New member benefit - Central Cross League 2012/13

As an additional member benefit, Hitchin Nomads are now affiliated to the Central Cross League for the 2012/13 event season. The "cross" in question is cyclo-cross and it is an excellent way of getting in some competitive miles over the winter months. Information can be gained from the league web site: http://www.centralcxl.org.uk/

Additionally, Andrew Stevenson (see contacts section of this site) can provide more advice.

Finchley RT Results - 29 Sept 2012

The rolling roads of Wrestlingworth provided the backdrop for competition as two teams of Hitchin Nomads competed in the Finchley RT 2up team time trial, 29 Sept 2012. Kieran Todd and Nick Hickman fired the early salvo as they opened proceedings being the first team off. The twenty five mile circuit based on the F14/12 Guilden Morden loop saw Hickman and Todd face a stiff westerly wind on the top section of the course. Riding on conventional roads bikes they converted their energies to a time of 1h 08m 22s. Riding later in the competition were Clive Collins and Simon Doyle. With a combined age of 111 and three quarters they clocked exactly a minute quicker. One of that team may or may not have arrived at the wrong village hall having not paid enough attention to the start sheet. Doyle was not available for comment.

The event was won by a Finchley RT team with a provisional time of around 52 minutes.

K Todd, N Hickman 1.08.33

S Doyle, C Collins 1.07.33

At least we can spell our own club name....

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

News round-up - 23 Sept 2012

The weekend of 22-23 September 2012 saw a range of Nomad activity.

New riders and families ride
As part of the club's efforts to introduce new people to cycling, Nick Senechal and Frank Turner organised a "new members and families" event which saw 22 riders take in an 8 mile "out and back" trip from Hitchin to Graveley's Carousel Cafe.

Using quiet roads and sections of the Letchworth Garden City Greenway, the route introduced the fun and benefits of club cycling to a number of prospective new members and enthusiasts. The route was guided by experience cyclists and also had mechanics on hand to deal with the various bike tweaks and questions.

Frank Turner providing the pre-ride briefing at Purwell, Hitchin.

Riders assemble - young and old alike.

Club Chairman Nick Senechal commented:

"The club aims to encourage new members at every opportunity. Following the success of Team GB and a number of British riders at many levels this year, we are keen to share the benefits and experience the club has to offer to a new generation and also to those interested in returning to cycling. We will be running a series of additional events of this kind, with the next one pencilled in for late October 2012."

 This initiative complemented the weekly club run which saw a number of more experienced riders take on a longer run to Hoddesdon.

Racing news
Three Nomads took place in the Beds Road CC promoted Northampton and District CA open 10 mile time trial on the F15/10 Brogborough course. Simon Doyle posted 23.21 for the distance, James Gomm 25.24 and Clive Collins 26.22. Second claim member Ryan Witchell recorded 23.58.

Despite tough outbound conditions Ashley Cox of Spirit RT won the event with a course record of 19.21.

Round up - 17 Sep 2012

Clive Collins took place in the Norlond Association 25 mile time trial on Sunday, 16th Sept  2012.  Clive recorded a time of 1.07.29. He managed to get to the 15 mile point in 39 minutes but was subjected to adverse conditions on the return leg. Sam Barker of Chronos RT won the event with a 52.58.

Meanwhile, Andy Stevenson took place in the Beds Road CC road race based on the Great Barford course. Andy finished in the bunch.

Spectating and snapping was Steve Smith.

MAMILs spotted near Gt Barford (Middle Aged Men In Lycra)

Andy in action

Meanwhile, James Gomm finished of his epic Lands End to John O'Groats trek. His epic adventure will no doubt be recorded here for posterity once he returns from the Britannia Minor. 982 miles cycled in (roughly) 68 hours (that's c. 685,000 pedal strokes), 20,000m of climbing, 0 punctures and an unquantified number of energy bars.

James Gomm at Journey's End.

Go Ride! - Hitchin Nomads, family, friends come and newcomers try it ride

Next Sunday 23^rd September 2012 is the Nomads' first 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.

The rides will be on dedicated easy cycle trails, or very quiet roads suitable for all types of cycle.  The first ride will be about 9 miles in all, although there will be short cuts for those finding it a bit challenging and a longer loop for those who want more! There will be a coffee break somewhere in the middle of the ride.

Club Chairman, Nick Senechal commented:

"We have seen a lot more interest in the club following the success of Team GB in the Olympics and Paralympics. As a club we are always open to new members and this is an ideal way of capitalising on that. Existing club members have a wealth of knowledge and experience on what to ride, where and how to keep bikes in tip top shape. This is a great opportunity for people to come and have a go."

Meet at the junction of Purwell Lane and Kingswood Avenue, Hitchin (access to the Greenway) at 10:00 am. 

Contact

If you fancy a ride out from Hitchin centre or want further information, please call Nick Senechal on 01462 641745. Email: n.senechal@ntlworld.com.

We will be holding these rides on the penultimate Sunday of each month until further notice.

There is no charge for this event.

Riders should ensure that their bikes are in good working order and that they have a spare inner tube (just in case). The use of a hard shelled safety helmet is encouraged.

Race round up - 15 Sept 2012

Stevenage CC F14/12
Three Nomads took part in the Stevenage CC promoted 12 mile time trial on 15 Sept 2012. The course, based on a circuit north of Guilden Morden is technically demanding with a series of undulations and chicanes to negotiate. Andy Herbert and Simon Doyle came home with a time of 27m 34s to claim third place in the 2 up team time trial competition. They were nine seconds off second place. First home were Andrew Hastings and Trevor Burke of Finchley RT (25m 12s).

Mike Webb flew the flag for the club in the solo event. Having had a break from competition Mike marked his return to the testing circuit with a 31m 04s for the same distance. The winner of the solo event was Ashley Cox, Spirit RT. Cox displayed his class with a superlative 24.17. This is an impressive time especially given the distance he put in to class riders such as Jon Shubert and Ross Clarke.

Andy Herbet and Simon Doyle - courtesy of Stevenage CC

Icknield RC F15/10
Last week (8 Sept 2012), Doyle recorded a 22m 47s on the Icknield RC F15/10,10 mile time trial, this marked a season PB. Ashley Cox was also triumphant on that day with a course record of 20m 08s.