March 1999

CUMMINGS WINS SOENS!
Incredible stuff! The 1999 Eddie Soens Memorial Handicap, held at Aintree Racecourse, was won by our very own (not even out on loan to Team Brite any more) Steve Cummings! On a terrible day, with driving wind and rain, he got in an early group with, amongst others, Mark Baker (Chester RC, but formerly BNE) and Phil "The Staffordshire Engine" Bayton, and was at one point heard to turn to Bayton and ask if he was going to do any work! He later attacked and rode the last few laps on his own, coming in to a rapturous reception from the crowd. Congratulations also to Simon Funnel, who managed to finish in the group, despite the bitter cold which forced many more senior riders to abandon. Chris Byrne and Dave Lethbridge also rode for the BNE.
Pictures from the event are available in the photo gallery. Thanks to Les.

MARSHALLING ROTA
Colin Gray has now drawn up the 1999 rota, which is shown on the events page. All members are reminded that it is their responsibility to fulfil the duty they are down for, and, if they cannot manage it they should arrange a replacement.

LETTER FROM DOWN UNDER
"I am sweltering in the heat here - 90º to 100º most days. I rode on the track in Perth and did 45 seconds for the 500m - a flying start - then I got knocked off by a 13-year old lad. (a relative of Dave Lethbridge? - ed.) Was taken to hospital by ambulance, and had a dislocated shoulder and bruising. Don't get knocked off here: $315 charge for the ambulance - roughly £125 for a couple of miles. I think that hurt the most!
"I rode in the triathlon on Australia Day. About 4,000 took part and I finished in 3rd team. I was the oldest vet and did 31 minutes for the 16km on a borrowed bike on quite a hilly course. Got a standing ovation at the finish - bigger clap than the winner.
"Cycling is very popular here, both road and track. We will have to send a team!

Yours in sport,
Doug Philips"

FRAME FOR SALE
For sale - a GT "Strike" road frame. This silver-grey aluminium 6001 heat-treated frame, in GT's distinctive triple-triangle design, is brand new - unused, even - and still has its wrapping on. The seat tube and top tube are both 22 inches (centre-centre), and the frame comes with forks, headset, bottom bracket and seat pin. This frame originally retailed for £499. You can now buy it from Roly Brooks for £175. Contact Roly on 648 6361.

BIRKENHEAD VIC'S TWO-UP
As we all know there is a certain set of rules and method of riding a successful two-up. Most of all you must stay together and ensure your partner (if substantially older) is not left behind at the start, is protected from the wind, is not dropped at each and every roundabout, and most of all is within millimetres of your wheel, when a lurking photographer at Christleton Island leaps out from behind the hedge and on bended knee and yells "Come on Lethies". Then has the cheek to click the camera, just as I am gaining pace to get back on the wheel and take MY turn at the front - honest! I can now only hope that the camera angle 'closes the gap'. Thanks Ruaraidh!
Dave Lethbridge Snr

Oops - 'fraid not!

Well done to the 3 BNE teams in this event - Dave & Dave did a 1-04, and won the family prize. Les Kennedy and Ian Boult did 1-08. But ultra-plaudits to Chris Byrne: denied the chance to change his partner after his dad Peter took ill, he rode solo, in a gale force wind, to record a time of 1-06. Annoyed Les and Ian, that did! The above picture, plus shots of Chris, Les and Ian, are all available on the website, or from me.
This and other pictures from this event are available in the photo gallery.

EARLY SEASON EVENTS
Some early-season time trials to consider:

Also, advance notice is given of the Liverpool DC GHS '10', on Saturday 15th of May. Entries for this must be submitted on championship entry forms only. The course is the Rainford by-pass. You can represent either your school or the club.
Jack McAllister

ISLE OF MAN WEEK
If you are interested in attending the Isle of Man Cycling Week (June 19th - 26th), contact Clive Walmsley on 327-5687. The BNE will be going all-out to improve on last year's "second team" prize, and this holiday (?) will be subsidised by the sponsorship committee.

Also, Dave Lethbridge and Peter Byrne have reserved a large house (sleeps 8 + tent in the garden) near Peel. It is the intention to offer the accommodation in the first instance to young BNE riders who wish to enter the events and experience racing at its best. For more information and availability, please contact:
Dave Lethbridge tel: 0151 353 1617 (or email )
Peter Byrne tel: 0151 336 5804

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