Park South Cafe. Please support!

Sunday 2nd December Update

THE TIME OF THIS RIDE HAS CHANGED! It will now leave at 10.30 am, to give the frost a chance to clear!

Joanne has kindly offered to lead a ride tomorrow.

It will be a Level 4/5 going out to Otford, about 40 miles with a couple of hills. However, if the conditions are poor, it may be cut short.

It will be very cold, wrap up warm!

Joanne does have other commitments that she has to get back for, so please ensure that you arrive at the park in plenty of time for a PROMPT 10.30 am depart.

If anyone can help Jo with this ride (mainly seeing the group back from Bexley Village to the park on the return leg) please could you let her know.

This Weekend 1st and 2nd December 2012

Hi Everyone,

I'm afraid some of this weekends rides will be cancelled. I've not been very well this week and will not be riding the bike this weekend.

Kids Club @ LEC will take place as usual on Saturday at 9.30am, but please make sure the youngsters are dressed appropriately!

There will be an off road ride with Denis on Saturday at 1.00pm, meeting at the cafe.

Fit Camp at 1.00pm is CANCELLED.

At the moment, there is NO SUNDAY RIDE unless I have a volunteer to lead it. If anyone has a route they would like to do, please let me know and I will pop it up here for every one to see.

If you do go out over the weekend, make sure you wrap up warm and be careful of the smaller lanes, they stay icy all day!

We need more people to come forward and act as Ride Captains from time to time, otherwise we will have to cancel rides. I have led rides most weeks and frankly guys, I'm worn out and run down and need help!

Gaffer

Sunday 25th November

Tomorrow's ride will be a Level 3/4 ride along the Thames Path to Tower Bridge and returning via CS3 and the ferry.

35 miles and flat.

Ride Captain - Simon aka 'Dr Livingstone'

AGM, Prize Giving and Weekend Rides

AGM and Prize Giving

Red Barn Public House (downstairs room)
Barnehurst Road
Bexleyheath
DA7 6HG

7.00pm onwards this evening.

Raffle prizes include, a bottle of scotch signed by David Cameron, a John Lewis hamper, a bottle of Jack Daniels, Eddie Merckx - The Cannibal book and more!

Weekend Rides

Both Kids Club and the Fit Camp ride on Saturday 24th November are cancelled due to more expected heavy rain and gale force winds.

There will be a 1.00pm Off Road Ride with Denis, meeting at Eltham Park Cafe.

Sunday 25th November - will be weather dependent. Although the wind and rain is set to ease, we need to take into account localised flooding in the lanes. We will try and make a decision on Saturday evening.

We look forward to seeing you this evening!

Gaffer

AGM and Prize Giving Final Arrangements!

Due to the hire of the room, we have had to change the date of the AGM and Prize Giving.

The final arrangements are as follows:

AGM and Prize Giving

Friday 23rd November 2012, 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start

RED BARN PUB
Barnehurst Road
Bexleyheath
DA7 6HG
.
We are in the downstairs room (right side of the pub, down in the garden). The manager very kindly lets us have this room at no charge when it is not booked for a paid event, hence us moving the AGM forward a day to Friday.

Please have your 'Club Member of the Year' nomination to Steph by Monday 19th November 2012. The three top nominations will be put to the vote on the evening.

We would love to make the evening more of an event than last year, so please could you donate a raffle prize or bring along an item of food (sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, crisps) contact me to find out what we need more of.

Sean has started the raffle prizes with a bottle of very nice scotch, with the label personally autographed by the Prime Minister David Cameron. Many thanks Sean! All proceeds towards the trikes.

Gaffer

Snazzy Socks

Well done TeamLEC!

Sunday saw 29 riders take to the road in snazzy socks, to celebrate 2 years of LEC. Horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, spots, football socks, snowmen, muppets, you name it, we wore it! Ali's LEC legwarmers were a hoot!

Together we raised £57.50 for the 'Wheels For All' trike fund, taking us up to a grand total of £92.85. That is a quarter of our first trike!

A big well done to Matthew, India, Kim and Trudy! (Fit Camp Graduates and Kids Club riders)

RIDE CANCELLED

Sunday 4th November - RIDE CANCELLED

Due to the continued rain and surface water, we have no choice but to postpone our Anniversary ride until next week.

Happy Birthday TeamLEC!!

Limited Edition Cycling is 2 years old this coming Sunday 4th November!

To celebrate this, we are recreating our very first club ride to Hawley. The ride will be a level 3 ride of about 19 miles and will be suitable for most members of the club.  But, there is a twist......

We want as many of you as possible to celebrate our birthday, by wearing a crazy sock on the ride and making a £1 donation towards our Wheels For All fund. Let's be the most visual club on the road this weekend!!!

I would also like to ask for your nominations for 'Club Member of the Year', to be awarded at the AGM and Prize Giving in November. Please send a short email to our Membership Secretary, stating the name of the person you are nominating and the reason why.

The AGM and Prize Giving has been postponed until Saturday 24th November 2012. Full details will be posted on Monday.

This is the final call for club clothing orders! Please get them to Ali by 4th November.

Gaffer

Hill Climb - (final event 2012 season)

Firstly a huge well done to everyone that took part without you all there would be no event(s). Special thanks also to the Gaffer, MMG & Benny for assistance with the time keeping and being excellent commisaries !!!

Results are as follows:

Junior Hill Climb Champion 2012

Darragh 16:00

**************

Ladies Hill Climb Champion 2012

Lucy                  15:32
Susie                 17:00
Bradders           17:27
Caroline            24:00
Ally                   27:00

***************

Seniors Hill Climb Champion 2012

Alvaro             13:34
Greg                13:47
Matt                15:02
Colin               16:01
MG                  16:27
Robbie            16:29
Sean               16:55
Mikey             17:00
Martin            17:24
Suley              18:56
Chris              22:00

This is the end to events for 2012. The KOM competition also came to a close with Greg, Matt and MG completing the podium for the men, Susie, Lucy and Bradders for the girls.

All of the above awards as well as the culmination of the Combatitive Award, LEC World Champion 2012, TT awards etc will be announced during awards night.

One award remains out standing and that is the LEC Club Cyclist of the year for 2012. This award is as voted by the members of LEC and is awarded to the member whom the squad feels has contributed/achieved/supported most during the past 12 months. It will be voted on Awards night so plenty of time to get your thinking caps on !!!!

Next its medal, trophy and certificate time ( oh and a few beers too !!)

MG

Message from MG re: Sunday's ride - the 2012 LEC Hill Climb Competition

On behalf of MG, please note that Sunday's ride, the 2012 LEC Hill Climb Competition, will LEAVE Eltham Park at 9am sharp.

  

As most will know, the hill in question is Cudham Lane (see the Strava segment for the climb here http://app.strava.com/segments/1557263)

If you are intending to take part, please let MG know in advance by emailing him on i_jenner@hotmail.com or by texting him because he needs to create the timing sheets and calculate the starting times.

If anyone has any questions, leave a message below or via Facebook/Twitter and we'll be in touch.

Cheers
John (on behalf of MG)

 

Club Clothing and All Abilities Cycling Day

Club Clothing 

We are currently putting together a club clothing order.

Find the price list here

Find the size chart here

We are aiming to get into Price Band B with 13 + items. Remember to add on the VAT when ordering. All orders must be accompanied by a 50% deposit by the deadline date otherwise they will not be ordered. The balance must be paid on delivery.

We would appreciate payments being made by bank transfer, however if this is a problem, please let us know.

The deadline for orders is: Monday 5th November 2012

If you wish to order clothing, please email your order to Ali, and she will send you the bank details for your deposit.

All Abilities Cycling Day at Wyborne School, Friday 19th October

Please let me know ASAP if you plan to come and help at this event and I will send you the details of timings and car parking arrangements. The morning session is between 9.00am and 12.00pm and the afternoon session between 1.00pm and 3.30pm. You must bring with you, a copy of your CRB check to give to the school.
Is anyone available to pick up the kit bag from my garage and take it to the school on the morning?

Gaffer

Request for photos

The LEC website needs a bit of a revamp, so this is a request for new photos.

If you've got any LEC-related photos (preferably in LEC kit!) or other photos of interest which you dont mind being used in the gallery or maybe on the new website banner which I need to create, please email them to here

We need as many as we can please so get emailing :-)

Thanking you all in advance

Gadget/JD

Finance Meeting, Weekend Rides, Wheels For All

Thursday 4th October - FINANCE MEETING POSTPONED
Due to unexpected work commitments of the Treasurer, the meeting will now be on Thursday 11th October, 7.30pm, The Cutty Sark Pub in Greenwich.

Sunday 7th October

KOM ride will now start at 9.00am from Eltham Park South Cafe.

Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice Ride - meet at Eltham Park South Cafe to leave promptly at 9.00am to ride to Greenwich for the signing on point. Alternatively, meet by the Cutty Sark (boat itself) between 9.30am and 9.45am. You can register online via the link on the calendar.


Our first ever 'All Abilities Road Show' is set to go ahead on Friday 19th October. We are borrowing 'Surrey Wheels For All' bikes for the day and have invited lots of interesting people to come and support what we are trying to do.

This could be our first 'Wheels For All' purchase. It costs £399.00 and would allow a rider with balance problems, the opportunity to ride. An adapted seat costs £30 extra and can be added at a later date. We have £35 in the 'Wheels For All' fund, mainly thanks to the Robb family. A big thank you to them all! £364 pound to go, donations greatly appreciated.

Are there any businesses out there that would like to sponsor a trike? We can label it with a name plate for the business, so providing lots of advertising!!!

Please email using the link on the right, or speak to Ollie 07984 200566.

Dr L's Ride Report - Lullingstone 30th September

Dr L ran the level 3 group on an impromptu Lullingstone route on Sunday, we left the park just after the KOM group with MG calling out a cheery “see you at Lullingstone but we’ll probably be leaving as you get there!” Oh how he regretted that later.

It was a small group with Caroline, Tom, Chris, Jayne and Isobel leaving through New Eltham and then through St Mary Cray and up Chelsfield lane – everyone doing well, Isobel just storming every rise, Chris looking impressive on the Allez and Caroline absolutely dogged in her determination.

At Chelsfield village the team had the choice of the Skyride route with its poor surface or a more direct route with a small hill (Dr Livingstone borrowing heavily from the Richard Williams “it’s largely flat” playbook) which was duly chosen – not sure the doctor will get many Christmas cards this year. So we went through the village and then up Rock Hill with Caroline selecting a suitably low gear and churning steadily up stopping only for a breather on a side road and then continuing finally attaining the top – Chapeau Caroline, don’t think I could have done that in my first year.

Fast downhill crack to the café saw us arrive ahead of our team mates although they did experience a puncture, with a poorly Bradders arriving solo after about 10 minutes and so the team was swelled by JB for the return leg and the chase to South Darenth was on with Dr L pushing a faster pace and then we calmed down a bit for the run up to Wilmington where Chris and Jo left us, shedding Jayne and Isobel in Bexley and then there were three for the final leg back to the park arriving just ahead of the KOM group – a good performance from them considering the route they chose.

Special mentions to:

Chris – amazing improvement since the bike change
Isobel – just so impressive
Caroline – the Energizer Bunny.

Combative point to Caroline.
PS much better weather than we were expecting.

Forthcoming rides with MG

LEC KOM & Hill Climb Events
2012

KOM

The last three events see two “Cols” to climb as well as the Hill Climb (details below) which will cap off the second season of LEC and subsequent prize giving in early November.

Although Greg has powered his way to victory this year with three events still to go, the podium places for the KOM are still up for grabs with the QOM competition as open as a book. Someone could easily nab the title with the last two events- so its all to play for, let’s have some more ladies out with us please we are a friendly bunch!!!

Hill Climb

October is the traditional time of year where the TT season ends and the Hill Climb season begins from now until early November. The hill is normally around the mile mark or just short of and is a timed effort from a standing start at the bottom to first over the line at the top... Riders go off on a 2 min interval with the current champions going off last..

The hill climb this year will not be Rushmore but will be something a little more challenging and although i have not taken the club up this Col yet we have come down it earlier in the season. However next season i will be choosing a hill to run our club hill climb from every year so we can start looking at club records etc for particular categories.

The competition will have three levels: Under 25,s (Junior), Ladies Seniors and Men’s Seniors at the end of which will be crowned LEC Hill Climb Champion for the specific age group. There will be all the details for the event on the calendar shortly so please keep your eyes peeled.

This is a club morning out and there will be coffee/cake/chat after. If you wish to “race” please let me know over the coming weeks so i can start to draw up the start sheets. This does take a bit of work as i have to ensure that firstly the champions go last and that we have gaps between riders so we don’t cause a problem with traffic.Hopefully ensuring that no one gets caught and passed by your two minute man !!!

This is a great opportunity to try out a timed event against the clock and can give you a taster for perhaps next season and the Bexley 10’s. Far better an introduction to a TT with your mates than with complete strangers i think don’t you...

If you don’t wish to participate then please do still come along as i will need time keepers at the start and finish, plus there is nothing like a bit of support to cheer on your colleagues when they are suffering.

See you sunday

MG

Weekend Rides and Other News

Hi All,

Please note that the Level 2 National Standards Road Skills course has been postponed. If you are interested in taking part, please let me know here.

The Fit Camp ride on Saturday will be a Level 2 ride to Hall Place meeting at 1.00pm.

There will be an off road MTB ride at 2.00pm with Denis.

On Sunday, there is only one ride out to The Green Roof Cafe. It will be a different route to normal and I have classed it as a Level 3.5. We can sort out an extension from there for the more advanced riders.

Limited Edition Cycling All Abilities Road Show - following on from our trip to the Surrey Super Cycle, we have arranged to lay on a road show at Wyborne School in New Eltham. The lovely people from Wheels For All in Surrey, are bringing a range of bikes to show prospective funders and partners what we are trying to achieve with our Wheels For All Appeal. It will take place on Friday 19th October. If you would like to come and help, you must have a valid CRB check, your work one will do. Please let me know through the link above.

We all wish Jack a speedy recovery after his accident. He broke his arm doing a fast lap around the Top Gear Test Track. The Stig would have been proud as he got on his bike and rode 2 miles to finish his lap, with his broken arm!

Gaffer

Rides - Sunday 16th September

Hi All,

This coming Sunday is going to be a little different in respect of club rides.

There are 2 sportives offering something for all levels.

The first is the London to Canterbury in aid of the Children's Trust. 65 miles or 80 miles starting from Danson Park in Bexleyheath. It starts between 8.00am and 8.45am and cost £30 to enter plus your travel home. Details here.

The second is the Surrey Super Cycle on the Top Gear Test Track, Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh, Surrey. It costs £5 to enter in advance and £10 on the day, sponsorship can be raised for a number of different charities. There is a mini route of a 500m circuit for kids, or those new to cycling, or those that need support. A midi route of 1km traffic free circuit for those that have some cycling experience and a maxi route of a 5km circuit on the test track for the advanced cyclists. You can set your own number of laps to target (up to 20 on the maxi route). The event is also supported by Surrey Wheels For All, and there are a range of adapted cycles and wheelchair transporters available to families with a disabled family member. Please book in advance to ensure you are not disappointed. Details here.

The event starts at 10.00am, so we will gather in the car park at 9.30am and do a lap together.

The Tour of Britain passes the gates at between about 2.30 - 3.15pm, so there is the option of watching live from the local roads. Details here.

Also check out the club article on page 23 of  the  Royal Greenwich Time  this week www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwichtime

Gaffer

Proposed LEC Christmas Do

Hi fellow LEC'ers!

Please don't hate me for mentioning the dreaded word - Christmas - this early in the year!

I'm afraid that if we want to book a table somewhere it needs to be done sooner rather than later. 

This will be our 3rd LEC Christmas social - lets make it a good one!!

Proposed Venue: The White Hart Pub and Carvery on Eltham High Street

Proposed Date: Sat 8th December 

They provide a lovely 3 course Christmas meal (the main being a carvery) and mince pies for £19.95 per person - quite reasonable I think! However, they require 10% of the total cost when making the booking and need the balance paid 7 days before the social.

If you think you would like to join us (and you know you do) please let me know by Friday 14th September then we can arrange payment etc once I have final numbers. As always, friends and family are more than welcome so please let me know how many seats you would like.

Jo/Bradders

Off Road Rides and Kids Club

Hi All,

Off Road Ride please check the calendar for dates. The first is on Wednesday evening 6.30pm, meeting at the Fanny on the Hill pub on Wickham Street, Welling, DA16.

Kids Club @ LEC - Well done to the Omnium winners! Under 6's - Teddy Homewood, Under 10's - Adam Campion, Under 12's - Laura Robertson, Under 14's - Matthew Robertson.

Last term's Points Competition winners were George Knowles-Bacon with 266 points for the boys, and Laura Robertson with 187 points for the girls.

This Saturday will be a Kids Club Skills Challenge day at Eltham Park South. Limbo, ride the line, bottle pass, to name a few. Grown up club members and parents welcome to take the challenge, if you dare!

Volunteers needed to assist with the start of the Junior Group. Saturday/ Sunday morning road rides for 14 - 18 year olds. Adult chaperones needed.

Club Rides - remember, there are no rides this weekend due to Ride Captains being away on a sportive.

Gaffer

September News

Coming up in September:

Autumn Fit Camp - Saturday's 1.00pm, Eltham Park South, Glenesk Road, SE9. Starting Saturday 1st and continuing on Saturday 15th)

Have you been inspired by the Olympics? See yourself as a bit of a Bradley Wiggins or Victoria Pendleton? Or perhaps you just want to find a fun way to get fit?

Come along and join us for Autumn Fit Camp. No experience or lycra required, just a bike, a helmet and some enthusiasm. Fit Camp is aimed at new and returning cyclists of all levels, and is designed to give you the skills and confidence to ride your bike.

If you do not own a bike, then check out the NHS Greenwich cycle loan scheme:

http://greenwichhealthyliving.nhs.uk/active-travel/get-cycling/nhs-greenwich-cycle-loan-scheme/

NHS Greenwich are currently piloting a scheme for local residents to hire a bike for only £10 a month (which includes London Cycling Campaign insurance).  For more information, contact NHS Greenwich on 0800 587 5833

National Standards Level 2 Training - New for September, a 4 week course aimed at teaching basic skills on the road. Road positioning, communication, hazard perception, stay safe, whatever the reason for riding. This course will be certificated and I am asking for donations of £2 per week from members and £3 per week from non members to put towards the Wheels for All Appeal. Dates will be 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th September from on Saturday's from 11.00am - 1.00pm.

Places are limited, so please book in advance: chairperson@limitededitioncycling.co.uk or 07984 200566

Sportives, Charity, and MTB Rides - watch this space for details of the up and coming September rides.

Gaffer

News

Hi All,

Here is a round up of our latest news and activities:

Barbecue: Sunday 26th August, 2.00pm. Friends and family welcome. Email for more details: chairperson@limitededitioncycling.co.uk

Saturday 1st September, 9.30am. Kids Club @ LEC will be held at Eltham Park South, Glenesk Road, Eltham, SE9. Cycle activities for 7 - 16 year olds (under 7's welcome to stay with parents).

Saturday 1st September, 1.00pm - Autumn Fit Camp begins. Inspired by the Olympics? Come and join Fit Camp, no experience or lycra required! Just a bike and some enthusiasm.

Sunday 9th September, The Wiggle Steeplechase Sportive (see calendar for more details, or email).

Sunday 16th September:

• London to Canterbury (starts at Danson Park)
• Surrey Super Cycle (Top Gear Test Track - Dunsfold Park, the Tour of Britain comes through Dunsfold Village on the same day, so we can make a full day of it!)

Both are good causes!

KOM - check the calendar for KOM dates - thank you to MG for leading this.

Going into the winter season, the Ride Captains will be implementing some rules on the club rides. LEC prides itself on it's open, welcoming, friendly format and we love to see people being able to express themselves through their cycling, but, as the club grows, we must ensure the safety of all riders, especially going into the winter months. We will be introducing some basic disciplines into the rides and intend to have fun practising them. Please respect what the Ride Captain is asking you to do as they will be taking into account the ability and bike handling skills of the whole group, not just yours!

Strava - after some deliberation, the Strava activity feed has been removed from view on the club website. Strava is a great personal training tool, but we feel it has no place on club rides among a group of riders and has been encouraging some dangerous riding behaviours and poor etiquette. The Leader Board is still in action and rides can still be posted and compared on the Strava website. Please use it responsibly!

Gaffer

Kids Club @ LEC

Due to development of the tennis courts at Samuel Montagu Youth Centre, Kids Club @ LEC will now be meeting at Eltham Park South until further notice.

This coming Saturday 11th August, we will meet at:

Eltham Park South Cafe, Glenesk Road, Eltham, SE9 at the usual time of 9.30am

We will be continuing with our cyclo-cross racing curriculum.

Next few rides......from MG - back in the mix !!

Forthcoming rides with MG

A brief note and overview to let you know of the planned weekend rides coming up with yours truly:-

Saturday 11th August: - (some confidence and experience riding in traffic necessary)
Central London “Belgian House”& “Look mum no hands” (depending on time)

This ride sets off at 10am and rides into Central London to “Belgian House” and possibly “Look Mum No Hands” (cycling cafe in Old Street- Cycle Show is filmed here) will be a 26-30mile round trip. We will be in Central London traffic so some experience is necessary. This is a bit hard to look after a group so it’s more a question of following me and taking things a bit easy if you have never cycled in Central London before. It is a decent route, lots of bus lanes and big roads once you get through Lewisham. Set off at the park, from 10am should be back 1:30 latest depending on experience of riders and if we go to LMNH also.

Sunday 12th August  (50miles-climbs include, Toys and Fackendon as well as Otford-plus a few fast descents and Knatts Valley which is sure to be quick)

KOM rnd 6. Map is on the calendar. The hill is Toys. Its coffee at Westerham, then hill, then home. This is a lumpy route and will be paced a little different to normal. Yes we will re- group at the top of hills but we will not stop, only ease the pace which will be lead by myself. The plan is to increase people’s fitness and endurance. The forthcoming rides will follow the same pattern although as this is an introduction to pacing yourself it will not be at race pace!!!!
If anyone goes off the front the pace will not increase to bring them back as this is a paced ride dependant on those coming along so if you shoot off you are on your own ( apart from Toys Hill of course)

Sunday 26th AugustKOM rnd 7
Coffee at Shoreham and the hill is Exedown. This is lumpy too and a fast 7mile descent home (Gadgets favourite). A slight change, this has a bit more climbing and you all know I love Exedown, but also have some fast paced flats/descents.

Any questions please let me know.....

MG

Club Kit and Club Meeting

Just a reminder that tonight's focus meeting on Club Management has been moved to Monday 6th August, 7.30pm at the Gaffers house.

Clib kit has been delivered, please speak to the Gaffer about collecting your order.

Meopham Ride

Tomorrow's updated route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1502987

Gaffer

Club Meeting - Focus on Ride and Race

Club Meeting - Focus on Ride and Race:

Wednesday 25th July 7.30pm

The Anchor in Hope Pub, Bellgrove Road, Welling, DA16 3RW (bottom of Shooters Hill)

Next weeks management meeting has been postponed until Tuesday 7th August.

Celebration!

I just wanted to take the time to say a big thank you to people for their huge involvement in the club over the last few weeks. The input into meetings, Kids Club and ride leading has been amazing.

This weekend, we had a very successful 'The Only Ride is Essex' club ride, courtesy of Dino and his friends Olivia and Joe. We were also joined by the L2P riders, for a sunny cycle through some beautiful Essex countryside.

Last weekend, we had what should have been our Wheels for All Appeal charity ride, the LEC Century Ride. Eight of us rode lengths of 115 miles +, under the very thoughtful care of Benny (Richard to the newbies!) and Greg. A very carefully picked 'flat' route with some great stops, beautiful scenery and good company was only topped by the lovely weather we had as well. And, never been heard of before in the LEC Peleton - no punctures or mechanicals! The only p's were kept to the bushes!!

As well as myself, Benny and Greg, we had Robbie, Gadget, Martin, John Gavin and Andy R. This ride was supposed to be our charity ride, to raise funds for adapted trikes. However, due to the fund raising for L2P, the effect of the economy on everyone's pockets and basically the weather possibly cancelling the ride, I decided not to burden people sponsorship requests.

Between us, we rode over 1,000 miles (four of us doing our first ever century rides), not quite our group target of 2,012, but quite an achievement all the same! I would like to invite you all to help us celebrate this achievement by making a small donation to the club's Wheels for All Appeal. It doesn't matter how small! Donations into the club account, or to the ride captains please.

A big thank you to Benny and Greg for all the hours they put into the ride preparation, it wouldn't have happened without you guys!

Gaffer

Club Meetings

At the last club meeting, it was discussed that we should try a range of smaller, more focused meetings, concentrating on individual issues and club development. With this in mind, I have put the following dates on the calendar:

Thursday 19th July, 7.30pm - Focus on Kids Club. Developing our junior section and their feed towards the adult club. Volunteers and coaching.

Wednesday 25th July, 7.30pm - Focus on Race and Rides. Developing racing opportunities and rides on offer.

Tuesday 31st July, 7.30pm - Focus on Management. How the club is managed, rules and policies.

There will be more dates and subjects to follow. Whilst I do not expect everyone to turn up to every meeting, I would appreciate attendance at as many as you can, you are quite welcome to get involved in the areas that interest you most. All decisions and proposals will be circulated to the whole club and then fed back at the next general club meeting.

Minutes from the last meeting will be circulated asap.

Gaffer

@TeamLEC do Box Hill

  

Complete with the customary heavy breathing and now very cleverly muted soundtrack where I would have been suitably told off by Dennis!

JD/Gadget 

Welcome to our readers from BikeRadar.com

Hi to all of you coming here for a read from Bike Radar.

Have a look about the site.  We're an ever so friendly club with regular rides of differing levels for all.

If you've got any questions, feel free to raise them on the comments thread below and we'll get back to you with answers ASAP.

As you will see, some of the more active riders amongst us are on Strava, feel free to have a browse of some of the routes we head out on.

Cheers

John/JD/Gadget

TeamLEC in link up with the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC/COIB)

TeamLEC is proud to be associated with the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC/COIB) and its venture at Middle Temple Lane London.

There will be an organised ride from Greenwich to Middle Temple Lane to be announced shortly, in the interim any questions regarding the Cycling Paradise please contact MG through the club e-mail, facebook or twitter feeds.

Click to read official press release

MG

Bike Week Activities

A big thank you to Jayne, Isobel and Suley for attending the How to Deal with a Puncture Workshop, yesterday and also for starting us off the 'Wheels For All Appeal'. We have a start of £2, only £498 to go for our first trike! Watch out for instructions on how to donate.

Our Bike Week activities this week are on the calendar:

Wednesday 20th June - Bexley Biketastic Ride, Level 2 - 6.00pm
Thursday 21st June - Thames Path to Greenwich, Level 3 - 7.00pm
Friday 22nd June - Family Fun - 5.00pm
Saturday 23rd June:
Kids Club - 9.30am - 11.00am
Cycle Fun (all ages, under 7's with an adult) - 11.30am -1.00pm
Summer Fit Camp Ride, Danson Park, Level 2 - 1.00pm
Sunday 24th June - Lullinngstone Ride Level 4/5 - 9.30am

Gaffer

Day out to Box Hill  1st July 2012 

(the story begins !!)

 
Box Hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey. The hill takes its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steepest west-facing chalk slopes overlooking the River Mole. The western part of the hill is owned and managed by the National Trust, whilst the village of Box Hill lies on higher ground to the east.

Box Hill lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forms part of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest. The north- and south-facing slopes support an area of chalk down land, noted for its orchids and other rare plant species.

The "Zig Zag Road" is the most direct route to the National Trust visitors' centre from the Mole Gap for both cars and bicycles. The exact age of the Zig Zag Road is uncertain, but it first appears on the Ordnance Survey map of 1869, and has been popular with cyclists since the 1880s.

The road is a steady climb of 120 meters (390 ft) over 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) and, although on a much smaller scale, has been likened to the Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps. Box Hill will feature prominently on the route of the 2012 Summer Olympics cycling road race events: the men will climb the Zig Zag Road nine times and the women twice.

The Plan for the Day

The route there and back to this iconic hill sits just under 100k (approx 60miles). It is as flat as i can possibly make it although in total there are 4 x cat 5 and 1 x cat 4 (box hill) to go over. (steepness of hills go from 5 to HC ,therefore 4 is steeper than 5,)

If you have ridden to Whitstable then this is doable if you did L2P, what the hell are you worrying about !!!!

This is an iconic climb which will feature in the London 2012 Olympics so to have the opportunity to say you have gone up this baby, well not much more i can say really.

This day is open to all abilities as an idea for those that may find the distance a little tougher the suggestion of taking the car to the base of Box Hill, doing the climb, having lunch and driving back- well how easy and fresh your legs will be....

We will leave at 9am from the Park arriving at Box Hill approx 11:30ish. The climb then forms round 4 KOM after which we will have lunch at the cafe at the top and then return home. Therefore expect to be back in Eltham at approx 4.00 dependant on mechanicals/additional stops if required.

This is new roads travelled so can as many people as possible upload the route so we don’t lose anyone and we can therefore work as a team to arrive safe and sound...

Route will be on the calendar shortly..... It would be great to get a good turnout, after all lunch together would be a great club event, oh and club kit please – this is a cracking photo opportunity !!
MG

Bradders' L2P slideshow

The video is finally ready!!!! Enjoy.....

The L2P Report

Day 1, June 2-2012
Sidcup Place to Dover 84 miles

8:30 Saturday morning at Sidcup Place, the weather was damp and miserable but It was soon forgotten by the warmth and feeling of all those family, friends and club members that turned up to wave a 'Bon voyage' to the L2P-15, actually 16 if we count Pooke the Driver of the team backup van. What a great send off but it also gave a real gravity of expectation to the trip, many were doing it for a charity close to their hearts and the 5 who rode in aid of the Freddie Farmer Trust were humbled to have him and his family there to wave them off too. We set off at 9:00 on a route that was changed last minute due to worries about safety and over climbing, the safety aspect was changeable but you just couldn't remove the hills, only the gradients, but this meant extra mileage. The group stayed together until 1st stop 16m at Dino's mums for a Jubilee tea and bacon sarnies also taking on board lunch and of course 'the bread pudding'. There was already something of a flapjack competition brewing but the bread pudding was in a class of its own and lunch was eagerly being anticipated! 7 mile lane, Kent and we had our 1st incident, riding single file the group were overtaken by a car pulling a trailer that pulled in and hit Sean, who in turn hit Jo and wiped her out. Luckily for Jo there was a wet grass verge and the only damage done was a few scratches, it could have been a whole lot worse. After 30m the route became fairly flat and the weather started to improve as we broke for lunch at 43 miles. Everyone was looking and feeling good and lunch at the support van was a welcome chance to refuel, bottles and chat about how it was all going also the possibility of ever, seeing Kevin again, Kev had taken a wrong turn somewhere and with no map, garmin route or battery in his phone had unbeknown to us set off on his own tour of Kent and had suffered the 1st P. of the tour. Sean's flapjacks came out top in the early round and set a high bar for those to follow....
The group rode on through Hythe and at 70m Danny suffered the 2nd P. of the day, unfortunately when this was changed it added nothing to his speed, at 1st we thought this was completely normal, Danny's racing pigeon frame means that speed is not part of his armoury... When It was noticed that he was taking a nap while still moving on the bike it was thought best that he take 5 in the van and check his blood sugar levels as he is a diabetic. On through Sandgate, a lovely little town and through Folkestone to the days 'big climb' Dover Hill. The air display going on was nothing short of spectacular, as was the fantastic climbing done by everyone up that last steep hill particularly so because it came at the 75m mark. Special mention to Foxy and Dennis(The Legend) here for pulling up bikes built for touring long before the price of metal went through the roof up a Cat 4 climb...
Arriving in Dover we were still short of Kevin but now had Danny back in the group, feeling better but still looking a bit peaky. As we were about to board the ferry along came Kevin, haven ridden most of the day alone and in search of a phone charger...
Upon disembarkation at Calais the Tarmac became smooth and the optimism for day 2 grew with the confidence of an 84m ride well done. Dinner came in the form of left over sandwiches, bread pudding and flapjacks as the restaurants were all shut and bed was calling. Special mention to Colin and Rich, as ever looking out for the back markers and going the extra mile to help others.

Day 2
Calais to Arras 75 miles

A few weary faces at breakfast, some due to the ride others to the new knowledge that their 'roomie' snores like a bear!
9:00 depart (will Jo ever remember that!) and a wet, murky morning temp. around 10C, meant it was pretty chilly and waterproofs were de rigour.  Dennis set the warm up pace as we followed a lovely canal route out through fields and cobbled villages to our 1st big climb of the day, reminding the legs of the distance covered the previous day. The group had split before this point and Phil, Danny, Ed, Lee and Kevin went on their own little adventure due to a re routing setting on the garmin they were following. When they rejoined the main pack at the hotel they had tales of street parties, dancing, I'll fitting wigs and homemade pate, they also had 5 more miles clocked up over the main group. They looked like different people to the ones who had left Calais that morning, and in reality we all were, we had grown as riders and our confidence was high. We had all ridden to places both geographically and physically, changing who we were, giving us confidence and desire to want more of this tough but mind blowing journey. A stop before Arras at a commonwealth WWII cemetery brought a deep reflection and respect from the group, thoughts turned to home and with the Queens jubilee celebrations going on there, a sense of what being British and willing to die for what that means was given a meaning to fit the words. The group had done 4300 ft of climbing today and that had taken its toll. Danny had overcome his sugar level problem and was back to his old self and he even met with his parents-inlaw for a drink in Arras before a well scouted restaurant by Jo and Lucy provided the evenings meal, with Rich constantly in communication with his insurer, trying to locate his missing wallet and secure funds for his expensive cigarette habit! Special mention to Pooke, who drove and communicated and renavigated nonstop between 2 groups on 2 routes and kept us fed, watered and feeling like we were never more than a phone call away from rescue should a problem occur.

Day 3
Arras to Compiegne  74miles

A wet start to the day proved to be the toughest conditions we had to endure. Rich had a P. at under a mile and got through  3 tubes trying to change it, another few miles on and Foxy picked up one on his knobblys, he had got caught up in the moment and pushed his tyre pressure to a massive 65psi, blowing the valve!  the pressure was now on Rich (the new tyre man now it seemed) as Foxy only brought 1tube with him and nobody else had one the same size. A headwind and driving rain meant the 2 groups had to work hard taking turns at the front to make any distance. Foxy took a tumble when a sudden stop caught the group out, but he soldiered  on until a tea stop at Longueval, site of many WWII cemeteries. Another 20 miles on and a delicious lunch was provided by Pooke, and Foxy explained what was in his Hash cake flapjacks!  The group were really flying now, probably due in part to the flapjacks as we hit one of the highlight roads of the tour, Tarmac as smooth as silk and a road that just kept on going. The wind at our backs giving an easy 23mph on the flat left us buzzing when we finally stopped and regrouped at 61m. Group 1 set of and had to reroute due to a dirt track. They turned down a dead end and were chased by gypsy dogs, Sean was at the back and got bitten on his shoe! Now realising it was a dead end they had to scale a hill and managed to get onto another road rather than face the big fat gypsy dog that was waiting for them to return. Group 2 meanwhile crossed the river into Compiegne via a d road that was more like a motorway, heart stopping stuff but both stories adding to the days tales and bar banter that evening. Foxy had, had a 2nd  blow out forcing him use one of the spare road bikes for the day until we could repair it. Also that night we enjoyed a quiz, organised by Lucy and Jo, Team Garmin Cerveza, taking the prize by playing the joker Gel on the music round.

Day 4
Compiegne to Paris 60 miles

The final day and some mixed emotions, sad to see this great ride come to an end but exited to see Paris and realise a dream. The weather was perfect and the scenery spectacular. A big climb after 10 miles  and on to our 1st break at  29m Auberge du petit. A wonderful patisserie seemed rude not to, refuelled and off again when John had a major mechanical, a snapped rear dérailleur! Luckily Pooke was a few minutes away and carrying a spare bike for John to jump on and finish his ride into Paris. A quick lunch stop and regroup for the final  ride all together to Paris, traffic and roads were busy and the sun was really making it a day to remember. Paris, like London is a huge metropolis and it took an age to reach the Place de la Concorde, which seemed surreal as we had all seen it on the TV at every tour finale. Sweeping right at the Concorde we saw the amazing sight we had imagined since leaving London, the Arc de la Triumph. Smiles and handshakes were exchanged as we took our time to reach the roundabout and the bit we were all nervous about, getting across to the middle of the Arc. We all made it across and I hadn't even got off the bike when I was told by the police to leave...! We took a quick few photos and risked our lives again to take the 9th exit off the roundabout to our rendezvous with Pooke at the Eiffel Tower, we all made it by luck and to be honest sheer recklessness, not something you would normally do on any club ride but when in Paris...
A regroup under the tower and the obligatory hold your bike aloft photos done we met up with Pooke to pop some champagne and toasts all round. There was one last ride in Paris for some, along the Seine and up to Garé du Nord to put the bikes onto the train for the journey home. Those that rode it, all remarked on what a buzz it was, as the roads had dedicated lanes for bikes that weaved  in and out of paths and traffic during a crazy Paris rush hour. Bikes safely hung from their meat hooks at the baggage depo, a final beer was enjoyed by all, before boarding the Eurostar home. One last ride from St Pancras to Charing Cross after a P. change to Ed's bike! then home to bed.

Conclusion:
The ride was planned 9 months before and came from an idea by Phil. Without his support financially we would not have realised the trip, so a big thanks goes to him on behalf of everyone for giving us all the chance to realise a dream and in turn help raise a lot of money for some very worthy causes.
The devil is in the detail so they say and I am pleased to say that this time it all worked out. It only takes a small thing to change the plans of the day and change the way things happen, the Internet is a great tool for research but there is also nothing like experience and hopefully now a few of us club members have that to help any further trips. I want to say what a pleasure it was to have ridden with some absolutely wonderful people to Paris which just enhanced the whole ride and the wonderful places we saw. We shared something that only those that endured, enjoyed and embraced would be able to understand, it was more than London to Paris much more, I know I'm not the only one who will take this ride with them for a long time, the training, the planning, the sacrifices were huge but were dwarfed by the memories that this has created.
Its not always good to single people out but on this trip so many made it a good feel group, I will single everyone out and reasons why:

Phil Yardley: as we'll as the points above he was a great laugh, riding mostly at the back he was always taking big turns on the front for the team and leading them on, he found it tough but enjoyed every minute, I was never in doubt that he was going to make it through from day when I saw him come over Dover Hill. I hope he will come up with another great idea for the next ride...

Mark Fox: Foxy has a bike that seems to defy the laws of physics, he never once dropped off the pace, never complained, was always there with his dry sense of humour and he made some great flapjacks, even if they were full of ingredients that are illegal in some countries!  Great guy to have around on any tour.

Ed Walker: my bro in law Ed, I'm very proud of Ed as he embraced the training, did everything he needed to, offered help throughout to me and when he got on the bike was a natural. Ed loves a challenge and he made this one look easy, he also raised a lot of money for Parkinson's disease charity as his grandad suffers from it. If you think the hills were tough at times remember Ed did it on 2 bigs front cogs!! Wiggo watch out...

Richard Williams: Anyone who knows Rich knows he is a team player, always looking out for others, putting other people in front of his own goals if it calls on it, funny, jolly, interesting, I could go on and on, a complete disaster at times too but these are things that make Rich 1st choice on any team I would have. On top of that, a bloody great cyclist.

John Driscoll: John is funny, honest and another team player. I have witnessed John going from strength to strength with his riding and it's all down to his hard work and commitment, he is without a doubt one of life's good guys, loves his riding as much as he loves his bikes, another one I'd take on any trip anytime.

Lucy Manning:  Lucy has a smile that lights the room and a great sense of humour to go with it. She is an inspiration to the guys as well as the girls with her riding, loves to lead the way and never moans or struggles with anything, mainly down to her determination and hard work. Raised lots for Freddies trust as She made the miles look effortless and the climbs look like nothing, if there were any French strava sections, I'm sure she is now the new QOM...

Kevin Parmenter: What can I say about Kevin? Where is he for a start! There seemed to be 3 groups most of the time 2 groups and Kevin, however he always arrived always had a joke and never complained, did really well and got stronger each day. I do believe he is the 1st cyclist to ride the wrong way around the arc de triumph!

Sean Wells: top bloke, always joking, always smiling, powerhouse engine on him, always took his turn on the front and took one for the team. Also raised some great money for the Freddie Farmer trust.

Joe Willis: my right hand man, Joe has youth on his side, great for cycling, not so great for quiz questions! He did a great job with helping me organise things and helping draw up maps and test routes together. It's a shame he plays football during the winter because when he is bike fit there is no one to touch him for speed and climbing, apart from me on a good day with the right wind! He helped raise a lot of money for Freddie's trust and was a true leader, riding up front with some great pace setting.

Lee Loveridge: Lee to me was a great inspiration to have with us. He wasn't a cyclist until a few months before the trip but he did it purely because he wanted to raise money for Freddie's trust. What a great cyclist he is now. He is a great laugh, got on with things and never complained, apart from the sweat in his eyes! He did himself proud and Freddie proud, and I'm glad to now call him a friend, I hope he keeps the cycling up as he again is a natural who could go from strength to strength.

Joanne Bradley: Jo is great to have on any ride, funny, witty, chatty, and wont let you get away with anything! Very helpful and a great rider, easy to see why she is the clubs social secretary as she keeps things fun among the group, she is also very good in a crisis, calm and cool.

Dennis O'Callaghan: Dennis 'The Legend' I like to call him now. 65 years young and riding a bike made of lead up hills and on the flat faster than blokes half his age... A funny man, a helpful man, loved having Dennis around for the conversation and jokes.

James Pooke: Pooke, what can I say we didn't say already about Pooke, from start to finish he threw himself into his role and made it his own, a really tough job to do and giving up family time to help a load of crazy cyclists... Couldn't imagine doing another trip without the Pooke there to help out.

Colin Sears: Colin is a huge help although very modest with it. Always looking out for others, astute, calm and great at getting you out of any situation. massive turns at the front and he made Paris look like an easy Sunday ride, great company too.

Danny Catchesides: Danny boy! This is Danny's mention in dispatches, something he would love being 'ex military'! After a couple of attempts at doing events for Freddie's trust Danny has had a couple of setbacks with his diabetes. When L2P came up yet again he was straight in to do his bit for Freddie, even though this is a massive challenge to someone without that condition. On day 1 after 70 miles he was 'in bits' sugar levels too high and his body about to start shutting down, the next thing could have been cardiac arrest. He shrugged it off as a flesh wound and set out the next morning for more of the same. A fantastic laugh to have around any group, his view on life is warped and spot on at the same time. The man I saw on day 1 was a shadow of the man who finished with us in Paris, I'm happy he has conquered his demons and I look forward to much more cycling with him. He has the heart of a lion and I am proud to have ridden side by side with him.


For me Paris was much more than I imagined it would be, I was inspired and pushed to new levels, the scenery and sights are not achievable on anything other than a bike, I enjoyed the banter and the laughs as much as the country. What a great group of people who made it all possible and made the tough bits bearable, I can't say enough about them all. Paris for me was always the destination, it was the journey that tells the story of London to Paris and its a journey I'd love to take again, so where next?...

Dino.

What A Day!

What a way to start a Bank Holiday, the London to Paris LEC Team set off from Sidcup, the Kids Club and Fit Camp riders took part in the Jubilee Ride to Blackheath.

8.30am and Sidcup Place car park is damp, chilly and full of cyclists, some setting off for Paris, some coming to wish them bon voyage. Nerves, excitement and high spirits a plenty, all champing at the bit to get going.

9.00am and off they roll for a very eventful day. 85 miles, 3 punctures, 1 lost rider and a small road traffic incident later, and they all arrived safely at Dover in time for the ferry. More to come on that from the team themselves!

10.00am and the Fit Camp riders meet at Eltham Park South Cafe for a quick tea and then on down to Samuel Montagu to pick up the Kids Club and parents for the Jubilee Ride; red, white and blue clothes, bunting, flags and face paintings a plenty. Our 3 young Kids Club riders doing their first ever 'grown up' club ride on the road and they didn't let the side down, they rode brilliantly and were impeccably behaved. Charlie (8), having rode up from Bexley with his mum, accumulated 15 miles and survived upright in an incident with a rogue BMXer, who dogged us for a huge part of our ride back. Matt (13), our newest Kids Club member and newest rider, doing his longest ever ride on a bike. And Laura (10), with her huge smile and support for the others throughout.

Big thanks to Jason Z, Martin S, Ali, Karen and Neil for supporting. And welcome to Andy, joining us for the first time today for a not so usual ride.

It's days like this that make me so proud of the club we are!

Keep up the good riding and team work guys and girls.

Gaffer

Ride Report

Sunday's ride report now on the Ride Reports page.

Bank Holiday Weekend Activities

Saturday 2nd June - 8.00am Bon Voyage Ride to Sidcup Place to see off the L2P peleton.
10.00am Summer Fit Camp - Jubilee Ride to Blackheath - Dress yourself or your bike in red, white and blue and bring a sandwich if you want!
10.30am Kids Club Jubilee Ride to Blackheath - Dress yourself or your bike in red, white and blue and bring a sandwich!
Sunday 3rd June - 9.30am KOM Round 3 Level 4 and Decathlon Level 3 Rides (2 rides)
Monday 4th June - 9.30am Bexley 10 Course and Beyond, Level 4/5 depending on the group on the day.

KOM rnd 2 Shoreham and back 65k/40miles

"A lesson learnt".......

A grey, cold and wet Sunday could not deter a large group converging at the Cafe for two rides out, one to Hawley for the fitness club and one on KOM Competition duties out to Shoreham. Lots of introductions from the old crew to the new faces so good to see so many people on yet another miserable Sunday morning wanting to go on a bike ride. God we love our bikes or are we just slightly demented??!!

After a brief as to the day’s events, the group’s head out, MG taking the KOM roulliers down to Sidcup and on towards Bexley and the North Cray road. Re grouping we continue to the first “personal” challenge of the day- extra points on offer for those that wanted it. Up through Crown Wood and onto Skeet Hill the first Strava section picked out for personal battles. It was wet, muddy and slippery some choosing to cruise it others powering up, perhaps to keep warm or just to see who was on form for battle later in the day. Down through Firmongers and Cockerhurst Road, plenty of the team being reminded that we have been coming up these hills the last few weeks, the roads were full of mud, water and gravel. Everyone arrived safely although pretty grubby with all and sundry ready for a warming cuppa from the cheery tea ladies. Alas no coffee, mocha, latte thingy - obviously very popular, builders tea becoming the order of the day and plenty of cake, we all braved the elements outside as the rain had eased.

The talk became of the current Grand Tour taking place although Colin wanted none of it as he still had plenty to watch on his sky box. Well, we can draw the line at non tweeting of results but a week later and he still doesn’t want to know the result?? Is he waiting until the wife goes out so he can watch?? We honoured his request- this time, but he needs to get up to speed as the talk turned to things that I can’t print or want to be reminded of. Let’s just say curry and beer is not the best way to fuel up pre Sunday ride....person(s) shall remain nameless, but you know who you are.......

Off through the village, rain starts again we continue up onto the Pilgrims Way. All of us looking more like we were doing cyclo cross than road and with all the clothing reminiscent of January than May, I think we have resigned ourselves to the fact that summer was in February and we are now in autumn.

A regroup at Old Terry’s Lodge for the climb of the day, the Pocket Rocket and Jayne set the early pace with Greg flying up the road like he was on the training loop. Now a lesson here for everyone, never underestimate your adversaries, if you do it’s at your peril as MG was about to find out.

Second on the road was MG, a glance over the shoulder, no one in sight...an ease of the pace and the rolling continued up wards. Next thing Matt and The Cannibal shoot straight past- what the (for once the expletives were kept under wraps), both doing a fine job of leaving MG behind. The pressure was on to wind them back in...one bike length became two as MG having to up the gears, gets out the saddle to claw his way back, first Matt (who had been dropped by the Cannibal )is reeled in and then just Andy left...and then it happened.....CHAINGATE!!!!!

MG’s turn to go flying past, cresting the top with poor Andy trying to get his chain back on with the rest of the squad breathing down his neck- any offer of help from MG- of course not- protesting his innocence at not noticing the chain slip (thank god no video footage emerged) a re group at the top once everyone was up. Some seriously good climbing all the way down the road, with everyone really giving it everything in pretty tough conditions, oh what could have been, a major scalp of the day...we will never know. Fortune was defiantly on the side of the Goat on this particular Sunday.

A fast descent on the homeward stretch, first with Fawkeham  which was the second Strava section and then Mussenden, the roads still wet muddy and treacherous but all down safely, it just left us to get to Hawley and up Shirehall for the journey home. Goodbyes were said at the end of the road, some wanting to get back to watch the Giro- others perhaps watching it next week, but all of us wanting to dry off for sure!!!
It was a tough day for many people in tough conditions, with some real personal battles going on. Whether it was the conditions, the fitness, the distance or the climbing everyone worked together well, a credit to what the club does best. Tough to pick out everyone for points for the day so they are awarded across the board- well done.

However, special mentions have to go to a few:

Greg, a great powerful ride- is the man to beat this season and a huge help at the front and back of the peloton all day with those that were finding it hard going.

Colin, choosing to do a KOM on a fixie, a great climb, but to see him descend spinning his legs like they were on fast forward had to be seen to be believed and of course for helping out at the back too.

Matt and Andy, Great fun in the battle for second place, chapeau to both of you...

Pocket Rocket- never gives in, was a tough day but the smile never wavered!!

And to the rest of the group, it was wet, muddy and cold but you turned up, rode your bikes and kept the camaraderie going all through the morning. Thank you all for making a miserable wet morning actually rather enjoyable!!

Next KOM is Box Hill - Will perhaps leave slightly earlier but will advise nearer the time. Route to follow shortly, am trying to keep the mileage to a minimum so as many people as possible can take part and say that they have ridden the Olympic Road Course (well the best bit)!!!!

Request for Photographs please...

We need your photographs please...

• Do you have some taken at a recent Sportive?
• Do you have any of you in LEC kit?
• Do you have any of just your bike?  (for a new feature coming soon :-)

 If so, please forward them to me by email with a description of what they are.  If sending in bike only pics, please state make and model.

Many thanks to those of you that have already have sent in some.

Cheers All

Gadget

Ride Reports

Sunday's ride reports are now on the Reports Page. Well done all who ventured out!

Wednesday 2nd May - Club Meeting 7.30pm!

Gaffer

Club Meeting

Club Meeting - Wednesday 2nd May 2012, 7.30 pm

Downstairs room of The Red Barn, Barnehurst Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 6HG.

Items for the agenda to Ollie please.

Gaffer

Club Clothing

PLEASE NOTE: If you have recently emailed the club for information regarding rides or joining and you have had no reply, it may mean that your email has been lost due to computer problems. Please could you send your email again and we will respond immediately. Your enquiries are very important to us!

Dear All,

Due to computer and internet mail function, I have lost some emails for club clothing and I am having to completely redo the club clothing order. Please could you email me to confirm your requests. I apologise lots! I now have new laptop and have resolved internet issues, so plan to have the order in ASAP.  I will respond to each email with confirmation of order and deposits paid etc.

For more info on kit, please see the following (will open in a separate window)

Club Kit Sizing Chart >>> see here 

Club Kit Price List >>> see here

Cycling Fit Camp riders - your ride this week is on Sunday at 9.30am, shorter route out to Swanley Park.

We will be starting a new 'Summer Fit Camp' series on Saturday afternoons, starting with Level 1 on Saturday 5th May, 1.00pm.

Ollie 'the Gaffer' Golding