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HAFREN CC ROAD RACE, MID WALES

SUNDAY 18th AUGUST 2013

Hafren Cycling Club are pleased to announce the addition of a new event to the LVRC Racing Calendar for 2013.

The club which is based around the towns of Welshpool and Newtown is venturing into Road Race organization for the first time and will use a circuit between Forden, Montgomery and Chirbury with the HQ planned at Forden Village Hall (still to be confirmed). This is a new circuit which undulates around the glorious Powys countryside, finishing on a testing climb up towards Forden, which will also need to be negotiated each lap.

What better way to prepare for the Masters Championships in St Johaan a week later!!

There will be 3 age related events.

A/B Cats – 10:30 a.m. – 6 laps (51miles)    

C/D Cats – 10:35 a.m. – 5 laps (42.5miles) 

E Cat and above – 10:40 a.m. – 4 laps (34miles)

Open to LVRC members, race entries should be on a LVRC entry form, with self-addressed and stamped envelope enclosed and accompanied be the standard £10 LVRC entry fee.

Entries will strictly be on a first come, first served basis, so get your entry in early to avoid disappointment. EOL will be accepted (£16), but best to contact organizer first before committing to travel.

Race Organiser – Rob Finch. 33, Llwyn Perthi, Arddleen, Nr Llanymynech, Powys. SY22 6QX. Tel No. 01938 590788

Steve Gutteridge Memorial Road Race May 12 2013

Promoted by Liverpool Century Road Club

EFGH event (6 laps) 41miles. Weather initially bright but with rain looking very likely, (the weather forecast was for rain starting around 11:00hrs.) with a stiff south  westerly breeze enhancing the run up to the finish. The rain finally arriving on the 4^th. lap although thankfully not heavy.

My last outing on this course was this event last year and again organiser Martin Moore and his team put on a very well organised event, generously sponsored by Hazel Gutteridge and Peter Fawcett, I also add that the event was extremely well marshalled. Unfortunately Martin was sporting a shoulder injury apparently sustained whilst training: Get well soon Martin!

On the long drive up to Saighton, near Chester, Mike Allen and I as usual were discussing the possible outcome of the race. Mick reckoned that Alan Kemp would take some beating on this uphill finish but he was not unduly concerned as Alan is in the younger age category.  It was good to meet Web-Master Jim Golden who pre-race admitted to me that this may be his last competitive outing, Please don’t hang up your wheels yet Jim! 

I had some very strong (G) opposition today in Pete Matthews and John Ginley plus others with whom I am not acquainted. In the H cat. field evergreen Brian Ellis and track-mate Dai Sankey. The rest of the field was extremely high quality, with Alan Kemp, my travelling companion, Mike Allen, Ken Corbett, track star Steve Davies and Malc. Fraser, to name but a few.

From the off the large group of around 40 set off at an incredible pace on the southern leg down towards the bottom turn at Aldford,  Although there were many minor attacks the group stayed intact. I just sat on at the rear trying to get my legs used to the much changing pace and knowing that this pace could not be sustained.  From my position I could see Alan Kemp in the thick of the action but there was one rider from Glasgow Wheelers, I believe Dave Lang(more of him later) who fascinated me with a strange tactic. One minute he was riding alongside me then the next he was up on the front attacking getting caught then drifting back to the rear, this occurred several times. It was obviously a successful ploy because on lap 5 on the southerly leg Kev. Shand attacked taking Dave with him. These two were never more than 200m. ahead but nevertheless still pressed on maintaining a gap which came down to approximately 50 m. on the sprint out of the Aldford turn with 3 miles to go: I was sure that it would be closed down.  But no! none of the E cats were prepared to pull,  everyone was obviously waiting for Alan Kemp to administer the ‘coup de grace’, but it never came,  these two sprinting  for the win with Kevin taking it from Dave, the bunch coming in a few seconds down, with Alan Kemp winning our sprint from Allan Ramsay and Mike Allen. I don’t get involved in bunch sprints , not being prepared to risk my neck or get in anyone’s way. I saw Pete Matthews  just take John Ginley for the G cat prize and Brian Ellis riding strongly into the H cat win.

After the race discussing the outcome with Alan Kemp, he admitted that he could have gone across but with good grace was not prepared to tow other E cats or the rest of the bunch with him.

In my opinion it was the responsibility of the E cats to chase. If they all had put in a strong pull the break would have evaporated. That does not take anything away from Kevin or Dave who rode their hearts out, knowing that it (the break) was rather tenuous with such a slender lead and may not succeed. Indeed this is one of the few tactics I used to be able employ successfully when my legs were a little younger.

After the race it was really great to see Les West who sadly sporting a chest injury sustained in a training fall recently, rode out to watch us racing, accompanied by his wife

Race result: 1^st.  & 1^st.E:  Kev Shand , 1^st F: Mick Allen, 1^st G:Pete Matthews, 1^st H: Brian Ellis. 

Accredited Marshals for Cycle Race Events on the Public Highway

To All TLI Cycling and LVRC  Members

As you are probably aware, for the past few years BC (British Cycling) has taken the lead, on behalf of themselves and other cycling organisations, to renegotiate aspects of the 1960 Cycle Racing on the Highway Regulations. The aim is to maintain cycle racing on the public highway and to make the Regulations better suited to 21^st Century traffic conditions. Back in 2010, TLI Cycling and the LVRC did offer practical support for this initiative. However, with reluctance and for the sake of simplicity at the national level, we agreed to BC being the representative body on the national negotiations. This agreement was on the clear understanding that the outcomes would be applicable and practicable for both TLI Cycling and the LVRC. To support the national project a representative of ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) has been seconded to BC for the last two years.

A significant outcome of this work is the creation of the “Accredited Marshal” role which enables trained marshals to use a “Stop-Event” school-crossing-patrol type sign. The sign gives a trained marshal the power to stop and hold traffic for short durations. This exciting and welcome development is currently being trialled in Cheshire and within certain other Police authorities.

TLI Cycling and the LVRC, annually provide age-related cycle racing for around 4,000 Full Members. We promote about 350 events, each providing 2 or 3 races within each event, all across the UK. TLI Cycling and the LVRC have jointly requested access to the training guidelines for Accredited Marshals currently held by BC. The intention is to similarly train TLI Cycling and LVRC members who may wish to become Accredited Marshals to enhance and support our current racing programmes.

TLI Cycling and the LVRC are concerned to provide this training in order to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of our respective 2014 racing programmes, as it is likely that over time Police forces may, in the near future, insist on the provision of Accredited Marshals as a condition of an event taking place.

A quality training provider has been identified and, subject to BC releasing the training criteria in the near future, high quality courses will be offered to fulfil the requirements of the Accredited Marshal scheme, from late September 2013. The intention is to provide the training course at no cost to members. We do not intend to place any restrictions on members who may wish to provide the service to a different organisation, including BC. Our aim is the maintenance and preservation of cycle racing on our roads, particularly age-related racing

For now, please be aware of the national developments and think about the contribution you may be able to make as an Accredited Marshal.

We will of course keep you fully informed of our progress in these developments in the first instance on our web sites and if appropriate by other direct means.

Nigel Harrop                                                               Don Parry

National Secretary TLI Cycling                                               Chairman, LVRC                     

 Just wanted to drop a quick line thanking the organisers of the Region 7 RR last Saturday at Cranfield, I was involved in the crash towards the end of the race, I broke my hip in 3 places and after being transferred back to Oxford, had an operation and a very painful week in hospital, but im back home now and will be back racing next year.
With kind regards
Andy Mckay - Zappi's CC.

Following the nasty crash in the ABC event at the Region 7 road Race Championships on Saturday both parties invovled,Richard Edwards of the CC Luton and Andy Mackay of Zappis sustained broken hips.Both have undergone operations to have their hips pinned and are recovering in hospital.Richard is in Milton Keynes and Andy is has been transferred to Oxford.I am sure you will join me in wishing them both a speedy recovery.organiser Paul Freeman

Organiser Gavin Garrett reports he has a full complement of 80 entrants and 1 reserve so far.

'I can take reserves and will inform by email all these of their status ‘reserve still’ or ‘in the race’ in the last week before the event

Please could you ask all entrants so far (within the 80) to email me if they decide to withdraw for any reason.In the final week before the race I will be able to inform all reserves whether they are included or still a reserve.'

Tour of the Abberleys Stage Race, Worcestershire 4-6 May

Final overall results

Race 1 A&B

1  Wayne Coombs  A

2  Richard Watson  A  @ 5 sec

3  Shaun Tyson  A  @ 59 sec

4  Jason Gurney A  @ 59 sex

5  James Anderson  A  @ 1.09

Race 2 C,D,E,F,G

1  Mark Westwood  C

2  Charles Zanettacci  C  @ 13 sec

3  Graham Payne  C  @ 42 sec

4  Mark Hammersley  C  @ 49 sec

5  Jim Moffatt  D  @ 1.03

Over 60s Winner:  Alan Kemp  E  @ 1.19

Full results on website soon.

Update: National Criterium Champs on 15 and 16 June at Hillingdon

Closing date for entries is now less than three weeks away.

Entry via RiderHQ please.

We currently have over 200 entries across the categories.

With field sizes limited to 50 per race, as at 6 May we currently have the following:

A=28; B=47; C=49; D=35

E=23; F=18; G=5; H=2

Clearly B and C categories are almost full.

Early full fields across the board for the ABCD RR Champs (for an event three weeks later), triggered off a furore over the FCFS policy.

Given the overwhelming interest in the RR, you will have to excuse me if I begin to wonder where some of you are for the Criterium Champs - an LVRC Flagship event.

At current entry levels, F and G/H categories will be run as two concurrent races ie. as separate races but at the same time.

Please note that there will be no EOL for this event. 

Organiser: Wayne Thomas email: wayne.thomas@wt-consulting.com tel: 07831 123220

Update: National ABCD Road Race Championships on Saturday 6 July

Sponsored by Condor Cycles

As previously reported, we had full fields for all categories several weeks ago, with reserve places available for 10 riders per race.

Since then, several withdrawals have enabled some of the initial reserves to be allocated a confirmed ride.

C category reserves are full, and interest and desire remains strong in the other categories.

We currently have just 3 reserve places for each of the A, B and D categories available.

If anyone is interested in a Reserve place please enter asap via RiderHQ.

Where possible reserves will be notified in advance if a confirmed place becomes available.

Organiser: Wayne Thomas email: wayne.thomas@wt-consulting.com tel: 07831 123220

Minty’s Memorial Road Race 2013

Promoted by Rutland Cycling Club

EFGH event (7 laps) 38 miles. At last we had some warm conditions after a long ‘non-spring’, bright and sunny with a cool south westerly breeze.

My thanks go out to new organiser Andy Smith, who has taken over this promotion from Roger Hearsum, and his team who put on a great event, well organised and again very well marshalled.

For once I travelled over to the race alone my usual driver Mike Allen was riding a 25 in South Wales. Arriving early I managed to get to ride a lap before the start to find that it was warm enough for shorts and no arm warmers, and also pleased to find that much of the course through Serlby Park had been re-surfaced, replacing a former potholed run before the finish.

The field of only approximately 20 riders took the start probably because the event was an addition to this season’s program and not listed in the race handbook.  It was great to be racing in shorts and short sleeves again.

The start was fairly steady with no attacks on lap 1. Starting lap 2 there was an attack by Dave Phillips (Lindsey Roads) and Pete Smith (Condor R.C.) but this was soon chased down and the compact group made a fast line out up the northern leg to Scrooby to the southerly turn into the wind where the status quo was resumed. The crucial attack came on lap 3 when Ken Corbett(Wakefield), Mick Day(Paul Milnes Cycles), Dave Maughan(Midridge CRT)  opened a small gap, this was augmented by a clever move from Dave Gretton(VC Nottingham), his first race this year, who latched on to the trio. I was not unduly concerned as all previous attacks which I had covered had been nullified and fully expected this to be pulled in. This was a big mistake on my part; when this group hit the headwind section and, as usually happens, there were not enough volunteers to pull. The foursome soon had a big enough gap to make a solo crossing impossible, I had left it too late and threw in the towel. The main peloton then settled into a chase which proved to be fruitless. Several riders tried, John Buxton putting in long stretches on the front, aided by Pete Smith to no avail. I was now resigned to salvaging my 70+ group position and tried several times to escape. Meanwhile at the front on the final lap Dave Gretton had been shelled out but managed to continue solo to finish 4th. With 400m. to go Ken Corbett went for a long sprint and  almost held on when Mick Day clawed his way up to his wheel  and in a last gap effort in true ‘Cav’ style threw his bike forward to win by half a length with Dave Maughan following close behind.

In the bunch sprint having failed to break clear I finished in 6^th. place to win my age group. So although not really contributing much I was pleased to have been going much better than of late, it must be the warm weather. I was also pleased to see evergreen John Dowell (CC Portuence) now 77 finish strongly in our group.

1^st. E cat: Mick Day, 1^st. F cat: Dave Gretton, 1^st. G cat: Derrick Woodings, 1^st. H cat: John Dowell.

It is a shame to see that the original Tom Simpson race course at Harworth is now not practical for racing. There is now a supermarket adjacent to the Harworth and Bircotes social club HQ complete with traffic lights, so it would appear that all events will now be held on today’s circuit, which is a little less demanding, but is far safer in my humble opinion.

One of our top vets for many years, Tony Woodcock produced another performance out of the top drawer with second place in the ICF European Road Championships at Desteldonk in Flanders.

Essex man Tony, Kingsnorth International, the current LVRC over 70 champion was part of a six man group in the 68+ and 70+ race which got away on the second of 10 laps. The group, five of them over 70’s soon built a commanding lead.

Never caught, they fought out the final sprint where the outstanding Belgian so far this year, Gerard Hairwasser took the title with Tony second. Hairwasser, Tony and sixth placed Theo van Mook are all former winners in St Johann.

The chasing group finished from seventh to 17^th with last in the group another regular Belgian campaigner Pete Ryalls who rolled in at the back as he refuses to contest sprints for ‘non’ placings.

Tony, a former independent for Ryall Raxar in the 60’s and Van Mook are also previous ICF World Champions, Tony taking the 60-64 title in 2004. His performance will no doubt have put down a marker for the LVRC’s Fourmies Trophy this year for outstanding overseas result.

In the 60+ race there were quite a few LVRC starters all missed the early move from which favourite Patrick Van Retergem was the winner.

 Great organisation by WAOD on behalf of ICF. 385 starters across all ages.Be interesting to hear from any under 60 LVRC members who took part.

                                   DRAGON TWO DAY

The only LVRC event in Wales, the long established Dragon Two Day at Resolven near Neath must be one of the Principalities best kept secrets as organiser Austin Heath, his wife Jen and his small band of helpers never seem to get the kind of field this excellent event deserves.

This may change this year when the 3 stage event is held on Saturday 1^st June and Sunday 2^nd June as to date the race up and down Neath Valley has attracted 53 entrants with more anticipated before the race.

The event starts with a 3.5 miles time trial on Saty morning. In the afternoon, ABC categories ride 43 miles with DEFGH 35 miles; Stage 3 on Sun morning is 56 miles for ABC’s and 42 for DEFGH’s. The entry fee is £20.

Motorcycle marshals protect the riders and there are plenty of B&B’s in the area. Ideal for a weekend away. The course may be flat but with windy conditions, the racing is always good. Why not give it a try? Entries to Austin Heath, Melrose, 12, Heol Morlais, Llannon, Carmarthenhire SA 14 6BD Tel 07977 905518.

TOACHIM VETS/MSTINA SERIES

 Hi Guys and Girls,

Just a couple of reminders:-

1. If you want to ride any event “out of category” (i.e in an older Age Group), please make this clear to the organiser when you enter. If it is not specifically noted on the race programme, remind the organiser on the day. Any member is fully entitled to do this under the LVRC constitution, but be aware that you do not qualify for a prize, or for any points in the Series.

2. The first 10 overall after each round will be featured on the website, but don’t forget that Barry Jones will keep a full spreadsheet going of all riders who gain points. If you want to be on his circulation list, let him have your e-mail address. His e-mail address is:-CJANDBGJ@aol.com

If you have any on-going queries about race or GC positions, please contact me about this on tomcat9@blueyonder.co.uk

This note confirms that Region 7 Criterium Championships will be June 11th at Milton Keynes Bowl. The races will as usual be open to all LVRC members but only Region 7 members will be eligible for Championship prizes.

TMG Horizon and Verulam CC are delighted to confirm that a new and additional event will be promoted at Hogg Hill Saturday 7th September and more information will be made available a little later. The intention is to make the prize list attractive to all riders . Please mark it in your diaries. For the sake of clarity this will not be the Region 7 crit champs which are June 11th at MK Bowl.   

Message from Redhill CC organiser Gavin Garrett' I have a 40 rider limit and I am now close to these limits for the 2 races running at the same time on the Crowhurst course.'

There are a handful or less places in each race (ABC and DEFGH)

Please could all wanting to race who have not already sent app forms call me or text to check the current status.

Gavin Garrett 07886185657

The Tommy Godwin Memorial Road Race organised by Solihull CC on June 9 at Bearley Warwickshire is full in all categories with a full field of reserves.
Russ Perry - Organiser

The new updated Race Organisation and Safety manual is now on the web site under the "Race Organisation and Safety" tab. This has been circulated to all organsiers and Race Cooordinators for whom we had email addresses. The NEC strongly recommend all LVRC members should be familar with the contents. Thanks to Wayne Thomas for his tenacity in bringing this piece of work to a conclusion.

Percy Stallard Event 3, June 9th Bashall Eaves
The places available for the C/D race have now been filled. Places are still available for the A/B and E/F/G/H race. Dave Hargreaves, organiser

These races start 7th May. Please note Milton Keynes Bowl has a limit of 80 riders,and all LVRC races will be limited to the first 80 (This has not been exceeded in the past,and probably will not be in the future)but the 80 up field will be strictly adhered to.
Chris Gunter
Organiser

           LETTER TO ALL RACE ORGANISERS

                      25^th April 2013

As ever the NEC thanks you on behalf of the total membership for all your efforts in supporting the LVRC. Nobody under estimates the value of the work you do.

You will no doubt be aware of the debate on the web site and by email about the issue of race entries. This is just one aspect of the huge change taking place in our sport.

One of the main drivers for this debate, although there are many others, is that F and G category riders feel they are being discriminated against by the first received first accepted rule. There are probably a number of reasons for this including generation / cultural aversion to IT / Internet and related issues and a growing proportion of younger category members.

The LVRC objectives state we are about age related racing – this means across all our age groups.

The NEC is considering how best to handle this in the longer term which may require a rule change – but that is an AGM issue. In the meantime therefore the NEC would like to ask all organisers, when deciding on their race entrant structure, to ensure there is a balanced allocation of places across all age groups, that represents the membership at large, so that those who may not be using RiderHQ and who may not be aware of the increasing need to enter races very early have a chance of getting a ride.

We are aware this request may make your jobs as organisers a little more difficult but ask you to understand the current position and try to accommodate this anomaly.

As a guide, as at 21^st April 2013 the current membership of the LVRC by age groups % of total membership is as follows -

A %      20

B %      24

C %      19

D %      13

E %      8

F %       9

G %                  4

H %      2

Thanks and best regards

Don

Chairman,LVRC.

The National Executive feels that members have had enough opportunity to express their diverse views on race entries and events selling out months ahead. Therefore we are closing the on line discussion until later in the season. By then we will have a better picture of how our race fields have been effected overall...and members can then put forward proposals for change which can then be fully aired at the LVRC AGM at the end of September. Jim Golden,webmaster

TOACHIM VETS/MSTINA SERIES

 It was good to see so many familiar faces at the opening event of this year’s Series - the excellently promoted Ciclisti Vecchi event.

If the race entries last Sunday are anything to go by, it looks like the Series will be well attended during the year.

 As before, all race results will appear in the Results Section on the LVRC website. As the season unfolds, after each round, the first 10 in each Age Category will be featured in on-going  GC classifications.

 However, I do from time to time, receive enquiries about a rider’s individual placing who may be outside the first 10. I also get enquiries about the overall situation in all Age Categories. Some of you will remember the spreadsheets that Steve Watson used to put out which gave all this information.

 I have some good news here, as I have received an offer of help from Barry Jones, whose computer skills far exceed my own. After every round, Barry will update an overall spreadsheet that will show the position of every rider who has gained points.

 He will send this out by e-mail, and if anyone wants to be on his circulation list, please send him your e-mail address to:- CJANDBGJ@aol.com

 As the season unfolds, any queries should be addressed to me, and not to Barry.

 Have a good season.

 Tom McCall E-mail:- tomcat9@blueyonder.co.uk

Derek Smith Memorial

Promoted by Halifax Imps 21^st April 2013

I don’t know what we’ve done this year to deserve this. Someone has obviously run over a black cat whilst riding under a ladder. What with bad weather and so on, now this: although the event was extremely well run again by Derek’s son Sean a nasty accident in the A,B race eventually caused all the races to be abandoned towards the culmination of all events, for us  in the EFG race it was after lap 8. It was the only fair decision as the ambulance and other vehicles present could have caused further problems and would have been a possible black mark against races in this area. I don’t know the full outcome of how many riders were involved or what injuries were sustained. I hope that nobody was seriously injured.

Apparently the accident was caused by a rider hitting some debris in the road from an earlier vehicle hitting a stone wall on a fast mostly flat /downhill tailwind section of the course where the speeds were extremely fast.

The race circuit had been modified from the previous two years to cut out the bottom half of the circuit to prevent a clash with a mountain bike charity ride. Putting it back to the original 4 mile lap of many years standing.

It was a great shame in our race for the three escapees, strongmen Mick Day(Paul Milnes Cycles), Reg Haigh(J.D.Cycles) and colleague Mick Allen(Pro Cycle Hire) who were well on their way to distancing themselves from the shattered peloton, which was broken into three distinct sections on around lap 4 on the only climb of the circuit. This was instigated by Mick Day and Reg Haigh upping the pace severely. Mick Allen was able to bridge but Ken Corbett ,suffering from a bad cold, was unable to latch on.

Mick(Allen) admitted to me on the way home that those two were absolutely flying, as he was only able to follow and almost got dropped each time up the climb.

The only silver lining from this was that it was decided the proceeds from the event be donated to the Dave Rayner fund.

Perhaps from now on things will start to look up!

Some seem to think that registering early for an event is unsporting. In my view it shows commitment and planning.  I will plan my year around the LVRC champs and give it my best shot.  First come first served rewards the ones who are committed and plan, which are all part of performance.

If the organisers have time to filter entrants, like BC and World Masters, then by all means let's move to an open system where we put down our best 3 or 5 or whatever results from the last year and are selected on that basis.  RiderHQ has a good system for refunding entry fees I believe.

The EFGH race will start around the same time as the ABCD as Dinnington RC are using a slightly larger course for the Tom Simpson Memorial races as they will now be able to have three three groups riding the course as the same time 10.25am. This should also help those riders in the EFGH categories who might be travelling with riders from other groups will not have to get there earlier as in handbook. Dave Marsh

The courses for the 2-stage Ramin Minovi Memorial Road Race have now been finalised, so we have added links to map and course profiles to the race website: http://rmmrr.wordpress.com/

The morning time trial is a touch over 2.5 miles, and while it undulates gently the general drift is slightly down hill, so times will be quick.

The profile of the afternoon road stage is a bit more challenging than in your average race - distance for the AB cats is approx 58 miles with over 5,500ft of climbing, with both the CD and EFG races taking on 49 miles with around 4800ft of climbing.

The CD race is very nearly full (just 2 places left), but there are still more than 10 places left in both the AB and EFG races. Please enter online through RiderHQ or send a postal entry by the closing date, Wednesday 8 May. From organiser Phil Weaver

All this wingeing about online entries is driving me mad,just accept that there is an increase of persons getting involved in our great sport.Life is not easy,its full of ups and downs,just accept it and stop bitching. Simon Jenkins 

Wayne, get off your high horse, will you!  Defend  'first come/first served' as much as you like, but something's got to change if the LVRC hopes to exist in the future.

The main thrust of your argument is 'what's the alternative?', and that's understandable, from your stand-point.  Nothing can change for this year, obviously.  However, I feel you have not yet grasped the underlying strong feeling behind all that has surfaced recently.  This isn't just about sticking to the rules...this is about tradition.  It's about the roadies' tradition.

New members, young and old, have caused more than a ripple through the LVRC, and there lies the quandary that it has been dropped into.  New members might follow your lead, but older members feel marginalised, I am sure, and that will lead to less unity within the LVRC.

In some respects, the original argument seems as if it has morphed from 'block entry & first come/first served' to 'organisers step up'.   Few people are ready to step up, and you, Wayne, have been one of the few, and you fully deserve all the credit.

My original 'whinge', if you like, was not about 'block-entry' and 'first come first served', but more about having a worthy champion..THE BEST OF THE BEST.   I felt that LVRC championships should be seeded, which will necessitate setting these special races aside, under a separate entry process.   However, my feelings now go for a wholesale change to the 'first come/first served' rule.  A new race-entry form, for the entire race calendar, to include recent race-results, plus a fixed entry date prior to the actual race is necessary.  Hopefully, this will happen before 2014.

I am sure that the LVRC has increased its' membership these past two years, the majority of which must be younger vets.  The future of the LVRC lies with the ABC's, I don't deny that, but, as I said, there are older members...the roadies...who are feeling marginalised at the moment.

Wayne, you have two hats...one as a race-organiser and the other as a member of the executive committee.  Try the other hat for a change.

Ken Ruffell
GS Vecchi

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The ABCD categories are now full for these races. There are 5 places remaining in the EFGH race which I will fill on a first come first served basis. Please can you post this info on the website. Organiser Peter Jeans

I have read with interest the lively debate arising initially from the disfunctional first come first served policy, now expanded into selection by ability or administrative involvement.

The Pinvin Road Race, which was cancelled in March due to snow, will now take place on SUNDAY 11 AUGUST.  All entrants on the start sheet for March will be carried over to the new date, unless they notify organiser John Mullen and send him a s.a.e. for a refund BY 30 APRIL.

To all those who propose any sort of ranking system as a methodology of overcoming this "problem" - please also answer this question.

Who is going to design and then administer the ranking system and all that entails?

Until that question is answered credibly there is no alternative to "first received first accepted".  

There are still a few places left in the A/B race of the Tour of the Abberleys Stage Race on 4-6 May in Worcestershire. Please enter online through RiderHQ or send a postal entry by the closing date, Saturday 20 April.

The VC Sevale (Malvern)  Road Race 2013

Incorporating the 1^st round of the Percy Stallard National Road Race Series

Sponsored by Onimpex U.K. & Boiracer

Driving down to the Malverns, occasionally through driving rain, Mick Allen and I were contemplating our choice of clothing for the day, would it be winter gear or warm weather kit? It all depended on whether the promised (BBC weather report) rain and 20mph. winds arrived. Well they were partially right!  I have ridden this event twice although not last year and knew that it was an extremely tough hilly circuit of 15 miles which had to be covered three and a half times, the start being remote from the finish, a true championship course.

Around 35 starters on the programme of the 60+ race signed on. The race started in reasonably bright conditions, a pleasant change from the past month’s events. There were the usual early attacks but nothing was allowed to gain any real advantage, all attacks on the first lap being countered. Just approaching the end of lap 1 by Leigh/Bransford H.Q. turn off, favourite Alan Kemp had a rear wheel puncture and pulled over to get a wheel change, he was fortunate that his wheels were the last to go in the following vehicle and were easily retrieved. .The peloton carried on many not realising his misfortune, I did because as usual at this stage of the race I was riding shotgun.   About two miles up the road Alan came up to my wheel and then went straight up to the front, I declined to follow, my legs said no!  There was a slight panic on my part when the peloton started to fracture due to the constant hills and the blustery wind. I just made it, again, many didn’t!  And we passed the finish with 2 to go with a much reduced group of around twenty. My defaillance came on a descent of all places. Much of the course was badly potholed, as is the case sadly, these days everywhere. I saw the line of badly surface road in the gutter and braked and moved over to avoid either puncturing or even coming down. By the time I recovered my composure a gap had opened and an attack up front ensured that it remained, this time hitting the strong headwind I couldn’t close it down. I put the gear up and chased hard reeling in eventually three others. I must have gone into the red zone, because after several fruitless miles my legs exploded and eventually had to sit up complete the lap and the rode back to changing rooms, I couldn’t face another lap, with one of the other chasers, who had travelled up from the south west to ride his first  LVRC this year. From now on I write this piece by kind permission of the hard men who were left, around 15. Although there were several attacks on the last lap they all stayed compact and it was decided in a sprint finish. Mike Allen on the left and Alan Kemp on the right fought neck and neck up the finishing climb into a tough headwind. Alan just easing his wheel in front to win by half a wheel, these two being a length clear of Tom Wilson; another notable ride by 70 year old John Ginley took 6^th place to win the G category, and our chairman Don Parry was up there in 5th place. So all in all this event despite the promised weather was a true test of the strongest riders taking the honours. 

Despite the controversy raging over the selection process for races due to cycling’s ever increasing popularity there was certainly no lack of quality riders for the Sevale RC’s promotion of the opening round of the 2013 Stallard - Omnipex Bioracer series. The main topic in the changing rooms however was how much clothing to wear after an early season blighted by cold weather and abandoned races, in fact for quite a few riders this was to be their first race of the season.
The C/D’s set off at a brisk pace and after three or four miles the ever aggressive riding of Martin Russell saw him drifting off the front with myself in attendance. On a very tough course with long drags, technical descents and exposed sections I think we were both probably relieved to be reeled in after about 45 minutes tough graft. From this point on the pressure never really eased with constant attacks. John French had said in the changing rooms he had good legs and indeed the first meaningful break came early on the third lap, John going away with Chris Davies, back from a month’s training in Majorca. The chasing bunch never made a concerted attempt to catch them, the course and conditions making it difficult, although there were constant attempts to clip off the front of the bunch, notably by Jim Moffat who never gave up hope. With just over one lap of the 4 ½ to go Paul Stubbs, who I had heard on the Grapevine was ‘flying’ and fellow C John Stevenson drove the bunch over one of the smaller climbs, Jim Moffat for once was out of position being trapped on the inside of the bunch and could not respond. Up in front Chris Davies lost contact with John French and it was eventually a three man sprint for the line between Stubbs and team mates French and Stephenson. It was an incredibly close finish and took detailed examination of the photo finish to eventually declare Paul Stubbs a worthy winner of a very tough race, with John French taking third and First D after being away for much of the race. Jim Moffat followed them in for a deserved 4th place after riding aggressively throughout and eventually getting some daylight between him and the bunch with Steve Baillie and myself clipping off and rounding out the top six.

Congratulations to the Sevale for once again putting on some great racing and sending everyone home well fed and watered.
 
1 Paul Stubbs                        C
2 John Stephenson            C
3 John French                        D
4 Jim Moffat                        D
5 Steve Davies                        C
6 Steve Johnson                        D

I tend to agree with Tony Woodcock re race entries - choose a quality field.  However, what's wrong with a points system that guarantees one?  Then their can be no favouritism, and all riders are rewarded for their efforts - even the last man to finish.  Continental; TLI, and BC results should also count. For many years - bar this - my winter training has been blighted by a virus which has prevented me from training for a good two months - planning well ahead has been the last thing on my mind: no enthusiasm.  This year, with just a two-week cold, it was my father who was ill, from early January to April 10, when he sadly passed away.  Again little enthusiasm and indeed little time to train. Non of us are getting any younger - let's not be required to look too far ahead.  Also let's keep pushing for closed roads and unlimited fields - why aren't our EMP and Brussels helping us? 

On the subject of race entries and full fields, I think with the convenience of the internet and on-line entering the current systems of first come, first accepted  (no matter how early) is now due for change, I cannot believe that all the people who are entering races in February can be certain of making the start line for races they are entering in May/June/July etc. I personally am never sure what I will be doing the following day never mind in 3 months!!! With the current system I can envisage full start sheets (which is now happening) for races in mid season but only a small percentage turning up on the day due to unforeseen events, lost interest, etc,  whilst those who have the time, form and the fitness for the event day being denied the opportunity to compete. My solution to the current process of first come first accepted would be for organisers to not be allowed to go “live” on accepting on-line entries until 6 or maybe 4  weeks before the date of the event, this would then ensure that there would be a greater likelihood of the correctly intentioned riders entering and taking part, the first come first accepted rule being applied following the “event open” date.

Martin Hackley

The ongoing saga of race entries and block bookings is easily dealt with,either:
1.organisers dont accept any entries until 1 month before a race or:
2.All entries are put in a hat and the first 40 entries for each race or so are pulled at random followed by reserve riders.No favouritism or elitism, entry is purely down to chance. Nick Dickens, Stone Whs

My view is that race entries should be secured on a first come-first serve basis, except for Nat. Champs which should be based upon previous results. Andy Coates

Having been told that my entry for an lvrc which was submitted 7 weeks before the event is "too late, full field", I am galvanised to get off my butt and join the chorus of protest at this system which used to work but doesn't in these days of huge interest in cycling. We have to ditch the first come first served system of race entry and select the best quality field possible, otherwise we are heading for lower standards and mediocrity in racing. I don't believe it is beyond the wit of race organisers to pick a good quality field either from their own knowledge of abilities or from that of a regular race rider. It seems sensible to me to give priority to the first 10 finishers from last years race and to riders who organise races themselves. And what is all this "elitism" crap I keep hearing? Cycle racing is about finding out and recognising who are the best. Hard work and dedication is what wins bike races, not whining about genetics. For the record my lung performance has a
lways been way down the scale. Until we can get unlimited fields as per the Germans, we have to look again at this process. Perhaps we'll get a full field at the agm this year. Tony Woodcock

LVRC  -  TUESDAY NIGHT MK BOWL SERIES 2013

As you might have noticed I have joined the team of Ron Day, Dick Selley and Gordon Batcock to organise the Tuesday night LVRC Bowl races.  We have come up with a few ideas for the 2013 series.

Race Format - All races (weather permitting) will be approximately 30 minutes on the inside circuit, then out the gates into the east car park (ie past the HQ) and then back into the bowl, generally the races will be in the anti-clockwise direction.  Once outside the gates, after approx 20 minutes the EFGH group will see 3 laps to go, once they are finished CD group will see 3 laps to go, then the same for the AB group.  If the weather forces us to race on the inside only, after approx 50 minutes the EFGH group will see 3 laps to go, and races in same order as previously described.  This format will not change, but we will need to make a decision on the night about whether to go out the gates.  To run these races we will need 6 marshals to allow the races to be run safely.

Marshalling - Previously this has been carried out by clubs/teams affiliated to MKCA, and indeed some clubs had to provide marshals for 3-4 events per season, this in my opinion and many others, is unfair and it is felt that all participating riders should carry out some marshalling duties sometime in the series.  Out of the 15 races I estimate that at least 3 will be held inside the bowl, leaving 12 to be marshalled and I think the majority of riders will only need to marshal once.  Riders can volunteer individually or as a club/team, there will be a spreadsheet at the first event for you to fill in your dates, alternatively you can contact me with your dates.  Please be aware that this will entail opening and shutting of the (heavy) gates and assisting in judging and lap board, and therefore might not be suitable for wives/girlfriends/children to carry out.  I would also advise riders to bring their bikes with them on their marshalling night, weather might dictate inside only, but they would be expected to marshal another night.

Please note there will be prizes on the night so marshalling will not affect any overall.  I hope riders will enter in the spirit of things, otherwise it will be inside every week.

If you have any views on this please do not hesitate to contact me on 01908 617808 home, 07973 155594 mobile or chrisgunter1@hotmail.co.uk

Region 7 Criterium Championships - Due to an administrative mistake, the championships will now be promoted by TMG and Verulam Cycling Club at Hog Hill on 7 September, details are on the website.  Sorry for any inconvenience  that this may cause.

Many thanks

Chris Gunter

Unfortunately the Mid Shropshire Wheelers Circuit Race at Shrewsbury on 16th June has been cancelled due to the circuit being double-booked. The MSW race on 21st July is still on.

The Stallard Event proposed for Sun 14^th July at Scotch Corner , organised by Steve Davies, has had to be cancelled, do to problems with police etc in the region, inc BC events, so Steve has offered to promote in 2014.

We urgently need events in that area.—Big thanks to Steve for trying--

I AM NOW STARTING TO RECEIVE MANY ENTRIES FOR THE E/ F/G/H---National Road Champs ,with out Stamped Address Envelopes—the Handbook clearly says S..A.E with Entry.I will NOT be sending out programmes to those who can,t be bothered to send SAE, why should I pay?

They know who they are! Mick Ives, organiser

The event on August 4th will be at Towcester with a 10am start and NOT as in handbook. HQ will be Towcester Leisure Centre and please send all entries WITH an SAE to Paul Freeman 91, Bowman's Way, Dunstable, Beds LU6 3LF. Cheques payable to ALPHA RC and not as in handbook. The event is filling up fast, so don't leave it too late and be disappointed. Race distance will be 40 miles, paul.freeman260@gmail.com 

Solihull circuit  race 2013

In my last blog on this event I began with the following words “Another cold miserable day                       “. Last year however it had followed a week of glorious warm weather, unlike this year where we have struggled to even get out training, well us ‘oop north’ anyway.

This year I again travelled down with Belper clubmate Mick Allen. The journey down looked promising the sun was already high and in the cab of Mick’s van it was warm and cosy. My first task whilst driving down was to read out all the riders on the start list to Mick, so he could analyse the possible threats to his success. The first name to come up was Martin Russell, my fellow MI Racing team mate. Next was Ken Corbett from Wakefield, both of these are attacking riders never afraid of going hard.

On arrival at the Tudor Grange Park circuit and getting out of our warm environment we had an immediate transfer to reality. The air temperature was just above freezing, we both went to inspect the circuit, having been warned by Ian Cowan that there was some snow around the edges of the path. It didn’t seem too bad except for a patch of wet road just before the last left hander running into the finishing straight. Apart from that the rest of the circuit was dry. The first race; A,B,C cats. got underway and we watched it from the comfort of the cab trying to retain some body heat. With 20 minutes left of this race we got ready to ride. Many layers of clothing much more than normal even for training at this time of year.

Ian Cowan and his Solihull CC members had again put on another superb event on this marvellous circuit under very difficult conditions, assisted by his band of intrepid helpers doing their best to keep warm. We at least would be working hard to keep out the cold air that was coming straight from the Russian steppes and the Urals.

After a few laps ‘Warm Up’. Around 20 of us D,E,F and G cats. We were set off for the 1hour plus 5 laps. I’ve always enjoyed circuit racing and at least we had a smooth 99.9% dry, pothole free ride to look forward to.  True to form as predicted, first to attack was Martin Russell, who soon gained a good gap which was kept at around 50 metres for a lap before there was a concerted counter by several stronger riders including Mick Allen who were not prepared to give Martin any freedom.  This status quo remained until lap 10 when again Martin attacked and took Richard Coleman (Stourbridge) and inevitably Mick Allen away. Seeing the danger Ken Corbett (Wakefield) jumped and after a lap clawed his way up to this threesome. This then looked serious, 4 powerful riders, about right on a tight circuit like this. The rest of us, I had not yet developed a full head of steam , were somewhat scattered behind. I had a slight fright being tail end Charlie, again found myself behind a rider who committed the cardinal sin of leaving a gap, this was really serious now, however I had the strength to go round him and close the gap on the only climb on the circuit. We in this chasing group of around 12 then attempted to close on the front four. It was not to be and the gap grew slowly but surely. There were several ill judged solo attempts to get across by one or two frustrated stronger men, where it should have been an organised through and off chase. As usual it didn’t work, too many passengers. One rider no. 14, I believe his name was Alan Vallance(Colalville) -there were no numbers allocated on the list of riders I had- kept trying and I made a big effort to get across to him succeeding after half a lap and we then started working together, I was now feeling good. A couple of laps later looking round I saw what I thought were the rest of the chasers closing in, when in fact it was the break who had mopped up the chasers. So for the remaining 15 minutes we were a compact group again. When the countdown from 5 laps to go came up, I managed to organise a gap from the original break so that they could ride their own race out in front. From this group Martin Russell attempted to get away but with at least two strong sprinters there, it was hopeless and it was left to Mick Allen again to show the younger men how to do it, easily winning from Richard Coleman and Ken Corbett. In our group a lap later I made a futile attempt to escape with 1.5 to go again on the short uphill section, needless to say I was soon closed down and having spent my last reserves watched the bunch sprint bringing up the rear, won I think by Belper clubmate Bill Cotton. So all in all I had had a good fast race and wearing exactly the right amount of clothing had kept warm throughout for the first time this year and giving away several years I was extremely satisfied with my performance.

It’s now virtually April and with winter still trying to hang on; there were one or two snowflakes drifting down. I hope by my next event, The Sevaleroad race, the first round of the Percy Stallard series it does warm up somewhat.  

Online Joining Problems:

On one of my not-very-regular visits to www.lvrc.org.uk/interactive/members forum I discovered two postings from would-be members who are having problems with the on-line membership program. They were both complaining about an absent e-mail that was expected to give them a password so as to complete their application process.  It does not help to respond to such posts if you hide behind a name that we can't investigate in the membership admin pages. Two points:

1. You can see by looking at the Forum that it is not the most visited bit of the website and any response to a post depends upon someone who a) reads it regularly and frequently and b) cares about the subject; not always a common combination.

2. The website at http://www.lvrc.org.uk then Interactive then Contact Us provides a number of e-mail addresses to which complaints/requests/comments should be sent; they are directed to a responsible executive who normally redirects them to the most appropriate director or Region official for action. Such e-mails should contain as a minimum the enquirer's name, address and postcode.

The problem with some recent stalled membership applications has been tracked down to some members who have an @aol.com e-mail address; not many but they seem to come in bunches. The LVRC server has sent the password e-mail to the @aol.com server but this server has either not bothered to send it onto the member or has done but had it returned. In both cases, the @aol.com server has not returned an error message to the LVRC server so how are we to know? If you can access a different e-mail system, I suggest that you use that until we get to the bottom of it. Other problems are caused by incorrect input and where the message while trying again tells you that your e-mail is already in use, it means that your previous attempt has not been entirely unsuccessful, merely not completed. In these cases, send an e-mail to mike@lvrc.org.uk .

We are here to help, specially if you make it easy for us.

Mike Cross
National Registrar

You are advised that the correct e-mail address for Region 8 Registrar Martin Bush is martin.bush@bushhealthcare.co.uk .

RR Entries.
What a good debate this has turned out to be.I would like to add my two pence worth If I may.

The basic problem is the size of fields allowed by the authorities. Would it not be a good idea to have three seperate races with the max number of riders allowed.(80 in my area). Three races would be allowed with the alloted time space between each race.What about marshals I hear you cry. Well if you have 80 riders per race you have 160 potential marshals at your finger tips if a condition of entry is that you help in the running of a race. For eg race 1 would be marshaled by riders in race 2, race 2 would then be marshaled by riders in race 3 race 3 marshaled by race 1 riders. Any rider who does a bunk after their race would then be black listed and refused entry to 5 races or whatever penalty is appropiate.
Hard to police??? Well in this day and age of the internet a list of riders not marshalling would be easy to set up on this web page for organisers to read. John Callagan

On the race entry debate i would like to add my twopennorth, being a disadvantaged rider who lives abroad for 6 months of the year.

No disadvantage in that you may think, with the endless sunshine and winter riding it brings with it. However, contrast that with having your bank account defrauded, debit card cancelled and no 'working card' with which to make financial transactions.

I now find myself unable to re-new my membership ahead of my return to the UK [ no card to pay with] neither can I enter any races.

I do think the best method for race entry should be a fair and open one. That is, no preferential selection as it is essential with an aging group of riders to encourage all and not to favour a few.

We win races by being first past the line and perhaps first in the post or by email is the best method. The alternative, and it is known, is that if your face doesn't fit then you don't get accepted.

Fair and open please with the possible condition of a maximum number of race entries in a season. That way, if races are over subscribed we all may get something instead of nothing at all.

LVRC Nat. Champs
Callum Gough and Steve Marrows are right, I believe.  There has to be some credibility in winning an LVRC title.  Callum's point was quite significant....some vets, perhaps, are more 'digitally organised'...quicker on the button than Callum!

But we could adopt a selection principle based on the one used by the CTT and British Cyling.  I may be wrong, but I think it is based on entries received by a certain date, followed by a selection process based on best current, or recent performance?  The best field is always assembled for the National Championship.  If I am right, then that is how our championships should be run.

I don't do time trials, (yet), or BC events, so forgive me if I am wrong.

Every comment posted so far adds loads of weight to the arguments and to the dilemma that Don and the management team are faced with.  As with all sections of our digital society, diversity prevails....you can't stop progress!  But if we are to thrive as an organisation, then we must find a common uniformity.

The LVRC National Champion has to be the BEST OF THE BEST!!! Ken Ruffell

Message from The Chairman regarding entries for National Championships and related issues.

There is much conversation and some discontent about this subject and related issues. I would like to set some context.

Firstly it is worth remembering the LVRC is a completely voluntary organisation and we are all doing our best, part time, without pay, with other stuff going on in our lives.

Secondly our objectives clearly state the LVRC is about age related racing – not ability related racing. We do not have an infrastructure that measures ability and it is unreasonable to expect an organiser in one part of the country to know if rider XYZ in another part of the country is in sparkling form or not or the status of their previous pedigree.

For the first time this year we have adopted an online race entry system, RiderHQ, which from all the feedback I have received is a success. We are trialling it this year with a limited number of events with the intention it should have more widespread use from 2014 onwards. As an organiser myself it has made that job so much easier. We are however, still learning how to use it most effectively. Equally the LVRC is changing and evolving all the time, in many ways, including the application  of technology.

There is an added pressure here due to the wide age range of our racing members from 40 to over 75 some of whom are not comfortable with the internet etc and generally speaking it is many of the older members who are contributing significantly to our organisation.  

The issue and comments relating to season long block entries from “February flyers” has some validity particularly if it undermines the quality of a championship field.

Season long or half a season block entries by individuals is not a new phenomenon but the RiderHQ system does make it easier therefore probably more common now.

For the last few years now, nationally, there has been entry overload pressure on early season events which fades away through the late spring and early summer.

Nobody has come up with a workable alternative to “first received, first accepted” (Rules of Racing 23) as a basis for accepting race entries, on anything other than a local basis. This is important because any organiser must have a nationally agreed impartial framework with which to work or else he or she could be accused of bias in accepting entries and we all wish to avoid that.

Those that have spotted it are correct in that this principle is inconsistent with having a “closing date” for race entries. The “closing date” is there now as a back stop. My predecessor as chairman, only 5/ 6 years ago  wrestled with the completely different problem of actually getting members to enter in advance at all as opposed to expecting to enter on the day or at best during the last few days.

We are learning however and the NEC discussed these issues at our last meeting after the Baines Racing Race at Towcester. It is likely therefore that for 2014 two amendments to existing rules will be proposed, subject to agreement by you the members at the AGM.

Firstly when using RiderHQ as the race entry system organisers will have a strong recommendation, maybe a rule,  that they should only open for entries, say, 8 weeks prior to the event. “8” is negotiable but it seems reasonable. All other suggestions welcome and the NEC will take a balanced decision for 2014. If it’s a rule change then it will be proposed and voted on at the AGM.

Secondly we will propose that “first received, first accepted” is retained for all the reasons outlined above, but amended so that an organiser should have a percentage of entries available for allocation at their discretion. That percentage seems to be in the 10% - 15% area to be reasonable thereby allowing for all manner of special cases to be considered.  All other suggestions welcome and as this will be a rule change it will be subject to AGM approval.

Although a long item I hope this reassures members your NEC is in touch with the sharp end and actively moving the LVRC forward and recognising some of your concerns. Again – all feedback welcome.

Don

I have been reading from the sidelines as I would appear to be a "special case", as I live in Germany and only participate in the Nationals and any races around that date. For Cat C this year that means a nice double weekend of racing Saturday and Sunday. As I have to plan a trip around the races, I need to know I have a spot well in advance. I left BC because the BC Nationals were sometimes announced at very short notice.

The problem in my opinion is not early registration but a completely different one. It is the restriction on the size of the fields. For example the German nationals are only offered in 10 year age brackets with fields as large as necessary to accommodate everyone. Last year the 41-50 age group was over 200 participants. The mood of the general public, police, authorities etc in Germany is much more negative towards cycling than as I experience it in the UK ("all dopers"), yet such field sizes are no problem. Even normal weekend races in various open categories have fields of 200 +. The traffic is one way on the course (obviously same way as the racing) and once you are dropped you are out of the race. I was very surprised to see oncoming traffic, especially at the Nationals. Restricting the fields to 50 would seem to be the problem to me. Look at St. Johann - that's a huge circuit of 40 km that is one way most of the afternoon.

That's my view.

Gary Weir

Without the logistical nightmare of a points/ranking system for each age category I struggle to see how a fair method of selection based on performance can work. Organisers and regional officials are burdened enough without additional paperwork. Maybe we can all get our heads together and one of us come up with a simple solution which works and is fair (this will require a change of rules passed at the AGM) but for the time being the selection criteria is simple –  Rule 23.   The closing date for entries shall be two weeks before  the day of the event. Entries to be accepted for all events on the basis of first received, first accepted. The only exception to this rule is that there is a three week closing deadline for entries for all Percy Stallard and National Championship races.

National Criterium Championships at Hillingdon on 15/16 June

Field size has been limited to 50 per race

Current entry status:

A=21; B=35; C=39; D=29

E=16; F=8; G=2; H=0

As you can see B and C cats are filling up fast.

Nb. For those north of Northampton, getting to the Hillingdon Circuit - as a timing reference point: I now live in Milton Keynes and through the Winter (incl last Sunday) I have regularly made the journey. On a clear Sat/Sun it takes me 50-60 minutes.

Organiser: Wayne Thomas: 07831 123220 / 01908 666802 ; wayne.thomas@wt-consulting.com

ABCD National RR Champs on 6 July are Full

Update - Some Reserve places are still available

All categories are now full with 50 riders in each race ie. we have 200 entries + 19 Reserves.

Thankyou to all who have shown such interest and commitment.

I am sure that by then that sun and warmth will prevail!

There are 10 Reserve places per race and some are still available (at this time) as follows:

A=5, B=8, C=1, D=7

We have allowed for 20% reserves - against the past two years experience of 25% "no shows".

All riders will be contacted at least once in the 3 weeks leading up to the race to "flush out" as many no shows as we can, as early as we can.

And any reserve will be advised as and when a confirmed place becomes available. 

To gain a reserve place you do have to enter, preferably via online RiderHQ, and you do have to pay.

If as a Reserve you wish to withdraw, you can do so up to 21 days before for a full refund, and up to 14 days before for a 50% refund.

If you are still on the Reserve list on race day, clearly it will be "pot luck" time. If you have turned up, but do not get a ride, you will be refunded your entry fee on the spot. 

It's as close as I think is reasonable to an "each way bet" for a Reserve rider.

Whilst I cannot guarantee that every Reserve will get a ride, past record suggests that your chances are good.

Nb. TVP have assured me of a decision regarding course, total numbers, and concurrent racing by the end of this week.

I will post a notice on the website.

Organiser: Wayne Thomas: 07831 123220 / 01908 666802 ; wayne.thomas@wt-consulting.com

La Fleche Waltonne 17^th. March  2013

I recently read an apt definition of British weather: 9 months of winter followed by 3 months of bad weather.

After last week’s experience I was hoping for a better weekend, although the weather reports were not very encouraging.  I again travelled down to the event with Belper clubmate Bill Cotton. This week the  weather  was better although cold it was dry.

Arriving at the Husbands Bosworth changing rooms it still looked as though we might get a dry race, although speaking to organiser Phil Rayner he said that he had had phone calls already asking if the event was going ahead, someone from the Shropshire area said that it was already snowing there.

Don Parry arrived saying that it was snowing when he left.  Anyway being an optimist I got changed again and Bill and I rode down to the start, by this time it was now raining slightly which soon turned to sleet. I should have been sensible and gone back to the changing rooms there and then, but no, I’ve definitely lost my marbles and took the start with all the other hardmen. Then it really started the sleet now turned to thick snow stinging my eyes. I had indicated to Bill I would do 1 lap then go back. This is what most of us did although one or two did make another lap. Arriving back at HQ it was like a field hospital in a war zone; the hot showers at least de-frosted us.

We then heard that the event had finally been abandoned due to snow inundation making the roads dangerous. Having ridden in similar weather to this over 50 years ago, I must say that these conditions were the worst I’ve ever experienced.

Bad luck Phil! after last year when the conditions were similar, I didn’t ride then because of the weather being bad before I set out from home. Two years in a row it must be a sign that the global warming syndrome is now at end  and to turn back the firing of Drax with woodchip to good old coal which might help to reduce the heat escaping from the atmosphere.

Please convey my regards to all the marshalls and helpers who turned out in what was a fruitless exercise.  Maybe next year

NOTE: Mick Ives address for National RR Champs on July 7th is 78, Mill Hill, Baginton, Coventry CV8 3AG NOT as in handbook.

I have one Mountainlife Active jacket left my car on Sunday. Contact me via email or phone to claim.

NVRT BAINES RACING RR- TOWCESTER

The first race of the 2013 season. I travelled down to the event with Belper clubmate and newly elected club chairman. The weather at Cromford where Bill lives was not very promising, a good layer of fresh snow. At my home further south there was a slight dusting of snow being whipped up by a nasty east wind. Once we got to Derby the snow had disappeared only to reappear again over the Charnwood Forest near Leicester. We both said then that if there was no improvement we would re-consider riding, we cyclists are nothing if not optimistic. On arrival at the friendly A5 Rangers clubroom it had stopped precipitating and so began the long preparation to ride; multiple layers of clothing to keep out the cold from our ancient bones.

 I had again decided to make this event a fast training exercise, leaving my heavier wheels in, as the roads at this time of year are notorious after a winter of gritting. As it turned out although the sun never broke through the temperature was just bearable. The ride to the start, about 5 miles indicated that it was going to be a hard race with, for the first time in this event, blowing down the finishing climb. This made the long trek out to Maidford a ‘gutter grovel’.

Again as  usual Don did us proud, great organisation, at least no real wet weather and photo finish equipment which operated  correctly this year. which proved vital!  Anyway a good opening  event again for us up north.

 There were again 6 laps for our event to cover over this undulating circuit with two reasonable climbs each lap. Our race was for the 55+ age groups so it was going to be hard and fast as far as I was concerned.  We even had the privilege of riding with ex pro Bob Downs newcomer  to the D cats this year.

 The first two laps were fast and furious and although there were one or two brave souls trying to escape nothing materialised as a working break. I had problems on the aforementioned Maidford run, the crosswind here was brutal, we were riding wheel to wheel trying to avoid the potholes whilst not fighting that crosswind. I was happy to sit in for the first 2 laps just getting used to the feeling of riding at racing speed again after 5 months.

I was never under real pressure, moving up on each of the climbs and then drifting back to the lantern rouge position. The first real attack came on lap 3 when several riders broke on the crosswind section and the peloton started to fragment as one by one riders made the front group I saw Bill Cotton make the front , by this time our group was down to about nine most of us going through and off to try and make contact. We finally got on just before the left turn up Maidford hill where I had a near disaster, pulling my left foot out and unable to get it back(damned overshoes). When I finally got going I was 50 metres off the back. I set to knowing that if I wasn’t back on by the next left turn into the wind I might as well climb off. I made it just!! managing to recover on the headwind run back through the finish. By this time I was the only G rider left so opted to observe from the back I watched smooth pedalling Barry Jones, team mate, strong man Barrie Mitchell. Chris Gunter who made several late surges to no avail. The wind proved to be everyone’s enemy today. Bob Downs looked truly comfortable and indeed ended up with a high placing. Coming into the last 2k the much depleted peloton, about 20,started to jockey for position. I sat it out at the rear not wanting- or able to get in the way of the sprinters.

I was extremely pleased to see clubmate Bill Cotton gain first F placing.

I am now happy to have got this one out of the way and used to the continuous fight for position holding onto the wheels again. However I’m definitely back on the velodrome on Tuesday for some warm dry training again until the weather improves.

If the weather and conditions were bad for us then the marshalls and other helpers on the course deserve a massive vote of thanks; they must have been frozen. So Don please convey my thanks to all concerned.

Whenever I listen to the weather reports these days and they emphasise the ‘wind chill factor’ It would be useful if the general public, to whom they are talking, rode a bike in conditions like Sunday;

It would be very apparent what that means. As for the global warming we were all promised many years ago, please can we have some now. As for climate change I remember 50 years ago(1963) we were having exactly the same conditions. Of course my comments are purely anecdotal but it would appear that our weather is again through another cold cycle and as of 1963 we at least had a good summer that year.

Report on NVRT Baines Racing Road Race 10^th March 2013

49 out of 84 names on the start sheet faced the worst conditions this race has ever experienced with snow, sleet, rain hail and strong easterly winds making for a very hard day. The air temperature never went above zero degrees the whole race.

In the ABC race a group of nine formed after about 2 laps and stayed together until the finish after a long war of attrition. Most of the winners came from this group.

In the DEFGH race the main peloton stayed together for the whole race in the dreadful conditions sheltering together for protection. The bunch gradually thinned down leaving a long hard headwind bunch sprint to decide the winners.

As well as the riders the real heroes were the people who marshalled in the cold and wet for about 2 hours. Huge thanks to them all – a really appreciative changing room provided a huge round of applause at the end which was thoroughly deserved.

Just to confirm to all interested parties there will be no entries on the day taken for this race on Sunday 10th March. I suggest you do not turn up and hope. Don

After reading all the letters regarding block entries I hope that riders that ride for clubs that organise LVRC events are still going to be given preference when selecting fields. Is there going to be a three strikes and you are out policy for riders that enter on block and do not turn up come on guys, how many Guys have we known over the years how have been flying in February and packed in for the season by the time of the Division Championships Paul Webster Dinnington RC (The Dinnington RC organises two LVRC events per year)

How can the national rr be full when is the closing date is there any riders riding for teams that have never promoted LVRC events Paul Webster Dinnington rc flag carrier at LVRC events for 15 seasons and active racing member 

The Redhill Road Race on June 23rd, event five in the Toachim Vets/Mstina Series will now be held on the Crowhurst Circuit and not as indicated in the handbook. Race format is unchanged ie two races ABC (9 laps) and DEFGH (7 laps) both on the road at the same time with a five minute gap. There will be a limit of 80 riders on the road so there is a limit of 40 per race on a first come first served basis. Fred Little, Region 9 Events Co-ordinator.

Wayne Thomas, Championship organiser has received 179 entries already for the events on Saturday July 6th.

C Cats are FULL + 6 reserves.

A Cats 11 places + reserves left

B Cats 9 places + reserves left

D Cats 7 places + reserves left.

Please not that this assumes that we continue to receive police approval for two concurrent races, and four in total, with a maximum of 100 riders on the course at any one time. I will confirm as soon as I know. Wayne

From organiser Wayne Thomas

96 entries acrossall categories. Little interest from EFGs ---- plenty of time.

In the interests of rider safety we are limiting field sizes to 50 riders.

NB: I have ridden at Hillingdon with 110 3rd cats! For those who have not ridden at Hillingdon before, it is a purpose built closed circuit approx 1.5 km round.

Smooth good surface, good width, not overly technical, with one drag, one short climb, and a straight 300 metre long finish. There is a large clubhouse with catering facilities, with showers available at the adjacent Goals soccer centre. If anyone would like to know more, please do contact me.

Circuit is located close to Heathrow approx 1.5 miles from either M4 or M40, easy to go to.

wayne.thomas@wt-consulting.com 07831 123220

Firstly, thank you to all organisers for taking up the new methodology of race entries via RiderHQ. All I have spoken to say it is a success although it has thrown up one or two unespected situations for us to deal with. We are all on a learning curve however and the experience gained has been invaluable for the future development of the LVRC and using the system in the future.

One of the inconsistencies that has emerged simply because we initially all did our own thing in terms of dealing RideHQ is that we do not have a consistent fee across all races to RiderHQ. We should be in a position within the LVRC that all race entries attract the same fee. With this in mind I have therefore agreed with Nat at RiderHQ that all entries will attract a fee of £1 this year which is less than some of you are paying.

This will be with immediate effect so that all entries received will be at the old rate, if its different to £1, and all entries in future will be at £1. I hope this is clear. Thanks again.

Don, Chairman LVRC

I am not sure why Pete is complaining about members entering races 'en bloc', I certainly sit down at the start of the year with the handbook and enter all my races. If I cannot make a race I notify my withdrawal and donate the £10 to the kitty. I see no devious practice in this approach as this has always been the way I plan a season.

Now, I have only been a member of the LVRC for three years so I qualify as one of the pesky newcomers. I am also secretary of GS Henley which is a new club established in Sept 2009, now with 189 members. The majoriy, 135, are over 40 so we contribute strongly to the' A/B categories... of novice riders who have lots of money.'

We have a keen group of LVRC members. We have one member, Wayne Thomas, on the National Executive.

However, I protest most strongly at any assertion that we do not put something back into the sport, We provided marshals at the 2011 National Road Races with 26 club members helping assisted by another 25 LVRC members and friends (inc Pete Wilson). Myself and another member have also done the BC 'lollipop' stop sign accreditation and marshalled at four BC road races in the last 12 months. GS Henley is also running the National Crit Champs and are running a BC road race, I think we are doing our share.

I would vote strongly against rider selection and would encourage race organisers to us RiderHQ for ease of entry. The LVRC should also welcome new members with open arms as they bring an enthusiasm and willingness to help to relieve longer term members who have done more than their share over the years. Alienating those new members by telling them are rich boys who cannot cut it in BC Cat 4 racing and they are not welcome in the LVRC is a sure death sentence for the organisation.

Welome them with open arms, teach them how to race safely and as they grow into the sport tap into this lifeblood for the next generation of marshals and race organisers.

John Rayner, Secretary GS Henley CC

From organiser Steve Davies

Change of policy in North Yorkshire may cause cancellation of the additional Stallard announced last week. For a number of years Ferryhill Whs have run an LVRC event at Barton, Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire and as recently as two years ago the local Safety Advisory Group were content for the race to take place in the traditional way with marshals using red flags. This was despite insisting on traffic management for a BC event which was proposed for the same course. Last year the safety advisory group requested traffic management for the LVRC race which led to cancellation.

Having made arrangement to have traffic management in place for the intended Stallard on July 14th have been moved again as the BC regional Competition Administrator has been advised by North Yorkshire SAG that all events now require a section 16 road closure. I am hoping to discuss this with the local SAG in an attempt to keep the LVRC event on the calendar but if a full road closure is insisted upon then clearly the event will, once again, have to be cancelled.

There is much discontent in the LVRC membership at the moment because races are filling up quickly and early and many people who normally expect to get a ride are missing out including other organisers and helpers. The rules of the LVRC are very clear - "First come - First served". This has been a rule for a long time and certainly for a long time before I was involved.

The rule can be changed at an AGM but if anybody wants it changed there has to be a simple to operate alternative in place so that organisers have a clear framework within which to work or their job will become unnecessarily difficult. Remember we are a completely voluntary organisation so if an idea requires administration - somebody has to do it and not the existing NEC Members who do so much already. 

All ideas welcome - get the rule changed if you do not like it.   

Event not in handbook Sunday May 5th MINTY's MEMORIAL RR 10am Doncaster DN11 8LT undulating AB 49 miles, CD 44 miles, EFGH 38 miles. NO EOL . No reserves. Organiser Andy Smith, 1, Durvale Court, Dore, Sheffield S17 Tel 0114 236 9440 Mobile 07767 354606 ndsmith1@gmail.com

There will be seven Stallard Series races this year. Not in handbook is an event Steve Davies of Ferryhill Whs is putting on on July 14th at Scotch Corner. The best five points tallies to count. More details later.

The TT championships can now be entered using the Rider HQ facility... www.riderhq.com/events/66731/lvrc-national-tt-championships Oosted entry forms etc are also acceptable.

HANDBOOK CORRECTION - Sunday 7^th July Region 9

The email address for Ray Healey organiser of the Dave Griffiths Memorial Road Race

on Sunday 7^th July is cipohealey@yahoo.co.uk and not as stated in the handbook.  

                           Open Letter To All LVRC members

Recently we have been discussing whether a race organiser should close the entry list as soon as he has a full field or wait until the official closing date and select entries.

When the LVRC first started every member chipped in and promoted races or helped with marshalling etc. The age of our promoters is increasing  with very few members willing to step into the breach, unless this situation is rectified the organisation will die a natural death with only closed circuit races left. In the days of the BLRC I was a member of the Highgate Cycling Club and I kept getting my entries returned when I enquired of the organisers the answer was always the same “YOUR CLUB DOES NOT PROMOTE!!!” As a club we took this to heart and started promoting BLRC races. For the last ten years as national secretary I have stood up at the AGM and put this point to the few people who bothered to turn up with no result. I feel that unless we go down the road of selecting entries from  clubs or individual members who put something back into the sport first this situation will not resolve itself, we now have too many members who are not willing to give up one weekend to put something back into the sport.

I having ringing around a few organisers and a worrying trend is appearing we now have a situation where riders are entering for the whole season en bloc this is mainly among the A/B categories and consists of novice riders who have lots of money and being inspired by GBs success in 2012 are kitting themselves up to a professional standard and entering our events because they cannot hack it in BC races this will be the detriment of our regular riders who are going to get fed up if they find their entries returned who will then promote and marshall? I feel that too many members are having a free ride and it could cause the demise of our organisation.   

Promoting a race or helping is not rocket science and there are plenty of us older members willing to show you how it is done, I love this organisation and I do not wish to see it go down the pan.

                                    Pete Wilson

GS VECCHI SPRING CLASSIC RR  Herriard, Basingstoke, Thanks to Police co-operation we have been allowed to run 3 Events (with 2 concurrent) So Race Starts and Distances will change as follows:, 09.00hrs CD 50Mile, 9.05hrs EFGH 40miles, 13.00hrs AB 50miles.

The Sevale Stallard RR in Worcestershire on 14 April is now nearly full.  There are just 2 places left in the AB race, the CD race is full (but you can join the waiting list on riderhq.com) and there are 9 places left in the EFG race.  90% of entries have been through the online entry system.

The Region 7 road Race Championships will take place at Cranfield at 1400 hours on Saturday 4th May 2013.Headquarters are Cranfield Sports Hall.Distance ABC 40 miles DEFG 35 miles.Circuit is undulating.THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO REGION 7 RIDERS ONLY.Organizer Paul Freeman,91 Bowmans Way,Dunstable.LU6 3LF.Cheques Payable to Alpha RC.

Please note cheques for National Handicap Road Race Champs on August 4th and Region 7 Road Race Champs on May 4th are to be made payable to ALPHA RC. Paul Freeman, organiser

Plea from your Regional Registrar.

Applicants for renewal or new memberships who use the post will have seen that you are requested to supply a C5 stamped addressed envelope with the application form and cheque.  As usual, this simple request seems to pass by some people un-read or misunderstood.  The reason for specifying a C5 envelope is because that is the size that a Handbook fits in and for the uninitiated it means that which an A4 piece of paper folded once top to bottom fits.  Anything smaller in either dimension means extra work for your hard-pressed Registrar when preparing the despatch of the licence and Handbook.  Cutting and sticking the address and stamp from a small envelope onto a C5 envelope takes about as much time as writing out ten licences.  

A C5 size enveloped licence and a Handbook weighs less than 100grams and so a standard 50p second class stamp suffices.  Any envelope bigger than C5 in any dimension will be a large letter and attracts a postage rate of 69p.  And just to square the circle, C5 measures 229mm by 162mm.Mike Cross, National Registrar

Aug 4th National Handicap champs as 1000hours start.Distance will be 40 miles.Location will be Greens Norton,Towcester,and my address as 91,Bowmans Way,Dunstable,Beds.LU6 3LF Closing date for entry as 14th July 2013.

“Unsurpassed, The Story of Tommy Godwin, The World’s Greatest Distance Cyclist” tells the story of an incredible man from Stoke on Trent who broke two world endurance records over 72 years ago. Yes, before BLRC and at a time when road racing as we know it now, did not exist in the UK.

In 1939, the year he broke the world’s year distance record, the Belgian Sylvere Maes won that year’s edition of the Tour de France covering 4,224km for its 21 days. In that same month Tommy rode 9,581km over the 21 days, well over double the distance with no rest day! Note that this years TdeF is only 3,360km long but still over 21 days.

            The book has been sponsored by the Stone Wheelers CC and all profits from the sale of this book will go to RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims. An interim cheque for £1,000 has already been presented to them.

            To read reviews of the book visit www.tommy-godwin-unsurpassed.co.uk. Or contact the author Godfrey Barlow on 01270 780738. Price is £11.95 post free. At is also on Amazon Market Place.

Message from Tony Woodwcock: Please note that Kingsnorth Road Race on August 11th is EOD - entry on the day only. Not EOL as shown.