Hill Climb 2013

2013 Hill Climb Photo (L-R J Spence, R Serradhinho, A Stevenson, S Doyle, S Young, A Collins, N Hickman, F Turner, A Saunders, N Wilson, M Collins, N Senechal, P Riley, D Summerell, T Furby, R O'Donnell, M Webb). Picture by S Clifford-Smith.

2013 Hill Climb Photo (L-R, J Spence, R Serradhinho, A Stevenson, S Doyle, S Young, A Collins, N Hickman, F Turner, A Saunders, N Wilson, M Collins, N Senechal, P Riley, D Summerell, T Furby, R O'Donnell, M Webb). Picture by S Clifford-Smith.

Eleven riders took part in the final time trial of 2013, the Club Hill Climb. Starting at the base of the climb from Offleyholes Farm towards Preston riders faced a testing, sharp challenge.With reigning champion James Gomm out of action Andy Saunders was the pre-race favourite and he did not disappoint. His time of 1m 15.2secs was one of the quickest in recent years. Club Captain, Simon Doyle and Richard Serradinho took second and third place respectively. The middle of the field saw Nick Senechal, Mark Collins and Andrew Stevenson separated by less than two seconds.

Pictures by Mike Webb available from here.

Andy Saunders

The post-ride social event at the Windmill Pub, Charlton featured Frank Turner's investiture as Life Member and Vice-President of the Nomads in recognition of his many years service and contribution to the club.

Frank Turner

Time keeping and pushing off were James Spence, Frank Turner and Tony Furby.

Results
A Saunders 1m 15.2sec, S Doyle 1.28.2, R Serradinho 1.32.1, S Young, 1.34.2,  N Senechal 1.47.3, M Collins 1.48.5, A Stevenson 1.48.7, N Hickman 1.59.9, D Summerell 2.10.9, R O'Donnell (L) 2.47.2

Private Time Trial
C Pearce, Team Cambridge 1.24.2

Charlton Hill Climb Results 21/10/2012

The final event of the season, the fearsome Charlton Hill Climb, saw the best turn out for many years with 19 riders and many more spectating. The weather conditions were damp but it didn't dampen the spirits of those who competed.

Tandemania - Nick and Jane Hickman (N Fraser).

It was a closely fought battle with just 2.5 seconds splitting the top three, but it was James Gomm who was victorious on the day with Andy Saunders and Simon Doyle making up the top three.

Nick and Jane Hickman set a new club record for the fastest ascent of the hill on a tandem with an impressive time of 3:09.1, although Nick was later heard stating that he was aiming for a sub 3:00 time, so would be implementing a strict training regime over the next 12 months in order to smash that time next year.

The annual club ensemble picture - courtesy of R Knott.

The unofficial competition of  "most beer consumed in The Windmill" was a tie this year between Simon Doyle and James Gomm who both consumed 6 pints, with Clive Collins coming in third with 3.

Frank and Mark Collins (N Hickman).

Thanks goes out once again to Frank Turner and Clive Collins who provided the timekeeping and to Ben Wilson, who despite suffering from tonsillitis still came out not only to support the competitors but to also carry out the important job of holding up the riders (although rumours may suggest that Clive Collins was not 100% honest in selling the job to Ben and had failed to mention that Ben would have to hold up a tandem).

Frank Turner times Ingrid Matthews over the line.

Andrew Stevenson.

It was a great finale to the 2012 calendar and we look forward to the 2013 season.

Gomm in sixty seconds - or 79.2 if you want to be precise,

Results

James Gomm		1:19.2
Andy Saunders		1:19.9
Simon Doyle		1:21.7
Chris Pearce		1:22.9 CCA
Garry O'Dea		1:28.9
Richard Serradinho		1:29.1
Neil Bridgland		1:32.5
Tom Vincent		1:42.4
Simon Young		1:43.9
Andrew Stephenson		1:48.7
Mark Collins		1:56.2
Richard Knott		2:02.1
Eddie Martin		2:02.4
Mark young		2:04.8
Ingrid Matthews		2:24.1
Stephen Oliver		2:51.7
Nick & Jane Hickman		3:09.1 (Tandem)
Cheryl Fisher		3:12.6

CCA = Cycle Club Ashwell

"Family and Newcomers" ride - 21/10/12

Next Sunday 21st October 2012, is our next family and newcomers ride. These “mini-club runs” are designed for those new to cycling or experienced cyclists who want to bring friends and family along. Especially welcome are accompanied  children, women, commuters wanting to get a little more from their cycling and anyone wanting to find out more about the Nomads.

This ride will be on quiet roads and a little bit of flat non-technical off-road, suitable for all types of cycle.  The ride will be about 7 miles around Charlton and Preston with the intention to meet up with the rest of the Hitchin Nomads at their annual club hill climb near Charlton at 11:30 (all adults and accompanied children are welcome to ride as well). Afterwards we will head to The Windmill pub in Charlton for refreshments.

There will be a few hills, but we have plenty of time to get up them, even if some have to walk…

Provisional OS map of family ride route

Please meet in Hitchin Market Square close to the clock at 10:00 am. All riders must wear a helmet. A bike safety check will be conducted before heading off, so please be prompt. If you require further directions, please call Nick Senechal on 01462 641745.

October 2012 events list

Here is a read out of October's planned Hitchin Nomads events. In addition to these, ad hoc rides occur and are listed on Facebook, e.g.Thursday night off road rides convene at the Windmill, Charlton at 1845h

Club runs

7 October WelwynSports Centre

14 October Ware Esem Café

21 October Whitwell Emily's Tea Shop

28 October St Neots Café

21 October Mini Club Run (new riders and newcomers to cycling)

Meet at Hitchin Market Square

10.00

7 October Interclub Hill Climb (HNCC) - Sharpenhoe

6X/H

Start: 10.30

13 October Autumn Hilly (Whitwell) circuit

6Z/10

Start: 08.30

21 October Charlton Hill Climb (near Windmill Public House, Charlton)

6Y/H

Start: 11.30