January 2000

Ring In The New

Happy new year all, new millennium new editor. I am taking over from Ruaraidh (I’m sure that’s an anagram) he will be a hard act to follow taking the newsletter into the 21st century with email and a fantastic website. So please direct all your correspondence to me, including email to spinergy@gbyrne1.fsnet.co.uk

Chris Byrne

AGM

The AGM took place on 9th Dec, during which our new president Andy Kelly was elected, Jack McAllister having served his three years (no time off for good behaviour) congratulations to Andy and thanks to Jack.

The New President

It was an honour to be elected President of the BNE at the last AGM and I trust I can keep up the good work of past presidents. I will always do my best to fulfil any obligations the club may require of me.

How about the middle age group having a go next season in Club Time Trials and competing with the youngsters and vets, we have the quality in the North End but not the quantity turning out for the events. On some occasions last season there were more stewards and officials than riders, this is very discouraging to all concerned, so come on, how about it for next season.

This year 2000 the club will promote two special events. The Hilly 22 on Good Friday and in May the Open Mountain Time Trial to start and finish in Llangollen. This is a start to celebrations of the BNE Club’s Centenary year. Mal Dunphy and Clive Walmsley are organising these events and need all the help and support we can give them.

Wishing you all a happy and Speedy New Year.

ANDY KELLY – PRESIDENT

Spend, Spend, Spend

During the AGM it was also decided how to spend the balance of the prize money from the Isle of Man. Hence the club are now in possession of a lap top computer + printer, 3 pulse meters and downloading software. This is a state of the art training aid. Clive Walmsley and Colin Gray gave a demonstration of this at the clubroom on the 16th Dec. Clive pedalling on a set of rollers "wired up" and Colin downloaded and printed the results; this facility has great potential but must be used. So why not come down and find out more.

BCF Licences

It was also decided to pay for BCF racing licences subject to completion of six events (1 track meeting constituting 1 event) it is hoped that this will encourage more members to race.

Paint Job

Fancy a new paint job in Club colours? Clive Walmsley has negotiated a deal with our sponsors to paint members frames for £25 cash the club will pay £35 in vouchers. For more details contact Dave Parry at the Bike Factory , one frame per member.

Marshalling Rota

The marshalling rota is open for business again, members can chose their duties NOW, later the duties choose you! Remember book early. See Colin Gray at the clubroom.

Club Kit

All the club kit that members have ordered is now here, and I shall take it to club nights for collection. I also have a few extra pieces of kit available including shorts, rain capes, winter jackets, caps and bandannas, but its first come first served.

LES KENNEDY

Track Nights

Manchester velodrome has been booked for another club track night. Thursday 20th Jan, 8pm start, members without bikes will need to phone the track on 0161 223 2244 to hire a bike, in advance.

The Club Tea and Free Wheel

The Club Tea took place in Dec, and had an excellent turn out, Young and Old. The free wheel was first on the agenda, arriving at the hill Clive gave his prep talk (no cheating Mike + Chris). Andrew Masey set the standard but soon was broken by Dave Lethbridge snr, Pete Byrne and Geoff Brant (so this is what they have been training for all year). But last down was a guest Steve Light, he can’t get up hills (only by walking) but he fly’s down them like a rocket, snatching victory from any North ender by a long way. So time to head for the rigger Clive equipped with a mountain bike decided to turn the free wheel into another Club Mountain bike. When we all finally arrived at the Rigger an excellent spread was laid out and all enjoyed a good time.

RTTC Champions Night

The Champions Night was held in Derby at the assembly room on the 8th Jan. This is the annual National prize giving of the RTTC. All the big names in time trailing were there to accept the prizes such as Jill Remes, Chris Newton, Yvoone McGregor and Gethin Butler. The main speech and prize giving was by former World Champion Ian Hallam. The highlight of the evening was Steve Cummings receiving his Trophy and the three lads Mike, Chris and Dave receiving there’s. Looking round the room later on in the evening, the fastest men and women time trailists in the country were all there, but did you know that they have another profession in the winter BOOZING. Of course us younger easily influenced riders have to follow the example set by our heroes.

Steve Cummings National Junior 10mile Champion (for the second time).

Mike Garner, Chris Byrne, Dave Lethbridge National Junior Team 25 Champions.

Club Dinner

The club dinner and prize presentation was held at the Kings Gap in Hoylake. Guest speaker Willie Moore gave a very entertaining speech and Bob Memery presented the awards. There was a lot of cross toasting, mostly related to Doug Philips. Gordon Thompson received a tankard celebrating 60 years in the North End (he has also competed every year!!!) and gave an excellent speech recalling some of his earlier years in cycling. Thanks to Ruaraidh for organising the dinner, and all who attended.

Parting Shot

I'd just like to thank everyone who's supported me over the last two years. I had a lot of fun doing the newsletter (and I will continue to publish it on the web), and I hope that Chris will have the same fun. I didn't really want to stop doing it, but received a higher calling, and will now be after you all for subs, as I am treasurer.

Ruaraidh
(PS: A bit self-aggrandising, putting his own picture in the first issue, dontcha think?)

Previous Newsletters: 1999 January February March April May June July August September October December
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