The Bugle | Blast 316


Friday 5th January 2018
New Year Edition




 

QUOTE  OF THE WEEK

“Shut up legs. Do what I tell you to do.” - Jens Voigt, five-time winner of the Criterium International
 

BICYCLIST  OF THE YEAR

Tempted as I was to make it Chris Froome and his remarkable achievements in 2017 - he has featured here at least twice and will again if his current problem is sorted.

Chris was the first African cyclist to make it big. So it may be of interest to see who is coming up behind him. The African Cyclist of the Year announced just before Christmas is South African Louis Meintjes. The 25 year old finished eighth overall in the Tour de France, eighth overall in the Criterium du Dauphine and sixth overall in the Tour of the Basque Country.

Will we hear more: https://inthebunch.co.za/2017/12/sas-louis-meintjes-is-african-cyclist-of-the-year/

BTW I have just read Chris's 2013 biography by David Sharp which tells a lot about his time breaking out of the African circuit. Not as good as his autobiography but if you want to borrow it - just ask.

 

BICYCLE  OF THE YEAR?

Okay, so this is a weird one. A 1x aero road disc bike.

While other companies can claim three of those four adjectives, only 3T Strada employed all four in a single machine.

This is but one of five bikes to feature in BikeRadar's 5 most interesting road bikes of 2018. Fill your boots with the full set here: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/top-5-most-interesting-road-bikes-of-2018-51033/


 

10 CYCLING RESOLUTIONS FOR 2018


Thanks to TomTom for the link: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/cycling-new-years-resolutions-1027/

In summary, check link for detail.
  1. Get Fit/Lose Weight: These two resolutions have to be the most common in existence and they're both good things to aim for when approached with a healthy attitude, the problem is they are hopelessly vague!
  2. Remember that you reap what you sow: One of the most important thoughts to hold on to is that you'll get back what you put in. Whether it's miles in the saddle doing quality training or time and effort in preparing yourself fully for the challenges of the rides ahead, commitment to being the best rider you can be is the key.
  3. Learn to relax: Life can be stressful, so making sure you take time to relax is an important skill. 
  4. Keep a healthy balance: This might not be the most popular resolution out there, but it is potentially an important one, especially if you have family commitments or a partner that isn't as into cycling as you are. 
  5. Introduce someone else to cycling: Cycling is a brilliant activity whatever way you look at it. It's good for the body, good for the mind, it can improve mental and physical health, it can satisfy that competitive edge or enable a cheap and sustainable way to travel to work. Kids can do it, adults can do it, families can do it, friends can do it, couples can do it.
  6. Try a different discipline: Now, you could go fairly simple with this, with road cyclists trying mountain biking and mountain bikers trying road cycling. There are definitely benefits to mixing things up like this.
  7. Do a long distance ride: Do you know how far you can ride in one go? Or over the course of several days back-to-back? Long distance bike rides, whether you do it on a road bike, mountain bike, touring bike or your old but reliable commuter bike, can be transformative. They're an opportunity to test your limits, see how far you can travel under your own steam, and can be a test of self sufficiency depending on how you go. 
  8. Do an event! Participating in a race or event can be a perfect resolution for your list. It'll give you purpose, something to train for, a date to complete it by, and if you get some friends to sign up, training partners too.
  9. Stretch it out: This is a simple resolution that will have a huge impact on your cycling if you manage to stick to it. As a repetitive form of exercise, cycling can lead to tightness in various parts of the body that over time can lead to injury.  
  10. Volunteer (or donate) at a cycling charity: How about spending a little time giving back this year by helping out a cycling charity? Whether it's donating old bicycles or fixing bikes while learning maintenance skills, or spending some time leading social rides, you can give yourself a warm glow, some bike time and help others at the same time. 
Personaly I think number 5 is the one to put number 1.
 



RIDE REPORTS


A bit thin on the ground lately - as it has been a trifle icy!

Saturday 23rd December: Last ride before Christmas dodging the reindeer and snowmen of the Kingswood Estate. That after being slowed by Epsom Downs runners en route to Bike Beans at Ashtead: https://anerleybc.org/saturday-ride-23rd-december-2017/

Saturday 30th December: Baker's Dozen do Godstone with lots and lots of off-road deep slushy mud. Two took a bath: https://anerleybc.org/saturday-ride-30th-december-2017/

 

EVEN MORE MUD?


Some folks wanted more mud after last Saturday. And our very own Dave G has the answer:

‘Grasshoppers Internatonal’ meet on Friday morning at 09.30 for an off road ramble through the countryside for about 3 to 4 hours including tea stop. A couple of Anerley men normally turn out and we had an appearance from an Anerley lady who enjoyed then experience. For any one who would like to join us let the Bugle editor know by replying to this email and he will get you added to the Grasshoppers email group.

 

OR EVEN MORE SPEED?


Mark H is looking for people to have a go at riding the track at Herne hill,it's Thursday the 25th of January at 11am. Price is £15 each. We get coaching and a track bike to use. it's a two hour session.People can contact Mark  through the website forum or facebook. We need 10 people but there are 15 places.i really need some fed back from people in the club to run these event's.

 

UPCOMING RIDES


Saturday 6th January: 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Back onto road bikes again for a trip out to Horne Golf Club, via Clackets Lane, for Tea. Return via Bletchingly, Merstham and The Well Inn at Mugswell. 43 Miles.

Sunday 7th January: 09:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Tom V leads to Four Elms Garden Centre for tea and the Cocks Innat Ide Hill for ale.

Tuesday 9th January [A] Ride: 09:30 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Tom V to Holwood Farm.
Tuesday 9th January [B] Ride: 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: John D to Holwood Farm.

Thursday 11th January Ride: 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Mark H leads.

 

FINALLY

It's gong time again at our Club Annual Dinner which will take place on Saturday 3 February at Purley United Reformed Church, Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LN. We start at 6.30 for 7 pm.

The cost will be £22 for a two course meal, followed by tea/coffee. Could you please let Sandra know asap if you would like to come as she needs to let our caterer, Gill, know numbers. Partners and new members are especially welcome. Please provide your own drinks and let me know if you would like the vegetarian option. Sandra has booked the hall till 10.30 pm to give folks more time for convivial conversation.  

Reply to this email and they will be forwarded to Sandra.

Gong winners from last year will soon, if you haven't already been, be chased (by Mark H?) for their silverware to be cleaned and engraved in time.