Club Cyclo-Cross Champs
This last Club championships of the season will take place as part of the Welsh League Round 2 on 14th October at Penlan Sports Field - Brecon. There are categories for all age groups, boys and girls, men and women.
October newsletter
Please see document below:
National Trophy Cyclo-Cross: Help Required
Club members are reminded that we are hosting the first round of the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross series next Sunday (7th Oct) at Abergavenny Leisure Centre. Please come along and lend your support, either as a spectator or assist with marshalling. The first race is at 10.30am but if you can help with setting out the course, Ian Jenkins would love to hear from you.
Monmouthshire Meander Report
The club organised a different form of event this Sunday. An audax in which the entrants take on a ride which has to be completed in an average speed between 12.5 and 15 mph. The Club's 104km event, aptly named the 'Monmouthshire Meander' started from Abergavenny Fairfield and went straight into its first challenge: Pen-y-Fal Hill .Then across country along undulating minor roads to Usk. From Usk the climb to Penclawd was attempted before the better roads to Monmouth were negotiated. From Monmouth the riders headed north over the infamous Rockfield climb then via Skenfrith to Grosmont and yet another fierce climb. The course became kinder for a few miles along the Golden Valley to Vowchurch then a right turn to Longtown to tackle the intense climb of St Margrets. This was the sting in the tail as this came after the entrants had 50 miles of climbing already in their legs. Down to Pandy then along the Old Hereford Road to Abergavenny to well earned refreshments at the Fairfield.
The club had 6 riders in the event: Rob Bignell, Andrew Willmott, Carl Brancher, Chris Howarth, Steve Williams and Mike Duval all completed the course within the time window. Fortunately the weather was fine and an excellent day out was had by all who entered.
Monmouthshire Meander Audax
- 104km Audax Event
- Sunday 2nd September
- Start 9am
- Abergavenny Entry £4 (£5 on the day) plus £1-50 temporary membership if required*
This is an ideal first Audax challenge or a late summer meander for more seasoned riders. The circular route goes from Abergavenny to Usk, Monmouth, Grosmont, Pontrilas, Vowchurch and Longtown before returning to Abergavenny. It follows quiet roads with the usual ups and downs encountered in this area. All previous “Meanders” have taken place in glorious weather but refreshments at the Grosmont control make the ride worth doing - even in the rain!
Entry forms and further information on the Audax website at or from the organiser David Hayhurst on 01873 821449.
*AUK, CTC or BC membership provides 3rd party insurance cover which is a requirement of the event.
Sports Science and Cycling Lecture Series
The University of Wales, Newport is to present a series of 3 lectures designed for people with an interest in the scientific application of cycle racing for all levels from the beginner to the elite amateur, aimed at competitors, coaches, cycling fans and general public.
Thursday 21st June sees a presentation by George Rose of the University’s Sports Studies staff focussing upon training methods and performance assessment.
On Friday 29th June Simon Jones (2004 UK 'Coach of the Year' and who has personally coached athletes such as Bradley Wiggins) will discuss the journey from beginner to professional cyclist and the importance of coaching support drawing on his vast experiences as arguably one of the most successful cycling coaches of recent times.
A final session on Saturday 30th June covers energy expenditure, nutrition and recovery; again by George Rose. Lectures are held on the Caerleon Campus starting at 7pm and have been designed to coincide with the annual 5 day Ras de Cymru cycle race. For further information contact George Rose on 01633 432940
Ride the 'Clydach Gorgeous' Friday 22nd June
The Sustrans cycleway from Llanfoist to Brynmawr has recently been completed. To celebrate this and as part of Bike Week, the Sustrans volunteer rangers are organising a ride along the cycleway.
The route is off road, 8 miles to the top but downhill all the way home! If that seems too much just come and ride a short section to the old stations at Govilon or Gilwern. Helmets are advised and children under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet at the Llanfoist Crossing car park in time for a 6pm. start. The ride should be finished by 8pm.
For further information telephone David Hayhurst on 01873 821449
Bike Week www.bikeweek.org.uk
Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk
April newsletter
Please see document below:
Clubnight announced
As the cycling season has got off to a very good start, with fine weather for leisure cycling and with excellent results on the racing side, we thought it would be a good idea to start some clubnights for members to gather for a social evening. This will be an ideal opportunity to share cycling experiences of recent weeks or to get help and advise on any cycling topic that you may be unsure of.
The first clubnight takes place on Wednesday 2nd May at the Sugar Loaf Room at Abergavenny Leisure Centre from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. The Sugar Loaf Room is on the first floor near to the cafe, from where refreshments can be obtained. The clubnight will also be repeated on 6th June.
Also, John Stokes will lead an offroad run up the Sugarloaf on the 2nd May starting and ending at the Leisure Centre. Meet at 6pm for a 6:30 start. The riders should be back for 8pm latest. The ride will be suitable for all ages above 12 years old. If it is well supported John will run a second one on the 6th June.
20/04/07 Forum suspended
The club regrets to announce that the forum has been suspended due to excessive spam registrations and the resulting maintenance required to clear it. Although a password-protected, secure forum may be developed in the future this will only be taken forward if there is sufficient demand from club members to do so. Please let us know your preference via the website contact form.
02/04/07 Chaingang moves to 6.30pm
Summer appears to be here already as chaingang has now moved to a 6.30pm Tuesday start. Usual meeting place of the Hardwick roundabout. Here are some tips for novice (and veteran) chainganger:
1. STAY TIGHT ON THE WHEELS. Not only does this give you maximum shelter, it means you don't have to sprint to close gaps. Cover your brakes but just feather them to keep the gap constant.
2. KEEP IT SMOOTH. Do not sprint to close gaps and don't accelerate when you hit the front. This will produce a concertina effect as other riders have to do the same. If you have to accelerate, do so smoothly.
3. PULL OFF EARLY. When you hit the front and your back wheel is level with the previous riders front wheel, start to pull off. Don't go a bike length clear and then pull over. This gives little shelter to the previous rider.
4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO MISS A TURN. Don't struggle to do your turn as this will upset the rhythm of the group. Go to the back, recover and then go through if you feel OK. It isn't a race (well, apart from the finish sprint!) so you are not expected to work.
5. IF STRONG, DO STEADY, LONGER TURNS. If you are feeling good and want to do a longer turn, wait until the previous rider has got back in line. Concentrate on doing a longer, rather than faster turn.
04/03/07 Reliability Ride
16 members braved the extreme rain on Sunday for the annual reliability ride. The ride on the road was attempted by 11 of the clubs riders with a further 5 attempting an offroad route around the Sugar Loaf. The road event, normally 62.5 miles from Abergavenny to Hay and via Talgarth and Crickhowell, was cut to 55 miles due to the appalling conditions. Of the 11 starters, 8 finished the course the fastest Gareth James, Graham Edwards, Mark Taylor and Jackie Garner in 3 hrs 17 mins with the other riders coming in a further 7 mins down. The mountain bike ride was also cut short as conditions on the Sugar Loaf were considered to be too dangerous but all 5 riders finished the reduced course.
Some riders were more prepared than others.....
The road bunch looks forward to their 100km ride:
