Chairman’s Corner…
Welcome to the Ipswich Bicycle Club Newsletter.
The year seems to have gone by in a flash. Ipswich was fortunate to have so many events this year, including a Stage finish for the Tour of Britain, Crafted Classic, Sky Rides, Sunrise Appeal for the Ipswich Hospital, and a Cycle Swarm to name just a few.
The Club has a great membership, with riders participating in Cyclo Cross, Time Trialling, Road Racing and Mountain Biking. We have members that rarely ride a bike, but enjoy the helping out and socialising with us. The Coaching that takes place is a feature that younger riders, and their parents, seem to enjoy in its safe environment. Getting together with other local Clubs increases the breadth of knowledge and techniques that riders benefit from.
The Reliability Rides from Playford earlier in the year were a great success for the Club. Not many riders managed to lose their way following the maps and instructions this time, and most of the participants were eager to get through the beans on toast afterwards. Some did take up the offer of a massage for their aching legs. Some with far too much enthusiasm and pants showing! Next year the Reliability is moving to Gosbeck Village Hall on the 6th March. With 3 new(ish) routes and hopefully gpx files for Garmins etc. the rides should be a good morning out if we get some good weather. These rides are open to non-members too.
The Spring Scramble Mens and Womens Road Races are planned again for next year, keeping with the Eastern Road Race League rules for 3/4 rider selection. The Womens open race is proving to be a success, and again will count towards the Womens Eastern Racing League. Next year these races take place on the 20th March from Gosbeck village Hall. Riders were very complimentary about the Club, organisation and the use of the motorcycle out riders. Many of the Women travel a long way in order to take part in our race, which is testament to the popularity of our race.
Club Membership prices for next year remain the same as this year. Re-joining is simple, and makes an ideal Christmas present… Either give Jo Newstead – Membership Secretary, a cheque (payable to Ipswich Bicycle Club) for the relevant amount at the Club Social, or go online at the BC website. Doing it with a cheque or cash saves each member the £1 BC admin fee.
The Saturday Social rides prove themselves to be popular every week, sometimes irrelevant of the weather forecast. The ride leaders have done a great job in trying to vary the café stops to mix it up a little. Being a cycle Club we are limited by the return distance to the cafes. Be aware that bicycles with a fixed gear, deep section wheels, and the use of TT bars are no longer acceptable, for the safety of those around you.
Although very cold, and a touch damp, the Club Hill climb proved very popular, with 22 members climbing Willisham Hill, before coasting down gain for the Half Wheel Trophy. After missing his time slot by warming up, Phil Hetzel took the 1st place with a winning time of 1:26.
Ipswich Bicycle Club was very proud to have held a Cycle Cross National Trophy in November at Trinity Park. Steve Grimwood pulled off a superb event, with riders and spectators coming from all over the country to ride a varied course. The Iceland CX team, like all competitors, were very impressed with the facilities and course alike. The eastern Cycle Cross league returns to Trinity Park in January for the XRT Elmy event on 24th Jan details here
All the events that the Club hosts are all done with lots of volunteers who work behind the scenes and at the event giving up lots of their own free time. Thank you to all these people who have helped put throughout the year. It is appreciated by everyone the work you do.
A few dates for your diary:-
26th December Boxing Day ”Guess the distance” at Henley Community Centre
27th February Annual Dinner, to be finalised
6th March Reliability Rides from Gosbeck
20th March Ipswich Spring Scramble Mens & Womens Road races
29th March Time trialling begins at Henley
June / July SCRS series will be returning to Trinity Park
Hopefully we are going to hold a Grass Track meeting at Chantry Cricket Pavilion in the summer as part of the Grass Track league system.
There have been so many Club Members making fantastic results; it would seem unfair to single out individuals, so I have just added a few links so you can see.
And finally,
Happy Christmas and holiday season everyone. Hope to see you at the Club Social at Gresham’s on 4th Jan.
Happy Cycling
Paul Rippon.