This weekend kicks off the first Go Ride sessions of 2012 at Hinchingbrooke.
Last week
Last session, we set up a similar course to that used the previous week, but added in rumble strips, a seesaw, limbo and what James calls the “bouncy, bouncy” (Apparently it’s a technical term !). Therefore we were able to work more on balance in addition to the other key skills.
We then went for fastest lap times with 15 of the riders competing for the coveted first place.
The overall win went to Ryan, with Sophie, Sam and Lotty close behind whilst Harriet posted fastest time in her category.
Rider of the week
Ryan and Holly won Rider of the week this week in the two groups, with special prizes in additio to mince pies and chocolate logs (as it was Christmas!) whilst Zach won a special award for the most imaginative exit from the see saw.
Race update
Sophie finished 2011 with her best result yet, coming 16th in the Broome Heath Scramble. Ashwell CC are hosting one of the few local Go Ride races next Sunday, 14th. More information is available on
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/…Cross-Race
Please let me know if you are competing in any events and I will post here and on the website through the new St Ives CC forum which all members have access to.
As always, anyone interested more in racing, let me know and I am sure we can find some events for you to have a crack at.
Next session
Going forwards, we will aim to split into two distinct groups, reflecting the broad age range that we now have so we can better match the start rides to the riders. Please can you therefore make every effort to arrive for a 10am start sharp, so we can ensure the groups are well matched. If you think your bike may need some attention or air (a common request), or would like to use our bikes as they will need some adjustments also, please try and get there a bit earlier.
We expect to be going for a slightly longer ride this week, then working on mass starts and sprinting.
We will meet just the other side of the zipwire from the cafe, since that gives us some protection from the elements. Please remember to bring a water based drink and a helmet (although we now do have a few helmets as well if you don’t have one). If this is your first time with James or myself, we will also need a signed parental consent form, copies of which I will bring.
We have a few 24” wheel bikes from British Cycling as well as our own 26″ wheel bike so we can cater for a few people that are unable to get their bike to sessions. These are available on a first come first served basis so I would recommend you drop either James or me a line ahead of the session if you would like to take advantage of this.
We will continue to hold these sessions on the first and third Saturday of the month. Therefore, the proposed dates this term are as follows:
21 January 2012
4, 25 February 2012
3, 17 March 2012
Please note that the second February date has been moved back by a week to avoid half term.
Club membership
Membership of St Ives CC brings a number of benefits including regular club runs, mountain bike trips, time trialling and the ability to race (at all levels) in club kit, not to mention the discounts available at Grafham Cycling.
If you would like to join St Ives CC, the 2012 club membership forms are now available. Please read sheet 1 of the application from and then complete sheet 2 and post to John Best, membership secretary (sheet 2 only) with cheque for correct fee. All details are on the form. Any current memberships and corresponding discounts at Grafham expired on 1 January 2012. ALL renewals must be sent to John by 31 March 2012 and membership correspondence will be done via email. A list of members for 2012 will be sent to Grafham with details of active or standard members discount.
Club kit
For those people who are (or become members), you are able to buy club branded kit as seen on the website. In addition to adult kit that has been available previously, we will be placing an order for children’s kit in early 2012. Pricing will be dependent upon how many garments we order irrespective of size, obviously cheaper as we increase numbers. If you are interested, let me know and I can then give you pricing before anyone commits.
Other stuff
I went and checked out Fineshade woods at the weekend, just north west of Peterborough and about 30 mins from Hinchingbrooke. I rode the 5 mile family trail which is very well looked after and has some cracking blue sections at various points around the ride . Therefore it makes a great trip out for you Go Riders to practice riding more technical sections such as berms or humps, whilst mums dads and younger siblings can stay on the main (flat) path. It also has a cafe, bike shop (part of Grafham Cycling so your club discount works there) and an RSPB Shop as well as a small playpark. If you have an iphone download the free Forest Xplorer app from the app store for more info. Thoroughly recommended and I will be back up there myself soon.
And finally…
James and I would like to say thanks to Andy Wylde, Pete Holt, Simon Pauley, Terry Davies and especially Jim Saberton for all their time and help last year in running the Go Ride sessions. If you would like to get more involved, please let me know
