CS Dynamo

Pro rider for a day

06 September 2010

South West Cyclocross

01 September 2010

Dynamos make the series podium for MTB

Thursday evening saw the fifth and final round of the fullysussed thursday night mtb series take place at Haldon forest. The first races were off at 6pm where Greg raced in the juveniles. The biggest field of the series took part in this round and the racing was very competitive with Greg taking sixth spot. Overall for the series he finished equal third from twelve boys contesting the competition.
By the time 7pm had come round for the senior races the cloud was on the deck, it was raining hard, the wind was blowing and it was getting dark. It was a mass start for all competitions and it was fast and furious from the off with everyone using various tactics to stay ahead of the others riders especially with all the single track being used. The race was over 5 laps of 3.2miles in length and lasting just over the hour. With plenty of fire trail linking the single track together everybody was after a wheel to try and get some advantage and shelter from the weather. By the end of the race I had got my best result of the series,4th; and came 3rd overall for the series contested by 42 riders.
Steve M

21 August 2010

COURSE CHANGE FOR 4 UP TTT ON SUNDAY

There are traffic lights on the course, necessitating an amendment to the route.  Andy has put details on theCSD  Home page, but you may have to scroll down it to see it all.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

20 August 2010

Here there be Dragons.

19 August 2010

Rise of the MAMILS

Rise of the Mamils (middle-aged men in lycra)

Check out the link below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10965608

16 August 2010

Stace Birks' report from Etape duTour 2010

 

 

 

 

 

12 August 2010

Dan Martin's Win in the Tour of Poland

If you didn't get to see it on Eurosport click here.

08 August 2010

Ilton Tor 2000 Finale

      
Seven Dynamos started in the 4th cat race BUT only one finished.

The evening started out well with 9 Dynamo riders ready to take on Ilton for the last in the Tor 2000 series.  We were joined by three new Iltonions: John Fuke, Dave Hall & Richard Lovemore. ONLY Dave Hall crossed the finish line in the 4th cat race out of seven Dynamo riders. The rest of us fell away from the main peloton or crashed out over the course of the race, so well done Dave. 

The three Amigos (regular at Ilton)

Dave (big ring) Stephens had amassed enough points to hold the leader’s jersey, no mean feat as the 4^th cat points awarded for winning the individual sprint at each race are the lowest in all the categories.  So Dave was holding off some pretty stiff competition, especially from the Elite riders.

Lubos (the hulk) Obornik had an eventful series with a puncture on the third race, then a massive crash on the fourth.  Most of us would have licked our wounds and called it a day, but Lubos came back two days later to win the 4^th cat race.  Now a 3^rd cat rider, Lubos is clearly on a mission taking the sprint win in the last race on Thursday.

Keith (tigger) White never gives up if he is unfortunately dropped or gets a fly in his eye.  Keith keeps on going with true grit and determination and always smiling. 


 Keith at the head of the group

On Thursday the three new Iltonians, all keen as mustard were ready to enter the gladiatorial arena of the 4^th cat race.  The race got into a good rhythm, a couple of breakaways, but soon the group brought them back.  Dave Stephens managed to hold off everyone to win the prime with a great sprint and gaining maximum points.  It was then down to the last lap and all the sprinters as usual amassed at the front creating a long line ready to pounce!

Like a tsunami, the riders went for it, powering towards the finish line at great speed, then suddenly one rider just touches another and BANG!!  You hear that horrible sound of bikes and riders crashing to the ground and once again Ilton bites back without mercy.

Dave & Julian thankfully managed to walk away although Julian had to go into casualty the following day to have several stitches for tendon damage in his hands. Otherwise the only loss they suffered was some race points - oh and Dave will need a new helmet as his broke clean in half!.  The other two riders unfortunately had to be taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries.

 

Steve Medlock who like me will not be taking part again, said he will be getting a Dawes Galaxy and going touring!!

31 July 2010

Simon Gray rides 2007 Tour de France route

For those of you who regularly ride the club run you will probably know that Major Simon Gray of the Royal Marines joined us for several months as part of his training in order to help him tackle the route of the 2007 Tour de France. He and 9 other marines set out from London yesterday on this grueling challenge. You can follow the Marines daily by visitng their web site at:

25 July 2010

'Course we 'ad it tough....

T'was a wild and windy evening at Ilton on Thursday. I knew it was going to be different when the security guard on the gate, instead of the usual cheery “’evening sir”, said “you lot want bloody certifying”….

Lubos and I were the only representatives of CSD in a much depleted field, most riders sensibly deciding to stay at home, avoiding the stinging horizontal rain. All the races seemed to break up quite quickly, because it was so difficult (not to say dangerous) to shelter or follow a wheel when riders are being blown all over the place.

In the end Lubos came in third in the 3rd cat group, and I came 5th in the 4ths after chasing a group of three who had gone from the gun. With the wind getting stronger by the lap, the organisers cut the race short after the signing on tent and flags blew down, scattering numbers and licenses everywhere. There was therefore no sprint (prime), so that contest is going down to the wire, as I am level pegging for the lead with some bloke called Marcin Bialobloki (never heard of him).

Drove home dreaming of a hot shower and food, only to find that a tree had taken down a power line in Withycombe, and we had no electricity. Wife and neighbours had decamped to the local, mercifully spared the power cut. Recovery meal of KP and Carlsberg, followed by night of sleep repeatedly disturbed by western power chainsaws, and electric resuming at 4am. Lovely. May be recovered by Sunday.

It’s the last race of the series on Thursday the 29th, so lets see plenty of Dynamos there! David S.
http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/25163/Team-Tor-2000-Circuit-Races-6

B*****r. It seems there was a prime on Thursday, though I heard no whistle above the gale. Marcin won and is now "untouchable", so I'll be battling for 2nd or 3rd place.

17 July 2010

British Cycling to visit on next club night

Andy Parker and Chris Yates of British Cycling have kindly agreed to visit us on the next club night of 19th July. It would be great if we as a club could support them by attending the club night. The aim of the visit is to discuss with them how we want to move the club forward and what support BC could give us to achieve this. If there is anything else you would like to raise with BC then come along and ask them.

06 July 2010

CS Dynamo recieves Two Appeals for help

I have received two e-mails requesting help from CS Dynamo:

1. From Debbie who is keen to take up cycling again.  Since Debbie is visually impaired she was enquiring if anybody in the club would be prepared to pilot a tandem for her.  She was intending to hire a tandem to see how she got on and, if successful would intend to buy a tandem.  She doesn't work - so I was wondering if any of our retired colleagues would be up for this, and if there were several that were maybe it could be done on a rota basis.

If anybody is interested (Pete, John N, Alan O, Stace, Roger D, Eddie Mc and anybodsy else that may have a few hours spare in week??) please contact me. - Paul M

2. From Tracy and three friends who are riding the Great British Bike Ride in September http://www.greatbritishbikeride.com/  - which is a four (100 mile each) stage sportive from Lands End to Twickenham - and they have asked if the Sunday Club run would be able to help in getting them up to standard.  (Tracy admits that they are potty!!!)

They are currently working to a training schedule suggested by Ian Daveridge (so that's good) and they took part in the Nello ride last week - which has shown that there is a bit of work to do.  

I have invited Tracy and her Friends to come out on the club run on Sunday and I would therefore ask for support from any riders in the club that wouldn't normally come out on the "A" run, to come out on Sunday.  I will be leading the run and intend to  make it about 50 miles total - with the requisite cafe stop.

Bearing in mind what we were talking about at the last committee meeting with regard to encouraging cyclists from outside the club to come out on a "B-type" run, I think that this is a good opportunity to re-establish a "not-so-hard" club run once again.

I will endeavour to put a route on the web-site for Sunday, and I'll also detail a longer route for the A-run to the same place.

Hope to see you all on Sunday.  -  Paul M

30 June 2010

Lubos solos to victory (More)

Lubos Orbornik rode a magnificent solo victory in the 4th cat race at the Kalas Cup two day event held at Ilton over the weekend of 19/20 June earning him 10 ranking points and therefore promoting him to 3rd cat status( look out Keith!).
With three laps remaining Lubos decided to get across to a breakaway group of four riders. Having bridged the gap he upped the pace of the group in order to make sure the main peleton wouldn't catch them. The increased pace blew the group apart and Lubos powered away to ride two laps solo to his maiden victory.

Apparently Lubos went so well, when the race came round for the bell lap the race officials weren't ready when Lubos wisked through, well in front.  consequently Lubos didn't get the bell and so didn't know it was the last lap.  One of the officials had to jump in his car and chase after Lubos and hang out the window to tell him, "You're on the last lap"

"What you say?", says Lubos.

"You're on the last lap!"

"Oh Okay - t'anks, I vould hev jus' kept going anyvay"

29 June 2010

Mad dogs and Englishmen ride out in the midday sun

2010 Dartmoor Classic 106 mile (170k) Sportive 

The Yogi clan with over 40 riders

Six Dynamos (that I know of) started this year’s 2010 Dartmoor Classic 106 Mile bike ride.  Andy Stovell, Martin Fullard, Paul Martin, Pete Money,  Steve Medlock & Stace Birks.

The day began at 7.10 a.m. and Stace was the first away, the rest of us setting off at 7.24 a.m.  Martin Fullard quickly accelerated ahead and was clearly a man on a mission.  The rest of us however, decided to stick together and keep the pace sensible, i.e. no going for Gold.

Right from the start the temperature was high, already at 15c.  No clouds in the sky meant it would be a very scenic ride over the moors, but at the same time we knew the heat was going to make it extra challenging.

Less then 20 miles after we set off, we had to stop for my brother-in-law Mark to sort out a puncture.  Graciously, he insisted that we carry on without him as he was doing the 100k ride.   However, I found out later that he got another two punctures over the next few miles and sadly with no more tubes his ride was over.  

But we continued on, encountering plenty of hills - some short and steep, others not so bad, but a continuous selection that slowly grinds you down (subtle torture).

By the time we got to the first feed station at Princetown the temperature was well beyond 20c and we were starting to feel a little jaded.  So we took on plenty of carbs & picked up supplies of energy drinks for the next stint which was to take us westwards towards Tavistock, leaving the 100k riders who were heading back via Two Bridges & Moretonhamstead

 

 
First feed station, note the smily faces, and a mysterious mist rolling in over Pete. 


Soon after this, having just been passed by a train of Yogi riders (Plymouth cycling club), we caught up with Stace Birks who seemed in remarkably good shape compared to the rest of us.  Forging ahead we eventually reached the foot of Battridge Hill (65 Miles) and by now the sun was high in the sky and beating down on us relentlessly.  Very little wind and no shelter meant we began our assent of Battridge, Port & Merrivale hills like mad dogs & Englishmen.  Over the next seven miles we dug deep knowing the feed station was only two miles over the summit.  Many spectators and the Yogi fan club where out in force along the root cheering everyone on which was a welcome distraction.  This was by far the hardest part of the ride, not so much the hills but the extreme heat and lack of a cool wind just sapped everyone’s energy.

Once at the feed station we peeled ourselves off our bikes staggered over to the drinks area and took on some more liquids.

 
                                                      


Pete showing off his new hair style 

However, all too soon we were back on the bikes and away with only 32 miles to go.  After reaching Moretonhampstead, we struggled up the final hill, then began the last 10 miles which were thankfully all down hill until the finish.  With renewed energy Pete, Paul & I took turns at the front picking up some other riders along the way and yes, the odd Yogi.  Finally after 7 hours 19 mins we crossed the finishing line, to be closely followed by Steve Medlock and Stace Birks a few minutes later.  A special well done to Martin Fullard who got Gold with a great time of 6 hours 10 minutes.

 



At last the finish!

Once again this was a superbly organise event, with great marshalling, well stocked feed stations and additional water stations added along the route at the last minute due to the very hot weather.  All in all a very enjoyable ride and one to be repeated next year.

29 June 2010

Interesting article on cadence and gear choice

You will all be aware of the Halfords Tour series that has been televised over recent weeks and made a visit to Exter this last month.  The Tour series also did a couple of stages in Ireland (Belfast and Dublin) but they weren't televised over here.

Dan Martin rode away from everyone in the Dublin event, lapping the field apart from four riders.  The circuit was pan flat with a cobbled section.

This is a link to a report in Irish cycling observing the gears that he was using:

http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_5000.shtml

25 June 2010

CS DYNAMO in Cycling Weekly

At last some publicity for the club. Check out this weeks Cycling Weekly 24 th June and read about the club on the noticeboard club profile section on p70. 
Top photo L-R : Pete Money, Julian Harper, Will Barrett, Keith White, Steve Greenslade, Lubos Orbornik(head only), Alex Ross, Steve Hockin-Thompson, David Stephens, Steven Medlock.
Bottom photo L-R : Nigel Orpin, Ian Phillips, riding the Dartmoor classic.

24 June 2010

"How slowly can I ride my bike without falling off?"

Bodmin Bash 105k Audax.

Andy Stovell and Steve Medlock entered the Bodmin Bash, a 105K Audax with 1970m of climbing. Didn't sound too bad on paper. Setting off from Launceston at 9am we headed in a westerly direction taking in Davidstow moor and some very scenic rolling countryside. The route turned southwest passing Camelford before arriving in Wadebridge for a cafe stop check point after 50k. Sat in the cafe the first half of the ride was very comfortable going, hardly breaking into a sweat; 1970m of climbing didn't feel too challlenging upto this point. Back on the bikes and 5K out of Wadebridge we encountered the first big climb of the day, Bishops Wood; a climb with an average gradient of 28%. Andy's Garmin registered the steepest section at 35%. At this point our HRM's were beeping like mad , how slow could we ride our bikes without falling off? A brief rest at the top and straight into a 25% climb. This is how the ride continued until we reached Bodmin, no climb was less than 22%. Passing through Bodmin we skirted around the bottom of Bodmin moor before heading north back to Launceston along rolling roads with long climbs at 8 to 12%. A testing ride of 5hr 15min but well worth a day out.

13 June 2010

Exeter Tour Series Community Team Races RESULTS

Well done to all the Dynamos taking part in Thursdays warm up races before the main event. Results are listed below. Well done also to Ian & Gill for their time keeping!

Ashfords Community Team Races

Kindly supported by
Category: Under 18's

Start Time Team Number Team Name Rider 1 Rider 2 Rider 3

15:31 1 The Kings School 1 Kit Grierson Grey Grierson Oli Cooper   9:00
15:32 2 Mid Devon Youth A Joel Kelly Adam Fursdon Tom Green    7:37
15:33 3 The Kings School 2 Jonny Cooper Will Barrett Laura Clode   7:59   3rd
15:34 4 Mid Devon Youth B Will Kelly Tom Morris Harry Loader    8:36
15:35 5 Colyton Grammar Austin Wells-Burr Anthony Doble Thomas Pavelle   8:46
15:36 6 The Kings School 3 Ashley Baker Aled Foley Philip Clode   10:47
15:37 7 Mid Devon Youth C Henry Irvine Nick Avery Tom Dracup    7:02
15:38 8
 Exeter Triathlon Club -
 Juniors Adam Caunter Sam Jackson Helen Smith    8:06

Category: University/College

Start Time Team Number Team Name Rider 1 Rider 2 Rider 3

15:39 9 Team Green A Todd Woodhart Luke Taylor Will Shepard   9:24
15:40 10 LEJOG 2009 James Burton Ben Gittus -Smith James Wall    7:28
15:41 11 Exeter College Girls Mica Evans Sarah Barr Claire Elworthy   8:55
15:42 12 Exeter University A Matt Dowler Lewis Davison Sam Bailey   7:25
15:43 13 Exeter College 1 Ben Relf James Clifford Mathew Priddle   8:00
15:44 14 EUBC LWT's Rory O'Brien Ewan Williams Michael Coles    7:44
15:45 15 Exeter University C Olly Pritchard James Steffan Borrell Paul Morgan  7:52
15:46 16 Exeter University B Chris Thackray Tom Howes Theo Brumhead   7:29

Category: Corporate

Start Time Team Number Team Name Rider 1 Rider 2 Rider 3
15:57 27 Exeter Media 1 TBC TBC TBC       8:00
15:58 28 Exeter Media 2 TBC TBC TBC       12:16
15:59 29 Exeter Media 3 TBC TBC TBC
16:00 30 Exeter Media 4 TBC TBC TBC
16:01 31 Exeter Media 5 TBC TBC TBC
16:02 32 Exeter Media 6 TBC TBC TBC
16:03 33 Exeter Media 7 TBC TBC TBC
16:04 34 Exeter Media 8 TBC TBC TBC       8:14
16:05 35 Team Fold-Up David Pressley Pauline Warner Mike Deaton   9:48
16:06 36 Team Ashfords Michael Alden Tim Heal Anthony Lee    7:30
16:07 37
 Atkins cross-cycling
 coalition Michael McLoughlin Kevin Presland Sam Creed   7:42
16:08 38 Elsevier Spinners Andy Healey John Bailey Nick Pym    8:15
16:09 39 Boston Buffoons Tim Watts Chris Gray RogerAdams    7:40
16:10 40
 South West Regional
 Development Agency Fergus Pate Steve Price Andy Rumming   7:10
16:11 41 Kitsons Kooks Patrick Gaskins Andy Perkins Andrew Smith   7:40
16:12 42 Les Bidons Landy Williams Lee Wilcox Gary Wakeley    8:08
16:13 43 BGE Legends Alcoa Ian Pang Mike Jerrett Richard Bartlett  7:50
16:14 44 Thomson Reuters 1 Keith Elliot James Wych Adam Sainsbury   7:24
16:15 45 Water Wheels Richard Luke Glynn Hughes Nigel Fenn    7:57
16:16 46 Thomson Reuters 2 Tim Fowler Mark Beaumont Paul Elliott   7:33
16:17 47 Sparks Spinners Danny Cortis Greg Sparks Chris Rennie    7:13
16:18 48 Bravehearts Pete Jack Board Phil Bennett Ray Haffron    7:51
16:19 49 Murphys Law Darryl Drew Mark Collacott Troy Bennett    7:51
16:20 50          8:38
16:21 51 Route 2 Team Joe Hodges Alex Light Marc Sanders    9:25
16:22 52 Off the Record Adrian Lane Gavin Punchard Richard Buzzacott   13:59
16:23 53 Pumped Up Ben Hoppell Rob Richards Ian Grail     9:33
16:24 54 Recycle - The Wasters David Whitton Iain Stevens Natasha Lees   10:13
16:25 55 Knobblies Chris Warburton Mark Corlett Colin Rossiter    7:54
16:26 56 The Mighty Red Simon Young Lee Blackburn Andy Revesz    12:12
16:27 57 Team Green B Will Shepard Tod Woodhart Luke Taylor    DNS
16:28 58 Exeter College 2 Matthew Priddle James Clifford Ben Relf   DNS

Category: Cycling Clubs

Start Time Team Number Team Name Rider 1 Rider 2 Rider 3
16:37 67 Bad Lodgers 1 Craig ? Jose Clements Nick Pym     7:42
16:38 68 Yeovil CC Andy Parsons Les Thomas Stuart Paull    7:19
16:39 69 The Bad Lodgers Jerry Fox Dave Portch Jose Clements    8:08
16:40 70 CS Dynamo A Martin Fullard Steve Hockings-Thompson Lubos Obornik  7:00 2nd
16:41 71 Exeter Tri Club Steve Price Stu Peters Mat Kelly    7:19
16:42 72 CS Dynamo B Matt Willson Julian Harper Andy Stovell    7:23         7th
16:43 73 Woodbury Cycling Neale Cartlidge Mark Draper Paul Goffron   7:57
16:44 74 YOGI Gals Holly Russell Lynda McTier Rachael Darby    7:56
16:45 75 Silverton Spinners Rob Smye Harvey Cochrane James Hosgood   7:39
16:46 76 Exeter Wheelers 1 Mark Cowan John Cowan Mark Simmons    7:01
16:47 77 Mid Devon CC Senior Matthew Hill Adam Holmes Stephen Dart   8:16
16:48 78 YOGi Hardmen Scott Horne Jason Bramhall Ian Taylor    7:19
16:49 79 Silverton Spinners A+ Jonathon Smye Matthew Pullen Andrew Self  8:25
16:50 80 3 Amigos CC Mark Payne Craig Lawson Phil Board    8:08
16:51 81 BGE Edward Parker Kenny Parker Stuart Saunders    7:40
16:52 82 Revo Racing Julius Jennings Karl Hodson Adrian Clode    6:58
16:53 83 Tavistock Wheelers Rod Stewart Geoff Whitlow Michael Deacon   7:59
16:54 84 C S Dynamo C David Stephens Keith White Steven Medlock  7:26      9th
16:55 85 The Bad Lodgers II Richard Mold Tom Reed Ivan Jordan    7:32
16:56 86 Sid Valley CC Rob Lillicrap Chris Eccles Neil Hitt    7:06
16:57 87 Tor 2000 Rich Smith Jon Wilkinson Steve Noyce     7:29
16:58 88 YOGI El Torros Chris Glazier Dave Sammels Kim Wiltshire   7:24
16:59 89 Exeter Wheelers 2 George Pym Ian Fensome Nick Denning    7:10
17:00 90 team probikekit.com John Nye James Smith Jamie Howard    DNS
17:01 91
 Exeter Triathlon Club -
 Oldies David Pressley Gary Caunter Mike Davies    8:11
17:02 92 Exeter Triathlon Club - One Tom Dodge James Prentice Mike Knight  7:35
17:03 93
 Exeter Triathlon Club -
 Women Karen Gutans Nik Rorke Jo Cade      9:25
17:04 94
 Exeter Triathlon Club - Team
 Virago Debra Pressley Pauline Warner Sue Scott    8:47
17:05 95Commandos Tour de France Mike Cooper Mark Blenkinsop tbc   7:26

08 June 2010

GO- RIDE on Sunday 6 June - a chance for all age groups to try out some racing.

This Sunday, 6 June, CS Dynamo are joining forces with Exeter Wheelers and Axe Valley Pedallers to promote some GO-RIDE events at the Park and Ride car park at Sowton on the A30, opposite the Barn Owl and Met office.  the car park will be closed off and a circuit marked out for cyclists to race with no traffic to worry about.

The GO- RIDE events are designed to introduce school ages to cycle racing and Sunday's events are open to all ages, from Under 6 through to Under 16 , Over 16 and if Mum and dad want to have a go there are events for senior riders

The day starts at 9.30 with some training / coaching to familiarise every body with the circuit and how to ride it.

The racing events start at 10.00am and cater for all ages with races for:

Under 6's  - 1 lap of the circuit.
Under 10's - A 10 minute race
Under 12's - A 10 minute race
Under 16's - A 15 minute race
Over 16's - A 20 minute race.

At 12.00 there will be races for Senior riders - graded to suit ability and experience with various format events.

There will be a charge for Senior Riders of £8.00 but if you are school age the charge is £3.00 (but you must be accompanied by an adult).

So if you fancy a go - come along on Sunday

20 May 2010

4 Dynamos ride Newnham park MTB race.

Round 2 of the Fully sussed summer Thursday evening series took place last night at a sunny and very dry Newnham Park in Plympton. Four Dynamos turned out to race, Greg in the U14's, Matt Willson and Nigel Orpin in the Masters and Steve Medlock in the Vets. The course was very challenging with a very steep and loose opening climb which had plenty of riders walking at the very start; following this was  some technical single track through the infamous 'bomb holes'. A technical wooded section followed which lead to the ' mineshaft'- a ridiculously steep technical descent down through some trees onto a flat fire trail back to the start.
Greg was off first and put in a gutsy race to finish 5th to add to his 3rd spot in the first round. Nigel, Matt and Steve's classes all set off together for 1 hour of racing. Matts one an only attempt at the mineshaft ended with a spectactular fall involving several somersaults. Like Nigel he opted for the less steep bale out route for the remaining laps. Steve took on the mineshaft descent and cleared it on each lap saving about 15s per lap over the longer safer option; mind you it was down to sheer luck that he mananged to stay up right on some of the efforts. 
Six laps later and the racing was over, Nigel managed 16th in 1:05:07, Matt 20th in 1:10:09 and Steve 9th in the Vets in 1:02:50.
Nigel was rewarded with a spot prize for his ' vintage bike' and Matt also got a spot prize for some 'dogged overtaking on the finish line'.




Steve tackles the mineshaft descent.




Matt, Nigel, Steve & Greg

14 May 2010

Steve Medlock rides the Duva International Mallorcan Sportive

9 o’clock Saturday morning and I found myself outside the Duva Hotel in Puerto  De Pollenca, Mallorca with 180 others riders about to take part in the two day Duva International Mallorcan Sportive. As we waited for the off the local dignitaries were there with the press for the ceremonial cutting of the tape. Once cut, the Police motorbikes and the local national escort group bikes shot off to close the roads. Yes, this was to be a closed road Sportive, with lead car, medical and mechanical support and a following broom wagon. As we all headed off onto the public roads we had the full width of both carriageways to ourselves, everything was stopped for us, red lights and roundabouts ignored; we all felt like pros. For the first 90 minutes the lead car controlled the pace of the peloton at about 15 mph. This felt a little slow to start as everybody was really keen, but with 2436m of climbing ahead of us in 140km it was much appreciated with hind sight. This opening section wound its way along rolling country lanes with great views giving us the perfect warm up for the first timed climb at 40k. It was here that the lead car pulled away and we were left to ride over the timing mat and start the  498m timed climb of the Coll d'Orient. This climb for me was 20 minutes of hard effort, but it was rewarded with a short descent to the first feed station. With everyone regrouped we all set off again straight into a tight, twisting switch back climb, gaining another 200m. This was rewarded by a switch back descent; my Go Ride cornering master class came into good use here.  This long descent took us to the 470m climb of Soller. It looked like a mini Stelvio Pass with the road carving its way up the steep hill side via at least 20 hair pin corners. Once at the top going down the other side was just as steep and twisting. The lead car at this point slowed to regroup the riders as we were about to start the second timed climb of the day, at 80k covered, the Puig Major, an 890m climb, 14k long with an average gradient of 6.2% with the steepest being 8.4%. Once over the mat it was time to set a steady pace that would get me to the top. This started at about 10mph, but as time wore on and the legs weakened my HR monitor dictated the final pace of 7mph. I noticed as the climb progressed that the clouds moved from being above me to being below me.63 minutes later and I was at the top enjoying the magnificent views from the second feed station. With the peloton completely strung out along the climb it was a case of forming small groups for the final 40k run in. This started with a rolling 25k along the mountain range adding another 400m of climbing while overall descending to an elevation of 500m. It was at this point that the road finally went down dropping 500m in a swooping series of hairpin corners and long straights touching 40mph at times. Back at sea level the final 10k run back to the Hotel seemed to take forever but once we arrived it was straight into a rather chilly swimming pool to sooth aching legs, arms and backs. We all needed to recover quickly for tomorrow’s stage.

Sunday morning and were all back on the start line with tired legs but full of high spirits for the days ride. This was to be a flattish day, only 680m of climbing over 100k. With this is mind the pace car set off at a steady 20mph. This felt really fast as we quickly covered the ground passing through several towns and villages attracting large crowds of onlookers.  40k into the ride and we reached the only timed climb of the day, a 120m climb at a very comfortable gradient. Groups quickly formed and wheels chased as we sped up the climb in the big ring at 20mph+ . After this we followed the pace car to Sinue for the only feed stop.  This took place at the local open air velodrome, where you could have a go, so I did; fortunately Newport wasn’t repeated. Back on the road the pace car kept us riding at over 20mph, this strung the peloton out as we all knew a bunch sprint was on the cards for the finishing straight back to the Hotel. In that finishing straight the lead car wound the pace up to 25mph before pulling away with 300m to go. A mad dash followed, I played it safe and sprinted down the kerb line; several riders in the middle of the road weren’t so disciplined and 6 of them ended up on the floor with broken bikes and plenty of gravel rash which they all paraded later on back at the finish. Overall it was a fantastic well organized weekend of cycling over some brilliant roads on a very picturesque Island. 

 
Riders starting to gather before the 135K stage.


Peleton rolls out on the first stage

29 April 2010

Road Chain Gang Training starts on Tuesday 13 April

The weekly chain gang training will commence this Tuesday 13 April.

Meet at Daisy Mount at 7.00pm. (On the bit of the old road that is now a drive/cycle path/layby.)

It is intended to have two ability groups and to follow the "Pursuit Road Rce Course" which runs from Daisy Mount along the old A30 to turn at the junction to Sowton, prior to the Black Horse.

Lights will be needed.

07 April 2010

Grim conditions at Ilton.

Saturday morning at Ilton wasn't the best place to be. Leaden skies, driving rain, strong winds, cold conditions and a water logged circuit. Four brave Dynamos turned up to race, but one who shall remain nameless(DS) decided the conditions weren't that good and left without signing on. The three remaining Dynamos battled it out, never threatening the lead, but benefitted from a 'hard' training ride. Well done Will B, Julian H and Steve M for finishing.
The winner was Charles Rees, Gillingham & district Wheelers; 2nd Tavis Walker, Inverse Racing/Bikefood, and 3rd Mark Lees, Southforkracing.co.uk.

03 April 2010

Waite takes 5th at Ilton. (Updated)

A windy Sayurday morning saw Andy Waite line up in the 3/4 cat race. A quick start saw the field split early on, with Andy getting away in a group of seven riders. They all worked well together and caught the main bunch in the E/1/2/3 race that had started just before them. The group of seven kept on  working well to the end, and in the final sprint Andy came in an excellent 5th spot. Well done. In 1st spot was Jason Flooks, unattached; 2nd Richard Oram, Revo Racing and 3rd Darren Manser, oneandallcycling.co.uk.


Andy in action at Ilton - showing off his sun tan


Earlier Dave Stephens, Lubos Orbornik, Julian Harper and Steve Medlock set off in the 4th cat race. The bunch stayed together for the entire race as everybody was trying to shelter from the wind. It was only in the last lap and a half the racing really kicked off. It all finished though in a bunch with Dave being the best placed Dynamo.
Will Barratt was the first Dynamo to race in the youth event but was forced to pull out after only two laps with a knee injury. Hope it's better for next week.
1st was Toby Eichler, unattached, 2nd Tim Heal, Sid Valley CC and 3rd Andrew Wellings Somerset RC-Bicycle chain. Follow the link below to see Anne's photos.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/

27 March 2010

Julian Harper rides CVCC 10TT

Last July I started doing some of the evening 10s and really enjoyed (if that is the right word) doing them and my times continued to drop. By the end of the season I was left wanting more. So I convinced myself to do a full 2010 season of time trials including the open events and as an incentive I bought myself a new Cannondale Slice.

March 2010 came and I plucked up the bottle and sent off my £8 and entry form for the Camel Valley 10 mile event on 20^th March. On the morning of the event as I was driving down from Tiverton to Cornwall the drizzle started and as I approached Roche the intensity increased as did the wind strength, typical! Anyway after signing on and warming up, I rode out to the start with just over a minute to spare, I didn’t want the embarrassment of missing the start.(Again!)

The start was on the old A30 just west of Victoria (near the old Iron Bridge) heading east back through Victoria over the new A30 to then joining the A30 eastbound where there was a horrible gusting side wind, only to leave it again at the Innis Downs junction, turning back westbound on the old A30 where the course had its only real climb returning to the previous junction and rejoining the A30 to do another loop. After this second loop instead of rejoining the A30 it was straight back towards Victoria and the finish was just the other side of the roundabout. All completed in a 25 for me, not spectacular but considering the awful conditions (and my lack of early season fitness!), I was really pleased. It was enjoyable using my new bike in anger for the first time and I’m sure as I get used to it, I will get quicker. The winning time was a blistering 21 by a vet!

I was the only Dynamo there but bumped into ex Dynamos Jamie & Emily who now ride for Okehampton. All in all there were 63 entrants which was very impressive, especially considering the weather.

I must thank Camel Valley for putting on a very friendly and well organised event with a superb event HQ and very nice cakes!

Roll on St Austell Wheelers 10 miler on the 11^th April!

Results available at the link below:

http://www.cvctc.co.uk/RaceResults2010/

20 March 2010

Go Ride

Following on from Sundays Go Ride session at the Honiton Road Park & Ride car park in Sowton, Andy Parker of British Cycling has posted an article on the BC website about it. Follow the link below.


http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/goride/article/roa20100316-Teamwork-in-The-South-West-0

16 March 2010

Ilton circuits

Saturday morning saw 8 Dynamos line up for some circuit racing at Ilton. First off in the youth A race was Will Barratt ,along side him in the youth B race was Greg Medlock making his debut for the Dynamo's. Both lads rode well holding their own in their respective categories.
Next off in the fourth cat race was Lubos Obornik, Martin Fullard, Andy Stovell, Julian Harper and Steve Medlock. After a steady first lap as the bunch came across the finishing line there was a touch of wheels and unfortunately Martin came down falling heavily on his left side. He was unable to remount and decided a precautionary visit to A&E was needed. Hope you are well! On the second lap Lubos got into a break and at one point had gained 30s on the field before being brought back into the bunch. The race continued as a bunch for much of the remaining race, Andy and Lubos finished in the bunch with Julian and Steve coming in a few minutes behind.
Next off  was Keith White in the third cat race. Half way around the first lap he was attacked by a fly and had to withdraw from the race. Commenting afterwards he said," it got right under my eyelid, I should have worn my glasses." 

Please view the photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/

13 March 2010

CSD Two Up TTT

Copy of article submitted to Exmouth Journal - no room this week, will be in next. For pics see Ann's page:
 www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/sets/72157623447745079/

Last Sunday was the date for the South West’s season opener time trial, hosted by Exmouth cycling club Cycle Sport Dynamo. This was for pairs of riders, racing against the clock over a 10 mile course, partly on the old A30, and partly on the new, Honiton bypass, section.

It was a bright and clear, but chilly morning, with a breeze steadily increasing in strength during the event. A large field of some 102 riders had entered, setting off at two minute intervals. Despite the stronger wind later on, it was the Royal Marines pairing of Sean Childs and Mark Bird, setting off almost last, who won convincingly in a time of 21mins 49secs.

This put them well clear of second placed pair Dave Moffett and Tom Aliban of 1st Chard Wheelers with 22mins 36sec, and another Marines pair Lee Sanderson and Gary Drew in third with 23:09. Yet another Marines team was in 4th place, but special mention must be made of 5th place pair, North Devon ex champion rider Simon Edney, and his son Harry, proving to be a chip off the old block at just 15 years old, who recorded 23:39.

In 6th spot were the first of the Exmouth club riders, Steve Hockings- Thompson and Andy Waite, who recorded 23:56. Other Exmouth riders times were: Lubos Obornik & Nigel Orpin 25:17, Andy Brimecombe & John Fuke 26:32, Martin Fullard & David Hall 26:39, Steve Medlock & Keith White 27:26, Andy Stovell & Pete Money 27:32, and Stace Birks with son Zak 30:04.

The picture shows the winning Marines pair receiving the trophy, now named the Bernard Wale memorial trophy in memory of the much missed Exmouthonian, being presented by Bernard’s widow. Event organiser Paul Martin has sneaked in on the left! Full results can be viewed at the Time Trials Council website, www.rttc.org.uk  Anyone interested in taking part in competitive cycling, or just coming out for a clubrun on Sunday mornings, or shorter weekday rides in the summer, is invited to look us up at www.csdynamo.org.uk where details of social events etc will also be found.

12 March 2010

CS Dynamo 2 up Start Sheet

No	Name	Club	Age	Total Age	Start Time
1	Stace Birks	CS Dynamo	62	87	09:01
2	Zak Birks	CS Dynamo	25
3	Debbie Hancock	Yogi	39	78	09:03
4	Racheal Darby	Yogi	39
5	Steve Medlock	CS Dynamo	44	96	09:05
6	Keith White	CS Dynamo	52
7	Andrew Lawrence	1st Chard Wheelers	46	108	09:07
8	David Moran	1st Chard Wheelers	62
9	Martin Fullard	CS Dynamo	43	86	09:09
10	David Hall	CS Dynamo	43
11	Tom Green	Mid Devon CC/Colin Lewis Cycles	14	29	09:11
12	Adam Fusdon	Mid Devon CC/Colin Lewis Cycles	15
13	Jonathon Aske	Mid Devon CC/Colin Lewis Cycles	16	58	09:13
14	Simon Aske	Mid Devon CC/Colin Lewis Cycles	42
15	Andrew Retter	Okehampton CC	35	71	09:15
16	Simon Perrett	Okehampton CC	36
17	Lee Sanderson	Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA	43	88	09:17
18	Gary Drew	Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA	45
03 March 2010 Stace's Curly Hetchens - 49 years and still rolling on stace birks recounts the  history of one of his bikes : Harping on from a hospital bed: 49 years on Hetchins fixed   Hospitals give you ample chance to reflect on your youth, including things cycling.  So….   Today, fixed wheel or fixed gear riding associates with bicycle couriers. But, pre internet, fixed wheel communities existed in North England in the 1950s and into the 60s.   In my youth, in 1950s Hull, fixed riding was a schoolboy fad. Commuters to school used fixed bikes of all configurations, and in evenings, the same bikes played on tracks built on demolition sites. Bags of chips were collected, deposit paid bottles were returned and chudded apples were dispersed, all on fixed bikes   These bikes were modified with swapped, second hand parts and featured (just like urban riders today) cut off, bull- and cow-horn bars, and filed down brake levers, hidden under stems or (then compulsory) bells, to tease “Rozzers”, who would try to declare the bikes illegal. “Croggie skids”, (now on Youtube) and (attempted) track stands were needed for traffic lights. Riders graduated to motorcycles at 16.   Then, fixed riding was an integral part of most club cyclists’ experience.   Quite a few club cyclists in my hospital bed memory only had fixed bikes. So, I got my Hetchins to ride fixed (pic 1).  A 1962, curly framed bike, bought new, with schoolboy money earned early morning labouring at the Wholesale Fruit Market. The frame cost £15 12sh and 6d.  Not a track frame, as guards were needed to ride with a club.     This Hetchins was a mix of bits: Campag road hubs with a (Chater Lee) track chainset, platform pedals. Tubs, on Weinmann wood insert rims.     Many riders on winter club runs rode fixed into the late 1960s (pic 2), setting out from Hull to Goole and back: 65 miles, in the snow.  The Hetchins is upgraded to a TA chainset, the young man upgraded with a hairstyle influenced by “modern” jazz.   We boys thought ourselves men, coming back shaking cold, slush covered and sodden in those pre lycra and pre gortex days. After warm milk and Corn Flakes, we rode out again in the snowy evening, to boast to girls in duffle coats hanging about on street corners. The Hetchins never got me a worthwhile girl, though.      Derailleur gears were stashed away from winter grit and salt, in oily cotton wool, in tin biscuit boxes under beds.  Gears were reattached for Easter club runs.    Fixed wheel descending brought about spectacular accidents, feet on or off the pedals. One winter Saturday afternoon, shooting down the 20 percent grade of Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire, a chain unshipped at speed. The skid blew a rear tyre and brought us all three off, but we were saved from serious injury by cart-wheeling into a hawthorn hedge. We bought a new chain, tyre and cadged a front wheel to ride home. The Hetchins was ok, bar a dint on the top tube, still visible..   Pic 3 shows this Hetchins, 48 years old, in regular use, as a shopper. It’s done tens of thousands of miles, mostly on fixed: touring, time trialling, and commuting: in USA, Eastern Europe, as well as UK.     A surprising number of passers-by remark, “I once had a curly bike like that myself, you know. Yes, rode it without gears”. There must have been many more Curly Hetchins around than I can remember: on fixed too.   Pic 4 shows a modern David Miller, an attic rebuild, having spent the winter carefully wrapped up.  And, like 1960s gears, I’ll get out from the bed and on a bike, in the spring.      27 February 2010 Soggy Bottom series round 3 Mud Bath at Newnham Park. Sunday afternoon saw round 3 of the Soggy Bottom mountain bike series take place at Newnham Park just outside of Plymouth. Steve Medlock and Steve Hockings-Thompson had entered the very competitive VETS category racing over 4 laps (20K in total). Having arrived at the venue we decided to ride a practice lap to see the course, as a different course is used for each round. After half a lap we decided that the course was muddy, very muddy. Some parts were so slippery that you had to run with the bike, cyclo-cross style, even downhill! Returning to the start area we decided that in order to improve our chances of getting any grip we would have to deflate our tyres to as little as 15psi. At 1pm we lined up at the start in a field of 43. The start was carnage, with only 200m to the first obstacle; a river crossing.  The water was so deep you had to wade through it, thigh deep dragging your bike along- the benefit of this, despite the cold was that it washed all the mud off you and the bike. After the river it was a steady slippery climb up to a wooded section with lots of off camber slippery tracks.  Then followed a dangerous decent back down to the second river crossing; this was only about 30cm deep so by attacking it your momentum would carry you through. After this, a fast flat section followed the river before turning off and starting a long muddy climb up the other side of the valley. Once on the top a short flat section followed ,before a hair raising decent back to the start/finish area. Lap 1 complete only 3 more to go. After the 4 laps were complete we were both utterly exhausted; Steve H-T had finished 24th,  Steve M had finished 25th; giving him 15 BC MTB points on his licence.   Steve HT considers taking up chess for a hobby 24 February 2010 Springtime Pursuit #1 The Springtime Pursuits are the South West’s traditional season curtain raiser for the road racing season and have a long history in the racing calendar. The races, like a few of the early season events, are  'handicap' races where all category of riders (Elite, 1st, 2nd etc) race the same event with the lower category riders starting ahead of the Elite riders. The handicapping system gives everyone the opportunity to get a placing and the aim is for the Elite riders to catch the riders who set off first as late as possible to give them all a chance at victory. Unlike the normal 'scratch' race where everyone starts at the same time and there is no need for many to work at the front of the peloton, a handicap race is where all the riders in their separate groups are encouraged to work together to try and avoid being caught by the group behind as well as catch the groups in front. Four Dynamo riders; Steve Medlock, Dave Stephens, Andy Stovell and Lubos Orbornik set off in the second group. The initial pace was fast with the group immediately splitting in two as we set about trying to catch the first group 1 minute up the road. Steve and Andy found themselves in the larger second group, but with some big turns on the front the group was able to organize a chase and after 5 miles caught the split and the now reformed group set a healthy pace for the remainder of the lap and continued into the second lap. Halfway around this lap some of the chasing groups, including Keith White, made the catch and there was a big injection of pace as the race approached the final lap; the leading group was still to be caught. Into lap three and the elite riders made the catch and the pace increased still further. As the finish approached the field was left with a tough 1 mile finishing climb. Andy and Lubos, both in their first ever road race, finished in the bunch, well done!, with Dave and Keith just loosing contact with the bunch up the final grueling climb. Steve finished just behind in a small group. Race distance was 32miles. Links to photographs to follow, hopefully. 21 February 2010 Opportunity to see the Tour de France WANT TO SEE THE PYRENEAN STAGES OF TOUR DE FRANCE 2010? You could also see the etape du tour. Mikey Neild has been in contact and has rooms available at a Gite on the Peyresourde for £175 per person during the week 17th to 24th July. This is self catering and you would have to get yourself there.  One possible option is as Mikey is there for two weeks with transport he has suggested that he could (small cost involved) pick up Luggage from Pau Airport thus allowing you to cycle to the Gite. (This would be approximately 80 miles going the flat way - apart from the last bit up the Peyresourde - only 19K). This trip is not for the faint hearted - but you would get to ride all of the "Tour Climbs" and have the possibility of seeing: the tour stage finish at Bagners de Luchon (10K from the Gite - all down hill, except on the way back), the next stage Bagners to Pau climbs past the Gite (if you want a rest day) or you could watch it on the Tormoulet, and then two days later, the "Queen Stage" of the Tour, Pau to the Mountain top finish on the Tormoulet. If you are interested let me know and we will try to sort out the logisitcal options.  This could be Brilliant!! 19 February 2010 SOUTH WEST YOUTH SERIES IS GO SOUTH WEST YOUTH SERIES IS GO   The South West Region are to host their own Youth Circuit Race Series, to encourage quality racing and to act as qualifying events for a new regional team. The South West regional board are backing the series and  funding is in place to send the best placed riders to two rounds of the National Youth circuit race series in South West colours. All of these events will act as preparation for this years UK School Games in Newcastle where the country's best youth cyclists will compete   The regional staff have worked hard with race organisers to ensure that the series is spread out across the region, we hope that this will encourage everyone to experience the events and encourage riders to race outside of their locality, with all 5 races counting, riders will have to ensure that they don't drop any vital points from missing a round.  Points will be awarded to the first NINE riders (10pts for a win, 8pts for 2nd down to 1pt for 9th place); the team will consist of 4 male & 4 Female riders with a reserve for each.  The dates are as follows:   13 Mar: 1st Chard Spring Circuit Series; Ilton Somerset   24 Apr: PORTREATH Crits Cornwall   18 May: Youth Circuit Racing: BARNSTAPLE KARTS (Note: 18:30 START) North Devon   20 May: Team Tor2000 Circuits: ILTON Somerset   31 May: TOTNES Town Centre Races South Devon   These races are linked to the regular series of races taking place at each venue during the course of the spring & summer and so will be great events to further hone your race skills!!!   A note to coaches of youth riders in the series: Regional Talent Development Coach; Ric Jamieson would like to use this opportunity to hold coaching forums after each of the 5 races over a coffee or tea to discuss the race, look at strengths & possible development needs of the riders and coaches, if you would like to be involved with these, please email ricjamieson@britishcycling.org.uk.   This will be a real opportunity for the young riders in the South West to demonstrate their skills, with leaders jerseys and trophy's on offer it's time to get training!!!!     Please make your club members aware of these events and publicise on your club websites Thanks  Andy   Andy Parker South West Regional Events Officer British Cycling   Mobile 07940302224 Email andrewparker@britishcycling.org.uk Website www.britishcycling.org.uk   13 February 2010 Presentation Dinner Menu Presentation dinner is set for the 27th Feb at 7:30 pm at the Devoncourt Hotel Restaurant. Dosh and choice of starter and main to Angie at least a week beforehand. Cash or cheque made out to CS Dynamo. Cost is £17.95 pp. Angie Alvarez 22 Littlemead Lane Exmouth Devon EX8 4RF Tel 279871 Angie email  angalv@hotmail.co.uk                        STARTERS Fanned melon with raspberry coulis, berry fruits and mint  Chefs leek & potato soup with croutons & crusty bread  Homemade chicken liver parfait with onion marmalade                        MAIN COURSES         Three carvery meats with all the trimmings       Mushroom, chick pea & brazil nut wellington      Baked darne of salmon with pesto & pine nuts All above served with seasonal vegetables & potatoes                             DESERTS          Homemade deserts from the sweet trolley                         FOLLOWED BY             Coffee or tea with after dinner mint 04 February 2010 Steve Mud-lark takes victory in the Mud and Sweat Round 2 Mountain Bike Orienteering Event on Woodbury Common Steve Medlock sent this report relating his superb victory in the Mountain Bike Orienteering event that was held on Woodbury common last week:   It was Sunday morning and the second round of the 'Mud and Sweat' mountain bike orienteering race had arrived at Woodbury Common. The nature of the event is to navigate your way around the common and surrounding area, visiting various check points within a set time limit. There is no set route; you are given a map at the start with check points marked on it. It's up to you to plot your way around them visiting as many as you can before the time limit expires. Each check point has a point valve, the further you are from the start/finish area the higher the points scored. The rider back with the most points wins...simple!   The weather at the start was cold with the day before's snow still on the ground. I was at the start with 58 other riders, all attempting the 2 hour race. We were all given electronic timing/recording devices to track our progress around the course. As we set off we were all given an OS map with 29 check points marked on it. I quickly studied the map and decided to set off from the start at Four Firs car park and head north to find two check points near Woodbury Castle. Once found, I checked the map again and decided to head north east towards Newton Poppleford. This meant I could collect 7 stations along the way and also get to the furthest station in Monkey Lane, also benefiting from maximum points .   The ground was still frozen hard as I raced along the tracks, not slowing for ice covered puddles. I hit them fast enough to break through the ice and not fall. Fifteen minutes later, I found myself riding up last years hill climb( a touch of de ja vu) as I collected a station in the Hawkerland valley.   Job done, I rode back down the hill into Naps Lane and rode cross country to collect more stations towards Newton Poppleford. Having reached the north eastern limit of the course I turned south and collected more stations to the west of Colaton Raleigh. After this, it was time to head west and start climbing back onto the common. Seventy five minutes had elapsed so I didn't want to be too far from the finish to avoid picking up time penalties for a late finish.   At this point I found most of the other riders, picking up stations on the common. By using my local knowledge I used tracks that are too small to be on the OS map to short-cut my way to several more stations.   With fifteen minutes to go I was on East Budleigh common with time to collect two more stations on Lympstone common before racing back to the finish area at Four Firs. I arrived at the finish gate and had my electronic tag removed. It read; 1hr 57. I was in with 3 minutes to spare...good! No time penalties incurred. The timer told me I had visited 18 stations and I'd scored 535 points. I was told this was a good score.   Whilst waiting for everybody else to finish I checked my computer. It showed I had covered 28k in 100 minutes of riding. The remaining time was spent reading maps and scanning the check points.   When everyone had finished the results were posted.....I was first with 535 points. A good start to the year!   Steve M  Steve poses by one of the check points furthest from the start: 04 February 2010 CSD Message Board reinstated The CSD Message Board has now been reinstated. If you want to leave a message for other members, or you want to staert a forum discussion just click on the link "MESSAGE BOARD" on the home page. PM 17 January 2010 Woodbury Common Club run beats the snow and ice With the snow and ice making the roads unsafe for cycling (well for us older blokes who get scared!) there has not been a decent club run for a number of weeks.  I have been staying in the warm and looking forward to the warmer weather - which should be here at about 11.30 on Thursday 21 January - well that's a good a prediction as you will ever get out of the Met Office and has just as much chance of being right. There have been some members who have been chomping at the bit to get out on the bikes and Steve Medlock (being one of the nutters) sent this brief report in, thanks Steve. It's 9am on Sunday morning and me(Steve M), Andy H and Howard M decided a CSD mountain bike ride up on the common would keep our dwindling fitness levels from reaching rock bottom. Setting off from the Scout hut on Marpool Hill we slipped and slided along the icy cycle track to Bear Lane before heading up onto the Common at Knowle. The temperature was below freezing, snow was falling and an easterly wind made sure that we would never get too warm. Up on the Common the ground was evenly covered in about 5cm of snow; this was on top of a very hard layer of frost. This made the single track riding very bumpy as all the rutted ground which would normally be soft mud at this time of year was instead solid and very unforgiving.  You had to pick your line very carefully. Other problems were frozen puddles and streams secretly covered in a layer of snow waiting to throw you off your bike. A few scary moments were had by all of us but luck more than bike handling skills kept us upright. We ploughed on for 2hr 15m and covered 32k.  Towards the end of the ride as the snow and ice built up on the bikes, gear selection became a bit of a lottery and we were forced to effectively ride single speed. Returning to Exmouth we felt we'd had a good training ride and if the weather stays as it is we shall repeat it next Sunday; so if anybody else has a mountain bike and fancies some cold weather training meet us at the Scout hut on Marpool Hill at 9am 10 January 2010 Newport Velodrome welcomes CS Dynamo On Sunday 13 December 24 members and friends of CS Dynamo journeyed up the big road and paid the toll to enter the forbidden zone to tackle the cauldron of death. Oh alright then, we went up the M5 and M4 to Newport, Wales to ride the indoor velodrome. The experience was organised by Ann Owens and I am sure that every body who attended would want to express their thanks for an enjoyable and interesting and totally knackering day. Ann had booked the track for our sole use under the tutoridge of a qualified coach to experience the art of track riding.  Many of the members that attended had not ridden an indoor track before and some had never riddden a fixed wheel bike, especially a fixed wheel bike without any brakes. I personally had ridden a few sessions at Newport when it first opened 5 years ago, and I expected that the group would be split into a number of small groups, as it was then, and we would take it in turns to ride 15 -20 minute sessions over the six hours.  As it happened we were all on the track together most of the time, which meant that we all got exceptional value for money, as well as sore legs and arses. Andy Waite Most people that I spoke to really enjoyed the experience.  There were a couple of people that didn't take to it - and this is very understandable.  When you first enter the centre of the track via the tunnel, you come up under the home bend, which is quite intimidating in terms of the height and steepness.  I heard a couple mutter, "no way" and several unprintable acknowledgements of the task ahead. However our coach Matt Rowe did a sterling job of gradually introducing the riders to fixed wheel riding and built confidences so that within half an hour many riders were negotiating the higher parts of the track with confidence. We did a number of group drills that taught the feel of the track, the speed to take the bends and introduced a measure of group riding.  There was some high intensity riding too.   It was while executing a drill that involved riding two abreast in two long lines, (with the lower front rider meant to move ahead of the higher front rider and move up to the front of the higher line, thus allowing the second in the lower line to take the front at his side) that many riders posed for the photo of the week.  One of our younger riders didn't move far enough forward before moving up to the higher line and Steve Medlock found his front wheel whisked from under him when he was at the highest part of the bend.  Steve took the short way down to the centre of the track executing a somersault with one and a half twists and taking a few riders with him.  Others tried to avoid the crash and stalled on the steep banking to slide down to the bottom of the track thus creating an impassable obstruction for other riders and so bringing them down. My sixth sense for these occurrances had been jangling before the crash happened so I was ready for it and was able to find a clear way over the top of the carnage. Nobody ws badly hurt, just a few bangs and burns, in fact it instilled confidence in a number of people because  it hadn't hurt as much as they thought it would!.  Poor Steve Medlock who took the worst tumble was a bit shakey for a while after that, but after a few laps he was okay again. Richard Owens instinctively snapped his camera at the sound of the crash and managed to catch some of the action.  I have to admit, looking at the photo, that i thought that more had come down so I don't know if people were still sliding down the banking and hadn't hit the bottom in Richard's shot? Any way, everybody got back up and continued with the tuition. Dave Stephens and Julian Harper Towards the end of the afternoon we all took part in a flying lap time trial - which consisted of one lap winding up the speed and then crossing the finish line and doing a single lap (250m) as fast as possible.  We were all pretty shattered by this time but the times ranged between 17 seconds and 23 seconds with Cheryl Owens scoring the fastest time and Nigel Orpin being the fastest Dynamo in second place.  Yours truly managed 18,8 seconds, which was about mid way in the positioning. The session was a lot harder than I expected it to be ( and I apologise to everybody who I told it would be steady - especially Ian Daveridge).  Half way through the afternoon my legs were really aching and I was having a bit of trouble with saddle sore. (Grateful thanks to Nigel for the donation of some chamois cream to ease my suffering).  The legs stopped aching on Wednesday but the saddle sore is persisting! However, having said that, it was great fun and I know that many riders really enjoyed the experience.  Ann is going to organise another session during the new year, but probably four hours this time. Watch the Events notification for the date of the next excursion.  If you are really keen to have another go I believe that the Oke CC are doing one on 28 February Paul Martin 17 December 2009 CSD NEWS_LETTER from Ann Owens CSD news and important info for winter      Exmoor Beast – No not a black puma just a black day -  Congrats to all CSD who rode this event – by all accounts it really was a MONSTER  - watch out for reports on website and local newspapers   NEXT Club  night – ROLLERS -  we should have the Exeter Wheelers competition Rollers for November 14th – complete with “steadying” bars and digital read out.  It could be an interesting night – and not to be taken too seriously   If you want to compete bring along your bike (natch); shoes and riding gear and have a go   Its quite interesting to watch as well   Any questions ask Ann   In connection with this, Jamie Howard is looking to put together a roller competition this winter – inter club – and is looking for willing victims – sorry competitors  Jamie is perfecting the digital output and says this will make for some useful feedback as well as making it a great experience -  Jamie is considering using pubs as venues and letting the public watch too!!  If you’re interested and have opinions on venues etc please contact him at jwh@live24.co.uk   Newport Track Session   T his session is scheduled for Decemebr 13th – pm   Anyone who wishes to come to this – what should be a great afternoon – should be getting their money in please – and as   Pam is about to go into hospital to have that hip operation could I have your “commitment” please by 14th November  -   After that date I will be opening up the opportunity to non CSD riders who have expressed an interest   QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS  - Don’t worry about details i.e Pedal requirements – What to I do when I get there / How do I hire a bike   - Am I too old.young to have a go – How do I get there .  All the answers will be coming out shortly in an information sheet to those who have expressed an interest   and Paul and I will do a short track seminar at club night the first week in December to bring you up to speed    But remember the coaches are very professional and have dealt with the very youngest and oldest riders on numerous occasions and whilst they are strict – safety – they are very very competent – and gentle!   AND Anyone is welcome – its great fun.   And I’ve heard it said -   If Mrs O can do it – well it must be easy  - and I will be doing it .       Ann O     17 November 2009 Soggy Bottom series round 3 Mud Bath at Newnham Park. Sunday afternoon saw round 3 of the Soggy Bottom mountain bike series take place at Newnham Park just outside of Plymouth. Steve Medlock and Steve Hockings-Thompson had entered the very competitive VETS category racing over 4 laps (20K in total). Having arrived at the venue we decided to ride a practice lap to see the course, as a different course is used for each round. After half a lap we decided that the course was muddy, very muddy. Some parts were so slippery that you had to run with the bike, cyclo-cross style, even downhill! Returning to the start area we decided that in order to improve our chances of getting any grip we would have to deflate our tyres to as little as 15psi. At 1pm we lined up at the start in a field of 43. The start was carnage, with only 200m to the first obstacle; a river crossing.  The water was so deep you had to wade through it, thigh deep dragging your bike along- the benefit of this, despite the cold was that it washed all the mud off you and the bike. After the river it was a steady slippery climb up to a wooded section with lots of off camber slippery tracks.  Then followed a dangerous decent back down to the second river crossing; this was only about 30cm deep so by attacking it your momentum would carry you through. After this, a fast flat section followed the river before turning off and starting a long muddy climb up the other side of the valley. Once on the top a short flat section followed ,before a hair raising decent back to the start/finish area. Lap 1 complete only 3 more to go. After the 4 laps were complete we were both utterly exhausted; Steve H-T had finished 24th,  Steve M had finished 25th. 01 January 1970 Go Ride outing  Sundays Go Ride session at the Honiton Road park & ride carpark provided the Dynamos with an insight into crit racing.Those that attended the session; built into the club run; really enjoyed themselves. Andy Parker of British Cycling has put a brief summary of the day on the BC website at the link below. http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/goride/article/roa20100316-Teamwork-in-The-South-West-0 01 January 1970 News archive © 2010 CS Dynamo - all rights reserved Another SitesPlus Site