Great Yarmouth Cycling Club

Over the bank holiday weekend Neil and Andy Tyler travelled to Bury St Edmunds and Attleborough to represent the club in two fast 10 mile time trials – and their travels were well worth the effort!

On Saturday in very windy conditions that saw the riders touch nearly 40mph on the outward leg along the A14 Neil smashed his personal best with 21:38 – an average of nearly 28mph. This was good enough for 7th place overall from a field of 100 riders. Andy delivered a strong ride aswell and posted 22:47 which is only a couple of seconds from his season best. Well done Andy!

Neil was delighted with his breakthrough time. Having just riden mainly club events around the challenging Somerleyton course all season Neil enjoyed the fast and windy dual carridgeway course and the thrill of competing in such a big field. The last time he rode this course was 1982 during his first racing “career” as a fresh faced 15 year old. That day he rode his first 23 minute 10 so it was fitting that this course handed-up his first 21 minute ride albeit after his 27 year break from the sport! 

Andy Tyler powers to a strong finish

Neil attacks the windy A14 on his way to a personal best ride

On Bank Holiday Monday Neil was up and out again representing the club on a distinctly windy, wet and cold autumnal day at Attelborough. This 10 mile course is said to be the fastest in the region and runs along the A11 from Besthorpe to the Hethel and back. However, looking at the early times on the results board shew that it was not living up to its reputation as several fancied riders posted slower than expected times. As Neil’s start time approached at 9.37 however the weather looked dryer but the wind – according to the Met Office website - was still 25 mph and gusting to 38 mph!

Neil enjoyed the conditions and shaved another 6 seconds from his new personal best from Saturday recording 21:32. His ride was good enough for 4th place overall from a full field of 120 riders – albeit with several of the top riders deciding not to start in the difficult conditions. Neil was delighted again and was keen to prove his ride on Saturday was not a one-off fluke!   

The all-time club record is 21:26 which is held by current local time trial superstar James Eman who now rides for the elite Anglia Velo club. Previous holders of the coveted 10 mile club record includes Norman and Trevor Hockold – both of whom delivered 21 minute records many years ago and without the modern day technologies like disc wheels and aero handlebars. However, all of a sudden, James’ record looks a little less solid! Roll on the end-of-season races at the end of September…

Eighteen riders turned up at the Arches for today’s Club Run, the route for which was heading towards Oulton Broad (Mark & Cameron had already ridden over from Lowestoft) & then picking up a new rider at Oulton Broad (another Kevin – we’re up to 4 Kev’s, also  3 Clive’s, 2 Lewis’s & 2 Ben’s – a tad confusing if they’re all together). Just as we were leaving Oulton the message came from the back that there Ray had a mechanical (bikespeak for a puncture), this was fixed & we headed on our usual route towards Mutford.

After Mutford we headed for North Cove & the old road to Beccles along the National cycle route No. 1, this was to prove quite adventurous after the recent rain leaving the path quite hazardous (gravel & other debris on the path). Cycling through Worlingham & onto Beccles was uneventful unless you count what looked like a scene from the Bill in Beccles town centre with half a dozen Police cars all parked up across the road. The route then took the riders down to Gillingham roundabout, on roads normally used during the winter months, this is where the “fun” started, with the second mechanical of the day with John, which was quickly followed by Mark & just as we were about get on with the ride Clive (No. 3).

After all the problems sorted we headed off over the A146 towards the village of Stockton, Broome & Thwaite St. Mary, the route getting slightly hilly, where some of the more Testosterone fuelled riders controlled their urges to push on too hard to help the group keep together (Adele did appreciate this fact). Reaching Mundham the route then headed back towards Loddon for Ray only to stop again for a quick check of his rear wheel  & again a couple of miles further down the road to actually change the inner tube again as he felt the tyre getting very soft. Norman mentioned to Mark that on a recent ride on these roads he came across an unusual road block, a herd of cows across the road. The field where the cows usually graze is on one side of the road & the milking parlour is on the other side hence the road block.

After Haddiscoe the riders took to the main road over to St. Olaves where some riders headed south to Oulton Blundeston & Hopton & the rest for Bradwell, Gorleston & Gt. Yarmouth.

While the riders were enjoying their Sunday morning ride, Neil was at the Norwich Airport Park & Ride car park where the latest round of the Norwich Crits. series was being held. GYCC are organising the round being held on September 5th so Neil was there to gauge what was required from the organising Club on the day

Wow, what a night. In the darks of the mid-winter when its too cold and dark to venture out on the bike for too long those who attended last night will be able to warmly remember this weeks club 10.

Joe Skipper, the young professional rider who is now based in the north-west but rides for his original VC Barrachi club when at home in Lowestoft rode a fabulous lap of Somerleyton to EQUAL Glen Holmes course record of 21:45. It was a huge effort that even Joe had to admit was “damn hard!” For those who thought that Glen’s long standing record was never going to be broken they held their breath as Joe sprinted over the line only to realise that he had equalled the coverted record.

Joe was pushed hard by a trio of riders that must be the fastest we have seen at Somerleyton in many years. Even Norman can not recall having 3 riders recording 22 minute rides (can anyone else remember when this last happened?). The competition certainly motivated Joe and he was first to recognise afterwards that it made him dig a little deeper than usual to ensure he won.

The three chasers are all outright regional event winners and time trial specialists. Jim Burgess riding his fixed wheel rode to an amazing 22:15 and edged out regular Somerleyton guests Liam and James (who is a 2nd claim GYCC member).  Their speed, style and bikes were a welcome sight to the younger GYCC members and was the talk on the journey home. Thanks for coming over chaps.

1. Joe Skipper VCB  0:21:45

2.  Jim Burgess Anglia Velo  0:22:15

3.  Liam Gentry VCB  0:22:29

4. James Eman Anglia Velo  0:22:31

5.  Neil Turner GYCC 0:23:38

6.  Liam Gentry VCB  0:24:23 (Road Bike for VCB Atheletes Trophy)

7. Dominic Lee GYCC  0:26:01

8.  Ian McCluskey VCB  0:26:14

9. Ben McCluskey VCB 0:26:14

10.  Adam Houlgate Private 0:26:34

11. Roger Farrow  GYCC 0:27:06

12. Paul Clarke VCB  0:27:10

13. Paul Anderson  GYCC 0:27:59

14.  Lee Cook Rock Estate  0:28:18

15. Harley Matthews GYCC  0:28:19

16. Cameron Thomson Private  0:28:20

17. Richard Allen VCB  0:29:26

18. Jim Soanes Private  0:30:01

19. Mark Womack Private 0:30:17

20.  John Vidler Plomesgate 0:30:23

21. Ollie Postle Private 0:30:39

As if one lap is not enough pain, Liam Gentry then rode again on his road bike to win the VC Barrachi “atheletes” trophy for riders on traditional style bikes. He refused to ride again for an encore….strange

It was a good night the GYCC boys aswell. Neil and Dom set course PBs and Paul edged inside 28 mins. Young Ollie rode his first ever race superbly and was thoroughly excited about his ride. His enthusiasm and energy are really welcome in the club.

We have had a tremendous year at GYCC and this weeks 10 captured that excitement well. From Joe equalling the course record to the excitement of riding your first event and seeing lots of exotic looking bikes that only existed in magazines and brochures before. It was a night to remember which ever end of the results list you sat!

Neil.

On a deceptively tough outward leg the GYCC boys who ventured out to the Godric club 10 still had a good night out over the border in Suffolk.  The event is held on the fast (faster than Somerleyton!) B10/44 course from Earsham to Redenhall/Harleston roundabout and back. Its long and exposed striaghts were tough work on the outward leg but made for some huge speeds on the way back to the flag.

Neil was up there and only 9 secs off his all-time PB with 22:52. Consistency was his game as he was 8 secs faster than last weeks Godric ride.

Well done to Ben who set his PB with 24:12. Surely before the end of the season this talented young rider in his first season of racing will go under 24 minutes. Having won a couple of road races in the Lotus League Novices series earlier this year Ben is obviously one to watch for the elder club riders!

Jules was also Mr Consistent. Without much time to train recently he powered around in another 24 minute ride just outside his PB.

However, the trio of Paul, Roger and Lewis had the best GYCC scrap of the night with the three riders finishing within a handful of seconds on each other. Paul has hit a vien of form that looks set to continue and Roger just gets faster and faster and is looking very smooth and polished on his splendid low-profile bike. Lewis, was chuffed with his ride considering the amount of time he has to spend on the bike with his considerable workload. Well done and nice to see you out Lewis!
Will Bamber of Cult Racing 21:45
Paul Jay of Newmarket C&TC 22:34
Neil Turner of Great Yarmouth CC 22:52
Geoff Bateman of Anglia Velo 23:46
Ben Mackett of Great Yarmouth CC 24:12
Paul Clarke of VC Baracchi 24:45
Julian Claxton of Great Yarmouth CC 24:50
Terry Doughty of Godric CC 25:05
John Swanbury of VC Baracchi 25:11
Paul Lewis of Great Yarmouth CC 25:25
Roger Farrow of Great Yarmouth CC 25:33
Lewis Roberts of Great Yarmouth CC 25:37
James Browne of VC Norwich 25:38
David Sweeting (CATI) 25:44
Brian Davies of Godric CC 25:46
Gavin Sumner of Godric CC 25:46
Jack Payne (CATI) 26:01
Ray Ross of Comrades CC 26:09
Mike Cross of West Suffolk Wheelers 26:09
Mike King of VC Baracchi 26:28
Mike Wood of VC Baracchi 26:43
Sharon Calton of West Suffolk Wheelers 27:11
Paul Seamons of Godric CC 27:21
John Cooper of VC Baracchi 28:20
John Vidler of Plomesgate CC 28:32
David Potter (CATI) 31:29

The Godric 10’s run until September 7th. If you fancy a fast 10 before the end of the season then lets try and get a bigger GYCC team out next week. Drop Neil a line if you need a lift or want directions etc.

On a blustery day GYCC held its annual 25 championships around the club version of the Somerleyton Course (pretty much the same as BS13a except the start is near the 10 start).

On a day when most riders hit 30+mph down the A143 and struggled to only mid-teens from Blundeston to Browston it was a good workout (I think thats positive speak for bl****y hard!).

Jules took the novices trophy with a stonking ride in his first 25. He will surely go much much faster on a faster course. Dom did himself proud going under 1:10 on a day and course that did not suit him or his style. Put in context, Dom’s ride was faster than last years winner. Dom;s form is returning after his mid-season break.

Adam stormed around in an amazing 1:8 on a 80inch fixed gear. This must have been tough on the downwind legs where his rev counter must have been well into the red! Well done Adam.

Neil was dead chuffed with his new PB of 1:1:31 and this was enough to win both the beautiful Hercule trophy and the handicap trophy (as he shaved 5 mins from his PB which was set around Somerleyton!).

Clive and Chris rode their first 25s with strong rides and although dead beat at the finish (thats good boys – it showed you tried) where rightfully delighted with their times.  

Kev and Ray also set new PBs from their rides earlier in the season on a day that quite frankly should have seen no PBs. Well done boys. It was great to see Tom and Matt out again and they rode well to both record 1:12’s.

This was a qualifying round of the annual VC Barrachi vs GYCC Holmes Cup and with only 1 VCB rider turning out the scores are almost level going into the last event in October (50 mile sportive). Looks like we have a great chance to win it after VCB have dominated it for donkeys years!!! Come on boys…

1 Neil Turner GYCC 1:01:31  Hercules & Handicap Trophies
2 Julian Claxton GYCC 1:07:03  Henry Sutton Novice’s Trophy
3 Adam Houlgate Private 1:08:40
4 Dominic Lee VCB 1:09:06
5 Chris Laurie Private 1:11:38
6 Tom Robinson GYCC 1:12:49
7 Matt Jeffries Private 1:12:58
8 Clive Bond GYCC 1:14:24
9 Kev Colman GYCC 1:15:26
10 Richard Allen VCB 1:15:56
11 Ray Eastick GYCC 1:18:51

We have another clubbie 25 on 12th September if anyone fancies an hour or so of a great british TT circuit!!!!

It’s was a fine day, slightly overcast but no rain throughout the event.  The winds were strong in places and appeared to be blowing from most directions, but that didn’t deter the boys from the GYCC.  They set of a decent pace into a head wind, after a while Gary dropped off the back of the group for a more leisurely ride through the Suffolk countryside.   Approximately 21 miles into the event Gary came round a bend to find the other members of the team recovering from what can only be described as a re-enactment of the opening stage of the Tour De France.  Michael was dripping blood from a nasty graze on his elbow, whilst trying to get his bike into the correct gear ready to set off again. Both Blair and Lewis were on their bikes setting off again up a climb.  Michael soon recovered and once again they were of at a decent pace.

It transpires that after taking a bend at a reasonable rate of speed, Blair whilst trying to set a new record for the longest skid on a racing bike, managed to make contact with Michael  sending him over the top of his bars and sprawled across the road and Blair hurtling along the verge for a thrill seeking 50 yards, before recovering unscathed to fight another day.  The team set of again and Michael, Blair and Lewis stopped at the next refreshments area for Michael to receive some treatment to his wounds and some sweet tea to relieve the shock of it all.

Gary who was spinning along was unaware of their stop and passed them and was starting to get a renewed lease of energy and ploughed on to Southwold were they had planned to meet up.  However after arriving and not being able to see them he pushed on to see if his was able to catch them, unbeknown to him that they were actually behind him at the time.  The weather brightened up, but the wind did not abate. The only section of the ride that was free from wind was through the Winsmere reserve, due to the tree lined road.   Gary went on to complete the ride in a total riding time of 3Hrs 45Mins. Whilst Michael, Blair and Lewis went on to complete the course, without further incident in 3Hrs 42Mins, a good ride was had by all and both Michael and Blair’s wives took part and completed the35 mile course in 3hrs 15mins.

Fourteen riders met up at the Arches for this morning’s ride, the weather did not look very inviting with very dark clouds overhead & the wind from the north, the intended route was to take the riders south over Haddiscoe Dam. The numbers were down slightly from previous weeks as three of GYCC members, Gary, Michael & Blair where riding the Suffolk 60 at Gt. Glemham but to make up for their absence Larry who’s been stuck in Bacu working for the past 7 week’s was out for the first time for a while.

Once over the dam the riders turn off the main road heading for Alderby and a chance for some of the riders to test out their downhill skills (Norman still has the edge – he has a slight weight advantage though). After a short stretch on the main road after Alderby the route headed for the quiet side roads through Stockton, Kirby Cane & onto Broome, upon reaching Broome the riders then headed north towards Loddon, to take advantage of the tail wind home.

In Loddon the riders took advantage of the facilities available for a comfort break before heading west over the A146 to Mundham, Seething, & onto Brooke. The intended route after Brooke was to take the riders to places that most haven’t used before or for a long while namely Shotesham, Poringland & Trowse. A short spell on the busy road (B1332) to take the riders up to the main intersection with the A146 was ridden at pace to get this section over as soon as possible.

Once over the main road the riders took advantage of the favourable tailwind riding back through the small hamlets of Kirby Bedon, Bramerton, Rockland St. Mary, Claxton & onto Loddon, some of the more of the seasoned riders would have used this route back from the end of season Hillclimb at Bramerton.

After Loddon the riders took the usual route back through Norton Sub-Course, Thurlton, Haddiscoe & St. Olaves where several riders from Blundeston, Hopton & Lowestoft took the easier route home whilst the rest headed along the A143 & onto Gorleston.

Four turned up for the tuesday ride Pat,John,Tony and Amanda.
We took a longer route through the lanes to Blunderston then crossed
the A12 to Corton then down the ravine to the Lighthouse cafe for a
nice mug of tea(where the photo was taken).We then headed through the
town and back into the lanes,we decided to go left at Sommerleyton
green past the Dukes Head pub where Pat wanted to stop but was outvoted,
we turned right on to the 10 course turned left at the main road and
back on the Beccles rd where John took the lead back to his for coffee .
Pat Smith.

Wow, its usually easy to focus on one or two of our riders and highlight their ride – but tonight 6 or our 8 riders set PBs, one was 17 secs off his PB (me!) and Mike Palmer surprised us all with his pace having not raced for “a long while”.

It was a deceptively hard night with a difficult breeze of the outward leg that made the last 1-2 miles before the turn a tough challenge, but the GYCC boys were having none of it. Roger, Jules, Dom, Ray, Harley and Barry all set PBs and were delighted after the finish. Roger broke 26mins for the first time this year, Jules likewise broke 25mins with a 24, Harley broke 27 (his season’s target – lets reset that one Harley!), Ray smashed 29 and Barry walloped 30 and 29 minute barriers for good measure. Dom, who we have all missed recently from our club events, shone again after a break away from racing and a nasty MTB crash and lowered his PB. Give pushing Dom, it was great to see you back.

Those who have studied the club silverware will know that Mike Palmer has won most of them in his time. On his return ride for many years and riding his cracking Dave Marsh TT bike it was great to see Mike storm around in a 28. Well done chap.

Me, well to be honest I was missing a little zing on the return tailwind leg and was gutted at not going just one second faster. I wonder what would have happened if I did not have that ice cream this afternoon or that second round of toast this afternoon ?!?!?!?!

Solo:
Will Bamber of Cult Racing 21:43
Neil Turner of Gt Yarmouth CC 23:00
Tim Bonnett of Streetlife/EST 24:09
Geoff Bateman of Anglia Velo 24:19
Andy Blackwell of Norwich ABC 24:24
Julian Claxton of Gt Yarmouth CC 24:47
John Swanbury of VC Baracchi 25:09
David Sweeting (CATI) 25:19
Dominic Lee of Gt Yarmouth CC 25:22
Paul Clarke of VC Baracchi 25:41
Gavin Sumner of Godric CC 25:43
Roger Farrow of Gt Yarmouth CC 25:48
Jack Payne (CATI) 26:11
Ray Ross of Comrades CC 26:24
Mike King of VC Baracchi 26:25
Sally Withey of VC Norwich 26:28
Harley Matthews of Gt Yarmouth CC 26:58
Mike Wood of VC Baracchi 27:06
John Thompson of VC Baracchi 27:10
Ray Eastick of Gt Yarmouth CC 28:22
John Cooper of VC Baracchi 28:27
Barry Matthews of Gt Yarmouth CC 28:40
Mike Palmer of Gt Yarmouth CC 28:44
John Vidler of Plomesgate CC 30:09
David Potter (CATI) 31:50

Godric also ran a 2-up TTT tonight and second claim GYCC member James Eman (riding with Anglia Velo team mate Jim Burgess) smashed the course  record with a near 30 mph average ride. Oh Blimey!

TTT:
James Eman & Jim Burgess of Anglia Velo 20:13
Matt Spillman (Tri-Anglia) & Steve Corbutt (Diss CC) 21:35
Mark Nowell & Mark Drake of Tri-Anglia 22:18
John Dupen & Simon Scott of Godric CC 23:05
Ian Doe & Mark Ready of Diss CC 23:25
Martin Sida-Page & Terry Doughty of Godric CC 24:04
Mark Farrow (VC Norwich) & Nicky Smith (Norwich ABC) 26:18

Neil.

On a lovely calm evenning many riders revelled in the ideal conditions to record good times. Most impressive was regular visitor (we must get him to join the club soon – come on James !) and local privateer James Soanes who smashed the 30 minute barrier (and his pre-season personal target) with 29:12. James started riding again this year after many years away from the sport and has been steadily gettting faster and faster. He has become a favoutite with the regular riders with his cheerful approach and he always rides one of his classic bikes from his growing collection of 1970-80’s machines. Well done James, you will have to set a new target now!

James Soanes breaks his target.

Neil and Ben where again fastest with Ben beating his personal best by a second (they all count!) and Neil just a couple of seconds slower than his Somerleyton best after a few weeks away from riding having painted his house. Neil was left wondering why he bothered with cycle training when all he has to do is three weeks with a paint brush and he only went two seconds slower than last time he rode!!!!

Adam Houlgate is becoming Mr Consistent with yet another low 26 minute ride. His smooth pedalling style on his single speed fixed wheel bike looks impressive and Adam will surely break into the 25’s soon.

Father and Son Kevin and Keelan chased each other around the course with Dad Kevin coming out on top. Enjoy it while you can Kevin! Another father and son pair – Chris and Mark Womack also had some family rivallry with senior (Chris) again edging out his son.

Newcomer, and experienced runner, Neil Farrow made his debut and although very uncertain of the course did a very respectable first effort. Neil will be back after his holidays and will undoubtedly improve over the last few weeks of the season. Well done Neil.