 We
are a friendly and long established cycling club based in South
London between Croydon, Surrey and Bromley, Kent. Find out more
here
Come and ride with us. A good
way to get to know the club is to come
out on one of our weekend bike rides typically through the lanes of
Kent and Surrey. We actively encourage new riders and those returning to cycling who would like to
ride with an organised group where the emphasis is on friendship.
On Saturdays
we have our 'Social' ride for riders of all abilities. To give you some expecations the average speed on a Saturday is around 12-14 mph and always includes a cafe stop for
refreshments, butties and banter with a ride distance of around 25-30 miles. On Sundays
we go a little further (50 - 60 miles) and a touch faster, expect an average between 15-16mph, but nobody gets left behind.
See the relevant pages for the planned club rides and meeting point.
| TOPIC | LATEST POST SNIPPET | ADDED | | The latest magic by the boy thet call Danny | Amazing - watch right to the end....
[Cloudy] | 18th Jun, 21:50 | | SCCU 50 - Sunday 23rd | Thats great to see! hope for a fast day and no mi....
[Dave Hickman] | 18th Jun, 19:59 | | Next Clubnight - Monday 17th June - Bike Maintenance demo | Thanks to Bashers and Oz for their fine demos on b....
[oldportlia1] | 17th Jun, 22:58 | | Crowhurst | As of this morning re-surfacing done from and past....
[ozthecheezebender] | 16th Jun, 21:56 | | A question for the TT sec | Thanks Bashers. If it ain't broke, no need to fix ....
[Paul King] | 17th Jun, 10:57 | | Southborough and District Whls TT | Well done guys - both cracking the hour.....
[Cloudy] | 16th Jun, 21:58 | | Club Run - 16th June | Club run at 9:00 a.m from Corkscrew Hill, 50 miles....
[iainhawthorn] | 15th Jun, 17:18 | | Training Ride - 16th June | For anyone interested, a Training zride will depar....
[iainhawthorn] | 15th Jun, 17:15 | | Sunday's Club Run | See Club Run section, 9:00 a.m ride is the planned....
[iainhawthorn] | 15th Jun, 17:21 | | Interclub return leg 19th june postponed | Fellas, I have postponed our arranged inter club
D....
[davewarne51] | 15th Jun, 11:20 | | Duo Norman 2013 | Amazing! - I'll grow my hair for the occasion so i....
[jonnigrant] | 18th Jun, 12:35 | | New Summer Barbecue Date : 7th July | Stella and I will be there Ian
Cheers....
[johnmulvaney] | 17th Jun, 16:49 |
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19 June, 19:30
Tonights evening club time trial will be held at the Polhill course.
Meeting place Coombe Bank Girls School TN14 6AE @ 18:45 . First rider off at 19:30
Dave
22 June, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
23 June, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
26 June, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
29 June, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
30 June, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
06 July, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
07 July, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
13 July, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
14 July, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
15 July, 20:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
17 July, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
20 July, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
21 July, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
27 July, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
28 July, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
03 August, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
04 August, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
07 August, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
10 August, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
11 August, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
17 August, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
18 August, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
19 August, 20:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
24 August, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
25 August, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
28 August, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
31 August, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
01 September, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
07 September, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
08 September, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
14 September, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
15 September, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
16 September, 20:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
18 September, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
21 September, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
22 September, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
28 September, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
29 September, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
05 October, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
06 October, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
09 October, 19:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
12 October, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
13 October, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
19 October, 10:30
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 10:15 to 10:30am for a leisurely ride of about 30 miles with cafe stop en route.
Average speed is likely to be 12-14 mph.
Ride open to members and non-members.
Web page: [ Click for more details ]
20 October, 09:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
21 October, 20:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
27 October, 08:00
Meet at the roundabout at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9BB at 09:00 for a ride of 50 to 60 miles. This ride is more energetic than Saturday and depends to a great extent on the riders who take part. It is not a fixed route although it generally runs through the lanes of Kent and Surrey borders.
Cafe stop en route with average speed likely to be 15-16 MPH.
[ Click for more details ]
Ride open to members and non-members
30 October, 18:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
18 November, 19:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
20 November, 18:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
11 December, 18:30
Temporary change of tt course whilst roadworks affect the Crowhurst course.
16 December, 19:00
A social meeting for Old Portlians CC Members. We meet in the clubroom of the Blackheath Harriers at 56 Bourne Way Hayes.
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09 June
Well this course is run on the A31, Bentley bypass. Basically Bentley to Chawton roundabout, turn, to Farnham Roundabout, turn, to Bentley......twice, then Bentley to Holybourne roundabout, turn, to Bentley.
This is an East to west start, with a rolling terrain ( not flat ) and pretty nasty road surface in places. Today just like four weeks ago we were dogged by the wind, but today from the NE!!
Three Old Ports entered, Ian Bashford ( back from sickness ), Dave Warne ( looking for a good one, to continue his steak of fast times ) and John Mulvaney ( looking for a bench mark ).
Our results as follows:
Ian Bashford.....................2hrs 6min 17sec................avg 23.76mph ( first 25 in 1hr 1min 52sec )
Dave Warne.....................2hrs 6mins 39sec...............avg 23.69mph
John Mulvaney..................Sadly did not finish, they say history does not repeat itself, but it would appear it does. John turned at Holybourne after 5 miles, not Chawton at 8 miles. Unfortunately this ruled him as of course, so an early bath for him.
The winner was James Gilfillan, Velo Refined in a blistering 1hr 45min 54sec........avg 28.33mph!!!!
I am happy with my result and am now free of the lurgy, but need to get back some race fitness!
Cheers
Bashers
09 June
The biggest profile sportive on the British Calendar the full Dragon Ride is a plethora of climbing metres aross the Brecon Beacons with the full route taking in 12000ft of vertical and 131 miles.
Kev Wolff and Chris Mchugh were the two Old Portlian Gladiators who took to the roads of South Wales for a bout of guts, gears and Glory in an attempt to slay the Dragon.
Starting from Margram Park the usual chaos and over-enthusiasm ensued till the first climb at thirteen miles settled the groups before heading down swiftly into the Afan Valley which then climbs over the Cimla and down into Neath.
Climbing doesn't start in earnest on this route until you have a good 50 miles in the legs, then road turns sideways for the three mile pull over the Black Mountain. Payback for ascending this Cat 3 (Strava rating) beauty is rewarded with a piece of tarmac that could only have been laid down by the gods themselves. Five miles of the most curvaceous road outside of the Alps with a few hairpin bends thrown in for good measure.
Climbing begins again as soon as you hit the valley floor where a steep country lane climbs steadily for an eternity until you break out into open moorland. A full-on rock and roll descent follows before a false flat climb through the Glasfyndd forest and out again onto open moorland which then descends for over three miles along the flank of this glacial valley. Road surfaces are superb throughout so far and it's only the cattle grids that have succeeded in rattling the fillings.
When you turn left here you've done the best part of four hours and then you see the sign that states a 100km to go!
The next test comes around the 85 mile mark and is the climb over Sarn Helen or to give it it's Strava name, 'The Devil's Elbow'. A peachy mile that encompasses gradients approaching 20%, more than enough to give the legs another kicking. More undulating moorland on forgotten roads leads to, what is in my opinion, the premier descent of the day. The descent into Glynneath is full speed descending through well sighted corners, the occasional corkscrew turn and another generous dollop of hairpins, braking optional.
Ninety five miles in the legs now and the climb of the Rhigos looms. But before main climb proper begins there's just a little ramp to best, that climbs at around 3% for a couple of miles (just to soften the legs up that is). Once the Rhigos is reached then get comfortable for the next twenty minutes or so of climbing at a constant 5%.
Descent of the Rhigos is fast and furious with yet another couple of hairpins at the end before you're reach the penultimate climb of the day, the Bwlch.
If everything on your body is not hurting by now then it will be by the time you get to the top. Therefore, time to dig deep for the last thirty minutes or so of climbing on a road that has a demoralising number of false summits it had me sweating like a glass blowers arse. Once you've crested it's an 18 mile downhill time trial before the welcoming sights of Port Talbot steel works loom into view and have never looked so beautiful. The final mile passes several gates of Margram park before you’re finally directed into the park and the, totally inexplicable, sprint for the line what is practised by all.
See Strava http://app.strava.com/activities/59262374 for the full numbers
Kev Wolff
02 June
Many Many thanks to all who helped to make our Open 25 mile Time Trial such a success. We were blessed with sunny weather and a good field of 74 riders. Alan Lloyd, a rider, has written to compliment us saying "Many thanks for a splendid event,Old Portlians certainly know how to organise a TT,great Marshalls,signage and cakes!"
Well done one and all! you were Great!
John Mulvaney
25 May
This course is on the A31 Bentley bypass, starts at Bentley, out to hollingbourne rbt, turn and retrace to Bentley.
120 riders with a tandem event included , my start time was 2.56 pm, long way to go for a 10 tt but it makes a change to do an afternoon race, sunny and windy, hard work in places, then very quick in others, I was more than happy with a PB it made the long drive worthwhile.
Two old ports entered
Ian Bashford ..........Dns. Bash has chest infection, but is on the mend, and missed.
Dave Warne ............22.27
Winner.........tejvan pettinger ... 20.21
2nd...........,,nick Dwyer ..........20.38<
Dave Warne
19 May
In the best weather for some weekends the Worthing Excelsior had 3 Old Ports in the field. Sadly Bashers has been laid low with a chest infection ala WIggo so only myself and Dave Warne competed. My first Open event of the season I was pleased with my effort laying down a time of 1:07:52. Dave, after his great time in the SCCU 10 yesterday, produced another fine fine ride to finish in 1:00:16(25mph). The rising headwind on the finish leg surely robbed him of the satisfaction of a sub hour time.
The event was won by Steve Kane of Brighton Excelsior in a time of 53:30
John Mulvaney
18 May
Course - G10/58 which is the last 10 miles of the G25/53 (Rusper - Southwater and back to Broadbridge Heath).
It's a local club course variation called into use for the duration of the roadworks that have put G10/57 out of action.
Two Old Ports entered - Warne and King (26 and 21)
Two Old Ports marshalling - Bashers and Wolff
Warne - 22.49 (about 26.29 mph)
King - 24.07 (shade under 25 mph)
Conditions - no complaints, still, if a little cool, and evenly applied to the whole (very small) field.
I don't know who the winner of the event is, but when I left Steve Kane of Brighton Excelsior was on a 20.30 something. I will update later or Dave may chip in if he stayed for the final verdict.
Dave should be very pleased with what is a new lifetime PB and the fastest 10 recorded by an OPCC rider this year.
I am pleased with what is my second fastest 10 mile TT in 2 years as my season opening ride (if you overlook an earlier false start in a Sporting event back in February) and is my fastest ever start to a racing season. That said I wish it had been 8 seconds quicker for the magic 25+ mph marker.
It's a good course and 1 that I would recommend to anyone considering riding as their first Open 10. Have a look at Strava (check Spartacus Duvet) for the course profile and for a little warm up route.
Duvet King
12 May
This course is on the A31, starting at Bentley. With Chawton roundabout the furthest south and Farnham roundabout the furthest north. Basically three laps, but with the last lap turning at Holybourne.
Today as people will have realised, if they were out on their bikes, was treated with a strong and strengthening wind, from the south west. this made the 25 miles going south absolute purgatory, but going north very quick, 15 to 20mph south and 25 to 35mph going north. However what you lost going south, your legs could not make up in the last 10 to 15 miles.
Anyway two Old Ports entered, Dave Warne off at 0843 and Ian Bashford off at 1000, taking over the top seeds place...................not a good time to start if your not a 1.45 merchant for 50 miles, very lonely, especially during the last 15 miles on this course!!
Our results:
Dave Warne........................2hr 9min 02sec .................avg 23.25mph
Ian Bashford........................2hr 7min 28sec.................avg 23.54mph
The winner was Nick Dwyer, Lewes Wanderers, in 1hr 50min 29sec.........avg 27.15mph
The course record is 1.41.28 and last year this event was won with 1.48.08.
So in our defence today was 2.5 minutes slower for the fast guys and several minutes slower for us middle markers.
Warny has already suggested today was a training ride................so I will agree with him!!
I was in all sorts of pain and despair at 40 miles!!!!!
Bashers
09 May
The road works and temporary traffic lights
Have now been removed from the Crowhurst lane end,so back to normal tonight
Dave Warne
05 May
This course starts at Molash, Kent. Down a ballistic start on the A252 and A28 to Thannington Roundabout, turn, A28 to Spearpoint Corner roundabout, turn, back to Chilham and finish on A28/ A252. A typical Kent undulating course, with some rubbish road surface.
It was a bright dry and reasonably warm morning, with abit of a breeze pushing you out to the first turn.
Sadly the norm repeated itself this weekend and only two Old Ports entered, Dave Warne and Ian Bashford.
Results:
Dave Warne......................1hr 0min 33sec..................avg 24.77mph
Ian Bashford......................1hr 0min 11sec..................avg 24.92mph
The winner was, Pete Tadros, In Gear Quickvit, in 52min 12sec, avg 28.74mph
I know our times don't even remotely compare with the winners time, but Dave and I were pretty happy as both our times were course pb's. Dave by about 2.5 minutes and mine by 7 seconds.
Bashers
P.S. First 50TT of the season for both of us next week.................hmmmmm can't wait
Bashers
28 April
G25/45, Kingsfold back to Broadbridge Heath, via Ockley, to Southwater and back to Broadbridge Heath.
It was a lovely sunny day, although very cold for the early starters, Humpy was off at 0712hrs and can vouch for how cold it was I dare say. However the Addiscombe saw a full field of 120 riders with reserves ( me being one of them.......late entry apparantly ) A quality field with some pretty quick guys and girls, one of the girls being Joanna Rowsell, medallist from the Worlds and Olympics.
Anyway two Old Ports entered:
Kevin Wolff.....................1hr 1min 26sec................avg 24.42mph
Ian Bashford....................1hr 0min 26sec................avg 24.82mph
The winner was Sebastian Ader.........a3crg.............52min 36sec.............avg 28.52mph
Joanna Rowsell limped around the 25 mile course at 26.81mph avg, culminating in a time of 55min 57sec.
So Kev and I did get a drubbing from a wafe of a girl...............as did quite a few others!!!!
Bashers
21 April
This course starts at Maresfield on the A22 goes to Boship and back, a rolling course with some pretty bad road surfaces at times.
Today was sunny and when dave and I were off, 0826 and 0846, somewhat warmer.
There was a field of 110 riders starting at just after 7am
Warny and Bashers were the only Old Ports to enter;
Our results
Ian Bashford..................1hr 0min 39sec...............avg 24.73mph ....32nd position
Dave Warne..................1hr 0min 15sec...............avg 24.9mph.......30th position
The winner was ...............Conall Yates.............52min 30sec.........avg 28.57mph
The winner was Conell Yates.......In Gear.............52min 30sec............avg 28.57mph
Bashers
20 April
This course starts at Tonbridge and goes north to Weald then back on the A21. A potentially fast course on a good day, with good legs.
Saturday was very, very cold at 0632 in Tonbridge and due to the event organiser being ill, the car park and HQ were not open till half an hour prior to the event starting at 0621. I was off at 0632 and to be frank my mindset was not in riding, Dave was lucky enough to get a 0743 start. So thats the excuses out the way!
Our results as follows;
Ian Bashford....................24min 03sec................avg 24.95mph
Dave Warne.....................23min 14sec...............avg 25.83mph
The winner was Pete Tadros...............In Gear...........19min 44sec.....avg 30.41mph
14 April
Starts in Kingsfold, Sussex, then A24 to Beare Green, left onto A29, through Ockley, past HQ at Broadbridge Heath, A24 to Southwater and back to Broadbridge Heath. A comination of rolling roads, single and dual carriege way.
Today was dry and warm.........hooray!! But abit windy making it very hard on the A29 and the section of A24 to Southwater.
Three Old Ports entered and our results are:
Dave Warne......................1hr 1min 38sec......................avg 24.34mph
Ian Bashford......................1hr 2min 16sec......................avg 24.09mph
Kevin Wolff.......................1hr 2min 18sec......................avg 24.08mph
The winner Shane Kane of Brighton Excelsior CC................54min 23sec.................avg 27.58mph
Thats it for this week.
Bashers
07 April
Should have been Q25/8, but due to re accuring road works on the westerley end of the course on the A28 was switched to a 10TT on Q10/6.
Q10/6, starts on the A252 at Chilham goes east onto A28 the east bound to turn at Thanington and back to Chilham. It is a rolling course with bad road surface.
Today was bright and dry, but at 7am the temperature was below freezing in deepest Kent.
A pony 10 course that isn't really worth the long drive, it's not a surprise it's details are not in the CTT handbook and it's only rally used for club events.
Four Old Ports entered this field of 80 riders, our results:
Off number 4 .......Ian Bashford................25min 0sec...............avg 24mph
Off number 9........Dave Warne................25min 13sec..............avg 23.79mph
Off number 16.......Peter Gray.................27min 7sec................avg 22.13mph
Off number 61.......Gary Blunt.................28min 27sec................avg 21.09mph
The winner off at number 18 was M Barnes Apire Bicycles RT ...........21min 50sec............avg 27.48mph
Bashers
One point of interest, our old mate Humpy was off as my minute at number 3, can't remember what time he posted but I caught him at 6 miles and put another half a minute into him....................................BUT.......NO LISTEN............ he was very cold and was on the verge of hyperthermia!!!
Bashers
30 March
This course is new to both Dave and I and I think we may not be rushing to do it again.
It starts on the west outskirts of Kirdford, Sussex. Out to Balls Cross and Gunters Bridge to A283 and Petworth then back to Wisborough Green on the A272.
This course makes the previous sporting courses I have reported on seem flat by comparison, with a 1.2 mile climb of Fox Hill (10% ) at 6 miles.
It was a freezing cold Saturday afternoon with the odd snow flurry.
Two Old Ports entered:
Dave Warne..........................26min 37sec.............avg 22.54mph
Ian Bashford.........................27min 47sec............. avg 21.6 mph
The winner was Pete Tados ( In-Gear Quickvit )............22min 21sec...............avg 26.85 mph
A fantastic ride by him on such a cold day
Looking forward to the weekend and some warmer and less windy weather
Bashers
24 March
Four of us set out from the coffee shop - Rev Green, Croupier, the Duvet King and Kev.
3 of us (the Rev turned for home at Polhill) did 45 miles West Wickham to West Wickham via Polhill, Otford, Seal, Borough Green, Wrotham, Otford, Pilgrims, Clarks Hill, Botley Moor, Layhams and Corks to finish.
En route, at Polhill Garden Centre, we picked up a former club mate of Duvet, Mick Farla, a renowned mile muncher from Catford and GS Avanti. Mick found the pace not to his liking and dropped off at the Exedown cross roads. All was well until Duvet King caught a calf cramp on Pilgrims but he rallied on seeing Croupier and Kev engaged in a puncture huddle at the top of Titsey.
The rest was a cautious tripartite swoop down to Corks and then up the hill to Starbucks. The run was accompanied by all sorts of mechanical niggles, loose mudguards, and dodgy gear changes but we were glad we got our act together, got out the door this cold, cold Spring (!) morning and accrued some serious bragging rights!
See Strava for the numbers.
Paul 'Duvet' King
17 March
This course starts in Marches Road near Oakwood Hill, A24 to Bear Green, A29 through Ockley, turn left into Marches Road, repeat circuit. Second time straight on past Marches Road on A29 to Clemsford roundabout, left then after about 3/4 mile turn left into Strood Lane.............or should I say track!...........to finish.
Today was very cold, wet and windy, with a biting head wind on the A29 sections. Not a good day.
Well three Old Ports entered, however one did not start.Our results are:
Paul King.................DNS
Ian Bashford.............1.4.29...............avg 23.26mph
Dave Warne..............1.3.31..............avg 23.62mph
The winner.....Sebastion Ader A3CRG............54.14.........avg 27.66mph
Can't wait till next week, to get my arse kicked big time!!!!!!
Ian Bashford
17 March
Well, the short story is that is was a "wet one".
The Spring Onion is one of the South's 'Spring Classics', right up there with San Remo, Paris Roubaix and Tour of Flanders!
Well, sort of.
Weather forecast was for light showers. Shame the weather had other ideas as it basically pissed down for the whole time and it felt like riding through a car wash at times.
The route takes you out of Oxshott, over Leith Hill and down towards Petworth where it turns for home. Haslecombe, Abinger and the sod of a climb out of Coombe bottom saw us back within 10 miles of the finish and it was a case of dodging the puddles all the way home.
Two Old Ports ignored the forecast and tuffed it out over 67 very wet miles with 700 others for a sufferfest of gales, driving rain and rubbish tarmac.
Flying the OPCC flag were Pete Gray (4:06) and Kevin Wolff. (3:36) [according to Strava]
Strava Linkhttp://app.strava.com/activities/44767283
13 March
Read Julian's account (wth pictures) of his recent cycing trip to Majorca Here
Kev Wolff
10 March
This little darling of a course starts from Leigh, south of
Reigate, then takes the normal ups and downs
To the A 25 , over the long drag of deepdene hill
To north holmwood, then the A24 thru to
Kingsfold, down to the Rusper rounddabout, then the
Horrible slog up Hirst hill , thru Newdigate , to finish at
Leigh. Not a nice experience today! Flurries
Of snow, together with a biting wind I was glad
To see that finish line! Two old Ports entered
Today.
Iain Hawthorn DNS
Dave Warne 1.19 56 pb of 34 secs ave 22.50 Mph
Winner Steve Berry, 1. 07. 05
Dave Warne
09 March
Well the Q10/22 starts at Harrietsham in Kent, near Leeds Castle. It is very easy and you cannot get lost as it goes from Harrietsham to Charing and back.
It is however not flat, with not very good road surface and somewhat undulating.
Today at 0741 was very cold, but thankfully dry, still with lots of standing water, due to the overnight rain.
However two OP's entered their results;
Ian Bashford........................24min 56sec.............Avg 24.07mph
Peter Gray..........................27min 32sec..............Avg 21.79mph
With this being a VTTA event the winner is the person that has got the most plus on Vets Standard.
I was 5th on that basis, however due to the fact that it was a VTTA event, only members of VTTA can take awards, so I was awarded 2nd place, with a VTTA silver medal, to boot.
The winner on Scratch was Will Manger with a 21min 19sec..............avg 28.15mph...............but he's a kid so don't count!!!!!
Ian Bashford
03 March
A very cold but dry Sunday morning.
This course starts at Staplefield village with a 1.2 mile climb up to Handcross straight after the start, then left to Cowfold, Bolney, Whitemans Green, Balcombe, Handcross. It is not a flat course by any stretch of the imagination, if it's not going up it's going down, ballistic descents and leg sapping climbs.
Four OP's entered.
Sadley Dave Warne had to DNS because of illness.
Results of the rest;
Ian Bashford.............................1hr 7min 8sec............20.38mph avg
Paul King.................................1hr 14min 9sec..........18.45mph avg
Iain Hawthorn...........................1hr 18min 27sec.........17.44mph avg
The winner
Connell Yates...........................53min 45sec..............25.45mph avg
There you have it for this week
Bashers
17 February
This course starts on the A25 just west of Westcott, just outside of Dorking.
After the gift start it goes straight up an 8% climb of Coast Hill, then through Abinger Hammer, Holmbury St Mary, Oakwoodhill, Ockley, Beare Green, North Holmwood.
A lumpy course with some really bad road surfaces.
Well on this very cold and foggy Sunday morning two OPs entered, Dave Warne and Ian Bashford, both off in the first 10.
Our results;
Dave Warne.................48min 7sec............avg 22.44mph
Ian Bashford................53min 21sec...........avg 20.24mph
Don't know who won as we both went home, as it was a field of 89 riders, but some sub 42 minute rides were being posted.
Well done Dave, good ride. Similar ride to last year for me, but hey ho, it can only get better.
Ian Bashford
03 February
A MASSIVE THANK YOU
Unaccustomed as I am to making speeches I would like to make a massive heart felt thank you to everyone that made our club reliability such a massive success today. I will not thank people individually to avoid the risk of missing somebody out. Whether you cooked, catered, marshalled, signed people on, posted the course, lent stranded cyclist your kit ( in some cases with out thanks. You put it well Julian, ) advised, advertised the event through a variety of media,helped in the hall or sent people on there merry way. You are all just as important. Your club called and you, and your families put your hands up to help and turn it into a great success for our club.
WELL DONE PORTLIES !!!
Gary Blunt
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