Seacroft Wheelers Reliability Trials, Sunday 29 January.

Another record breaking year for the Seacroft Wheelers season-opening Reliability Trials with 209 enthusiastic local cyclists signing on for the 30 and 50 mile routes. Despite the cold, road conditions were good and very efficient start and finish registration by organiser Antony Brumby and his team made sure the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all. Finishing lists.

NEW for 2012, 'Seacroft RELIABLE 5' award.

Open to paid-up 1st and 2nd claim members of Seacroft Wheelers only, a new club award to replace the much coveted, but now defunct, 'Ron's Reliable Five' medal. Simply! complete the long version of four local early season Reliability Trials and the Evans Harewood sportive to claim your gong and your name alongside previous RR5 winners. full details

Annual Prize Presentation and Luncheon, 22nd January, 2012.

With the recent increase in membership, an 'A-list' Guest of Honour and the promise of a 3 course meal for just £10 there were all the ingredients for an outstanding social occasion, and so it was for the club Annual Prize Presentation and Luncheon, which to accommodate the extra numbers of over 75 members and guests was this year held at The Owl Hotel, Hambleton. Following an excellent meal the prizewinners of the year were presented with their hard won awards by our Guest of Honour, Brian Robinson, including the well deserved 'Club Person of the Year' for Malcolm Davidson and the David Jakeman Merit award for Ian Lazenby. Photos

Thanks to Ian Wood and his team for organising the very successful occasion, to Mike Penrice for co-ordinating the awards and Prize Presentation and to CycleSense and all who donated prizes for the auction and raffle organised by John and Sylvia Baxter which raised over £230 for club funds.

And a special thanks to our Guest of Honour, Yorkshire's own Tour de France legend Brian Robinson. In a question and answer session Brian gave us a flavour of the life of a continental Pro in the 'steak and rice' days of the late fifties when he became the first Briton to finish Le Tour and the first 'coureur Anglais' to win a stage. If Brian's account of his trailblazing exploits has whetted your appetite then his biography 'Brian Robinson, Pioneer' is still available from Amazon and other bookshops.

National Trophy Cyclo-cross, final standings, 15 January.

Another strong end of season performance of 14th place in the final round of the National Trophy at Shrewsbury moved Chris Barnes up to an excellent 17th position out of 58 overall in the series final standings, U16's category. Despite ' a bad day at the office' for Seb Marsh (Paul Milnes RT) he'd already done in enough in previous rounds to cap a super season by making the top 10 with a final 9th position overall in the same U16's competition. In the Junior race Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) also saved the best till last, 8th on the day being his best ride of the campaign to secure a very accomplished 12 place overall in the final adding up. report, results, final standings

'Mad' Mal goes 'National'.

He's long been an inspiration to clubmates and Yorkshire cyclists for his sporting prowess and, more recently, for remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and now Mal Davidson is set to inspire a much wider audience after featuring in the latest edition of a national publication.
Malcolm (pictured centre finishing the 2011 Tour of Britain sportive flanked by clubmates Andy Shearman and Fred Lyn) has been a member of the ProtecT Study into Prostrate cancer treatment since 2007 and the Winter 2011 issue of the Study magazine tells the story, including a welcome 'plug' for the club.

Malcolm's sponsorship page for the Tour of Britain ride on behalf of The Prostrate Cancer Charity is still open at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/madma

National Championships Cyclo-cross, 7-8 January.

It was a very worthwhile long trip to Ipswich for teams Barnes and Marsh competing in the cyclo-cross National Champs at Suffolk Cricket Club. Saturday saw strong rides in the Under 16's Youth race by Chris Barnes (left) in the Seacroft jersey and Seb Marsh (Paul Milnes RT) placing 24th and 14th respectively, whilst on Sunday Nick Barnes Zepnat RT) produced an outstanding performance for 8th place in the Junior title race. report and photos

Yorkshire Points final standings, 2 January.

Round 9 of the Yorkshire Points cyclo-cross at Todmorden brought the 2011 winter series to a close with Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) clinching the Junior title overall with another strong ride in the Jun/Senior race, a just reward for consistent progress at the top level. Younger brother Chris taking 6th U16 boy with only 5 out of the required 7 qualifying rides, whilst on form Seb Marsh (Paul Milnes RT) had an excellent series finishing a super 2nd position overall in the U16's boys on just 6 appearances, including a number of wins along the way. In the battle of the V50s Chris Beetham (WYPCC) just pipped Garry Marsh in 16th & 18th place respectively whilst Steve Barnes (Zepnat RT) made the top 20 on only 5 finishes in the V40s, where Martin Clough also made two appearances in the Seacroft jersey. MTB downhill specialist Matthew Downes was our only representative in the Senior category finishing around 20th place on only 5 outings. final standings

Belgian Bonus, 18-19 December.

In what is becoming an annual occasion a group of young Yorkshire riders ventured into the heartland of cyclo-cross for a weekend of top level racing in Belgium. Ideally timed to hone form and experience prior to the New Year season finale at home the trip organised and managed by Steve Barnes, Chris Young, Colin Humphreys and Ian McParland on behalf of YCCA saw some inspired performances from Chris and Nick Barnes, Seb Marsh and the rest of the appreciative team. report

Strong ride for Chris, Cyclo-cross National Trophy round 5, 11 December.

Already one of the most testing courses in the National Trophy series Round 5 was made even more difficult by rain and slippery mud, however Chris Barnes (right) produced his best ride of the campaign so far in front of a large 'home crowd' at Peel Park, Bradford. Chris has always ridden well on this course and his 14th place on the day has moved him into 16th place in the Under 16s series overall standings with just one more round to go.

Albeit a year older in the U16s category, Seb Marsh (Paul Milnes RT) continued his run of good form at national level taking 11th on the day to consolidate his excellent 10th position overall in the series standings. Also placing 11th, in the very competitive Junior race, Nicolas Barnes (Zepnat RT) put in another typically strong performance to pick up valuable points and stands at 13th overall going into the final round at Shrewsbury on the 15th January. Report, Results & Photos

Claim your free copy of Rouleur magazine.

Often described as “the most beautiful road cycling magazine in the world”, claim your free sample copy.

Jonathan Noble Memorial Cyclo-cross, Sunday 2nd October.

In sharp contrast to last year's deluge the recent 'Indian Summer' brought warm and humid racing conditions for Round 4 of the Yorkshire Points winter series on a course that was fast and hard underwheel, though no less tricky on the technical woodland sections. Growing ever more in popularity, with a number of 'first time' riders, the four separate races pulled in our largest entry ever at around 260 competitors which made for some exciting racing. Billy Harding (Paul Milnes RT) was first to take the flag in the Youth race with our own Chris Barnes in 4th just behind Seb Marsh (Paul Milnes RT), with Amira Mellor (Holme Valley Wheelers) leading home the girls.

The under 12's race is always a spectacle with no quarter given as the young stars of the future aim to make their mark. Jenson Young (Pedalsport CC) took the honours in the U12's category with Ava Oxley (unattached) leading home the U10's and Nathan Fortune (Pedalsport CC) the best of the under 8's.

The familiar figure of local favourite Chris Young (Wheelbase) won the Veterans event with Steve Barron (VC Lincoln) taking the over 50's prize and Adela Carter (Crosstrax) the leading lady. Seacroft were well represented in this event with a return to off-road competition by Martin Clough along side teamate Garry Marsh, with Chris Beetham (West Yorkshire Police CC) also putting in a strong performance.

The main Seniors and Juniors event of the day for the Jonathan Noble Memorial Trophy saw a close fought battle throughout with two riders finally emerging onto the finishing straight together where 18 year old Jack Clarkson (Pedalsport) (left) took the sprint ahead of Tom Last (Sigma Sport). Winner of the earlier Youth race Billy Harding (Paul Milnes RT) fancied the course so much he also rode the Senior event and his 8th place overall was good enough to also win the Junior category. Matthew Downes was the sole representative of the orange and blues in this event finishing in 35th position whilst Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) continues to progress in the senior ranks with a solid 12th.

Another successful promotion from expert organiser Steve Barnes who wishes to thank the many members and friends of Seacroft Wheelers, including Jasmine from Taptiming and Phil & Nora Thackray on the difficult task of lapscoring, who have helped to make this one of the most popular events on the calendar. result

Malcolm meets the Tour of Britain Challenge, 25 September.

Putting behind him months of treatment for Mesothelioma Mal Davidson, flanked by trusty lieutenants Fred Lyn and Andy Shearman, took on the challenge of riding the tough 140 km Tour of Britain 'Pro Ride' charity sportive based on a stage of the professional race around the Staffordshire Moorlands and incorporating the infamous climb of Gun Hill. Despite wind, rain and punctures the challenge was met and goal achieved in a ride time of 5hrs 43mins as Fred Lyn reports

Sponsorship.

Although no stranger to cycling's more demanding 'parcours' Malcolm's objective on this occasion was to complete the course within 6 hours and raise money for The Prostrate Cancer Charity, for full details and to add your support visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/madmal

22 Peaks for Stuart, 25 September.

Continuing his love affair with the "toughest and biggest cyclo-cross in the UK" Stuart Blackburn (right) lined up for an incredible 22nd appearance in the annual Three Peaks Race. And, 38 arduous miles and the peaks of Ingleborough, Penyghent and Whernside later, duly earned another finishing certificate for his collection, coming home in 4.48.50 for 355th place out of 598 starters.

There was also an outstanding ride by Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) tackling the course for the very first time and placing a superb 2nd in the Under 18's category and 76th overall. results  photos

Further discounts on Club Clothing.

At the recent Half-Yearly AGM it was agreed to further subsidise the cost of new design Club Clothing to members. First claim members under 16 now enjoy a 30% discount, and first claim Seniors 20%, across a wide range of more popular items. Whats more, new members can purchase their first Short Sleeve Jersey at a further 10% discounted price. Clothing details

Seacroft Wheelers Open 25 mile Time Trial, Sun Sept 4.

After a few years absence Seacroft came back to promoting open time trials with a bang, combining superb organisation and catering with excellent conditions for racing on the V232 course based at Dalton. Although later in the season and not attracting a full field this time around for many of the competitors in the Mens, Women and Tandem categories this will have been one of the best opportunities of the year in Yorkshire to post a fast 25 time, with Harry Armstrong (Berwick Wheelers) (left) winning the Mens event in 50.49 and Katherine Pimlott (Ilkley CC) the Ladies in 1.00.40. For organiser Ian Lazenby therefore it was a case of congratulations on staging such a successful event, and commiserations on missing out on the ride. With thanks to the members and friends for assistance with marshalling and other duties on the day, and the donation of cakes etc. for the refreshments. result

 

 

Jonathan Noble Memorial Hilly 11, Result, 1st September.

Fine late summer conditions for the Jonathan Noble Memorial Hilly 11 on the Thorner circuit brought the Evening Events season to a close with some fast times from a large entry of 23 riders. A perfectly judged effort over the two laps resulted in a convincing win for Ashley Walls (Yorkshire RC) ahead of teammate Steve Smith. Completing the 'podium' Paul Kirk (right) made light work of the hills to collect the Jonathan Noble Memorial Trophy for the fastest Seacroft member. Thanks to all members and friends who turned out to help with the running of this and other events during the season. Result

Three up 10 result, 25 August.

Lewis Barry Memorial Ride, Clubrun Sunday 11 September.

Lewis was a hugely popular and talented young rider who died suddenly on 29th June 2010 at only 15 years of age, the Barry family having long and close connections to Seacroft Wheelers and Lewis was well known to most racing members. Following a massively successful first ride last year in which nearly 200 riders crossed the Pennines from the National Cycling Centre in Manchester to Lewis’ home town of Garforth, this year a 48 mile circular route based on Lewis’ favourite training circuit has been chosen. Start 11am, Garforth Academy.

With so many members wishing to support the ride this will comprise the Seacroft Wheelers Clubrun for the day. Entry in advance £5, or £6 on the line with proceeds going to CRY - (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the Dave Rayner Memorial Fund. full details

Leeds - Filey - Leeds Long Distance Ride, 21 August.

11 members revive the traditional summer long distance ride in style with a 143 mile excursion to Filey and back, supported by Mike Taylor in the car and John and Sylvia Baxter laying on most welcome refreshments in Filey. Ian Wood reports on a long day in the saddle.

Spot the Wheeler*, La Look Sportive, 15 May.

Fred Lyn, resplendent in the new Seacroft colours, rides to silver in the 104 mile La Look sportive around Nevers, France. report
(* at the back)

Morecambe - Bridlington, 23rd July.

'From sea to shining sea' seven members, with the support of John Barda in the car, tackle the 134 mile Coast to Coast ride from Morecambe to Bridlington, and back to Leeds for good measure. Ian Wood reports on a memorable weekend.

 

 

Update from Brendan, 11 June.

Following a February training holiday in Sardinia our Dublin based clubmate reports an unfortunate delayed start to his road racing season.

Fred's Lincoln Grand Prix sportive, 7 May.

It proves to be a difficult day of cobbles and cramps for Fred Lyn in the 92 mile Lincoln Grand Prix sportive taking in the Wolds and the famous climb of Michaelgate. report

CycleSense Evening Time Trial League, weekly results.

The full results of each week's Thursday Evening League event can be found on the CycleSense website, News section, bottom of page, usually on the day following each event.

Sponsored by CycleSense cycle dealers of Tadcaster the League takes place each Thursday evening from 5 May to 11 August with a mix of distances up to 25 miles on courses in the Wetherby/Tadcaster/Cawood and Fairburn areas. With a generous prize list to be competed for by a wide range of categories the League presents an ideal opportunity for all abilities, expert or novice, to participate in Time Trial racing. It's as serious or as fun as you like and you can ride as many or as few events as you choose but competitors must be a First or Second claim member of one of the five participating clubs. full details

Hilly 11, 28 April, result.

The traditional starter of an 11 mile Hilly Time Trial on the Thorner circuit opened the Thursday evening events season with 23 riders facing the timekeeper in dry but cool conditions. Matt Lunn (Team Swift) began his own season in fine style with a winning 25 second margin over Seacroft's Paul Kirk with Giles Dumont (Moonglo RT) in third. Thanks to the members and friends who turned out to help with the running of the event. result

CASC Registration.

The club’s committee has successfully applied to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to register the club as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC). This registration formalises the club’s ability to operate without paying tax provided that turnover remains below a stated minimum level each year. CASC status will also allow the club to bid more easily for external funding if it wishes to do so. If anyone has any questions about this please raise them with Ian Wood through the Forum

Seacroft Wheelers 'Spring' Road Race, 27 March.

A full field of 3/4 category riders opened the Road season in Yorkshire with an 80km race on the Bishop Wood circuit near Wistow. Early season enthusiasm combined with light winds on the mainly flat course made for some tight racing resulting in an exciting bunch sprint won by Simon Owens (Peak Road Club), ahead of Paul Norton (Richardsons RT) and junior Ryan MacLachlan (Cottingham Coureurs). Expert organisation by Ian Hirst with the support of members and friends of the Club continued the 'Wheelers' reputation for promoting superbly run events coupled with welcoming hospitality.
Winner Owens, an officer with South Yorks Police, later commented "The organisation and marshalling were first rate. Each corner felt safe and well marshalled and I didn't at any point notice anyone coming into conflict with traffic. It was a pleasure to race...and win"

result , photos by cyclingimages

 

Jodrell Bank sportive, 12 March.

Fred Lyn chose to open his 2011 Sportive season with the same event as last year "satisfactorily" completing an 80 mile Cheshire lanes orbit of the famous Jodrell Bank telescope. report

 

Lakes and Lancs Spoco affiliation.

The club has affiliated to the Lakes and Lancs 'Spoco' series of sporting course Time Trials mainly held in the North West of England. This is a season long points based competition with 22 events between February and late July of which 8 must be completed to qualify. Events are listed in the CTT Handbook and designated L&L SPOCO. more details

Update. Mal's Barnyard Birthday Bash, 10 July, route description.

A date for the diary, help celebrate Mal Davidson's birthday as only cyclists know how? details,
Route details now available to download;  Course description,   .gpx file,   Google Earth file.

Ron's Reliable Five, 'Le Patron' joins 'The few', 6 March.

The exclusive Seacroft Whs club of 'Ron Kitching' medal holders grows to three as Fred Lyn joins previous winners Dave Smith and Chris Beetham after completing the 65 mile Yorkshire Road Club event, the last in this year's series. The Award can be claimed by anyone who completes the long versions of all Ron's Reliable Five early season reliability trials within the allotted time and 'Le Patron' duly displayed all the qualities and determination required to add to his 'palmares'. details

Record year for Reliability Trial, 30 Jan. Results.

The Seacroft Wheelers Reliability Trials were a great success with record numbers of 166 riders tackling the 30 and 50 mile routes from Squires Cafe Bar, Newthorpe. full result & report

New Club Constitution.

At the AGM in January the Club adopted a new Constitution and Rules. This can be downloaded from the 'Join' page of the website.

Harrogate to Holyrood Cycle Challenge, 15-18 June.

A 4 day, 220 mile cycling challenge from Ripley, Harrogate to Edinburgh to raise funds for Barnardo’s. full details

Annual Club Dinner and Prize Presentation, 23 Jan.

The sell-out annual dinner at the Ash Tree, Barkston Ash was another great success with 43 members and friends enjoying an excellent meal and Prize Presentation. Many thanks to our Guest of Honour Keith Lawton who, as well as presenting the well-earned annual awards to the present day members, brought along the enormous George Herbert Stancer 10 mile Trophy won by our schoolboy team back in 1983.
Thanks also to Ian Wood for arranging the occasion and Mike Penrice for organising the annual awards.

From the archives 2.

Speaking of Club Dinners and winners, Mike Penrice has turned up a group photo from the Ride-out lunch at Gateforth Hall in the late 80's, and who is that young prizewinner from the 70's?

2011 Club membership subscriptions.

Are now due, please send your renewal form and cheque to Ian Wood (details on form).

Brendan Italy bound.

Hoping it will be a case of pasta and faster Brendan Kennedy outlines his plans for a pre-season training holiday in Sardinia. Bren's blog

Morecambe - Bridlington - Leeds, 24 June .

Here’s another long distance challenge to add to your diaries for 2011:  Morecambe – Bridlington – Leeds against the clock! Well, not quite. The plan is to get up to Morecambe by whatever means available by the evening of Friday 24th June, stay in a B&B, ride to Bridlington on the Saturday (25th), again staying in a B&B and then  ride back to Leeds on the Sunday. The against the clock element would be to ride Morecambe to Brid in under 10 hours.

The route would be, roughly, Trough of Bowland, Hawes, Thirsk, Malton and Brid. The return to Leeds would be across the Wolds.

The ride will be fully supported – spares, drinks, refreshments – but riders would be expected to pay for their own accommodation on the Friday and Saturday nights. We’d have to charge a small amount to pay for the food, drinks and fuel for the support vehicle.

From comments on the club forum this proposal does clash with the Northern Rock Cyclone but otherwise seems to be a reasonably free weekend.

Estimated total mileage (if not riding Leeds- Morecambe) would be just over 200 miles.

Please let em know if you’re interested.

Ian Wood

Tour of Leeds charity ride, 6 Feb.

Also taking in Burnsall. A local early season 60 mile charity ride in support of the Princes Trust, details.

 

New kit ordering.

You too can look like our 'Cross stars, the first delivery of new design club clothing has been well received and new orders can now be placed at any time.

Individual members wanting new design kit should note that future non-bulk orders are possible. Ian W has agreed with the firm that once we have a total order of 10 items (e.g. four jerseys, 2 jackets and 4 bibs and so on) we can receive the Gear Club discount. In fact, it may be possible for Ian to secure the discount for even fewer items. To take advantage of this generous offer members should continue to advise Ian of their kit needs. He will then liaise with the firm and sort out the ordering. It’s probably worth reminding members that the last batch of kit was delivered in less than a calendar month (including the Christmas and New Year periods). Obviously, the club’s discount on tops will continue to be offered. Club clothing details

Chris ends National Trophy series in fine style, 16 Jan.

Resplendent in his new design club colours Chris Barnes (left) put in his best performance of this cyclo-cross National Trophy series in the final round at Rutland Water finishing 8th on the day in the U14 category and clinching a really excellent top ten place overall in the final standings, a great achievement in his first year racing at this level.

Elder brother Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) was also finding late season form with an excellent 8th place in the very competitive Junior category but having missed 2 rounds of the series could only finish an unrepresentative 19th overall. Seb Marsh (Bradford Olympic) also seemed to like this venue with 9th on the day and a super 10th overall in the U16's tables. Despite missing a round, and having to concentrate on 'team manager' duties, Steve Barnes (Zepnat RT) also kept the name in the frame with 19th on the day and 21st overall in the large Vets 40+ competition. report/results/photos

Annual Charity Ride, 14 May, 2011.

LATEST: Ian Wood and Alan Bodell now have costings for the overnight accommodation in Newcastle at the Swallow Motel. Anyone interested in the ride needs to confirm with Ian or Alan by mid-February so that we can finalise the rooms needed.

Let me be amongst the first to invite you on a ride in 2011. On Saturday 14th May the annual charity ride organised by Alan and Sue Bodell will be taking place. This year it’s from Mirfield (the usual departure point outside John Cotton’s) to Newcastle. There’ll be an optional departure point in Wetherby for those who don’t fancy the full ride. The distances are – from Mirfield approx 118 miles and from Wetherby about 90.

As usual the ride is fully supported and there will be an abundance of food, energy bars and energy drinks. There’ll be a night out in Newcastle (with accommodation bookable) but the price of which is not included in the fee for the ride. There’ll be a minibus back for those that prefer not to ride and non-cycling partners are welcome.

Cost of the ride is £20 and cheques should be made out to Alan Bodell. More details – including an outline of the route – are available from Ian Wood or Alan Bodell.

This ride was one of the highlights of last year’s long rides/sportive calendar. Once again you’ll be guaranteed good company, excellent food and a well planned and fully mapped route to suit all abilities. You’ll sample the delights of the West Yorkshire and Vale of York scenery, the spectacle of the Angel of the North and the restored glory of the Newcastle/Gateshead waterfront. Of course, you can also never underestimate the restorative power of a night out in Newcastle.

Ian Wood.

New kit order now ready for collection.

Ian Wood has now received the first order of new design club kit and has checked the consignment – everything ordered has been delivered. Ian’s now sorting the kit into batches for individual members and preparing invoices for the balance of costs where applicable. He will then email everyone who has ordered individually with details. Once any outstanding balance has been paid Ian will release the kit. Cheques payable to Seacroft Wheelers please. Kit can be collected from Ian’s house at a mutually convenient time or from the Ash Tree on the afternoon of the club dinner.

National Cyclo-cross Championships, Sun 9 January.

Chris Barnes put in a great performance on behalf of the Wheelers to finish 10th in a field of over 40 riders in the Under 14's category of the National Champs held at Derby over the weekend. Seb Marsh (Bradford Olympic) just one place behind in 11th in the U16's race with Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) a tidy 12th in the Junior event. result/photos

New Club FORUM.

At the recent AGM it was decided to introduce a Club Forum to encourage communication between members, prospective members and friends of Seacroft Wheelers. You will need to register with the Forum to be able to post messages. As always when using the internet please take care to protect your online security.   

End to End 2010, the full story.

Now he's finally got his breath back Ian Wood relates the full inside story of last year's epic ride.

 

Yorkshire Points Cyclo-cross final positions.

The nine rounds of the Winter Series are now complete and our Cyclo-cross riders have had to cope with all manner of conditions in the season long competition. Chris Barnes (left) achieved the best overall position for a Seacroft rider with a hard won 5th in the under 16's category, whilst now seasoned campaigner Garry Marsh took an excellent 6th in the Vet 50's. Seb Marsh (Bradford Olympic) took 6th U16 on just 6 rides and Nick Barnes (Zepnat RT) an excellent 3rd Junior. Steve Barnes (Zepnat RT) was also short of qualifying rounds to finish 18th in the Vets 40 category. full results

 

2010 News archive