The Beacon Message Board

Storm Angus coincided with the crucial 'in-bed' decision making time, in that many people peeped through their curtains, saw the lashing rain and simply re-snuggled into their duvets to spend the morning with Andrew Marr and a brioche.

...but 18 people did make it to the Black Horse and onto the four club runs, so thanks to the leaders and participants, on a day that didn't turn out too bad. Good to see another Beacon burst, led by John Hunt...an excellent addition to our club run options for those who have to be back early.

So, a plea from me. We have a big nucleus of C-riders, and it's clear that new people are wishing to join these runs, but are not turning up on the day, as there are no dedicated leads, hence, no certainty that the ride will take place. Therefore, it's not helpful that we have so few volunteers to lead these runs in advance. Please can regular C-riders, or even B or A riders please volunteer just once to lead. This will fill us for the rest of this year, encourage new riders to join a ride, and when I post the January/February/March dates next week, give the c-rides a lift. Look inside you and volunteer...all you need to do is state a destination, turn up, plenty of people will be there to help...indeed, if you are a first time leader, I'll encourage a mentor to ride with you if that helps. Don't wait for others to volunteer first, why don't you list first and take such a moral high ground, that you'll be bought crampons and an ice axe for Christmas...

Anyway, I'm hoping I will delete the above paragraph in the next few days as volunteers step forward. This week's rides are:

A: Wyre Forest log fire - Sir Philip Whiteman
B: Honeybourne - Paul Johnson
C: Wellesbourne - Andy Wrightson

Thanks to Andy in particular!

Sunday's B run route will be something like this https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16841613 weather dependent.

Wyre Forest Cafe A Run: Out via Arley; Clowes Top; Return via Hurtle Hill. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17790219

If anyone wishes to usurp me then you will be more than welcome, having led the last two club runs.

There will be no philosophical discussion this weekend. If roads at icy, I will remain tucked up in bed.

WorcsPhil wrote:Please can regular C-riders, or even B or A riders please volunteer just once to lead.

Phil, I normally like to ride a little above C pace in the summer, but I'm happy to lead the occasional C run in the winter. Unfortunately, there are no convenient Sundays for me before Christmas, but I'll certainly put my name down to lead a C run in January when the next quarter's list goes up.

I'm posting this on behalf of Andy Wrightson (BFG) he will lead a 55 mile C run to Wellsbourne airfield this Sunday.

What's the consensus regarding mudguards at the moment?

AdeR wrote:What's the consensus regarding mudguards at the moment?

It is not a requirement of the club that riders use mudguards on club runs.

Philip Whiteman wrote:

AdeR wrote:What's the consensus regarding mudguards at the moment?

It is not a requirement of the club that riders use mudguards on club runs.

But why wouldnt you want to have mudguards so that it keeps you and your kit clean? Let alone your club mates behind you?

AlanW wrote:

Philip Whiteman wrote:

AdeR wrote:What's the consensus regarding mudguards at the moment?

It is not a requirement of the club that riders use mudguards on club runs.

But why wouldnt you want to have mudguards so that it keeps you and your kit clean? Let alone your club mates behind you?

I was stating a fact and not an opinion.

Philip Whiteman wrote: I was stating a fact and not an opinion.

Yes I understand that, and I was only stating my opinion and not a fact.

I think the point is that not having mudguards results in the rider behind getting a soaking when the roads are wet. It would be courteous for those riders with mudguards to cycle at the back when those conditions prevail. (an opinion based on recent experience of being the rider behind! )

A good turnout all round today. When the C run departed, we remarked on the huge contingent of riders in the group.

The A run was problem free minus Matt's misfortunes with his front tyre on two occasions. As advertised, the route was a hilly one and by judging from people's faces, the altitude of Clowes Top meant that hypoxia had set in. Roads were surprisingly clear of detritus.

Adam Green joined us for the first time. Given his Ironman credentials, it must have been a walk in the park. Hopefully he will join the club and see us on future rides.

Philip Whiteman L
Phil RIchards
Adam Green
Ade Ravenscroft
Ian Taylor
Matt Regan
Indy Singh
Ben Walmsley

+ Independent riders: George Barker and Gary Mac.
+ Thomas Whiteman who rode his balance bike at the cafe

Route:

Out: Shatterford; Kinlet; Clowes Top to Wyre Forest Cafe
Back: Stourport and Chaddesley.

On today's B run to Honeybourne
Paul Johnson(L)
Alan Weaver
Neil Lynch
Kyle Gatier
Vince Tennant
Phil Elwell
Phil Gameson
Phil Collins
Nathan Cardon
Ryan Evanson
Torrin Gatier

The C Ride split into two groups (just outide Northfield) with there being so many riders. One group was led by Andy Wrightson and the 2nd by Si Walker, The latter group went on to Charlecote Garden Centre where there were also riders from Solihull and Evesham.

A flat just after Hockley Heath delayed part of the group whilst others carried on home to get out of the cold.

Si Walker (Leading)
Colin Hall
Simon Turner
Paul Balfe
Dave Cox
Neil Evanson
Mark McKonkey
Mark Gardener
Pete Norman
Mike Preece

Philip Whiteman wrote: Philip Whiteman L
Phil RIchards
Adam Green
Ade Ravenscroft
Ian Taylor
Matt Regan
Indy Singh
Ben Walmsley

+ Independent riders: George Barker and Gary Mac.
+ Thomas Whiteman who rode his balance bike at the cafe

Phil, you've misspelled Flatt Regan's name.

(written on behalf of Andy Wrightson)

The very popular C ride split into 2 early on. With Andy Wrightson at the helm and his lack of navigational skills we went on our merry way only to continually bump into our fellow C riders all the way to Charlecote. We headed to the 'coffee stop' Wellesbourne where the men ate giant breakfast baguettes Grrrr!

Andy 'Sir' Wrightson (leading)
Carolyn 'calamity' Clegg
David 'Daz' Little
James 'chinny chin chin' Tate
Huan 'dongalicious' Dong
Charlotte 'elite athlete' Elliss
Simon 'Fresh' Prince

Thanks for a great rise Phil

That should be 'ride' but given that we were up Clows Top!

Many thanks to Andy and Simon for sorting the large C run into manageable chunks for the traffic and the cafes. Good time had by all although Charlecote struggled with the catering and with Father Christmas and the elves!