Thornton Road Club Blog

ROTARY CLUB of ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA Castle Cycle Challenge

2012-01-29T17:13:00.001Z

I am writing to you as a previous entrant to our annual Cycle Run for Charity.

The Rotary Club of St. Leonards on Sea has organised this event over the past 23 years under the familiar title of "On Yer Bike" and has raised over £224,000 for the St.Michaels Hospice, the Hastings Lifeboat and other Local and Rotary charities through sponsorship that YOU, the riders, have obtained.

This is a magnificent record and last year you raised just over £12,500. We hope you beat that amount this year to enable us to give that little bit of extra support to our two main Charities, in this, our 24th year.

I enclose details of this year's event and look forward to your continued and valued support.

You can now enter online: www.stleonardsrotary.org

Routes

Entry Form

Details provided by Gordon

Bike Jumble

2012-01-29T16:35:00.001Z

Time to sort out your old and unwanted cycling bits lying around at home. Bring it along and convert it into cash.

Date: Saturday 31st March 2012

Venue: Fowlmead Country Park, Sholden near Deal, Kent. Off A258, CT14 OBF

Sellers from 8 am Buyers from 9 am

Traders £10 Private £3.00 Single bike sales £2.00 (Some tables available).

Jointly run by Deal Tri Club and VC Deal.

For more details or bookings contact;

Gary Harrison 01304 365554 on g.1946a@hotmail.co.uk or

Ian Ferrell 01304 367325 on i.ferrell@virgin.net

Bethersden Reliability Ride

2012-01-29T16:22:00.001Z

Some Hard-core Club Riders are going to meet at The Good Intent Pub for 8.00 a.m Sunday morning 5th Feb and ride over the Bethersden Village Hall HQ. This is weather permitting, otherwise we’ll drive over

Don

Picture of the week

2012-01-29T15:58:00.001Z

Saw this in Cycling weekly, made me chuckle

James Frost with Matt Crampton

2012-01-23T09:21:00.001Z

Here is a photo of my son James with Matt Crampton of Sky track Cycling, who recently won gold in the Kerin at the Europeans, at the London Bike Show. When I asked Matt for some advise he replied "stay upright". Well for myself that is good advice!

Danny

Kent VTTA Reliability Ride

2012-01-22T17:01:00.001Z

This will be on Sunday 5th February 2012 starting from Bethersden Village Hall at 0900.

You have the option of 33 miles in 2¾ or 3¼ hours or 50 miles in 3, 3½ or 4 hours. £2.00 entry fee to Roger Burchett, Haytor, Stone Street, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4JY, or £3.00 on the day.

This event is open to all.

Saturday Winter Ride

2012-01-11T23:44:00.001Z

I will be organising a Saturday run from the Cafe at Hythe at 9.30am going to Rye where there will be a stop at the cafe next to the Harbour at the small round about next to chip shop.

The run will go via ‘Lower Wall Road’ to Newchurch ,proceeding to Ivychurch, proceeding to Brenzett roundabout. From there the run will proceed to Appledore then along the canal road to Rye around the one-way system to the cafe. I will be going at a steady 16-17 miles per hour, and it will be classed as a winter run just to get the miles in.

If anyone wishes to join in all are welcome. This is not an official club run but just ride to Rye each Saturday, and anyone can join in at any point in the route, or they can meet at either cafe.

Brian

New years Day 2012 Results

2012-01-06T20:55:00.000Z

Sthbgh&DstNYDTT2012

Christmas Dinner 2011

2011-12-21T20:09:00.002Z

Photos of the dinner are on Flickr. I have not seen anyone since but Viv and I had a great time, the venue was good, plenty of room. Many thanks to Toni and who ever else was involved.

Don

News Day TT Start sheet

2011-12-21T20:00:00.000Z

Race starts at 10.30 a.m

Thornton Participates:

Russ          10.32 a.m
Eric    10.38 a.m
Rachelle   10.43 a.m
Me           11.38 a.m

Dave Wheeler 11.40 a.m... Thats not fair!!!

Lets hope the weather is OK.

Don

New years Day TT 2012

2011-12-19T16:03:00.001Z

As the 1st of January falls on a Sunday this time round. I thought it would be great for the Sunday club run to head over the Bethersden Village Hall for 10.00 am and support the Thornton guys taking part in the time trial.

This is weather permitting, please don't take unnecessary risks.

Its a 10 mile time trial and basically goes from Bethersden to Ashford and back to Bethersden again, mostly on the main road. There is normally great support from spectators.

Bethersden Village Hall

There is Tea and Coffees in the Hall.

Try not and ride on the course once the event is underway.

Boxing Day Ride 2011

2011-12-19T14:43:00.001Z

There is a short 'Social Ride' on 26th December Boxing Day starting at the Cafe at 9.30. We have had a good turn out in previous years, the pace will be easy and social and about 1 hour in duration.

Danny

Probably the best Frame ever made… NOT FOR SALE ITEM

2011-12-15T19:23:00.001Z

2 July, 2005; Fromentine, Vendee Region, Northwestern France. Stage 1, Tour de France.

The Cervelo P3 ridden by first time Tour de France rider David Zabriskie in Stage 1 of the 2005 Tour de France. It is a racing icon as the (then) world's fastest time trial bike.

http://university.tri-sports.com/2011/10/19/fastest-bike-in-the-world/

540+ Miles in 24 hours...

2011-12-11T15:32:00.001Z

One of the most impressive cycling achievements this year was the East Sussex 24 Hour Race, in which there was a new record was set by Andy Wilkinson. Here is some of the video footage.

Plus... 1-5 Video Episodes of an interview with Andy
Watch them in reverse order :)

__________________________________________

Also...

Our Unstoppable local Lady...

__________________________________________

'Russ' gets Maximum Thornton exposure as usual...

Don

Say good bye to the furry friends

2011-12-06T08:40:00.001Z

On behalf of Nick, Chris and myself, we would like to say a big thank you to any club members that made a donation to Movember, the Male cancer charity. Here are a few pictures of the moustache sprouting over the previous four weeks. It will be December in a few days and time to say good bye to the furry friends...that is the Moustaches... not the club members.

Big Thanks for your support

Steve

Planet X launch road bike frame in Thornton Road Club Colours

2011-12-03T22:09:00.001Z

Diesel

Tour of Flanders Sportive 2012

2011-12-03T22:05:00.001Z

The website is now open for registering for the ‘Ronde van Vlaanderen’ or ‘Tour of Flanders’ sportive.

Here is the link for it: http://sport.be.msn.com/cyclingtour/rondevanvlaanderen/2012/eng/

Nick

2012 Tour of Flanders cyclo event (31st March)

2011-11-17T09:22:00.001Z

There is a large interest in going to Flanders for the 2012 event. The dates are from Friday 30^th March until Sunday 1^st April.

Anybody interested please talk to Graeme, so that we can book & organize early .

Graeme

Blog Posts

2011-11-17T08:35:00.001Z

Due to a string of mishaps recently, any emailed posts other than participation in upcoming Cycling Events must have Gordon's approval, or they will not get published.

Don

Grand 3rd Alternative Thornton Event

2011-11-17T08:19:00.001Z

Due to a misunderstanding, this parody event has now been withdrawn.

Graeme

Thorntons 65th Special Anniversary Presentation party

2011-11-14T09:46:00.001Z

Saturday 26th November 2011

At the hall behind the railway restaurant, Hythe, Kent.

Guests of Honour:

Ester Carpenter
Jim Hollands

Presentation is planned to start at 7.45 pm (sharp).
Doors being opened at 7.30pm.
8.30pm Party time, Buffet and music by Rough Common (a professional country rock band, from north kent).
Drinks can be purchased from the Bar, with a free glass of wine for those who wish to partake at 9pm, 10pm and 11pm.

Cost for the evening is £11.00

Please come and enjoy the party.

To book please contact Gordon on 01303 872735 or Michael on 01303 268531

Thornton Road Club’s AGM 2011

2011-11-12T12:11:00.001Z

Calculus of Change

A hint of change pervaded the club’s well-attended 2011 annual general meeting. Twenty-seven members showed up that evening, October 29^th, at the antique Shepherd & Crook in Burmarsh.

A restive and an upright mood prevailed among the gathering, abetted perhaps by a paucity of chairs. Business was lengthy; the meeting was long at nearly two hours. Nevertheless, incipient change was present therein: in modified constituents of the TRC committee (committee members’ roles and function were critically considered); in the appointment of several new
runs-captains/route leaders, with tenure for a year, of whom all would be provided with identity armbands to be worn when riding; in a discretionary limitation of twenty riders in each Sunday-ride group; and in the application of new safety and comfort practices for group rides (i.e. designated sprint sections and comfort stops on all routes; and helmets to be compulsory). The meeting resolved that the website and blog should be put to better use in keeping members informed (e.g. maps to be posted of set ride routes; a forum to be initiated; the Facebook account to assist in inter-member communication). Hard on the heels of the successful event introduced by Graeme Pilcher in the spring of 2011, recurring spring and autumn equivalents would be introduced from 2012. And the club would affiliate with two road-racing leagues, thus propitiating the growing competitive ethos of a number of members.

A review of membership subscriptions by the chairman and secretary had obliged them to propose a re-categorisation of members and to increase some subscriptions and lower others, depending on member-categories. They believed that the abandonment in the recent past of the former multifarious member-categories had caused current recruitment to slow down or even decline. The proposed subscriptions for 2012 would, if approved, see the subscriptions of some categories rise by £1/year, and others fall by either £2/year or £7/year. There was no support among members present for what seemed to be a complicated subscription structure. Judging from comments from the floor during a noisy debate, there was wide support for a straightforward increase in subscriptions for all member categories as presently defined. The chairman was adamant however that no counterproposal could be accepted at this meeting. With no more ado, the meeting formally rejected the revised categories and subscriptions, and left in place the prevailing 2011 rates.

In a brief session of any other business, speakers from the floor urged: (1) that modern computer technology be used to record subscriptions and when necessary to expedite recovery of unpaid amounts; (2) that the secretary convene at least four committee meetings during the coming year and that committee members’ skills be respected; and (3) alerted by the information given in the modernised official annual accounting statements circulated among attendees this year, that the secretary/treasurer should be paid promptly the accumulated sum owing to him as at 30 September 2011.

Because by this time the session had overrun its allotted duration, the chairman allowed no further discussion of financial or other matters, and brought all proceedings to a close thus ending the meeting at 9:05 pm.

[Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of the official minutes of the meeting should apply to the chairman, Michael Winsor, or Gordon Davis, secretary/treasurer, through the TRC website if necessary.]

Eric

Christmas Lunch Details/Menu

2011-11-03T18:02:00.001Z

Christmas Lunch details are in the above blog navbar.

There is a download link for printing the menu form.

Don

Moustache Season

2011-11-02T08:50:00.001Z

Moustache Season is upon us, so I’ve decided to register for Movember and embrace the hair of the wild. I’ve pledged to cultivate a genuine 100% face grown moustache for 30 days to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

Now, I’m on the hunt for fellow trusty and fearless pioneers to join me by signing up to my team. Together we can change the face of men’s health.

To join my Movember team go to https://www.movember.com/uk/register/details/team_id/344714
Movember is about raising funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Did you know one man dies every hour from prostate cancer in the UK each year and more than 2,000 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer this year.

The more people we can get to become Citizens of Movember, the more lives we can impact. You can either grow a moustache as a Mo Bro, or join as a Mo Sista to show your support and help recruit other Mo growers to the team.

Once registered, Movember will send you all the information you need to raise funds and start raising awareness for men’s health as part of my Movember team.

If you’d like to find out more about the type of work you’d be helping to fund by supporting Movember, take a look at the Programmes We Fund section on the Movember

website:http://uk.movember.com/about
Please join me at https://www.movember.com/uk/register/details/team_id/344714

Stephen Bunn

Funny Video

2011-10-31T10:06:00.000Z

Don

2012 Giro Promo

2011-10-31T09:47:00.000Z

Don

Autumn Downland Sportive

2011-10-28T20:36:00.000+01:00

I'm considering riding the Autumn Downland Sportive on Sunday 6th Nov, any other takers? I've completed this the last two years, it's a challenging route that is quite different from the spring sportive route.

Come on you know you want to, give me a text if you fancy it and we can organise a Thornton Peloton.

07528781084

Diesel

Sprouting of moustaches!..

2011-10-28T20:28:00.001+01:00

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

uk.movember.com/

Steve

Bike for sale

2011-10-28T20:23:00.000+01:00

FOR SALE

2009 Colnago CLX 2.0. Shimano Ultegra Compact, Easton EA70 wheels.

52 cm white/black

£1300

Contact David at

davidbenjy@btinternet.com

HELL of the ASHDOWN Challenge

2011-10-28T20:15:00.000+01:00

HELL of the ASHDOWN Challenge - Sunday 26th February 2012

promoted by the Catford Cycling Club & supporting the 'Save the Herne Hill Velodrome'

ENTRIES OPEN

www.HELL.GB.com

at 00.00hrs Tuesday

1st November 2011

Places sell out very fast. This event is a good early season challenge. If you would like to know more details click on the link below.

A few of us did this last year in good conditions. It would be good to see a good turnout from Thornton RC. If you want to know more details please ask myself.

There are a few climbs with the Wall in Ashdown Forrest being the pick. There are two routes 110 and 50km, so not too far.

Hopefully see you there?

Danny

Short list of Proposals for AGM

2011-10-25T18:27:00.001+01:00

Club Rides

Danny Frost (when available) proposed as route leader for each club ride. He will decide route of each weeks ride.
Designated Group Leader/Rear Gunner for club rides. Bob (when available) proposed as Group Leader for club runs(additional groups will need to organise someone if needed). Group leader to advise on route direction, pace, timing, and distance of ride. Rear Gunner to ensure no one gets left behind/lost.
Helmets must be worn on club runs. No exceptions to the rule. No helmet, no ride.
Designated ‘sprint spots’ on club runs. Currently these locations are rather informal, and some could be considered dangerous e.g. the sprint into Bethersden ending at a junction/corner.
Designated comfort break stops on each club run. Locations to be confirmed will hopefully prevent people being left behind when they stop.
Extra loop for faster riders (perhaps 45 miles). It is planned that each group ride arrives back at the café at approximately 11am.

2. Thornton RC Blog/Web

Maps of Regular Club routes added to Blog/Thornton RC Website. May encourage new members to turn up for a ride, if they know the route/distance etc.
Addition of a Forum on the Blog to encourage interaction between existing/potential club members. Advertise rides, items for sale etc.
Use existing Thornton RC Facebook account as a method for reaching out to new members and communicating with existing members.
Amalgamation of the website into the blog.
All the present pages of the website will appear as static pages on the blog, accessible via the top navigation.
The domain thorntonrc.co.uk will still remain and be forwarded automatically to the blog.
If the above is granted, there can be a static landing page created on the blog as a home page similar to the website, if requested.
If a static landing page is requested, the blog posts landing page will still remain but will be accessible via navigation or sidebar link.

Club Organisation

Designated points of Contact for different aspects of the club e.g. –

- Racing
- TT’s
- Sportives
- Social
- Trips abroad/ within UK Peak district etc

3. Thornton Club Challenge

This event organised by Graham proved popular with Club members and saw a big turn out. Extend this event to a regular twice yearly event. Spring/Autumn.
Divide 3-2-1 challenges into different age groups/rider categories to prevent the same few riders winning everything.

4. Racing/TT/Sportives

There is an appetite amongst a number of club members for formalised racing. Therefore, it’s proposed the club affiliates to one or both of the following –

- South East Race League (SERRL)
- LVRC

Organise an Annual Thornton Sportive

Removed items

1.Awards evening has already been arranged.

2.Club kit will be open to suggestion once the majority of all the remaining purchased prints have been used up. But would still like to keep a retro feel.
- Same with caps, 30 left to use up. Next batch of caps will have plastic peaks.

3.Name of club to remain unchanged :-
- Huge cost involved in changing.
- There is a long history involved with the club name and it is liked amongst its current members.

4. Purchase of Club kit is not compulsory.
- low cost of membership is favoured to encourage high joining rate.

N.B. I'm just a messenger boy.
Please print this off and bring to AGM with you.

Don

Strava, track my fitness activity

2011-10-19T21:57:00.001+01:00

Attention Garmin Geeks, iphone and smartphone android dudes;

I may have recommended this free software site before, but if you haven't heard of it take a look, its very user friendly and adds an extra element to your riding if you like looking at figures, maps and stuff. We have a online Thornton RC on the site that you can join to keep tabs on other club members secret training rides. The strava app is free to download and use if you have a smart phone.

http://www.strava.com/

Diesel

AGM Proposals 2011

2011-10-11T12:16:00.001+01:00

Below are the proposals that have been put forward so far…

1.
Club Rides

Danny Frost (when available) proposed as route leader for each club ride. He will decide route of each weeks ride.
Designated Group Leader/Rear Gunner for club rides. Bob (when available) proposed as Group Leader for club runs. Group leader to advise on route direction, pace, timing, and distance of ride. Rear Gunner to ensure no one gets left behind/lost.
Helmets must be worn on club runs. No exceptions to the rule. No helmet, no ride.
Designated ‘sprint spots’ on club runs. Currently these locations are rather informal, and some could be considered dangerous e.g. the sprint into Bethersden ending at a junction/corner.
Designated comfort break stops on each club run. Locations to be confirmed will hopefully prevent people being left behind when they stop.
Extra loop for faster riders (perhaps 45 miles). It is planned that each group ride arrives back at the café at approximately 11am.

2. Thornton RC Blog/Web

Maps of Regular Club routes added to Blog/Thornton RC Website. May encourage new members to turn up for a ride, if they know the route/distance etc.
Addition of a Forum on the Blog to encourage interaction between existing/potential club members. Advertise rides, items for sale etc.
Use existing Thornton RC Facebook account as a method for reaching out to new members and communicating with existing members.

3. Thornton Club Challenge ‘Race’

This event organised by Graham proved popular with Club members and saw a big turn out. Extend this event to a regular twice yearly event. Spring/Autumn.
Divide 3-2-1 challenges into different age groups/rider categories to prevent the same few riders winning everything.

4. Attracting New Members

Preference for wearing club shirts/kit on club runs. This will help to make the club clearly visible as a distinct entity that non members interested in cycling may wish to join.
Annual Membership to include club Jersey for new members.

5. Club Organisation

Designated points of Contact for different aspects of the club e.g. –

- Racing
- TT’s
- Sportives
- Social
- Trips abroad/ within UK Peak district etc.

Revise the name of the club to include reference to our actual location e.g. –

- Thornton and Romney Marsh
- Thornton and Hythe
6. Club Kit

Change the design, or agree once and for all to remain as it is.
Alternative supplier for club caps. New caps to have plastic peak so they are washing machine friendly.

7. Racing/TT/Sportives

There is an appetite amongst a number of club members for formalised racing. Therefore, it’s proposed the club affiliates to one or both of the following –

- South East Race League (SERRL)
- LVRC

Remove affiliation to the London Road Race League, if it exists. This is not something club members use of know about.
Organise an Annual Thornton Sportive

8. Annual Awards Evening

Revision of the format of the evening, this will hopefully make the evening more appealing to a broader range of the membership and more attractive to the younger members of the club.
Danny Frost has offered to arrange the Annual Awards Evening this year to help relieve Gordon of this time consuming task.
Do not purchase any more cups/trophies with club funds. These are viewed as unnecessary and a drain on limited resources. Replace cups/trophies with club shirts/riding equipment which will be of more value to regular club cyclists.

9. Website and blog

Amalgamation of the website into the blog.
All the present pages of the website will appear as static pages on the blog, accessible via the top navigation.
The domain thorntonrc.co.uk will still remain and be forwarded automatically to the blog.
If the above is granted, there can be a static landing page created on the blog as a home page similar to the website, if requested.
If a static landing page is requested, the blog posts landing page will still remain but will be accessible via navigation or sidebar link.

If anyone has more ideas, please email them. I'm handing Gordon and Mike the above today.

Don

Classic Photo's

2011-10-10T09:29:00.002+01:00

Some great classic photos below, several galleries.

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/gallery.html

Don

K.C.A. Reliability Trial 2011

2011-10-09T20:07:00.001+01:00

K.C.A. Reliability Trial

50km 100km l00miles
Sunday October 30th 2011
For the Rootes Trophy
This trophy to be awarded to the club with the highest number of points

PointsTable:

Distance

50km

100km

l00miles

Points

2
4

Starting Points: Claygate & Potters Corner A20 - 50km & 100km

Potters Corner A20 - l00miles

Time Options: l00miles 100km 50km

6 1/2-7hrs 4hrs 2hrs

4 1/2hrs 2 1/2 hrs

5hrs 3hrs

Course details and check cards will be sent to one address for each club

Ciosing date for ALL entries is October 10 2011 Send entries to:‑

*Closing Date has been extended to the October 17th 2011

Entry fee: £3.00 per rider.

P. Mepham

6, Sirdar Strand

Riverview Park Estate

Gravesend

Kent.

DAl2.4LP

NO ENTRIES ON THE LINE Tel: 01474 351884

Trip to Mont Ventoux

2011-09-26T10:39:00.000+01:00

Some photos of my recent trip to Mont Ventoux.

Click here to view

Matthew Morris

The KCA 12 Hour provisional results 2011

2011-09-12T20:42:00.000+01:00

2011 Result

The KCA 12 Hour provisional result is below.

Posn	Name	Club	Vet	Actual	Std+/-
1	Andy Miles	VC Elan	V42	267.302	45.672
2	Tom Glandfield	Lewes Wanderers CC		256.834
3	Shay Giles	VC Elan	V66	251.328	66.328
4	Peter Moon	Eastbourne Rovers CC	V50	247.319	38.639
5	Stuart Birnie	Willesden CC		240.603
6	Martin Brown	7 Oaks Tri	V50	236.462	27.782
7	Matthew Rowley	Oxonian CC	V43	233.444	13.474
8	Mark Amon	Rye & District Wheelers CC	V47	233.303	19.853
9	Peter Baker	Lewes Wanderers CC	V53	231.069	27.049
10	Geoff Smith	Eastbourne Rovers CC	V61	227.064	34.974
11	Howard Staunton	Hainault Roads	V57	223.703	25.733
12	Ian McNally	Westerley		221.188
13	Carol Bridge	Acme Wheelers	L	216.482
14	John Clarey	Gemini BC	V72	215.805	38.985
15	Alan Lloyd	Lewes Wanderers CC	V59	215.485	20.475
16	Brian Powney	Kingston Phoenix RC	V48	214.598	2.758
17	Chris McGuire	Hampshire RC	V48	212.219	0.379
18	Robert Wheeler	Thornton RC	V49	210.433	0.173
19	Andrew Croft	Rye & District Wheelers CC	V50	210.284	1.604
20	Richard Claxton	VC Elan	V67	209.760	26.150
21	Alec Mayes	Ashford Wheelers CC	V66	208.084	23.084
22	Deborah Hope	Medway Velo	L	207.207
23	Donald Houghton	Thornton RC	V41	206.977	-16.333
24	Andrew Green	Old Portlians	V45	206.383	-10.307
25	Emma Cutler	Rye & District Wheelers CC	LV40	206.138	-5.702
26	Russ Mason	Thornton RC	V62	205.759	15.109
27	John Laker	Thornton RC	V51	202.922	-4.188
28	Colin Tuckwell	Thornton RC	V40	202.591	-22.409
29	Peter Hayes/td>	Catford CC	V66	200.276	15.276
30	Sally Smith	Medway Velo	L	196.617
31	Trevor Hall	Thornton RC	V50	195.645	-13.035
32	Jim Hollands	Rye & District Wheelers CC	V72	195.488	18.668
33	Peter Holland	Lincoln Wheelers CC	TV64	192.509	19.629
34	Bob Watts	San Fairy Ann CC	V54	189.99	-12.500
35	Rebecca Wilson	Rye & District Wheelers CC	LV46	188.728	-13.762
36	Louise Laker	Thornton RC	L	188.668
37	Chirs Lovibond	Hounslow & District Wheelers	V66	183.612	-1.388
38	Steve Maxted	Rye & District Wheelers CC	V68	183.582	1.352
39	Rupert Robin	Brighton Mitre CC	V47	182.245	-31.205
40	Bob Burden	Tri Spirit Team	V66	181.896	-3.104
41	Amber Carroll	Rye & District Wheelers CC	LV42	180.407	-28.273
42	Andrew Nye	Ashford Wheelers CC	TV55	178.165	-6.835
43	Ann Bath	Kingston Phoenix RC	LV63	168.504	-9.656
44	Stephen Ratcliffe	Thornton RC		168.459
45	Alyson Nye	Tri Spirit Team	LV47	167.435	-33.535
46	Chris Parker	Hastings & St.Leonards CC	V55	163.930	-37.040
47	Jari Lyden	Thornton RC	V57	161.463	-36.507

	Albert Lainson	Thornton RC	V78	DNS
	Louise Mason	Medway Velo	L	DNS
	Graham Hines	San Fairy Ann CC	V53	DNS
	Mick James	Ashford Wheelers CC	V54	DNS
	Nick Wilson	Rye & District Wheelers CC	V48	DNS
	Gary Boyd	Lea Valley CC	V43	DNS
	Michael Pumphrey	Thornton RC	V51	DNF
	Dave Spice	Tri Spirit Team	V60	DNF	td>
	John Beer	Kingston Phoenix RC	V60	DNF

Thursday 8th Sept Curry Night

2011-09-06T19:14:00.001+01:00

7.30ish at the Vinodhon

CIRCUIT OF KENT CYCLO SPORTIVE 2011 Update

2011-09-02T17:35:00.001+01:00

There are works on the road that runs past Sevenoaks Prep School ignore any road closed signs and access the school as usual

THIS WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE EVENT

Nick

Kent CA 12 Hour Entrants 2011

2011-08-31T12:01:00.000+01:00

Start sheet for the 12 hour TT. Good luck everyone, I know I will need it.

Sunday 4th September 2011

To be held on the Q12 hour (2011) course. Headquarters Bethersden Village Hall.

No	Rider	Club	Start Time	Cat	Std	LTS
1	Chris Parker	Hastings & St.Leonards CC	06:01	V55	200.970
2	Amber Carroll	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:02	WV42	208.680
3	Jari Lyden	Thornton RC	06:03	V57	197.970
4	Emma Cutler	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:04	WV40	211.840
5	Albert Lainson	Thornton RC	06:05	V78	169.020	157.000
6	Steve Maxted	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:06	V68	182.230	203.681
7	Carol Bridge	Achme Wheelers	06:07	W
8	Peter Hayes	Catford CC	06:08	V66	185.000	199.880
9	Jim Hollands	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:09	V72	176.820	191.232
10	Matthew Rowley	Oxonian CC	06:10	V43	219.970
11	Louise Mason	Medway Velo	06:11	W
12	Alyson Nye	Tri Spirit Team	06:12	WV47	200.970	163.788
13	Graham Hines	San Fairy Ann CC	06:13	V53	204.020
14	Andrew Nye	Ashford Wheelers CC	06:14	TV55	185.000	214.472
15	Michael Pumphrey	Thornton RC	06:15	V51	204.220	246.966
16	Peter Holland	Lincoln Wheelers CC	06:16	TV64	172.880	191.409
17	Rebecca Wilson	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:17	WV46	202.490
18	Bob Burden	Tri Spirit Team	06:18	V66	185.000	175.747
19	Deborah Hope	Medway Velo	06:19	W
20	Mark Amon	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:20	V47	213.450	219.000
21	Martin Brown	7 Oaks Tri	06:21	V50	208.680	229.868
22	Louise Laker	Thornton RC	06:22	W
23	Robert Wheeler	Thornton RC	06:23	V49	210.260
24	Trevor Hall	Thornton RC	06:24	V50	208.680
25	Peter Moon	Eastbourne Rovers CC	06:25	V50	208.680	234.340
26	Sally Smith	Medway Velo	06:26	W
27	Mick James	Ashford Wheelers CC	06:27	V54	202.490
28	Ann Bath	Kingston Phoenix RC	06:28	WV63	178.160
29	Russ Mason	Thornton RC	06:29	V62	190.650	198.200
30	Nick Wilson	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:30	V48	211.840
31	John Laker	Thornton RC	06:31	V51	207.110	213.902
32	Stephen Ratcliffe	Thornton RC	06:32
33	Chris McGuire	Hampshire RC	06:33	V48	211.840
34	Donald Houghton	Thornton RC	06:34	V41	223.310
35	Rupert Robin	Brighton Mitre CC	06:35	V47	213.450
36	Brian Powney	Kingston Phoenix RC	06:36	V48	211.840	213.291
37	Andrew Green	Old Portlians	06:37	V45	216.690
38	Bob Watts	San Fairy Ann CC	06:38	V54	220.370	204.220
39	Andrew Croft	Rye & District Wheelers CC	06:39	V50	208.680	220.371
40	Peter Baker	Lewes Wanderers CC	06:40	V53	204.020
41	Dave Spice	Tri Spirit Team	06:41	V60	193.540	215.632
42	John Clarey	Gemini BC	06:42	V72	176.820
43	Gary Boyd	Lea Valley CC	06:43	V43	219.970	201.520
44	Alec Mayes	Ashford Wheelers CC	06:44	V66	185.000	204.339
45	Shay Giles	VC Elan	06:45	V66	185.000	241.000
46	Richard Claxton	VC Elan	06:46	V67	183.610	220.230
47	Ian McNally	Westerley	06:47
48	John Beer	Kingston Phoenix RC	06:48	V60	193.540
49	Chirs Lovibond	Hounslow & District Wheelers	06:49	V66	185.000
50	Tom Glandfield	Lewes Wanderers CC	06:50			257.360
51	Geoff Smith	Eastbourne Rovers CC	06:51	V61	192.090	227.940
52	Alan Lloyd	Lewes Wanderers CC	06:52	V59	195.010	215.111
53	Stuart Birnie	Willesden CC	06:53
54	Colin Tuckwell	Thornton RC	06:54	V40	225.000	231.000
55	Andy Miles	VC Elan	06:55	V42	221.630	255.757
56	Howard Staunton	Hainault Roads	06:56	V57	197.970

New Date for AGM

2011-08-31T11:37:00.002+01:00

The AGM has been re-arranged to the 29th Oct at 7pm at the Shepherd & Crook.

Meeting for AGM Proposals Thurs 8th Sept

2011-08-30T22:25:00.000+01:00

Anyone interested in putting forward something for the AGM, we are going to have a Curry on Thursday in Hythe on the 8th September. Steve, Kev, Danny and I will be there hopefully.

If you can't make it but have something you would like mentioned at the AGM, please email me using the email link. I will print off anything I receive and take it along.

Restaurant will probably be the Vinodhon

Don

Bank holiday Monday Ride 29th Aug

2011-08-25T14:06:00.001+01:00

9 am at the Cafe if anyone interested. Normal Sunday club style ride.

Don

Thornton Bike Cams

2011-08-24T17:52:00.003+01:00

A typical Thornton RC Sunday morning group ride in just 3 minutes on a beautiful summers morning 21/8/11.

Time Lapse video put together by Scott Davey (you know.... the big bloke in the Caisses d'Epargne top)

Featuring heavily is 'Duvet' Don Houghtons arse.

Enjoy Diesel

And more Thornton Spring time Video featuring quite a lot of Diesel's bottom actually.

Don

Bike Around Brands, 19th August 2011, 1830-2030

2011-08-12T10:17:00.001+01:00

Bike Around Brands, 19th August 2011, 1830-2030

I've done this event the last couple of years and it was great fun. It's a family friendly event organised by the Lions club where people of all ages get a chance to ride around Brands Hatch for two hours in return for raising a small amount of sponsorship. The minimum is £10 for adults and £5 for 14 years old and under.

It tends to start off quite busy with riders of all ages and abilities battling their way around the circuit. This means taking quite a bit of care picking a clear line through the crowds when climbing up to Druids for the first few laps. The less enthusiastic riders soon resort to spectating leaving the track clear for the more keen riders!

There is a sponsorship/booking request form on the following website:

http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/swanleyuk/page-7.php

Alternatively you’ll be able to turn up and complete the form on the day.

I hope you’re able to come and join me representing Thornton RC at Brands.

Kind Regards

Nick (Wood)

Circuit of Kent Sportive

2011-08-10T23:02:00.001+01:00

This years Circuit of Kent sportive takes place on Sunday 11th September 2011, it will be a great to see a good Thornton RC turnout. The route is 80 miles with a few climbs but mainly it is a flat route. Previously with a good group we have set some good times.

Entry is via http://www.kentcyclosportive.co.uk/

Danny

London-Surrey Cycle Classic

2011-08-10T22:33:00.001+01:00

14 August 2011

http://www.londonpreparesseries.com/roadcycling/index.html

Steve

Results Inter-club 10 mile Time Trial 2011

2011-07-09T11:25:00.000+01:00

Results for the interclub time trial. There was a good turn out from the clubs involved as the weather was terrible (Wet and Windy).

Pos	Name	Club	Time
1	Tim Sheppard	Ashford Wheelers CC	23.57
2	Steve Clarke	Ashford Wheelers CC	24.28
3	Lee Buckman	Ashford Wheelers CC	25.17
4	Don Houghton	Thornton RC	25.54
5	Stuart King	Ashford Wheelers CC	26.03
6	David Earl	Hastings & St Leonard's	26.09
7	Andy Robinson	Ashford Wheelers CC	27.11
8	Michael Pumphrey	Thornton RC	27.14
9	Andrew Croft	Rye & District Wheelers	27.34
10	Bob Giles	Rye & District Wheelers	27.38
11	Paul Britton	Ashford Wheelers CC	28.28
12	Andrew Nye	Ashford Wheelers CC	28.56
13	Mick James	Ashford Wheelers CC	29.13
14	Russ Mason	Thornton RC	29.19
15	Brian Patterson	Thornton RC	29.22
16	Jim Hollands	Rye & District Wheelers	30.03
17	Chris Parker	Hastings & St Leonard's	30.59
18	Carmen Kubisa	Rye & District Wheelers	31.13
19	Adrian Knight	Ashford Wheelers CC	31.16
20	Eric Bates	Thornton RC	32.21
21	Gordon Davies	Thornton RC	DNF (Punc)

New AGM Date

2011-07-05T12:29:00.000+01:00

The AGM has been re-arranged to the 15th Oct at 7pm at the Shepherd & Crook.

Inter-club 10 mile Time Trial 16th July

2011-07-05T12:20:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

The annual inter-club time trial between Rye, Hastings, Ashford Wheelers and Thornton RC is on Saturday morning on our course (Q10/8), HQ is at Newchurch Village Hall.
The start time is 07.15, arrive at the hall by at least 6.30, it takes about 10-15 mins to ride to the start.

It would be great to have a good turn out from the club even if you haven't got all the aero paraphernalia. I’m sure there will be some great competition with guys riding just on road bikes.

See you all there

Don

Motivational Cycling Euro-pop mash up video

2011-07-05T11:43:00.001+01:00

Another motivational cycling video, this one reminded me of Don Houghton for some reason!...

Enjoy Diesel

Sussex 24 Hour Results

2011-07-03T22:27:00.002+01:00

Result

R.T.T.C National Championship 24 Hour Time Trial

2011-07-03T21:02:00.001+01:00

On the 25th/26th June, 5 Thornton members took part in the R.T.T.C National Championship 24 Hour Time Trial, based around the rolling hills of East and West Sussex. Malcolm, Russ, Colin, John and myself, we all finished apart from John who retired after suffering with the cold on the transition to the night circuit.

Those that finished had a combined total of 1315.29 miles. On a start sheet of 96 riders, 3 failed to start and 13 failed to finish, including ex Thornton legend Dave Wheeler. The event was won by Andrew Wilkinson, Port Sunlight Wheelers, with a new championship record of 541.17 miles, words can't describe that performance.

The ladies title was won by local girl Bronwen Ewing, Rye Wheelers,with 406.78, she's one gutsy lady.

From a personal point of view i like many others were entering unknown territory, 24 hours on your own, no hiding behind fast groups to get more speed for less money, if you want to go faster , you push your legs harder, how long can you push harder for and still make it to the end, that comes from years of experience.

The event itself had a KCA 25 feel about it, village halls and a couple of elder gentlemen in deckchairs with stopwatches, though on a huge scale with marshalls scattered all over Sussex. Esther Carpenter and many 100's of volunteers ran the event superbly. There was no shortage of encouragement from every marshall at every junction and the many supporters of other riders.

Many thanks to the Thornton members that came to support us on the Sunday morning, Gordon, Roy, Jane, Graeme, Steve, Trevor and Rob, sorry if ive missed anybody. For me though the real heroes of the event were Tess, Gerry, Rachelle and Mary, without their 24 hour support I don't feel any of us could have finished.

Michael Pumphrey.

24 Hour

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Sussex 24 Hour TT

2011-07-01T21:21:00.008+01:00

Few photos of the Midnight Half time,

Sussex 24 Hour

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Hopefully, we will have a few Reports from some of the participants!

From a Helpers point of view, it was an amazing race. Following my rider to each of the circuits, getting ahead of him with drinks and provisions ready.

The Night circuit was the most incredible, the car park by the Village Hall plus both sides of the road filled with parked cars. Helpers, Marshals, Spotters all going about their business, some seemed to manage to be getting beers from the Pub next to the Hall. I want that job next time.

The road approaching the Hall was a series of gentle down hill sections, so from the helper's point of view you could see a steady stream of twinkling lights slowly weaving toward the Hall (some not so slow I might add).

As the riders braked and found their helpers, there was a rush of activity, a push up the road, and the riders were off for another circuit, it was like a cycling version of ‘motor racing pit stops’.
Apart from the (tiredness, exhaustion, fatigue, soreness, mechanicals, dummy spitting), I’m sure if you asked any of the riders AFTER the event if they enjoyed it, they would have said ‘yes’. It's a shame it's not an annual event in our locality.

I think it's probably one of the most amazing feats of cycling and fitness I certainly have witnessed. Considering the winning mileage was clocked at over 540 miles in 24 hours, that is truly incredible.

You never know. I might even have a go in 10 years or whenever its back in this area.

Don

IAN & DANNY’S RIDE TO PARIS IN 24HRS (by Ian)

2011-07-01T20:12:00.001+01:00

We set out from Blackheath at 8.15 am on Friday 24^th June 2011 along with 150 other riders. There were predominantly 2 types of riders: Those who were attempting the full 280 miles from the outset and those who planned to relay as a two man team. The original plan when we signed up was for relay but now, Danny was up for the full distance and I was not too sure – it was a long way!!!!

The organisation of the event was excellent with great refreshments throughout the trip every 30 to 40 miles and lead by pace riders in order to try and keep control of the groups as there was a large range of abilities.

The 90 mile stretch from London to Dover was harder than I envisaged, mainly my own fault by trying to stay with lead groups. On arrival in Dover (2.30pm), I had 90 miles in my legs, having averaged 17.5 mph (target 15mph), tired and had accepted that I would be completing the French sections under relay conditions. Danny however (helped by being far fitter than me) wanted to ‘go for it’. A little daunted as to what lay ahead I downed two large cappuccinos , what felt like a kilo of jelly babies on the ferry and donned my helmet.

We started riding in France at about 7.00pm. The first two stages in France involved several long 5 mile climbs which seemed to go on forever. I convinced Danny to go on ahead and find his own pace which left me to settle in with several other groups of riders, enabling me to pace myself better and not wear myself out too early. The miles were long but steadily they ticked away, as did the daylight. It was not long before the bike lights were on, and the high visibility arm bands were donned. Riding across France in the black, dead of night was a strange experience, passing huge fields, long straight roads and small very quite villages. The odd local pubs I passed were the only signs of life as quite sensibly the majority of the French population were tucked up in bed.

At about 3.30am and with some 110 miles completed in France I decided it was time to rest as going further would jeopardise my last 50 mile ride into Paris (which I did not want to miss). Climbing aboard the shuttle bus I took the easy way for 35 miles hopping forward to some of the faster riders who were just leaving the final feed station for the final push into Paris. Soon after I got back on my trusty steed and in the new morning light headed off.

On the road into Paris I had teamed up with another 8 riders, it was completely stop/start as we must have gone through about 50 -60 sets of traffic lights, but finally the road opened up and I was suddenly navigating around the Arc de Triomphe which on a bike was an interesting experience and I would not recommend. Then it was along the Champs-Elysees and right turn over the Seine to the finish line by the Eifel Tower - it was 0910 am French time. I felt physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Danny was already there, having arrived about 30 minutes ahead of me. We had both completed the challenge we had originally set out to do and more. I had ridden 250 miles in just under 24 hours, 16 ½ hours in the saddle with an overall average of 15.3 mph. This had not only been a ride but an adventure. (Danny had done the full 280 miles averaging 17.5 mph - an amazing effort)

We have to date raised some £2800 for SCOPE for which I thank all of you for your support. If you know anyone who may be interested in our achievements, please pass it on with this link http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/wheelieslow and maybe we can break the £3000 barrier. Any more money raised will so much appreciated by myself, Danny and SCOPE.

Click here

Best Regards

Ian

London to Paris in 24 hours (Danny and Ian's Parisian Adventure)

2011-07-01T20:08:00.003+01:00

Two Thornton members took part in SCOPE London to Paris 24 hour challenge myself and Ian McMahon. We set out from Blackheath at 8:15am on Friday 24^th June 2011 along with 150 others. You could either do the event as a relay or as a soloist; having intended initially undertaking the event as a relay we decided to do the whole event without a break and ride solo. Having completed the Pyrenean Raid I felt I was ready for this challenge unfortunately for Ian the most he had done was 60 miles this year!

The organisation of the event was excellent with great refreshments, food and support services. In order to establish some comtrol, a number of pace rides lead a number of groups with the balance of riders setting off after the groups and before the Broom Wagon.

The 90 mile stretch from London to Dover was harder than envisaged as I tried to pull Ian up to the fast moving front group on a number of occasions but unfortunately Ian found the pace a little faster than he was comfortable with. However having again reached the front group I was one of the first up Charing Hill getting some good TV coverage of the Thornton Shirt; which 3 different people advised that they liked our retro type shirts, well that was a first.

The first feed stop was at Charing which provided vegetarian Indian food along with the usual pasta and rolls etc. Having refuelled we set off with the second group, only for myself finding it necessary, to stop and dig out mud from cleats which resulted in us dropping from the comfort of the peloton. Having re-caught Ian it was down Stone Street from Canterbury into a head wind and then up Dover Hill and the coast dwen to the Ferry at Dover.

With 90 miles completed it felt like we had already rode a Sportive but not this event; we still had another 190 miles to ride through the night. A little daunted of what lay ahead we downed two large cappuccinos and headed for the car deck to pick up our bikes.

The first French stage was Calais to Therouanne 33 miles, within 5 miles I had lost Ian and was entering the zone of I am going to do this. Which resulted in myself catching a fast moving group after pushing hard up a 5 mile climb. Now feeling good myself and a new found buddy, we left this group and pushed hard to the feed stop; which provided fresh waffles which went down well. Around 10 minute’s later Ian appeared looking remarkably fresh. We decided to head off at around 10:30pm with the second group, a 39 mile stage from Therouanne to Doullens. After a few miles Ian eased back but I was taking my usual club ride position behind the pace riders (who we were not allowed to pass). After 30 miles I started seeing signs for Le Touquet and then Boulogne, yes we were going the wrong way, which resulted in 18mile detour and an hours time lost getting back on route and it had started to rain. Ian was fortunate to have the route on his Garmin so no detour for him.

Heading back in the right direction I passed the pace setters and decided I had to push on if I was going to do this ride. Arriving in Doullens around 1:00pm I was now at the back of the field. A quick coffee and a chicken fajita and I was on the next stetch which was short 25 miles Doullens to Bacouel via Amiens. Within 5 miles myself and two relay rides had lost the route but were heading in the general direction, albeit on a major road. We then picked up two chaps who were standing by the side of the road lost. I assured them we were heading in the right direction albeit off route. However, one of them appeared to ne a good time trialist and the pace shot up. The city centre of Amiens was disserted at 2:30am but unfortunately one of the relay riders rear ended a car stopped at a red light, full of French herberts. An autication quickly ensued with my time trial colleague declaring that he was up for a fight! Unfortunately, I was not and thinking I have just got to get out of here. Within seconds the lights were green and the locals were back in the car, 3 miles late we arrived at Bacouel-Sue Selle.

The rest stop was at a local sports ground and the rain was now falling hard. I grabbed a coffee and tried to eat some cake but just did not feel like it. With the next stage beckoning which was the last long one at 39 miles, I was keen to head off. As I was just about to hit the road my time trialist friend told me to wait for them and we would go out together. Suddenly, my luck changed, as they announced that the fast first group was about to leave. Having done 18 miles extra and lost an hour, been lost twice, been rained on had an autication wth French Chavs I was back on target!

The section that followed was through the dead of the night travelling over deserted French moor land in pitch black darkness. I got myself to the front of a group of around 30 and felt extremely comfortable, the early part of the rourte had a lot of climbing which I managed to stay in without too much discomfort. Watching dawn break to my LHS was amazing with the dawn chorus commencing I arrived at Beavais in a group of around 15. With 70 miles remaining I new I had the event cracked baring a mechanical. Refreshed with a cheese and pickle sandwich I got ready for the next stage 30 miles to Pontoise. At this point I met up with Ian who had taken this stage out but was going to ride the final two stages to Paris (70 miles). Setting off around 5:00am at day break I was feeling good, a large hill beckoned around 2 miles which shed the pack of 30 to 4 which contained myself , one other and two pace rides, two other pace riders where still climbing up the hill. After 10km we were up to around 10 riders who continued to the final stop at Pomtoise on the Edge of Paris. Refreshed with croissants and coffee the final 20 miles to Paris was a coast-in with a group of 20 electing to ride in together. We stopped at around 30 lights which really hurt the legs, riding around the Arc the Triomphe on a bike is an interesting experience and one I would not recommend. Then it was along the Chans de Lise and a left turn saw the finish line at the Eifel tower at 8:00am French Time. Ian appeared about 30 minutes later. I got off the bike and felt ecstatic, it was amazing, we had both completed in 24 hours I had ridden 290 and Ian 250 miles. My previous best distance was 165 miles Ian 85 miles; this had been a real effort, it had not a ride it was an adventure!

Obviously this was my perspective hopefully Ian will write something on the blog. If you would like to sponsor us for our efforts the link is below:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/wheelieslow

Paris in 24 hours

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Ride Across Britain–Summary

2011-06-22T15:26:00.001+01:00

I finished my Ride Across Britain arriving in the wind and rain at Lands End on Sunday 19th June

A great experience travelling the country from top to bottom, as part of this very professionally organised event – It was a challenge not only about the distance of cycling involved, but so many other unknown factors such as the terrain, the weather conditions, ailments and illness, mechanical problems and pushing yourself when you’d really had enough. I also met some inspirational people such as Olympians James Cracknell, Sarah Storey, Mark Foster the GB Olympic and Paralympic cycling teams and many ordinary people with an enthusiasm for cycling, like myself, who were just pushing themselves to achieve something a bit memorable.

Thank you for all your support and sponsorship.

Richard

Richard’s RAB Update

2011-06-20T10:30:00.000+01:00

Lands End, I made it.

112 miles today but like going up and down Lympne hill all day.

Shattered.

Richard

Richard’s RAB Update

2011-06-20T10:04:00.000+01:00

Made it to Bath. Lots of rolling hills though. The Wye valley today in to Wales then back over the Severn bridge. The toughest two days still to go.

Loads of food tonight and then sleep.

Richard

Richard’s RAB Update

2011-06-16T10:05:00.000+01:00

Nice through the Lakes today. Then got drowned going through traffic in Preston and Wigan.
Staying at Haydock racecourse tonight. Over half way now.

Sara Storey riding with us all week. Rebecca Romero today and James Cracknell tomorrow.

Richard

Richard’s RAB

2011-06-13T23:43:00.002+01:00

Made it to third base camp today just north of Glasgow. 125 miles in the rain. First two days were awesome for weather, scenery and cycling.

Camped at base of Ben Nevis last night. Apart from that I’m Nackered!

Richard

Tributes to Thornton Members

2011-06-13T11:27:00.000+01:00

Tributes Obits2

Real Peloton Ride

2011-06-13T10:40:00.001+01:00

Just thought I'd let you know about a ride that I'm doing on Thursday June 16th.

Its organised by cycling journalists and TV commentators Ned Boulting and Matt Rendall (also riding).

It leaves Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park, London SW15JR at 09:30.

The ride is free and open to all.

Also rumoured to be riding is Chris Boardman and Dean Downing (rapha condor).

If you like podcasts I can recommend Real Peloton for witty insightful observations of the pro peloton.

Below is a link to the propose route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36835852

If you've got the day off why not join me, should be a laugh, I'll be teaching these guys Thornton Group etiquette skills.

Yours Aye

Diesel (Thornton Pro Peloton liaison officer)

Danny and Bob’s Pyrenean Adventure 2011

2011-06-11T19:40:00.001+01:00

Final Day

We made it to the Med!… we have been through freezing rain,climbed 18 mountains. What an amazing week, 800km cycled, four climbs over 1400m, two over 2200m. Two Thornton finishers in the first 5 over the line. This was a tough event, it was like riding 5 major sportives back to back.

Who’s up for 8 hills next Sunday?

Danny & Bob

Danny and Bob’s Pyrenean Adventure 2011

2011-06-11T19:32:00.002+01:00

Day 4
In Mijanes over the valley from Ax-les-Thermes descending from 2000m, in freezing fog over the Col de Pailheres, only another 60km to go and two more 1200m climbs today. Final day tomorrow.

Danny & Bob

Danny and Bob’s Pyrenean Adventure 2011

2011-06-09T22:37:00.001+01:00

Day 3

No rain and sunshine, 110 miles. Major climbs are Aspin,Peiresourge, Portet d’ Aspet which had the Monument 2 Fabio Casartelli. Three hard days of over 100 miles each day is taking its toll on legs and backside.

Danny & Bob

Danny and Bob’s Pyrenean Adventure 2011

2011-06-09T22:30:00.001+01:00

Day 2

90 miles completed with 3400m of climbing, weather improving, the Aubisque and Solar were amazing climbs. The Tourmalet was a beast, I managed too get Thornton represented in the top five. The decent was horrendous with freezing conditions. Five major climbs tomorrow!

Danny & Bob

Danny and Bob’s Pyrenean Adventure 2011

2011-06-07T18:56:00.001+01:00

Day 1

Where is the Sun? 180km in the rain all day. Tomorrow the Aubisque and the Tourmalet. Lets hope for better weather.

Danny & Bob

King of the Downs 2011

2011-06-05T22:51:00.000+01:00

King of the Downs

Myself and Bob Sanders took part in this years King of the Downs on Sunday 22nd May 2011. This is a tough event with some proper climbs with a distance of 113 miles albeit we did 115miles! We left Folkestone early and drove through heavy rain for a 7:00am start. Knowing it was inevitable that we would get a good soaking. Fortunately the rain had stopped when we arrived but the roads were wet.
We set off with Bob leading only to find ourselves back at the start a mile later, having missed the sign at the first roundabout (there were a few with us!) . Back off we went, undeterred, the first real climb was Leath Hill, this had an adverse affect on Bob who was struggling from this point on, which was around 15 miles in to the ride. The cause of his dilemma was blamed on eating too may do-nuts the day before. With Bob unable to hold the pace on the flat, it looked like we were in for either a very short or long day.

We stayed together and rode at a steady pace, a few long climbs came and went. The ride then went up Box Hill which is the planned show piece of the Olympic Road race. This seemed to inspire Bob and he began to increase the pace and recover from this point on. We then caught up with a fast moving group and headed for the half way point. With 50 miles completed and a stop at the feed station, Bob was feeling better and keen to continue. Within 10 miles it was normal service resumed with Bob heading into the head wind. Next into Ashdown Forrest and up the Wall for a third time this year!.

With both of us working well together, we began picking up a number of riders in front of us and dropping all that we swept up. At around 85 miles we hit Yorks Hill, which Bob confirmed is the worst hill he has been up, it makes Lympne Hill look positively easy! A quick feed stop at the top we set off with 20 miles to go. With one final nasty climb tackled, Testy Hill, we pushed for home only to miss a sign with 8 miles to go. Again there were a few who had done the same. Reversing the route we picked up the missing turn and joined a fast moving group to the finish.

With heavy rain now falling, the finish was looming. I stuck in a long stint at the front to represent Thornton; which drove us back to the finish. My time was faster than last year where I went too hard early on, so something to lean then!
Refuelled by pasta and drinks we agreed this was a good test for the Pyrenean Raid which is now 2 weeks away. Asking Bob if he fancied it next year, his response was probably not! So who was King of the Downs, we will give it to Bob for persevering from Do-Nut poisoning!
The results are below:

Robert Sanders 07:04:31 16.3mph
Danny Frost 07:04:02 16.3mph

Shepway Cycle Day

2011-06-04T17:47:00.000+01:00

cycle day

Lord Whisky start

2011-05-29T15:40:00.000+01:00

Meet up time 9.15 am, aiming to get away around 9.30 am.

Danny

Lord Whisky Reminder 2011

2011-05-24T22:32:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder about the Lord Whisky Sportive on Monday 30th May 2011. We normally have a good club turnout for it.

Entrance fee £13 or £18 on the day,

50 miles or 72 miles.

email: nickracingsnake@btinternet.com

web:

www.lordwhisky.co.uk

See you at the sportive hopefully.

Don

P.S. Sunday club ride might be a bit quite.

Thornton 30 Mile TT Results

2011-05-24T22:04:00.002+01:00

Time Trial Battles

‘In war…’ said Neville Chamberlain, ‘…there are no winners but all are losers’. Fortunately the opposite applies in bicycle time trialling. From the standpoint that some riders are faster than others, there are of course conventional winners, but from the standpoint that each rider battles with himself or herself, first to summon up the courage to enter the contest, and then to find the immanent mental and physical resources, the animal stamina, the power to endure, the can-do spirit to complete the course, makes every rider a winner over him- or herself.

And thus it was on Sunday 15 May 2011 when thirty-five riders (two of whom rode a tandem tricycle) battled successfully against northerly headwinds and 30 miles of the old and new A2070/A259, between Kingsnorth and Brookland, to complete the VTTA Kent Group championship – a ride prepared, administered and marshalled largely with Thornton Road Club assistance. Of the bicycle riders, 25 were male veterans (average age 57.4 yrs), 3 were female veterans, and 5 were seniors (one female and four male). Average male vet time for the course was 1hr:21min:43sec while the fastest male in any category – Andrew Meilack, Data Team Allstars – took 1:08:33. The best male performance against veteran standard was that of Alan Rowe, De Laune Cycling Club, who took 1:18:41 but at 72 years of age, gained 0:21:48 improvement on his vet standard. How do they do it?

The best male Thornton Road Club rider from two entries was John Laker at 1:18:21 (0:07:37 better than vet standard), while the best female TRC rider, also from two entries, was Deborah Gasking at 1:48:31 (no improvement over vet standard). Bernardette Conefrey (San Fairy Ann CC) at 1:27:50 was the fastest female rider overall.

Those TRC men and women who manned the marshalling points, and starting and finishing points, also served the cause, and both envied and admired the heroic performances of participants. For those who like graphics, I show below the principal results of the ride in summary statistical form. Make of it what you will.

Eric Bates

30-Mile Time Trial Sunday 15 May 2011

2011-05-14T10:18:00.000+01:00

VTTA (Kent Group Championship) All Ages

30-Mile Time Trial Sunday 15 May 2011

To be held of the Q30/2 Course (Kingsnorth-Brookland-Kingsnorth)

(Headquarters at Kingsnorth Village Hall: first rider starts at 7:00 am)

Designated Helpers and Marshals

As in previous years, Thornton Road Club is assisting in the organisation and implementation of the annual VTTA (all ages) 30-mile championship time trial. Gordon Davis has already requested help from club members and others, and his list of each person’s designated function is given below. Bear in mind that the first rider starts at 7:00 am (not 6:30 am as specified in the Cycling Time Trials Handbook) which means particularly that marshals should be in position in good time shortly after the start time. Kingsnorth Village Hall will be open from about 6:00 am.

Function	Person responsible
Timekeeper at Start	David Makey
Timekeeper at finish	Mrs Pat Hill
Pusher-off/Holder-up	Ian Fowler
Runner (start and finish times communicator)	Russ Mason
Results board, Kingsnorth Village Hall	Neil Colvin
Results board assistant, Kingsnorth Village Hall	Eric Bates
Catering, Kingsnorth Village Hall	Toni Spain and Paul Hope
Race numbers	Ted Hill
Marshals:
Hamstreet and A2070	Michael and Rachelle Pumphrey
Brookland roundabout	Jane White and Tess Laker
Brenzett roundabout	Roy White and Kevin Mitchell
Bridgefarm roundabout	Malcolm Strickland and Peter Marchant
Cloverleaf roundabout	Graeme Pilcher and Steve Fish
Kingsnorth roundabout/Park Farm roundabout	Bob Burdon, Alyson Nye, and Garry Booth
Reserve marshal	Nick Farrer
Signs	Neil Colvin, Michael Winsor, and Gordon Davis

Eric Bates

12 May 2011

Richard Foster’s Ride Across Britain

2011-05-04T11:37:00.005+01:00

Richard Foster’s Ride Across Britain

I'm planning to cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End in June 2011. Its about a 1,000 miles and I hope to complete the challenge in 9 days. I've been training, but it won't be easy. Contrary to popular belief it’s not all down hill when you're cycling from top to bottom; in fact its generally considered tougher, as the prevailing winds are south westerly.

I'm supporting Pilgrims Hospices In East Kent and the British Paralympic Association.

Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity providing specialist palliative care free of charge to people in east Kent. They care for people with illnesses that can not be cured including cancer, heart failure, respiratory conditions and neurological diseases.

The British Paralympic Association (BPA) is a registered charity which is responsible for selecting, preparing, entering, funding and managing Britain s teams at the Paralympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games. They are the official charity of the Deloitte ‘Ride Across Britain’ event.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I would really appreciate your support and thank you for any donations.

Please go to http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardFoster to see my fundraising page and sponsor me online.

The Route

Kind regards

Richard Foster

Funny Performance Video

2011-05-03T22:31:00.002+01:00

The Need for Speed?

Click on Video below...

Diesel

Flanders 2011 Video

2011-05-01T20:02:00.001+01:00

A great Flanders Video put together by our own photographic maestro,

Mr Bunn.

Duration 5 mins.

Don

Riding in South Africa

2011-04-30T21:47:00.000+01:00

It was a surprise to find on our recent holiday in South Africa that there seemed to be hardly any cycles in the country! Well, that's not exactly true - there were hardly any cycles on the route we took through the north of the country, but when we finally got to Cape Town we saw a round the Cape of Good Hope sponsored ride underway - too late for me to enter!

The first cycle I came across in the whole of South Africa was at the mining township of Pilgrim's Rest - yes, I tried it out, but this was not exactly a good riding prospect as there was only a spike where the saddle should have been, and it had a basket which was literally made of barbed wire...ouch! It was several days later before there was an opportunity to get my hands on a rideable bike (well rideable if you ignored the fact that the front tyre was as flat as a pancake). The sun was already setting when I set off, without any available lights, for a ride around Mkuze, finishing up bedding down in a rondavel (have you tried fitting yourself and a bike into one of those huts? There's not a lot of room!). Thanks to the poor staff member at the Ghost Mountain Inn for letting me ride off into the sunset (literally) with his bike!

This wasn't the only outing for the Thornton top - although my next ride had a mind of its own (but only a very small brain apparently). A fascinating morning at Highgate Ostrich Farm included the opportunity to ride an ostrich. Things started off fairly straightforwardly with sitting on a female ostrich which was tied into a frame - easy!

It was only after this that I realised this was the preparation for actually riding a male ostrich that was let loose in the paddock - the good news is that I didn't let the club down - I stayed on, although I'm not sure which one of us was actually steering! I think I've got the hang of it now - what about a "Thornton Road Ostrich Challenge" next year?!

Trevor Hall

Lord Whiskey Sportive Monday 30th May 2011

2011-04-25T21:16:00.000+01:00

We had a good turnout from Thornton at this local sportive last year. It will be good to see similar numbers this year:

The second Lord Whisky Cyclo-Sportive will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 2011. You can ride distances of 80kms (50 miles) or 116kms (72 miles), over part of the North Downs, with some of the best rolling countryside in Kent.
You will also ride over the quiet flat roads of Romney Marsh. There are a few hills, to keep the climbers happy. One climbs 102 metres in just over 1km. Some have been used in the past when the Tour de France came to Kent.

There will be a feed station on route. All finishers will receive a commemorative mug. Refreshments and food will be available all day. Broom wagon with first aid. The event will start and finish at the Park House Animal Sanctuary in Stelling Minnis.

Weekend camping available at the Sanctuary on request. Riders can start from 9.30 a.m. in groups up to twelve.

All riders will be timed and results sheets available. The entry fee is only £13 in advance! Entry on the day will be £18
.
Lord Whisky 2nd Annual Cyclo-Sportive - Bank Holiday Monday 30th May. Distance 80kms/50 miles or 116kms/72 miles.

Start and finish at Park House. Entry fee £13 in advance or £18 on the day. For an entry form or further details email nickracingsnake@btinternet.com or send an SAE to Lord Whisky Cyclo-Sportive, Park House, Stelling Minnis, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6AN.

All proceeds will go to the Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund a registered charity. (No. 283483)

If you want any more information, contact the organiser Nick Marsh on 07929709173 or e-mail nickracingsnake@btinternet.com

For more information about the charity and it’s work, go to the website www.lordwhisky.co.uk

You can pick up entry forms from the Lord Whisky tearooms at address above.

Danny

Danny's Perspective of Flanders

2011-04-22T20:13:00.000+01:00

This was an excellent trip which provided a fantastic route, which was well organised and amazing weather. The predictions were for a hot day amd I sent Steve the forecast through a few days before, unfortunately he thought I was winding him up! It must have been seriously hot for Steve and Don in those thermal tights! If it slows them down thats fine with me!

We did plan to stick together, but myself and Nick tred to push on early-on which led to us leaving the others, which was a shame but Steve does like calling me Vino!

The first strech of cobbles was a real wake up and resulted in my chain coming off, and not for the first time. Nick was blasting over the cobbles and waiting for me to appear shortly after. We decided not to stop at the first or second feed stop as were keen to hit the cobbled climbs. The first few were uneventful apart from my chain coming off again. On to the first monument climb the Koppenberg with both of us moving up together; the sound of an ambulance behind us resulted in us having to stop. A quick remount resulted in myself reaching the top first with Nick following shortly after cursing his pedals!

As we rode throgh the early afternoon hours the heat was building up and water was getting low. A mirage of a drink stop turned out to be the Red Bull pit stop with no water just energy drinlks and lots of nubile young women thrusting cans of drink in your hands, not that I noticed! Further cobled climbs came and went, Nick was flying up and I was following behind. With two climbs to go we were out of water and the final feed stop was a welcome sight. Filled with water and waffles we approached the muur.

With Nick advising that he wanted to take it easy for the approaching kilometers as he wanted to be first up it. As we hit the tarmac section of the climb Nick disappeared up the road, as I came round the first cobbled section he was lying on the barriers being re-launched after a mishap.

As Steve advised this is a fantastic climb, that really pulls you up. I was climbing well and failed to notice Nick lying ia heap with another rider he had rear ended. I got to the top and assumed Nick was ahead of me, so I decided to push on, half way up the Bosberg my phone was ringing, I saw it was Nick, no response, I tried another 5 times and decided to push on. I caught a fast moving group and were hitting speeds of 27 - 30 mph. With the finishing line approching, no sign of Nick I blew the bugal for the photographers and beamed a big smile and thought that was great.

Nick appeared 10 minures later. Albeit Nick was far stronger than me on the climbs and cobbled sections; the records will show that I assended the Koppeburg, Muur and Bosberg ahead of him; don't you just luv stats!

It was a shame for Diesel and he has unfinished business and I for one will be definately joining him next year!

Danny

Good Friday Club Ride 2011

2011-04-18T20:21:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

There is a Sunday style club ride on Friday 22nd April starting at the Café at 9am. Come along if the weather is nice :)

Also keep the blog posts coming, its great being able to keep up with what the club has been achieving.

Thanks for contributing,

Don

Hastings Castle Cycle Challenge

2011-04-18T19:39:00.003+01:00

It was an early start, leaving Newchurch at 06:50, for the cycle over to the meeting place at Pett near Hastings. A lovely, bright, fresh morning, trees full of blossom, birds singing – all be it a bit chilly. A straight forward ride for John, Tess, Graham and myself, on the flat through Rye, Winchelsea Beach and Pett Level, before the 25% climb up to Pett, where we had the first collision with Tarmac of the day, when Graham fell off - the steepness of the climb being too much for his much maligned legs. Soon after a familiar Thornton shirt draped over a broom head pointed us to Roy and Jane’s house.

Carol had driven over; so we seven set off to the start of the annual Castle Cycle Challenge at the Life Boat Station in Hastings. For a more literary description of the 40 mile route, through Bexhill, Pevensey, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and back to Hastings, see Eric’s report of last year!

We were pootling along nicely as a group, overtaking Rye Wheelers peletons on several occasions and enjoying the changing scenery of the traditional sea-front, Pevensey Castle and then the Pevensey marshland, before a short incline and then turning into the grounds of the impressive Hestmonceux Castle. The peace and tranquillity were interrupted as Jane, admiring the scenery, overlooked a speed bump on a decent and crashed to the road.

Another casualty had come to a similar fate seconds earlier and he was lying beside the road, blood oozing from his wounds, in a state of shock and moaning about the lack of attention. Meanwhile we all rushed to Jane’s assistance – obviously grazed and dazed - a cigarette was just what the doctor ordered! Further investigation revealed deep cuts and grazes to her arm, leg and hand and lots of red stuff, conveniently mopped up in a Thornton shirt and fortunately no broken bones. Roy was very concerned about the scratched bike and new, now torn, handlebar tape.

A ‘very nice’ paramedic turned up after some time and after dealing with the male casualty on the other side of the road (who was taken off to hospital in an ambulance), cleaned up and patched up Jane’s wounds. Bravely Jane was keen to carry on, so off we set again for the ride back across the marshes and then the sea front towards Hastings.

Rituals are already developing for this annual event; so it was that we stopped for tea, a slice of cake and a bask in the sun at a tea shop on the sea front, before cycling on to the finish and collecting our medals at the Life Boat Station. Then on for fish and chips, more sun basking and people watching in the Old Town, before making our way back to Roy and Jane’s for the much talked about home made cake and more tea and coffee.

The cycle back into Kent and home for most was tough, with the easterly wind picking up. But all in all, an excellent and eventful day out on a splendid spring day in the Sussex countryside.
Jane’s wounds are bound to be a bit sore for a few days; so we all wish her a speedy recovery.

By Richard Foster

Downland Cycles Spring Sportive, 10th April 2011‏

2011-04-12T18:09:00.001+01:00

I’d spent all week planning the Downland Spring Sportive in my mind. In the post Flanders Sportive chat Steve had thrown down the gauntlet (winter glove), he was going to thrash Danny and me in the Downland 100 miler. Would we be able to hang onto his wheel? When would he make the break? Could we use the hills to our advantage?

I knew we would need to bring in the big guns, a text to Andy... Andy’s in, Richard was already entered, plus Danny and me gave us a strong team of four against Steve. Shame Bob was missing from the dream team as he had Rugby commitments.

I did my last training ride on the Thursday, the 75 mile round trip to work in Aylesford. That left me with just over a couple of days to recover and fuel up.

Sunday morning, 0730, Danny arrived, a couple of minutes later the car was packed and we were on our way to Canterbury. It was then that Danny broke the devastating news to me; Steve had chickened out of the ride. Oh no, nothing to aim at now.

It was a lovely bright sunny day, still a bit of a cool breeze in the air, but quickly warming up. We all decided against the full fleece lined thermals that Steve and Don recommend in this weather. I avoided the club colours for this ride, a tall ginger Thornton domestique got some bad press on the Muur-Kapelmuur climb the week before at the Tour of Flanders sportive. Danny, Andy and Richard weren’t put off and wore their Thornton tops with pride.

0850, the organisers announced that people could begin setting off when they were ready. A certain couple of people from the team took the last opportunity to visit the loos and then we were off… We handed in our timing cards and…. Richard found a handy stone to remove the remainder of a local dogs’ offerings from his cleat that he’d trod in earlier.

All cleats clean, off we set wiggling around the station before making a start on the first hill towards Blean. With a good climbing team we sailed by a group of around 8 riders and quickly got into a good rhythm, gradually passing more and more of the riders that had set off in front of us. It was then that I suggested that we aim at being the first 100 mile riders back.

The ride flowed well and before long we’d passed a 25 mile time trial rider on the A252 (towards Challock). Soon after this we did the long descent of White Hill into Wye. Once again the Thornton team showed their climbing strength on the climb out of Wye passing the surrounding riders. As ever I could not resist racing to the top and glanced back at just the right time to notice Danny creeping up on me. Thankfully several kicks out of the saddle was enough to get to the top first.

We caught a reasonably quick moving group of around 5 riders just after we’d been split up on a long descent. Danny had been caught behind a guy in Cervelo kit that descended ‘slower than my misses’. Once we regrouped we (Andy) lifted the pace again much to the delight of the riders that we’d now picked up. The large group stormed on primarily due to the efforts of Thornton (Andy) and one or two of the other riders that we picked up. The group broke up and rejoined a few times at some crossroads but otherwise stayed pretty much together until the end.

Richard was riding well and had done a fair share at the front, unfortunately we managed to lose him at the second food stop and I’m not sure how he got on after that.

The group battled on with Thornton riders doing more than their fair share, at one point on the marsh this became a little frustrating so I shouted out for volunteers but none of them came through. The few of us that had been working at the front dropped right to the back and forced some of the passengers to do some work. It was shortly after this that we overtook some casual cyclists just as they got in the line of sight between us and the event photographers. I guess it might look like they took us; I’m still waiting to see the photos.

The climb back out of the marsh was via Lympne Hill, then Blackhouse Hill and then up Peene Hill. Thornton once again demonstrated how to climb the hills. But it was at this point that we were starting to tire. After Peene I thought that was going to be the majority of the climbing out the way but somehow we still seemed to do loads climbing some of which was on some ropey gravelly roads. It was through these sections that one of the one of the guys that had been riding with our group got a bit of a lead on us, he was very strong and had done a fair bit on the front. We could see him in the distance on a long straight, Andy asked if we were going to chase him down. I answered ‘Of course, who’s going first?’, no sooner had I asked, Andy flicked the switch and we were back up to around 23 mph. Once again I was watching Andy ticking over in top gear. We swapped at the front and then swapped back and before long we saw him look back and realize he was caught. The group rejoined and we set about the run back into Canterbury.

It had not gone unnoticed to me that there was one (unknown) rider in the group that managed to get away without going to the front once. Just as we got to the downhill in Upper Hadres he went to the front, I’m not sure he’d realized it was going to be quite as windy as it was. However, we were soon back in the City. In the final run in Andy was battling it out at the front with the guy we caught earlier and I was doing my best to make sure that no-one came through behind them. Andy crossed the line first. The rest of the group followed through just behind once the traffic allowed us back into the access road to Downland.

As regards the results, no one overtook us and we put in the fourth fastest time at 05.36 (fastest time 05.24)

Results

184 Wickens, Andrew 5.36

60 Frost, Danny 5.36

188 Wood, Nicholas 5.36

58 Foster, Richard 5.58

Thanks to Andy, Danny and Richard for another great ride.

Nick

Flanders 2011 Trip by Don

2011-04-11T17:19:00.003+01:00

Adding to what Steve has written already about the trip. This was my first real continental excursion for a cycling event, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. On the morning of the ride, we all piled in the car full of excitement, the weather was looking good but still a bit chilly. As we approached Ninove the sun came out and the traffic started to build for the event. We started to see cars parked on the side of the dual carriage-way getting their bikes out and riding the rest of the way. Steve said to carry on as they organise parking all around the event. After some time sitting in town in the traffic and cyclists whizzing past us, time was ticking way for the start of the event. As we crawled along in the traffic Steve noticed a few cars nipping up side roads. Danny and crew were a few cars back behind us, so the next favourable side road we went up. To our amazement, there were a couple of places still... sorted! We got the bikes off the racks and met up with the rest of the thornton peloton, quick photo shoot, and we then joined the hordes of other cyclists, it was easy to find the start. Once at the start we found Registration and signed up. That was it, nothing left to do but ride 140Km over 12+ cobble sections. There was one major problem it was nearly 20c by now, as Steve has already mentioned I was not dressed for that and within a couple of kilometres I was starting to feel hot. I messed about at the back of to thornton group unzipping my jacket to see it that would help, but I still felt too warm. I rode back to Steve and a few of the others as I knew Steve was suitably over dressed also. I said to everyone, I had to stop and get rid of some clothing, Steve, Kev, Diesel and myself pulled over. That was the last we saw of most of the rest of the Thornton peloton so we continued as a group of 4, then we unfortunately lost Diesel because of a mechanical, then there were 3. Steve, Kev, and I have ridden together on many occasions, so we had no problem settling down and clocking up the miles enjoying the occasion as we rode. There was not much time for relaxing though, with nearly 20,000 cyclists all crammed into 140kms of roads, there wasn’t much room for error. And so we arrived at the first set of cobbles, "Oh My God" nothing prepares you for the vibration and the dodging of other riders lost drinks bottles( I even saw one drinks bottle with its cage still attached).Some of the longer sections really made your hands and feet sting. I was pleased to see my bottles cages were holding up as I was paranoid about dehydrating and was filling my drinks back up at most the feed stations. Steve and Kev were getting used to me appearing out of the crowds, hands and face full of drinks and food. I went through almost 8 full bottles; I was finding it hot to say the least! Our little three man train rolled on. Cobbles came and went, climbs came and went, but still we pushed on at a good pace. We had to abandon getting our card stamped for the medal, Think I managed two stamps. At one of the check points, we hung around for over 5 minutes but then figured out how long the queue was snaking around the stop and reckoned it was probably 20mins wait. The cobble climbs were interesting; I felt ok on the first few and powered up them comfortably. Steve came along side me on the top of one of them. I said to him "that didn’t feel too bad"; he just smiled and rode off. I got the feeling that they weren’t worthy cobble climbs; I knew what he meant later... The worst thing about the cobble climbs were the masses of riders going up them. I think I only had a clear ride up 2 or 3 of them. The hardest bit after getting stopped was getting going again, it’s almost impossible. It was amazing to see riders just coming to a complete standstill at the top of their crank stroke and then falling over, sprawling themselves right across the track. The kilometres and hours were starting to stack up now but still we were pushing along nicely. Steve went through a period of randomly dropping back but Kev and I just rolled along until we regrouped. He was cramping, not surprising how hot he must have been. We were into our fifth hour of riding, and I was starting to hang, back and shoulder ache more than anything. Legs still felt ok. I was far beyond my comfort zone of mileage and ride time. All I can say is a big thanks to Steve and Kev for keeping it together and keeping us going at a decent speed,( I know for sure if I had been left to my own devises, I would have slacked off to about 10mph and found a bar). Steve had recovered from his bad phase and was back on the front and pushing along strongly. We pulled up for what was our last stop( more drink). My back was getting uncomfortable now so I took a couple of painkillers that I had brought just in case. 10-15 mins later was a strange experience. They worked, almost too well. I felt a bit weird, euphoric. Think I’ll only have one tablet next time! The last few climbs came along, I had just to hang on now, Steve and Kev went up the climbs ahead of me and waited at the top to regroup. I was still overtaking the majority of other riders on the climbs, much to my surprise. With the last climbs out the way the final run in is lovely, downhill. Steve powered along at the front and Kev and I tucked in, jumping in and out of other riders wheels as we traveled at 25+mph. It’s amazing how at the finish line all the aches and pains go away, just leaving you with a feeling of satisfaction and achievement. I had an incredible time, Huge thanks to everyone who was there for such a great weekend and also to Diesel for all the driving he did. Don

Ronde Van Vlaanderen

2011-04-08T20:51:00.000+01:00

On the first weekend in April every year nearly twenty thousand amateur cyclists descend upon the Flemish Bergs to take part in the Tour of Flanders sportive, better known as the Ronde Van Vlaanderen.

Two cars with four members each left Kent bound for Brugge to take part in the arduous 150km route over 17 cobbled sectioned of Pavé. Danny, Ian, Chris and Nick all got to the hotel long before Kev, Don, Diesel and myself due to our advanced driver and co-pilot getting a little complacent with the technology of a sat nav. We were however greeted by the welcome site of a buffet that had been put on for the Lotto team that were also staying in our hotel. Over a big pasta dinner and a couple of Belgium beers we spoke briefly about the route and I shared my little knowledge of riding the Pavé from a previous Thornton rode trip to Flanders.

A few of us hadn’t entered online, which turned out to be a good move as it seemed to take longer to get through the start if you had pre-entered. With all of us stocked up on the huge buffet breakfast from the hotel, we rolled out in what turned out to be the hottest day any of us had cycled in for a long time. I had stupidly only packed my Roubaix fleece lined tights, so too say I was a little over dressed for the conditions would be an understatement.

Ian and Chris set off a little ahead of us to get settled into their own pace. With Thornton being a relatively unknown team in Belgium, Danny thought it would be a good idea to get some good exposure out the front of the main bunch of our modest outfit and claim some air time with local media that would be covering the event for the regional news stations. Nick was also keen to take up some domestic duties should Danny need any assistance.

Like me, Don had also miscalculated the weather reports and suggested that maybe we should all pull over and remove a few layers, so now did we not only have our pockets full of energy gels and red bull shots, we had to find room for hats, base layers, arm warmers and overshoes. Don did however have to make do with the wind tex fleece jacket to keep out the Mediterranean-like breeze.

The next few kilometers threw up another big surprise: whilst negotiating a White van in the road Diesel attempted to overtake and tuned the cranks to be greeting with no resistance. Diesel’s tiny mind was quite perplexed for some time whilst he stared at his rear wheel wondering what the matter could be. Anyone that knows Diesel will also know that he knows absolutely nothing about bike maintenance, but this will not stop his determination to tinker a little. Sadly this instance was nothing to do with maintenance.... the wheel just gave up before even reaching the first cobbled section.

Kev, Don and myself carried on and settled down to a nice steady pace. Then we hit the fist section of cobbles and all the memories of the bone shaking experience I had on the first time I rode them came flooding back. It’s really hard to explain how it feels to someone that has not ridden them. They are hard on your legs, hands, shoulders and arms all at the same time and as soon as you hit the Tarmac on the other side you fly and realise the power you were putting in to get across them with a decent amount of momentum. Any advice you ever read about riding the cobbles is to ride them hard as it really is the momentum that takes you thorough.

We proceeded to ride together at a comfortable pace and once we hit the Kruisberg the following 12 sections came thick and fast. The more kilometers we got through the more congested the cobbled sections became. I felt I had enough energy and power to climb the full length of the climbs but had to step off a couple of times due to the fact there was just too many cyclists on too narrow sections to pass. A major frustration I found was people choosing to ride the gullies at the side of the rode for a smoother ride only to change there mind at the last moment or run out of steam and almost come to a complete standstill. This becomes an issue when you are following that wheel and are forced into deviating across the cobbles into the path of other cyclists. This sportive is mentally exhausting due to the fact that you really do have to keep your wits about you to stay safe. I was so pleased it was not raining like my fist Tour of Flanders which made me choose the shorter 75km route.

Having done that shorter route I knew what was to come and what I had been looking forward to all week. The Muur-Kapelmuur is my favourite cobbled climb. It's 475m with an average gradient of 9.3 and a maximum of 19.8, anyone that knows me knows I’m not a fan of climbing, but this one I do enjoy. I loved it the fist time I rode it and knowing what comes next I loved it even more. Once you hit the town of Geraardsbergen and turn left you begin to climb nice and steady on tarmac and whilst everyone is clicking around trying to find a comfortable gear ratio, now is a good time to push a bigger gear and get some distance from the crowds before you turn onto the narrow cobbled section. As I said above, it's the momentum that gets you over and if you pick a gear too small you are going to have tougher time passing the weaving cyclist in front of you. I had a clear run on the Mur and the steeper it got the happier I felt, as you know you are nearing the church at the top of the famous climb. I think slot of the power comes from the adrenalin from the many spectators at the side of the road cheering you on, and no matter how tired you feel by this point you don't want to give up with so many people watching you.

With around 15km to go there is only the Bosberg to go that could cause you any problems. I thought it would be a breeze as it's not too hefty in comparison to what we had just done, but for me this was the worst one as the distance was now taking its toll and my legs were starting to cramp up and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep that momentum going. After lots of shuffling around out of the saddle and on the saddle, I finally arrived over the top onto the tarmac. Kev, Don and myself regrouped and we set off on the home straight run into Ninove where we had left some 6 hours earlier.

Images and Words, Stephen Bunn

A view from Danny of the Thornton Challenge

2011-04-05T14:42:00.000+01:00

Thornton 50.

Myself, Bob, Nick and Ian met outside my house at 8:30am which was about 100m from the start. We were surprised how cold it felt; at the start we decided it would be best to stick together a we knew Steve and Don would be teaming up. Myself and Bob led out through the home ground and waited for someone to jump off the front. As predicted this was John shortly followed by Andy.

We hit Kick hill and I gave it a little push up there to see how everyone was feeling, at the top I discussed with Don that the escapees were getting a bit too far ahead at such an early stage and was expecting a working together approach. Within seconds Don switched into time trial mode, so I just sat in and watched him eat the distance up over 1000m, it was a good effort by Don.

I sat in a good position near the front and got ready for the first sprint, in that I would try and launch Bob down the road. The wet roads were making me a bit twitchy having broken my wrist in similar conditions around 5 years ago. At the left turn in Aldington I took it cautiously and lost pace with Nick and Don and only re-grouped after the sprint.

Moving on I did a stretch into the wind down to Ruckinge and noticed it was windier than I thought. Rising out of Ruckinge another stint on the front which was followed by another attempted escape by John and Andy, which again was sucked up by Don. The left turn out off Ruckinge Don discussed with me about going to the front. Concerned about the wind I declined, however within 1km I gave it a long push up to the turn to Newchurch. Sitting now second I was a witness to a very well worked routine from Steve and Don, with Bob not playing albeit Nick was in the mix.

Across the marsh the pace fluctuated with Andy taking turns on the front creating a number of surges. With Knoll Hill approaching the pace slackened and Steve launched off the front with Don doing the same after we caught up. Don then shot off the front with the hill approaching, I went up to the front and chased up the first part of the climb, Nick took over the top and we were now pulling Don back unfortunately for us a car blocked the catch at the foot of the proper climb. I eased up and watched Nick chase with Richard following. I finally caught Don with 5m to the finish but he looked round at the right moment and was just ahead at the top.

The group had now thinned out at bit and with my sprinter Bob pulling out, I pulled up to Nick and Richard. At this point I felt very good and was ready to start moving. We ran across the marsh towards Lymne Hill. Don pushed the pace up on the approach and I just sat behind, at the base I went past him and smiled, his day was over. Nick then went to the front and I pushed along at a steady pace. With 50m to the top Rob and Andy came past me, I decided not to push thinking I would catch up along the top, big mistake.

Along the top I got to 50m of Andy but could not pull the distance back I looked behind and saw Richard around 100m back and found I was in no mans land. At the sharp left hander I took it easy having broken my wist there before and was surprised to see Dave picking himself off the floor from sliding off. I knew my only chance to regroup, was traffic in Hythe slowing them down, my prayers were answered when I saw the red light, but they sailed through!

Up Blackhouse Hill I again pulled Andy in to around 50m, with the top approaching I looked behind and noticed Steve (superman) was behind me so I put a real effort in over the closing 100m. Hitting the top I really went for it. I saw Andy at the roundabout who was now 100m ahead, I continued to push with Steve catching me 150m from the finish. I asked Steve where Don was, his response was "at the bottom of Lymne Hill". My only comfort being that Superman advising "he had worked very hard to catch me"; we rolled over the finish together and regrouped with the Nick, Andy and Rob and rode to the Grand together.

As for working together, apart from working with Nick pulling Don back it was not a team effort, albeit Nick did not need too much help! Myself and Bob felt very much turned over by Steve and Don.

It was a real good fun event and we should make it an annual feature, thanks Graham for your efforts and all others who were part of organising this event.

BURGESS HILL SPRINGTIME CLASSIC

2011-03-26T22:37:00.000Z

This year five members of Thornton RC took part in this years Burgess Hill Springtime Classic, with four of us riding together Bob Sanders, Andy Wickens, Nick Wood and Danny Frost. For those that have not ridden this sportive, this is an extremely well organised event with cheap food and drink with the proceeds going to a local charity. The route is challenging and always feels harder than the Hell of Ashdown.

We left Folkestone in near-on freezing temperatures for an 8:30am start in Burgess Hill. The pace was fast early on with Andy resuming duties from last weeks Thornton 50. The first part of the course resulted in climbing the Wall (again) and Groombridge. All was well at the feed stage at Hever; with the second half beckoning which is notably harder!.

The pace continued well and we formed part of a fast moving group, up and till we hit Forrest Row at which point Andy lost his phone which resulted in a short break. On we went to the really steep climb known as Cobbs Hill which Andy approached in the Big Gear which resulted in a track start.

With the major climbs out the way the push for home was on; unfortunately Andy was starting to cramp, a product of riding the course in top gear for 90% of the time! However, a mini roundabout put a split in the pack but Andy re-appeared to pull back around 300m, so it was all together at the Red Kite.

Meanwhile Nick decided to go for glory, obviously feeling good from last weeks exploits, but what he didnt realise was that we were all just sitting behind him! With the town centre to negotiate it was every man for himself, it was he who takes the best route wins!

I followed Bob but Andy took the wrong line and became stuck in traffic. Nick shot of the front to get a 10m lead on the final corner with the finishing line beckoning, who was that coming round the corner to catch Nick on the line, not Stephen Roache but Bob Sanders, we will call this one a dead heat or experience over age, the rest of us followed a few seconds later.

The weather, the route and the organisation resulted in an excellent day, whether me and Nick are now ready for Fanders only time will tell?

The times are below for Thornton RC, hope to see more of us there next year?

599	Nicholas Wood	Thornton RC	M29	04:14:06	Gold
13	Robert Sanders	Thornton RC	M52	04:14:14	Gold
16	Danny Frost	Thornton RC	M47	04:14:21	Gold
600	Andrew Wickens	Thornton RC	M45	04:15:03	Gold
478	Nigel Fox	Thornton RC	M37	05:10:43	Bronze

Danny

Thornton Road Club Spring Challenge 2011

2011-03-22T21:44:00.002Z

There was a great turn out for the first Thornton Road Club Challenge. The weather was slightly chilly with a SW wind. It had rained the day before but the roads had dried overnight making for a pleasant ride.

After a quick photo shoot at the start we all got under way. There was a change to the planned finish, it was decided to finish on the A20 near the motorway round about.

The ride went without a hitch. Everyone got round the route apart from the odd one getting lost. The check points had riders battling hard for a win or at least a few points.

The results are listed below.

THORNTON CHALLENGE 13th MARCH 2O11 RESULTS.

SPRINT CHALLENGE.

SPRINT 1 (ALDINGTON FRITH).

DON HOUGHTON (5PTS),
ROB WHEELER (3PTS),
NICK WOODS (1PT),

SPRINT 2 (IVYCHURCH ROAD).

DON HOUGHTON (5PTS),
NICK WOODS (3PTS),
ANDY WICKENS (1PT).

OVERALL SPRINT TABLE.

1^ST DON HOUGHTON (10PTS). WINNER £10.

2^ND NICK WOODS (4PTS).

3^RD = ANDY WICKENS & ROB WHEELER (1PT)

HILL CHALLENGE.

HILL 1 KNOLL.

NICK WOODS (3PTS),
RICHARD FOSTER (2PTS),
DON HOUGHTON (1PT).

HILL 2 LYMPNE.

NICK WOODS (5PTS),
ROB WHEELER (3PTS),
ANDY WICKENS (1PT),

HILL 3 BLACKHOUSE.

NICK WOODS (5PTS),
ROB WHEELER (3PTS),
ANDY WICKENS (1PT).

OVERALL HILL CHALLENGE TABLE.

1^ST NICK WOODS (13 PTS). WINNER £5. (SHARED AS OVERALL WINNER AS WELL)

2^ND ROB WHEELER (6PTS) £5.

3^RD= ANDY WICKENS & RICHARD FOSTER (2PTS),

4^TH DON HOUGHTON (1 PT).

FINISH LINE RESULTS.

OVERALL CHALLENGE 50 MILE RESULTS.

1^ST NICK WOODS. OVERALL WINNER. 2 HRS 33 MINS (APPROX). AV SPEED 19.4M/HR (APPROX). £10.

2^ND ROB WHEELER.

3^RD ANDY WICKENS

4^TH DANNY FROST,

5^TH STEVE BUNN,

6^TH RICHARD FOSTER.

TOTAL MONEY RAISED £200. SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN CELIA BLAKEY UNIT @ WHH & BORDER COLLIE TRUST UK.

Most riders went back to the Grand for a coffee and the prize giving. Everyone was chatting about what a great ride it had been, and it was actually better that it had been cancelled from its original Boxing Day slot.

There was a lot of interest in having another Challenge at the end of the season or at least making it an annual Thornton event.

The route got the thumbs up but the addition of another sprint would make a better balance. The close succession of climbs near the end was also popular giving it the feel of a pro type event.

All in all, a great day, many thanks to Greame and Viv for organising it and may there be many more.

Many thanks to Dave Wheeler for speeding along ahead of us, recording the results at the check points and for contributing to the event route.

I have written an account of the ride from my own perspective, link below

Don

Pat Geary Stroke Association ride

2011-03-21T20:02:00.000Z

This Saturday 26 March 2011-please come along to support Pat Geary in the final leg of her 3,500 mile Coastal Cycle in aid of the Stroke Association.

Assemble 9.45 for 10.00 am start at Whitstable Harbour Entrance.
The group will cycle to the Recreation Ground at Whitstable Road in Faversham – arriving around 10.50.

The group will leave the Recreation Ground around 11am and aim to get back to the black hut called ‘West Welks’ in Whitstble Harbour for 12.00 midday (press may be present to take shots)

Pat and all cyclists are welcome to visit the Tea Bar of Whitstable Yacht Club after the cycle. Cycles can be left in the Front courtyard facing the sea. Individuals may want to lock their bikes.

Pats Evening Celebratory Event: (all welcome)
Start: 6.30 at Smeeth Village Hall
American Supper Style: Please bring your own drink and a plate of food – which will be put on the table to share.

Any questions please call Toni on 07850338803

Whitstable Yacht Club, 3-4 Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX

Parking Arrangements: It may be best to park in the car park opposite the Harbour (off Harbour Street). (note for Roy & Jane- there may be a height barrier on this car park). There is free parking in the back roads near hear – if you are lucky!

Re-Arranged Boxing Day Ride + Subs

2011-03-12T18:47:00.001Z

Membership Subscriptions

Thank you to all members who have paid their membership subscriptions for the year 2011 - 2012. For those of you havn't paid yet, please accept this as a gentle reminder that subscriptions were due on 1st Feb 2011. General membership is £12 and there are reductions for families and students. Please send your subscription to Gordon, or hand it to him on a Sunday morning.

Re-arranged Boxing Day Ride

Reminder that next Sunday there will be no ride from the Cafe in Hythe, as the re-arranged Boxing Day Ride is taking place. Meet at the Grand Hotel on the Leas in Folkestone at 09:00 for the 50mile or 25 mile ride.