2012 Awards

The Hitchin Nomads celebrated a year of competition and success with the annual award luncheon. This year's event was held on 16 December 2012 at the Three Horseshoes, Willian.

12 Hour Trophy
John Harrison
       
Dave Gudgin 25 Series - Scratch   
1 James Gomm
2  Nick Hickman

Charlton Hill Climb   
1    James Gomm
2    Andrew Saunders
3    Simon Doyle
       
Fastest 25       
1 Andrew Herbert
       
Hall Trophy 25 - Handicap   
1 Mike Webb
2 Simon Doyle
3 Andrew Herbert
       
Allan Porter 30 - Handicap
1 Mike Webb
2 Jon Traynor
3 Clive Collins
       
Dave Gudgin 25 Series - Handicap   
1 James Gomm
2 Nick Hickman

Fastest On Standard - 10 Miles       
Andrew Herbert
       
Sporting All Rounder   
1 James Gomm
2 Nick Hickman
3 Clive Collins
       
25 Mile Medium Gear   
1 James Gomm
2 John Traynor
3 Nick Hickman
       
Briercliffe 10 Series   
1 Andrew Herbert
2 Andrew Saunders
3 Simon Doyle
       
25 Mile Team Time Trial   
1    Simon Doyle & Andrew Herbert
2    James Gomm & James Spence
3    Clive Collins & Nigel Wilson
       
Allan Porter 30 - Scratch   
1  Andrew Herbert
2  James Gomm
3  Mike Webb
       
Autumn Hilly   
1 James Gomm
2 Nick Hickman
3 Mark Collins
       
Hall Trophy 25 - Scratch   
1 Andrew Herbert
2 Simon Doyle
3 Andrew Saunders  
       
Sharpenhoe Hill Climb   
1 Andrew Saunders
2 James Gomm
3 Simon Doyle
       
Spring Hilly   
1 Simon Doyle
2 James Gomm
3 Nick Senechal
       
Clubman Trophy       
Frank Turner

Geoff Denny Memorial Trophy
Frank Turner

Most Meritorious
Simon Doyle

Thanks to Keith Rapley, Frank Turner and Nigel Wilson for organising the event and for work behind the scenes in terms of working out who won what.

Upcoming events

Autumn Hilly

Saturday 13th October 2012 sees the penultimate time trial in the Nomads calendar. The Autumn Hilly is open to all members and riders from other clubs. It covers two laps of the sporting Whtiwell road race circuit, covering 18 miles in total.

First rider off at 8:30am, so please be there by 8:15am to sign on. £2 for Nomads, £3 guests.

The start and finish is in the lay by to the east of Whitwell towards the Codicote Road (marked on this map). It's the same course as the Spring Hilly, so a good opportunity to put down a target time to improve on next year.

Club run

Sunday 14th sees the club run head out to Ware. Meet in Hitchin Market Square at 09.00am.

Hill climb and new riders events

The annual hill climb at Charlton (followed by grain based refuelling in The Windmill) takes place on 21st October, first rider 11.30 am. The second of our introductions to cycling events will depart Hitchin Market Square on 21st October at 10.00am. Details to follow.

This month's events are listed here.

ANNUAL INTER-CLUB HILL CLIMB 7th OCTOBER 2012 - Results

Despite foggy conditions, the final Interclub event for 2012 took place today (07/10/12) on the Sharpenhoe to Streatley climb.

The provisional results indicate that Beds Road CC take victory on the day ahead of CC Ashwell. The Nomads placed five riders in scoring positions and Icknield RC manged to get all three of their riders in to counting positions.

James Stuart of Beds Road CC took top spot with a great time of 2.33.7. Hill specialist Andy Saunders of the Nomads came home in second spot with Isaac Anstee (BRCC) taking third spot. Twelve riders claimed sub-three minute times for the demanding course. Fourth to sixth places were separated by half a second.

	Rider	Club	Time	(m.s)	Points
1	James Stuart	BRCC	2	33.7	31
2	Andy Saunders	HNCC	2	39.2	30
3	Isaac Anstee	BRCC	2	41.1	29
4	Simon Norman	BRCC	2	44.4	28
5	Cameron Woolsey	CCA	2	44.5	27
6	Tim Davies	IRC	2	44.9	26
7	Mark Cook	BRCC	2	46.6	25
8	Oliver Cox	IRC	2	50.1	24
9	David Olney	BRCC	2	53.4	23
10	James Gomm	HNCC	2	53.6	22
11	Simon Doyle	HNCC	2	59.2	21
12	Steve James	BRCC	2	59.9	20
13	Chris Pearce	CCA	3	00.5	19
14	Iain Foulkes	CCA	3	02.7	18
15	Andy Kerr	BRCC	3	05.9	17
16	Stefan Dixon	CCA	3	09.5	16
17	Mark Anstee	BRCC	3	11.8	15
18	Mark Horton	CCA	3	14.3	14
19	Tim Duckett	CCA	3	16.9	13
20	Richard Pratt	IRC	3	20.6	12
21	Philip Keen	CCA	3	32.3	11
22	Simon Young	HNCC	3	33.8	10
23	Nick Senechal	HNCC	3	35.9	9
24	Jaoude Izzo	BRCC	3	37.5
25	Nick Hickman	HNCC	3	48.3	7
26	Mark Gray	BRCC	3	51.2
27	Terry Sykes	BRCC	5	52.9

DNS - K Todd (HNCC), N Fraser (HNCC), D Summerell (HNCC), M Burton (IRC).

Timekeepers - Clive Collins and Frank Turner. Pushing off and assisting Mark Young, Steve Smith (all HNCC).

Event Secretary - Nick Senechal (HNCC)

Provisional Results

Provisional scores for this event (max 8 riders counting, based on 31 points for first place):
Beds Road CC - 188
CC Ashwell - 118
Hitchin Nomads CC -99
Icknield RC - 62

This would leave the final standings for the 2012 competition as follows:
Beds Road CC - 1390
CC Ashwell - 1147

Hitchin Nomads CC - 814
Icknield RC -466
These are currently provisional totals. Well done to all competitors and thanks to all those who contribute behind the scenes to make these events a success.

August 2012 events

The sun has finally put in an appearance and GB is dominating the roads, why not celebrate both by coming along to one of our Sunday club runs or taking part in the remaining Tuesday night time trials around the picturesque Southill based course.

For club runs all riders are welcome but you will need a road bike in good repair and reasonable level of fitness. There are usually one or two groups of riders who ride at 12-15mph or 16-19mph average speed for a two to three hours depending on who attends on the day.   Cafe stops are normally indicated in the title of the ride.

Club runs - Sunday 0900h Market Square, Hitchin

5 August Reed Silver Ball Café

12 August St Albans H&H Café

19 August Forest Centre M.Moretaine

26 August Saffron Walden

Briercliffe 10 time trials - note the earlier start times, sign on 30 minutes prior north of Southill - courses are listed here.

7 August 1830h

14 August 1830h

10/07/2012 - Briercliffe 10 Results

Tonight proved be be full of surprises and close fought battles. 

The first major surprise was that despite wide spread consensus from Britain's meteorologists that it would rain, it stayed dry. It was reported at the end of the event that there was a monsoon in neighbouring Stotfold, so the weather gods were obviously smiling on the Nomads tonight. (Shame they didn't last Sunday - SD)

The second surprise was that Andrew Herbert was knocked off the top spot by a brilliant ride by Ben Wilson, with the pair being separated by a meagre two seconds. Another closely fought battle occurred between the "best of the rest" as 25 seconds separated positions three to six.

Nick Hickman decided to ride the event on his Brompton Bike (A folding bike typically used by city commuters for those who are non bike savvy) in preparation for the Brompton World Championships (Details here) in late August. His time included assembly which reportedly took 18 seconds, which is quicker than he can drink beer (see last week's TT report for details). Nick will ride the rest of the time trials on his Brompton, so we look forward to see his progress. 

Well done to Stephen Oliver who came out to ride his first Time Trial, we look forward to seeing you on the course again.

There was a bit of a downer to the event as Jason Stewart (CCA) was very nearly knocked off his bike by a (insert preferred phrase from Bradley Wiggins' press conference here) driver in a Land Rover who overtook Jason in Old Warden and preceded to slam on the breaks resulting in Jason having to lock up his wheels and slide sideways just missing the vehicle. He had to break so hard the he wore through his rear tyre to the thread which caused the tyre to deflate. Fortunately he managed to stay upright and avoid serious injury. Hopefully this is just a one off incident by a careless driver just passing through the village.

Thanks to Frank Turner for Timekeeping and to Clive Collins, Richard Bland and Geoff Perry for carrying out Pushing Off duties and assisting Frank.

Ben Wilson (J)		24:00
Andrew Herbert		24:02
Paul Ambrose		25:41  iC
James Gomm		25:57
Ryan Witchell (J)		26:05
Peter Gell		26:06  BRCC
Jaouade Izzo		27:03  BRCC
Jon Traynor		29:20
Nigel Wilson		29:34
Nick Hickman		32:19
Stephen Oliver		38:48
Jason Stuart		DNF  CCA

BRCC = Beds Road Cycle Club
iC = iCycle
CCA = Cycle Club Ashwell

Nomads Going Beyond Cyclo-Sportive, 17th June, 2012

Sunday 17th June 2012 saw the return of the "Hitchin Nomads Going Beyond Sportive". 

In celebration of our club's 80th Anniversary, the sportive, was designed in 2011 as an 80Km circuit taking in pretty villages and rolling countryside. Due to popular demand an 80 mile loop was added for the 2012 event. Based on some of the club's favourite training rides, the two courses had a real mix of pleasant leafy lanes, through to demanding out of the saddle climbs. For the budding Cavendish types there was also ample chance to sprint for the village "30" signs too.

Hitchin Nomads CC riders take a breather after ascending the hills near Hexton.

HNCC riders beginning to get organised on the roads near Potton.

The routes diverged after  a mile or so from the HQ (Hitchin Rugby Club) with the short course (50 mile) riders heading west through Pirton and the 80 mile course heading north through Letchworth and Steeple Morden and off on a loop that took in the club's time trial course near Old Warden. The routes eventually merged in the pretty village of Apsley End before bringing riders back on common ground to Hitchin. Both routes took in quiet stretches of winding country roads with some glorious landscapes thrown in, a few gentle undulations and plenty of relaxed riding. Plus the monster hill at Hexton (evil grin).

By the time the riders arrived at the scheduled feed station at Emily’s teashop in Whitwell, many were pleased to take advantage of the surroundings and the chance for a brew.

Newcomers to Go Beyond events were generous in their praise for the signature fruit cake. Some riders were seen to spend a considerable time shooting the breeze with their riding colleagues before continuing their tour of Hertfordshire. Pedants will have noticed that neighbouring Cambs and Beds were also covered.

With over 100 riders completing the two courses and universal praise being offered for both routes, the Sportive is set to become a popular local event in future years, i.e. offering excellent value for money and an all round great day's riding in good company for a great cause.

Teach Africa

With all proceeds from the event going to UK charity Teach Africa, thereby providing an opportunity for schooling to some of the brightest children from the Nairobi slums, there are many reasons to celebrate this bright new fixture to the sportive calendar.

Not quite the Chippendales, but what did you expect after 80 miles....

Our thanks are extended to all riders for making this such an enjoyable day, to Corby Photography who covered many miles capturing the ride, Emily’s teashop for a restful break from riding, and all supporters for making the event so memorable for all the right reasons.  

Thanks to our many sponsors, including local staple and eponymous all round wannabe comedian Paul's Bikes of Hitchin. All riders were eligible for a rather tidy commemorative cycle jersey and certificate. Significant thanks are due to Nick Senechal, Keith Rapley, Frank Turner and Andrew Stevenson and the HNCC Committee for getting this thing off the ground. Well done to all - apologies to any one else whose name may have been omitted from this initial roll of honour.

 

Some impressive rides and a lot of happy smiling faces at the end which makes it all worthwhile. 

The finishing times are available at : http://gobeyondultra.co.uk/Results_2012

For the GoBeyond report head to : http://gobeyondultra.co.uk/go_beyond/race_reports_2012

Photographs will be available on http://www.corbyphotography.co.uk within the next few days.

Race Report

Beds Roads CC Open 10 09/06/12

Hitchin Nomads were out in force once again this year on the F15/10 10 mile time trial course near Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. The event being promoted by our friends in the Bedfordshire Road CC.

Comprising of a 5.5 mile outbound leg and and a 4.5 mile return, the course is proving to be a popular testing ground for the region. James Gomm and Clive Collins were first off for the Nomads and both recorded improvements for the distance during the earlier stages of the day. Gomm went under the 25 minute mark by one second (PB) and Collins sliced time from his previous course time with a strong 26.52.

James Gomm heading towards a personal best.

Riders reported that the headwind on the return leg was brutal, and this was confirmed by all Nomads as their quick outbound averages of circa 30mph were reduced on the way home.

James Spence, Andrew Herbert and finally Simon Doyle all set off during the last half hour of the day's racing. Spence recorded a season and course best 25.09 in his return to open riding. Doyle completed the course in 24.16 in his first week back on the bike since fracturing a collar bone in April.

Andrew Herbert on the way to a 21.51.

The performance of the day was recorded by Andrew Herbert with a 21.51 which was good enough for eighth place in a field of one hundred and three starters.

Clive Collins at the turn at 5.5 miles.

The Nomads' cumulative (best three) time was 1.11.06. Top seed (rider 120) Gavin Atkins of Hemel Hempstead CC took the victory with a time of 20.33.

Results

Andy Herbert 21.51

Simon Doyle 24.16

James Gomm 24.59

James Spence 25.09

Clive Collins 26.52

Links to BRCC Forum about the event: here. Images courtesy of Paul Holmes, BRCC.

Finsbury Park Open 50 10/06/12

John Harrison took part in the Finsbury Park CC Open 50 on 10th June and posted a 2.25.53 for the distance. The F1/50 course is a taxing route but Steve Berry of Team Swift prevailed with a very impressive 1.42.59.

Hitchin Nomads 25 Mile TT - F14/12 Report - 2012

Congratulations to all riders who took part in our event and who recorded strong times or improvements for the course or distance on the day. 

Michael Hutchinson (In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT) rode to an impressive victory in the Hitchin Nomads CC promoted Millennium Series event on Saturday 2nd June 2012.  Averaging just on 30 mph, Hutchinson's time of 50.16 was five minutes faster than his nearest rivals. Ross Clarke (Team Milton Keynes) posted 55.25 for the distance with Trevor Burke of Finchley RT coming in third with a 55.58. 

Ben Wilson, James Gomm, James Spence, Mark Young, Nick Senechal, Nigel Wilson, Keith Rapley

Nine riders including Andy Herbert (HNCC) posted sub-hour times on what was a less than ideal day. Leading lady was Helen Boatman (Team Milton Keynes), who with Steve Clarke and previously mentioned Ross Clarke took the team prize with a cumulative time of 2.58.54. Junior rider Ben Wilson (Welwyn Wheelers) posted 1.03.36.

Andy Herbert prior to a storming sub-hour ride.

Open 25 Preview - 02 June 2012

Today (Saturday 2nd June) sees multiple national champion Michael Hutchinson (In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT) take on a select field of fifty riders on a sporting 25 mile circuit course based around Guilden Morden, Cambridgshire. Seeded riders include Ross and Luke Clarke (both Team Milton Keynes), Ian Cammish (Soniccylces.co.uk/ Citec/ Tufo) and Russell Hampton (Club Raleigh GAC).

Local rivalries between Hitchiin Nomads CC, Icknield RC, Beds Roads CC, CC Ashwell and Welwyn Wheelers will be renewed,with Andrew Herbert, Ben Wilson, Tim Davies and Jason Stuart reportedly being the in form men to watch. Several families will either be united or divided in their loyalties for an hour or so today, with the Clarkes and Wilsons no doubt contending for bragging rights in the HQ over cakes and tea. It could be a long drive home for some.

The ladies competition sees Joanna Spragg (Aylesbury CC) be the first on course with Helen Boatman (Team Milton Keynes) and Shusanah Pillinger (Verulam CC) taking to the start some thirty minutes later. Team Milton Keynes will be early favourites for the team prize although seven teams in total will be in the mix.

Weather in the area is currently drizzly which will mean that any winning ride will need to be measured to the conditions.

Race report to follow.

The event details (course, HQ and start sheet) are available here.

22/05/2012 - Briercliffe 10 Results

Mass confusion was caused at the start of this evening's Time Trial by a large bright object in the sky which seemed to increase the ambient air temperature by about 15degC compared with the previous Tuesday. Fortunately one of the riders recognised it from a picture he had seen in a travel magazine and confirmed that it was in fact something called "The Sun"  - and that it was safe to ride a bike under it.

Andrew Herbert reclaimed the top spot this week only a second off his PB for the course, and only circa nine seconds (TBC) off the course record, so watch this space.

As with Formula 1 the best action was in the middle of the field with only 31 seconds splitting six riders.

Thanks again to Frank Turner, Geoff Perry and the Wilson ladies for Timekeeping and Pushing Off duties.

Andrew Herbert		23:32
Graham Laming		24:22 BRCC
Neil JJ Fraser		24:46
Ben Wilson (J)		25:11
Peter Gell		25:45 BRCC
James Gomm		26:15
Mick Case		26:49 BRCC
Bob Wright		27:11 BRCC
Jaouade Izzo		27:28 BRCC
David Ledgerton		28:08 TSE
John Traynor		28:10
Nigel Wilson		28:17
Paul Riley		28:23
Nick Hickman		28:35
Clive Collins		29:39
Richard Serradinho		30:04

BRCC = Beds Road Cycle Club

TSE = Team SalesEngine

Interclub 30 Results - 19/05/2012

The second event of the Interclub series was the 30 mile TT hosted by Hitchin Nomads. Although the roads were wet from the previous night's rain, the precipitation held off on race day. With only a gentile breeze to contend with it made for better conditions than many had expected.

Congratulations to John Friend of Beds Road CC who rode the fastest time of the day. A big thanks to all those who helped with the timekeeping, marshalling, catering and organising. The next Interclub event is the 15 mile TT hosted by Beds Road CC on Sunday 24th June at 8:00am. Fingers crossed for some sunshine (remember the big yellow thing that makes everything else hot?).

Provisional points tally available via BRCC (pdf).

1	John Friend	BRCC	1:11:36
2	Nigel Hale	CCA	1:12:27
3	Andy Herbert	HNCC	1:13:35
4	Mark Horton	CCA	1:13:45
5	Mark Anstee	BRCC	1:13:49
6	Carmelo Luggeri	CCA	1:14:06
7	Graham Lamming	BRCC	1:14:22
8	Mark Gray	BRCC	1:14:33
8	Simon Norman	BRCC	1:14:33
10	Neil J Fraser	HNCC	1:15:09
11	Peter Gell	BRCC	1:16:19
12	David Olney	BRCC	1:17:37
13	Tim Skelding	CCA	1:20:10
14	James Gomm	HNCC	1:20:18
15	Philip Keen	CCA	1:20:55
16	Michael Webb	HNCC	1:21:37
17	Steve LePage	BRCC	1:22:33
18	Stefan Dixon	CCA	1:23:19
19	John Mitcalf	BRCC	1:24:06
20	Jaouade Izzo	BRCC	1:24:26
21	Nigel Took	HNCC	1:24:35
22	Jon Traynor	HNCC	1:25:18
23	Chris Hooper	CCA	1:25:32
24	Clive Collins	HNCC	1:25:53
25	Nigel Wilson	HNCC	1:28:19
26	Richard Pratt	IRC	1:29:11
27	John Harrison	IRC	1:32:13
28	Emma Weisblatt	BRCC	1:47:46
	Phil Bierton	BRCC	DNS
	Phil Jenkins	BRCC	DNS
	Robbie Laughton	CCA	DNS
	Geoff Russell	CCA	DNS
	Andy Saunders	HNCC	DNS
	Andy Stevenson	HNCC	DNS
	Peter Jones	IRC	DNS
	Tony Baines	IRC	DNS
	Colin Holmes	IRC	DNS

15/05/2012 Medium Gear 72" and David Gudgin Results

In what can only be described as miserable and off-putting weather conditions prior to the event, it was no surprise that the field was reduced to five starters. It was a three way race for the rescheduled Medium Gear 72" with James Gomm eventually taking the honours, but with Jon Traynor suffering from cramp half way round, thoughts of "what if" were circulated around at the finish.

For the first of the David Gudgin 25 time trials it was a head to head race between Beds Roads teammates Graham and Jaouade, with Graham crossing the line with the fastest time of the day. Man of the day has to go to Frank Turner to resisted the movement to the pub by his fellow timekeepers after the start to be present at the end of the race to record those ever so important seconds.

Medium Gear 72" (25 miles) 15/05/2012 

James Gomm		1:15:07
Jon Traynor		1:18:41
Nick Hickman		1:20:42

David Gudgin 25 15/05/2012

Graham Laming		1:09:43 BRCC
Jaoude Izzo		1:18:22 BRCC

Thanks again to Frank Turner, Clive Collins and Geoff Perry for Timekeeping and pushing off duties.

10/04/2012 Briercliffe 10 Results

Round two of the evening series saw some very quick times for early April on this course in warm (ish) but windy conditions. Everybody who rode last week improved on their previous week's time. Well done to Nick Hickman for getting under evens on drop bars (for the first time).

Andrew Herbert	HNCC	24:09
Ben Wilson	HNCC	24:17
David Robinson	CCA	24:52
Simon Doyle	HNCC	25:08
Graham Laming	BRCC	25:15
Ryan Witchell	HNCC	25:17
Andy Saunders	HNCC	25:34
James Gomm	HNCC	26:10
Peter Gell	BRCC	27:29
Jaouade Izzo	BRCC	28:09
Bob Wright	BRCC	28:13
Darren Carter	CCA	28:14
David Ledgerton	TSE	28:44
Nick Hickman	HNCC	29:52
Richard Serradinho	HNCC	31:13

Also thanks go to Frank Turner, Clive Collins and Janice Wilson for timekeeping/ pushing off in what proved to be more pleasant conditions than last week.

A loose dog on the course didn't help matters. Keep your eyes peeled for errant terriers near the top of the Growers on the way in to Old Warden.

CCA = CC Ashwell
TSE = Team Salesengine.co.uk
BRCC = Beds Roads CC

03/04/2012 Briercliffe 10 Results

The first evening 10 of the season saw wet and windy conditions, but 9 hardy souls still ventured out for an early season leg stretcher.

David Robinson	CCA	25:08
Simon Doyle	HNCC	25:37
Graham Laming	BRCC	26:01
James Gomm	HNCC	26:45
Michael Webb	HNCC	28:04
Jaouade Izzo	BRCC	28:24
Nick Hickman	HNCC	30:23
Richard Serradinho	HNCC	32:39
Richard Marlow	HNCC	33:33

Also thanks go to Frank Turner and Nigel Wilson for timekeeping in the rain and Clive Collins for pushing off.

Spring Hilly - results and report (10/03/2012)

The Nomads racing season kicked off with seven riders competing around the sporting Whitwell-Codicote-St Paul's Walden circuit. In daffodil inducing, weather riders set themselves up for the first test against the clock in the club's 2012 time trial calendar.

The two lap, 18 mile course offers a range of technical and physical challenges, not least the the climb in to St Paul's Walden and the series of sharp ascents to the east of Whitwell.

After the first lap Simon Doyle and James Gomm were battling for top spot with Doyle managing to make the descents count in his favour. Simon eventually caught Gomm on the second lap straight heading northwards to Hitchin.

Gomm took eight minutes out of his 2011 time and Doyle, in his first ride around this course, shaved 18 seconds off last year's winning time. (Ed - who writes this stuff?)

James Spence suffered a puncture on the first lap turn from the Codicote road towards St Paul's. Dave Rossall also hit technical difficulties, having been afflicted by a damaged spoke.

Tim Wallis rode consistently to record a sub-hour ride on fixed gear but was beaten for third spot by Nick Senechal who went under the hour mark to record a "short 58". Dave Summerell was fifth.

The Knebworth Cyclosaur

Quote of the day
Quote of the day fell to James Gomm who made reference to the Knebworth Park fibre-glass dinosaurs which overlook the course.

"If you get to the dinosaurs and don't feel like losing the will to live, you simply aren't trying hard enough."


Results
Simon Doyle – 51:09
James Gomm – 52:44
Nick Senechal – 58:07
Tim Wallis – 59:21 (fixed gear)
David Summerell – 1:01:11
David Rossall – 1:09:04 (mechanical)
James Spence – DNF (puncture)

Top L-R, Senechal, Wallis, Doyle. Bottom L-R, Rossall, Gomm, Summerell.

 Pictures courtesy of Clive Collins.

Thanks to Frank Turner for timekeeping and Nicky Ollier for officiating. Without them there would have been no event.