Mercia CC Lloyds Cycles Bulletin 14/12/21

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Hi everybody.

Firstly, Anne is running a session on the Derby Velodrome next Tuesday 21st December, 7.00pm to 9.00pm and spaces are available. Hire bikes are available so any one can give it a try on this special club night. Contact Anne as soon as possible if interested.

This Wednesday evening the Burton Big Band is holding their Christmas concert in the Henhurst Club, 7.30 for 8 pm start.There is no charge for entry and the band is very good and usually has at least one guest singer.

I can confirm that the 2022 affiliations to British Cycling and Cycling timetrials have been completed. There are new rules for time trial competitors for 2022. At their recent meeting Cycling Timetrials have agreed two new requirements applicable from January 2022. All riders are required to wear an approved crash hat and carry a front light in addition to the rear light.

We have no choice and will apply these rules in our club events from 2022.

I will be applying to Midlands DC for a similar programme of club events to 2021. In addition I will try to run Thursday events at Sudbury if the South Pennine do not have their programme as 2021.

Kieron has volunteered to run the two invitational club runs, the first on January 30th on the Chase route and second on 27 February on the four counties route. There will be 50 and 100 k options on both days. I am not sure what catering will be available although the Henhurst Club will be open for hot drinks and pints of course. New rules about food labelling do not allow us to sell any home made items unfortunately.

On a personal note I am still very wary of Covid even with three jabs and am continuing riding alone or with Ian on occasion.  I am dealing with all necessary Club paperwork as required but avoiding indoor meetings. I do get feedback the some members feel that changes are needed to stimulate interest. The club would welcome any volunteer coming forward introduce new events.

I have some feed back that our club course is not a good TT course and may be putting riders off.  Looking back a couple of years we certainly were getting larger fields. However it is very useful having the events near to the Henhurst Club so that we can have their facilities and use of the room after the event, if this is ok with 2022 covid rules. Courses also need to be local so the officials can get there conveniently in good time.

If any one thinks they have a suitable course please let me know. To use a course under CT rules it has to be measured by an approved course measurer and fortunately Jeff Bowler is such a person.  We also have to do a risk assessment and a traffic count and when these three requirements are in place a request for use of the course can be made. The traffic counts have to be made at the same time that the events would take place and you will therefore appreciate that the soonest a new course could be in use would be for 2023 season.

I am excited to see that there are now virtual Mercia rides for those who have the equipment and details can be obtained from Anne or Dave Lovatt. I do not have the gear and will stay with my steel winter bike mudgards and all as usual!

On a café note there is a café on the road towards Radbourne just past the Seven Wells Pub and I am informed that the proprietors previously ran the Nosebag which did provide good food at good prices, I have not tried the new café yet.

Seasons greetings to everyone and please stay safe.

Tony.