Winter 2014CTC Wessex Cycling

Cover Picture:Metal sculpture byDaren GreenhowCyclist and Artist

www.darengreenhow.com

It all started whensomebody said thatthey would be gladto see the back of

the Dawdlers!

Who is that manbreaking ranks by

wearing the new kit!

Bob and his Harem

There was an encouragingly good attendance at the AGM this year and acouple of new additions to the committee. Paul Rush joins us as ViceChairman and has already chaired one committee meeting mostexcellently. Jill Burden joins us too and makes her ‘inky’ debut in this issuewith her epic end-to-end ride.Dave Langley stands down at this AGM, although he will still be helpingbehind the scenes. We all gave him a large vote of thanks for all his workover the years. I gave 12 months notice that I wish to give up the editing ofthis Magazine after 2015 and am already talking to people about workingwith PagePlus X8.

We should note that times move on and that perhaps a printed magazinemight take a step back in favour of more instant social media, and I’llremind you that we do have a Facebook Page, so go and take a look, jointhe group and keep up with club gossip.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwessex/ Keith

Winter 2014

The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cyclingin Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch

Jo takes notes at the AGM

Cycle Ink #175 4

Informal Wayfarers Rides to BurleyThis ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leader and no back up, butgenerally an experienced cyclist somewhere around. The route is designed for beginners but joined in byall abilities. Start 08:45 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every Saturday or 09:00 at The Oak PH,Burton Or make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00

Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson.Next committee meeting: 18th February 2015 at 19:30Committee meetings for 2015; 20th May : 19th August

21st October (AGM) : 18th November

Secretary: Mike Walsh: 17 Grove Gdns, Southbourne Rd, B’mouth BH8 9JQTEL: (01202) 429985 Email jmichaelwalsh@aol.comEditor: Keith Matthews: 10 Hill View Road, Ferndown, BH22 9QYTEL: (01202) 855001 Email keithjanet@btinternet.com

www.wessexctc.org our mirror site at www.bournemouthctc.orghttps://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwessex/

“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times ayear. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club. The committee meeting date is the deadline for contributions.

Event Calendar Dates For 2015Mar 28th Hardboiled 300km Shawn Shaw 01202 685014Mar 29th Dorset Coastlet 100km Peter Loakes 01305 263272Mar 29th Dorset Coast 200km Peter Loakes 01305 263272Apr 18th Devon & Dorset Downs 300km Peter Loakes 01305 263272May 2nd Porkers 400km Shawn Shaw 01202 685014May 8th New Forest Challenge 50km John Ward 01590 671205May 8th New Forest Day Out 100km John Ward 01590 671205May 8th New Forest 150km John Ward 01590 671205May 8th New Forest Excursion 200km John Ward 01590 671205May 23rd Brimstone 600km Shawn Shaw 01202 685014Sept 6th New Forest Challenge 50km John Ward 01590 671205Sept 6th New Forest and Coast 100km John Ward 01590 671205Sept 6th New Forest Century 150km John Ward 01590 671205Sept 6th New Forest On/Off Shore 200km John Ward 01590 671205Sept 6th Dorset Dirt 50km offroad Ken Reed 01305 772654Oct 11th The Gridiron 100km John Jackson 01590 683815

5 Cycle Ink #175

End to End Challenge - Summer ‘14 By Jill BurdenLand’s End to John O’ Groats! PeterRattue and I decided to give it a goand we lumped to go with Peak Tourswho organise numerous cyclingholiday in the UK and Europe. Peterand I started training in earnest withrides around the Purbecks (includingcycling up Kingston hill) and masses ofrides around the New Forest plus acouple of jaunts around the Isle ofWight, aiming to get as many miles aspossible in, sometimes difficult whenyou work full-time.Setting off to the start at Land’s End, in a hire car, with feelings of excitement andtrepidation. We actually managed to get there without getting lost so that was a goodomen. We were met by the tour guides at Penzance who drove us to our first night’saccommodation in St Just. There were 25 cyclists in our group, ranging in ages fromtwenty to sixty-five plus, a great bunch of cyclists who were all up to the challenge whichlay ahead.Day 1 – A six mile ride to Land’s End for the obligatory photo shoot then onwards toFowey. Cornwall is definitely hilly, everyone told me it was, one killer hill after another.Total miles 71.Day 2 – Fowey to Morehampstead. Lovely coastal road and lunch at Edgcumbe Arms,crossed the estuary and cycled through Plymouth. Dartmoor was beautiful, cycling hard,we climbed 8000 feet. Total miles 64.Day 3 – Total miles 75. Mortonhampstead to Glastonbury, some great expanses of flatroad in the afternoon were most welcome. Really appreciated the ‘Brew Van’ laid on bythe tour guides every day which provided us with hot drinks, water top ups and snacks(cake, biscuits, crip’s, sweets, fruit, etc) forelevenses and afternoon tea, blow the calories.Lunch was organised in a pub or café, hot soupand more food. We were very well looked after.Day 4 – Glastonbury to Monmouth. Congregatingin the town centre at 8.30 am we set off in thedirection of Wales, crossing the fabulous Cliftonsuspension bridge. Highlight of today was cyclingacross the Severn Bridge which Peter decided tocycle across single handed filming the occasion.Total miles 65.

At the Start

Jill & Tour GuideAt a “Brew Van”Stop

Cycle Ink #175 6

The Loire

Day 5 –. Monmouth to Clun, four mile uphill climb to start the day. Beautiful countryside.Can recommend Ye Old Step Tearooms in Pembridge, voted number one for lunch.Easyish ride into Clun in the rain, quaint little town complete with castle ruins. Total 58miles today and a grand 333 miles in five days, encouragingDay 6 – Clun to Runcorn, a challenging fourteen mile climb in the rain out of Clun alongquiet country lanes. I must say on the whole drivers have been really courteous giving usa wide berth and slowing down. Rained all day, was fabulous to soak in a tub of bubblesat the Holiday Inn. Total miles 80.Day 7 – Runcorn to Condor Green. Left Runcorn in the rain and didn’t it chuck it down.Thanks to Garmin, Peter and our guide Dave we managed to negotiate our wayaround/through Warrington, Leigh and Blackburn to name but a few, definitely ‘upNorth’ now. Stunning scenery – Rivington – foothills of the Pennines. Total 70 miles andhalfway there!Day 8 – Condor Green to Keswick. Very posh hotel in Condor Green. However thehighlight was having three radiators to dry my clothes. Was looking forward to the LakeDistrict today, had been told how beautiful it was, well not today; chucked it down allday, passed through a wet Windemere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Afternoon brew stopwas most welcome, hot tea, cake and choccy bars. I had moments of hysterical laughtertoday as I was climbing up hills in the rain, why was I doing this? Total miles 61.Day 9 – Keswick to Moffat. Hurrah, today was dry. Saw a farmer and his sheep dogsrounding up the sheep on the hills. Thirty-six miles to Gretna and then Scotland, surrealseeing the Scotland welcomes you sign. Total 74 miles.Day 10 – Moffat to Loch Lomond. Beautiful countryside surrounding us as we climbedwith far reaching views of fields, pine forests and mountains. We bounced and bumpedalong the most awful road terrain since the start and headed towards Glasgow. Glasgowwas skilfully navigated by tour guide Graham, past many of the Commonwealth Gamessites, superb cycle path along the river Clyde and onto the Forth and Clyde Canal,stopping at Bowling Harbour. Probablymy favourite cycling day with good flatterrain and lots to see. Arrived at LochLomond, total miles 83.Day 11 – Loch Lomond to Glencoe.Cycled through spectacular scenerytoday. We had reached the Highlands,truly breath-taking, some joyous climbs inthe rain and a hazardous stretch of theA82.Day 12 – Glencoe to Inverness. We cycledalong Lock Linnhe towards Fort William,passing the Caledonian Canal and by thebanks of Lock Lochy. A massive climb out

Border Crossing

7 Cycle Ink #175

Jill

of Fort William, up and up and more up, and just when you’ve think you’ve reached thetop even more up. A long day in the saddle, elevation gain 4400 miles, total miles 83,grand total 856.Day 13 – Inverness to The Crask. The penultimate day, wow. Some super national cycleroutes today led us along the Cromarty Firth and Dornoch Firth; the views were breath-taking. Passing Kyle of Sutherland, Shin Forest to Lairg by Loch Shin towards the Crask. Ihad a broken mudguard, jammed chain and tyre blow out but thanks to Graham forgetting his hands dirty on all three occasions. Beautiful and welcome sunshine and afavourable tail wind. Tonight we are staying in a remote bed and breakfast in Altnaharawith far reaching views of a Loch and mountains in the distance. Miles today 73.Day 14 – The Crask to John O’Groats. Last day in the saddle. A run for the bikes to beatthe midges, not a chance. Great road, little if any traffic and onwards to John O Groats,passing through Betty Hill. We regrouped in Mey and pedaled on to the finish line.Group photographs and glass of Cava to celebrate. Total elation. Miles today 75.

We did it!There were times I thought I wouldn’t. Really appreciated my Roberts bicyclethough not 100% sure of the Brooks saddle. Massive big thank you to Peter for all hissupport and putting up with me, and Graham, Andy and Dave our tour guides who weretruly amazing.

The Tour Guides Mission Accomplished!

Cycle Ink #175 8

Velo Domestique is Boscombe's first cycle cafe, providing same day bike repairs,putting on regular cycling events and rides as well as collaborating with localindependent cafe Boscanova to serve excellent coffee and tasty food.Building on the community of riders already created by Velo Sur Mer, we havecreated a hub for cyclists in the Bournemouth area to come together, plan rides,swap parts and enjoy coffee. We stock a range of bike parts and accessories aswell as offering efficient and high quality bike repairs as an alternative to largercycle repair chains. In the new year we are hoping to offer cycle maintenanceworkshops for those wishing to learn more about how to look after their bikes.From Velo Domestique we run weekly rides for cyclists of all abilities everyWednesday evening, meeting at 17:30 and leaving at 18:00 with rides between 10and 30 miles. As well as these weekly rides we will also be continuing Velo SurMer's monthly bike race events sponsored by both local and internationalcompanies such as BigxTop, Ass Savers, Jimmy's Iced Coffee and ChromeIndustries, adding a competitive edge to our riding community.We hope that through the cafe we can bring people together through a mutuallove of cycling and great coffee. Drop in some time for a chat, get your bike fixedand enjoy a coffee whilst you wait.www.facebook.com/velodomestiquecafe

www.twitter.com/velodomcafeinstagram.com/velosurmer

Velo Domestique - Cafe & Repairs Dan Broadbent

Dan

9 Cycle Ink #175

Ballard Down Obelisk. See Page 11

Chairman Terry at the Gridiron

Cycle Ink #175 10

Enigmas All Around Us By Shawn Shaw

A Jubilee Remembered: Denis was leadingthe Thursday Rouleurs on the 2nd October toWilton through Woodlands. A mishap meantan early coffee at the Baptist church. With ourneeds sated we followed the road up JubileeHill past this “needle” to Queen Victoria’sGolden Jubilee of 1887. It is a strange affairtucked behind the hedge, privately, in a housegarden.

A Friend Recalled: “The beautiful meanderings of this river through the richand fertile valley before you, present a most pleasing prospect. Then you come toBarton, still on the Frome, to the west of Wareham; hereabouts you have in viewan obelisk which adds to the beauties of a rich pleasant country.”Thus it was in 1791: the scene very much as the day when Ali led the Rouleursthere on the16th October. “This obelisk, built by Mr Hamilton of Weymouth, waserected at the expense of Captain [John] Houlton, to perpetuate the memory ofhis frIend the late Mr [James] Frampton, whose seat is a little to the north of thismonumental pillar; and which you now and then have in view.” (1)

On Fir Hill, ½ mile south [of Moreton House] “Raising an Adamish urn above thetrees.”(2) Of ashlar, the obelisk was erected in 1785–6 and stands some 70ft highon a base with moulded plinth and cornice and is surmounted by an urn 9¾ ft.high. On two sides of the base were formerly marble tablets with commemorativeinscriptions; these are now built into the walls of the Lychgate(3). The Urn isreputed at 4 tons(4).James Frampton married Mary Houlton in 1746 and on the death of Joseph herfather in 1750 had come into possession of the Houlton’s Farleigh Castle estate inSomerset. Mary died in 1862 without issue and at James’ death in 1784 theFarleigh Castle estate passed to Mary’s Cousin Robert Houlton. Captain JohnHoulton, youngest brother of Joseph, was Mary’s and Robert’s Uncle(5)

On the 27th January 1780 as Captain of the “Montague”, a ship of 74 guns,Houlton was with Sir George Rodney’s fleet at the Battle of Cape St Vincent. In1790 Houlton was gazetted as a Rear Admiral of the Blue(6) He died the followingJanuary. Mr James Hamilton, Builder and Stone Mason, and Proprietor of BathingMachines(1) is credited as architect of several local buildings and of the statue ofKing George III (2)

“As we bicycle the lanes and byways we see all manner of things toraise our curiosity and we promise ourselves to find out more, and

sometimes we actually do!”

MONUMENTAL ERECTIONS

11 Cycle Ink #175

Shawn

Aquae Ductus: Mike W gathered us at Sandbanks Ferry on 25th September fora ride to Charminster. From Studland the rising road absorbs the attention butsometimes the eye will catch sight of the obelisk atop Ballard Down. Larger thanthat at Woodlands it was feared in 1941 that the enemy aircraft may make use ofit and so it was taken down. The plaque which you can see on the previous page,says ‘demolished’ which may well account for the damage found when the RoyalEngineers were set to re-erect it 32ys later. The damaged section now standsapart beside its base. Erected by George Burt in 1892 to mark the introduction of

pure water from the chalkformation into Swanage; aturning point in public health.Burt (associated with the localbuilder, Mowlem) is renownedfor his import into Swanage ofstone relics from London;possibly as ballast on the boatsreturning from delivering Purbeck Stone. Thisobelisk once stood outside the church of St MaryWoolnoth at the corner of King William andLombard streets in the City. A LondonUnderground entrance is at that corner now whichis Bank Station.

Is there more to tell? References and further reading:1) The Universal British Directory: 17912) The Buildings of England - Dorset by Newman & Pevsner: 19723) Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Dorset Vol 2 South East: 19704) The Kings England – Dorset: Edited by Arthur Mee: 19395) A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, Enjoying

Territorial Possessions or High Official Rank: but Univested with Heritable Honours, Volume 4, byJohn Burke: 1838

6) The Journal of Mary Frampton 1779 – 1846: 1885

Picture Credits:Jubilee – Google Earth: Friend Recalled - Shawn Shaw: Aquae Ductus- Wikipedia (Phil Champion)

Cycle Ink #175 12

Folding Delight By Big BobWhile lounging in a Belfast quayside café earlierin the year awaiting the frenetic departure nearbyof the Giro de Italia my eyes were opened to anhitherto ignored area of the cycling world whichnow caught my attention. I refer to the “foldingcycle” or more specifically the “Brompton”folding cycle which appears to be the main manon the block.I watched mesmerised as a whole clutch of riderson them, each sporting a splash of pink insupport of the Giro, arrived outside the caféwindow. Quickly dismounting each rider, like aconjurer on “speed”, bent down and with a flick,flick, flick their steeds miraculously transformed into hand held parcels, carrying which,they entered for their wake-up coffees.Spellbound with half eaten cake in hand I watched the performance and realized this wasthe ultimate security. My own club machine was safely locked outside but nevertheless abeady eye was advisable in such an environment and just think of being able to executethat sophisticated cool flick, flick, flick, oh yes one must be mine.Luckily a few days after my return from Ireland while lolling on my crossbar awaiting theSandbanks Ferry I fell into chatting with two Australians who were touring on, yes you’veguessed it, Brompton Folders and were temporarily staying in Bournemouth.Being Australian they insisted I go for a ride to try my dream machine which I gladly did.Again being Australian and noticing my larger build their comment on my return of“looking a bit like an elephant standing on an upturned bucket mate” did nothing todampen my enthusiasm.Already I could see myself speeding along to my local Waitrose and after a rapid flick,flick, flick marching in for my free loyalty card coffee and newspaper, and why stopthere? I could even aspire to London and whizzing along Boris Johnson’s cycleways andachieve the maximum in cycling coolness by dropping into the “ Look Mum No Hands”cycling café on the Clerkenwell Rd with the rest of the cycling sophisticates and withFolder swiftly stacked whip out a laptop from a Rapha courier bag before ordering anupmarket coffee and looking very busy.And who knows, after several weeks pedaling the capitals cycleways in a retro tweedcovered helmet I might meet a cycling fold away Lady, who when not required, could bestacked quietly away with no fuss.But, maybe it’s a dream too far, for I know after reflection while mixing with the upperechelons of cycling life and frequenting the cycling watering holes for bright Bloomsburystyle intellectual chat, eventually the dreaming lanes and villages of the Dorset countrysidewould call and I would have to bid farewell to my new dynamic companions and pedalregretfully away back to a quieter life, where mounted on my old tourer the wanderingbyways and rural cafés and pubs of this cycling paradise could be lived and my dear old

13 Cycle Ink #175

cycling mates conversation extend no further than who collared the biggest slice of cake atthe tea stop!Ah, there’s the basic lifestyle for me and although I yearn to be sophisticated and full ofurban chic which goes with the Brompton Image I think it will have to go on hold until alittle more social polish is gained.Now gather round and lets move on to other things because we as avid Bikies have cometo the end of the year which although short of daylight hours is a special time for usbecause Christmas days are almost upon us.Here, in Le Hotel du Velo Sportif Cyclists Retirement Manor, as the season approaches,we traditionally gather around the large log fire in the library for an hour or two afterdinner to muse and chat over the various rides and events that have been enjoyed over theyear.Riding friends are remembered who with the old restless Bikies urge have travelled on tomore distant places and when dismounted occasionally send the odd message or two backat this time of the year while gazing at landscapes far different from the gentle greenDorset hills of home. They know a warm welcome awaits them on there returning.As in past Christmas times a festive welcome awaits you also should you decide to join usfor a few days on this special holiday. You will need to bring little so shove a few thingsin the saddlebag and when you reach our lane turn into the big main gates and pedal up thedriveway to the ivy covered front of “ Le Hotel” and just walk in the main door with theholly around it.Food, thanks to our local Cycling friendly farmers, there will be aplenty but for thatspecial something on Christmas day there will be home entertainment of the highest order.Among many delights promised are Keith M’s our esteemed Newsletter editors eroticorigami demonstration which always thrills the ladies and has even been known to makemy tired old eyes water at some of the shapes produced.As in past years we have persuaded Derek P to perform his astounding “ Break Dance”culminating in that unearthly inverted head spin while going full blast on his ukulele. Itnever fails to take the breathe away.Completely new this year will be Colin B’s reminiscences of an amazing night spent withthe three McCregan widows in a remote Croft while touring in the Shetlands in the Springand his subsequent recovery at an Holistic Highland Earth Commune after painfullypedaling back to the mainland on his carbon frame. Lord, that man knows how to live.As a crescendo to our evenings merriment, Mike L has been seen polishing up his spoonsfor a musical rendition of body whirling and spoon clacking virtuosity, which hasentranced the local villages. Apart from the unfortunate incident at Bishop Caundle whenin a surge of enthusiasm his clashing spoons made violent contact with his lower bodilyregions causing him to remain curled up in a foetal position on the village green for someforty minutes quietly moaning has always brought joy.So there we are, all is in place to enhance our enjoyment and if you can’t make it this yearhave a very Merry Christmas both on and off the Bike.

Big Bob

Cycle Ink #175 14

Sue Barber and I dreamed of agrand tour whilst riding to Parisand back earlier in the year. Ihad a muse in the back of mymind of touring in the States andsaw a CTC Holiday that did acircuit in New England in theFall. This was our target and wethen extended the CTC Holidayto ride the first part of the AtlanticCoast using Adventure CyclingAssociation. This is an AmericanCycling Club that I have been amember of for over ten years.We chose to ride from Bar

Harbor (yes Harbor is the correct spelling) to Boston and up to Salem where wewould join the others on the CTC Holiday. The logistics of booking our part of theride were on occasions fraught but eventually all fell into place.We did have one very big problem when we arrived at Logan Airport. Just as wearrived at border control the whole country’s immigration system failed. The usualcomment of back up in twenty minutes passed. After a very long wait weeventually were allowed to enter using the old Visa waiver pink form. These werefilled in on the hoof and very badly.The next day we built our bikesand left the bike boxes etc. inSalem and drove to Bar Harborfor our first cycle ride. This wasfrom the Trenton airport, thecar hire drop off point, backinto town using the roadthrough Arcadia National Park.Lumpy, but no panniers as wehad left them in our overnightstop. Through Bar Harbor avery pretty town and a veryfriendly cycle shop.Leaving Bar Harbor the nextday we missed the ArcadiaNational Park as we rode offthe peninsula and turned left atElsworth starting down theAtlantic Coast.

Autumnal Colours in New England By Mike Walsh

15 Cycle Ink #175

One feature I noted was that we very rarely left civilisation as confirmed by themail boxes even if on a large number of times there was no housing in view. Thiswas throughout the holiday.Another feature was the constant boulders in the fields. Some much bigger thanothers and in some places very prolific. They are tumbled rocks deposited whenthe glaciers retreated back to Canada. The New England weathered boulderscome in every conceivable shape and size.There was another constant during our visit was the district and town namesmirroring British places.During our first few days riding down the coast the trees were still green but thenthe tops or exposed area began to change colour. The sunshine enhanced thesplendid colours. Oh how wonderful, we timed our visit perfectly.The route did not always follow the coast as there are a vast number ofpromontories but always beside water, either the sea, inland lakes or wide rivers.We crossed the Penobscot onto Verona Island and off into Fort Knox State Parkfinishing our first full days ride in Searsport. The following morning every where inthe locale was shut and no letter box so we had nowhere to leave the room keys.We did tell a parked Trooper of our predicament.We continued along the coast crossing Belfast Bay into Belfast for breakfastwhere the recommended place was closed so we ate on the co-operative. Veryhomely and down to earth where you could talk to anyone. Now inland crossing anumber of rivers including Ducktrap until we dropped down into Camden on thesea. A very picturesque town with inviting cafés and shops but we rode onthrough to Rockport which had a cycle shop. The shop and staff were verypleasant but we should have taken coffee in Camden. Along the coast toRockland and again inland but still passing lakes and rivers, yes many ups anddowns into and out of the river valleys, ending up in Damariscotta. We stayed in agrand house of former glory but magnificent. In its own grounds with water on twosides. A garage for the bikes which we shared with a 1966 Thunderbird and anold Lincoln Continental.After a very homely breakfast offresh blueberry pancakes we againrode across many rivers through amore built up area includingWoolwich, Bath, Topsham and onthe Freeport where we had to butprovisions for our evening meal.Over ten miles to our overnightoutside Gray we came across themost demanding hill of our part ofthe tour. A stop at the top forrecovery and sustenance wasessential. Onward to a brilliant bedand breakfast in an old Town Farm

Cycle Ink #175 16

house, all wood and gorgeous. Town Farms were poorhouses where theresidents worked the farms for their keep. We unpacked our meal in their dinningroom and were provided with all the crockery and cutlery together with goodcompany.More inland the next day, again crossing valleys, skirting Sebago Lake but even astretch along a river and into Kennebunk for our overnight where we found agrand restaurant. The Village Tavern, it was a lively place but luckily we decidedto eat early because it closed at 9:30.From Kennebunk we went down to the beach and Sue went paddling. Along thewaters edge, through Wells, York and onto Portsmouth where we left Maine andinto New Hampshire. Leaving Portsmouth we came across some major roadworks which we needed to bypass. Using my American Club’s maps we evenmanaged to shortened the route a fraction and on to Exeter. The bike shop andstaff here were the best advising on a problem and allowing testing of theirproducts. We hibernated that night in an up market chain hotel.Continuinginland fromExeter toKingston andon to Derrywhere on theoutskirts I hada really nicefish and chipsfor lunch. Itwas therethat we metsome French Canadian who were riding down from Quebec. Then leaving NewHampshire and into Massachusetts and Middlesex County, on to Dunstable andeventually to Ayer. This route is skirting around the Boston greater conurbation.After our overnight in Ayer (not to be repeated but an experience) we rode Eastvia Acton, Bedford and Cambridge. The number of separate cycle route hasincreased on these last two days and nearly the last we used was the eleven mileMinuteman Trail taking us into Boston. Back to the Atlantic where we wanderedaround the wharfs and parks along the water’s edge. The last leg on our own wasa train from Boston to Salem where we to be joined by the others on the CTCHoliday. The train was a novel experience as only one door of the train had a levelplatform once we left Boston, all the other doors used steps built into the train. InBoston a member of the train insisted that we move to a particular carriage but didnot tell us why it was only when we alighted that we realised the need. Bikes withpanniers would have been near impossible to get down from anywhere else onthe train. A ride in the dark in a strange town without knowing the relationship ofthe station to our motel, good fun, the taxi driver I asked could not speak English.We survived!

17 Cycle Ink #175

Right to Ride Report - November By Paul M. Turner

PaulRight to Ride Representative Bournemouth & Poole

BOURNEMOUTH - Trials to permit cycling acrossBournemouth Square, Pier approach, Boscombe Precinctand Middle Chine commenced 1st September 2014 for 12months. Richmond Hill – I note that Richmond Hill scheme iscurrently to have another facelift to comprise extension ofapproach to Wimborne Road and making lines more visible.Bournemouth University - An excellent short film made byBournemouth University to encourage cycling. It can see it onYouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_xAAtcHo4MLocal Sustainable Transport Funded (LSTF) InfrastructureProjects:● Stour Valley Leisure Route - Now complete between Stour barn and Berry Hill

sludge works.● Holdenhurst Road / Buchanan Road Toucan - New signalised crossing linked

to existing junction at Holdenhurst Road / Ashley Road to provide a better linkto Soberton Road subway.

● Lowther Road Subway - Improvement works commenced with CCTV● Castle Lane West - Danish style cycle lanes under construction.● Christchurch Road - Painted Cycle Lanes under construction, Holdenhurst Ave

to Warnford is complete.● Bournemouth Travel Interchange (Train and Bus Station) Outline plans were

displayed and reviewed by the Bournemouth Cycle Forum.POOLE - Yarrow Road Cycle Scheme - a proposal from the Walking and CyclingDevelopment Plan to put on road cycle lanes on Yarrow Road between ManningsHeath Road and Old Wareham Road. It would link in to bridges across DorsetWay, into Tower Park and Mannings Heath Road. I had a meeting with RoadEngineers and Poole’s Cycling Officer on 21 November. I was pleased that theEngineers are more pro-cycling!Local Cycle Strategies - A Cycle Strategy spells out policies for planning and/ortransport that the relevant authority promises to follow. The typical lifespan of astrategy is ten years and it contains an action plan or programme of works tocover the first 2-5 years in more detail. The length and volume of a strategy canvary from 20 to 100 pages including appendices. BUT the local Authorities, likePoole & Bournemouth have to sign up with it rather the general public. I contactedboth Poole & Bournemouth Councils to say CTC Wessex would be willing to beinvolved! I understand from Shawn Shaw that Dorset County Council - RoadPlaners looked at Dorchester and Weymouth with limited amounts of funding, andin the face of political opposition to designing for cycling. See: They have'surveyed' the Dorchester to Weymouth cycle route. Please go to this link:http://www.cycling-emba#14C7A86

Cycle Ink #175 18

The Majorcan Potterers at Artal in 2014

Why this picture? Shawn Shaw sends it through for me to add to the historic CTC record. If you lookcarefully, you’ll see the CTC “Winged Wheel” fastened to the wall of the Salutation Hotel in Perth,Scotland. The hotel is still there, and it looks very much the same today, but as so oftenhappens alas, the “Winged Wheel” is no longer in place. So sad.

Keith

19 Cycle Ink #175

MINUTES FOR COMMITTEE MEETING CTC WESSEX CYCLINGWednesday 19th November 2014 19.30

1. PRESENT: John Jackson, Mike Walsh, Jim McDonald, Jo Gordon, Keith Matthews, Julian James, Paul Rush, Bob andJoan Courtney and Jill Burden. Observing – Ralph Huckle2. APOLOGIES : Paul Turner, Terry Walsh and Stephen Gray.3. MATTERS ARISING: Unanimous thanks to Dave Langley for all his work on the committee over the years.4. TREASURERS REPORT: Mike reported that the accounts stay stable at £2,500.5. NEWSLETTER: Keith is short this time but offers forthcoming from the committee with pledges to get to Keith by the end ofNovember.6. RIGHT TO RIDE: Paul Turner presented his report. See Page 15.7. RUNS LEADERS REPORTS:Saturday '60': I can only say that the routes do not vary apart from depending on which Saturday of the month itis, dictates where the ride goes. Numbers are anything between just me and 11 as a maximum so far. The pace variesdepending on who is out, but we do re group generally, but sometimes the faster ones go on. Mike BarrettThursday Rouleurs : August to November 2014 Summary numbers: average = 12, maximum = 18, total different riders=27.Ride leaders: different leaders=7, rides without pre-allocated leader=2. Numbers increased significantly over this period asweather improved with most rides now in double figures of riders. Actually had 18 out a couple of weeks ago which is highestnumber for a long time. A few new riders have recently joined the group which is very encouraging. Continued difficultygetting ride leaders and now mainly Denis and Michael leading 2-3 rides each and a few other people leading one ride. MikeGordon has agreed to be the new Runs Leader and is producing the 1Q15 runs list and trying to get as many different rideleaders as possible. Dave Langley will enter the finalised list into the normal web page when ready.Christmas Meal: The menu was sent out about three weeks ago and there are currently 31 people signed up for theChristmas meal on Thursday 18th December. This number is much lower than the 55 achieved last year so if not already onthe list, please send your menu selections to Dave Langley asap and encourage as many other people as possible to comealong.Sunday Rouleurs : August to November 2014. Summary numbers: average = 8, maximum = 15, total different riders=25.Numbers also increased during this period, with a maximum of 15 recently. Quite a few new riders have also joined thisgroup, some of these have joined the Thursday group; also very encouraging. Majority of riders still return home after coffee.Small number sometimes go on to meet Inters at lunch time but don't always meet up due to timing and sometimes lack ofknowledge of lunch stop location. Dave LangleyThursday Potterers: Nothing to add to the report for the AGM, except to say that an average of 16 have attendedthe starts of the 4 rides recorded for October. Jim McDonaldInters: Bob Courtney had no update following AGM reportSaturday Bun Run: One good Bun run since AGM. Martin, David, Steve & Sawn took a detour from Bulbarrow throughBelchalwell [Belle Chaldewelle] and Knackers Hole, past the packhorse bridge down Silly Hill after which normal service wasresumed. Shawn ShawDawdlers: Noting to add to our AGM report at this stage, only that we still keep pressing on and hope the message will get tothe other groups and that the flyers we are putting in the various bike shops and on notice boards will interest the non-Clubmasses out there! Jeanette KingSunday Potterers: No report from the Sunday Potterers.PHSG: Usual numbers out. Keith Matthews8. GRIDIRON UPDATE: John Jackson reported that all the halls are booked for next year at Lymington, Hyde and Boldre. Hewanted a hall at Colbury but could not find anything available on a Sunday but he is still on the lookout and a possible changeof route again. The Wiggle Sportive have now moved their weekend event to September 17/18th so there should be no clashthis year. John has been in touch with several New Forest agencies and has had some positive feedback on the Gridiron.9. FACEBOOK PAGE: Paul Turner has volunteered to take this on and also the CTC (Wessex) website and wishes to have adeputy moderator for the Facebook and a deputy administrator for the website – Jill Burden has agreed to take on these rolesso Paul is to liaise with Jill.10. KEITHS ROLE AND TITLE: Voted that Keith is officially a Life Vice President as he was for old Wessex DA11. Julian’s responses to National Office queries following the AGM:○ He is still pursuing why the National Office are not publishing registered rides – probably incompetence.○ Procedures to become a Tour Leader – discussed with Sheila Simpson who has run successful tours for several years.○ Where is the 'winged wheel'? Julian is pursuing this still – the Editor of Cycle said it is meant to be used.○ Julian is investigating what has happened to the CTC Tourist Competition – points for registered rides are not being

correctly counted – they say this is being remedied – Keith suggested to leave it how it is for this year and see if the

Cycle Ink #175 20

☺ Out on my bike today, someone threw a bottle of Omega 3 pills at me.Don't worry, I only suffered super fish oil injuries.

National Office are now rectifying the lapse. N.B. Keith will try to write an article explaining the trophies given out by CTCWessex Cycling and what they are awarded for. Again!

12. Mike Walsh has researched for himself the top point scorer for our area and the award for the DATC or the CTC TouristCompetition will be awarded shortly.13. As discussed above the management of our page at the CTC National Office is to be taken over by Paul Turner with JillBurden as the deputy.14. Future new editor for Cycleink:- Mike said that the task is in two parts – compiling and printing and distribution. Mike is totalk to Paul to take on amalgamating the runs lists if Eric does not wish to carry it on or is unable to do so sometimes. Keith iswilling to instruct anyone to use PagePlus DTPEach Ride Leaders to talk to their group to see if anyone is keen to take on the role of editor and/or printing and distribution.15 ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Jim would like a new Runs Leader for the Thursday Potterers to take over from him and to bean active rider.Promoting Cycling in the New Forest and Hampshire - JJ is working with an informal group of organisations looking topromote cycling and counter the anti-cycling arguments being put to the NPA and HCC. Organisations such as ParishCouncils, Commoners, Verderers, Equestrian Organisations and others are effectively working together to co-ordinateobjections to cycling in the New Forest. For example the only mention of cycling in the New Forest National Park AuthorityPartnership Plan is a negative one regarding Sportives and the need to control them. They can't even mention cycling in thesection on sustainable transport or the one on road safety. This is virtually the opposite of the original NFNPA 2020 CyclingVision "To be the UK's premier family cycling destination, with cycling normalised as the key method of getting between thecommunities and attractions of the National Park." This is not surprising when those organisations opposed to the formationof the NFNPA are now chairing and populating the management committee.This informal group of pro-cyclists will attempt to put forward coherent responses initially to three documents:New Forest National Park Authority Partnership Plan : New Forest National Park Cycling Charter : HCC Cycling StrategyThese responses will then be taken back to the 'members' organisations, for agreement/changes and subsequentsubmission. Timescales will inevitably be tight so communication with be via email16 Dates of committee meeting for 2015: February 18th, May 20th, August 19th, AGM October 21st, November 18thThe meeting closed at 21.55

The Age Old Health Debate

Now lets see, there must be a problem - ourair is unpolluted, our water is pure, we get

loads of exercise, everything we eat is free-range, and yet we all die before 30!

21 Cycle Ink #175

By Jackie WinterI've written a book about the forty years I've spentriding a tandem with my husband. Despite neverhaving learned to ride a bike, I've pedaled morethan 100,000 miles on the back of a tandem andAllan and I can still be glimpsed hurtling downhillat 40 mph.Besides cycling holidays in the Yorkshire Dales,Scottish Borders and the Lake District, the bookrecalls many favourite bike rides in Dorset. Severalof these were in the 1980s with members of theWessex Road Club. We made some good friends,including Jack and Ruth Merchant who introducedus to the wonderful teas at Wimborne St Giles.My longest ride ever was the Dorset Coast 200kmRandonee on 22nd April 1979. I felt inordinatelyproud of myself for completing it, even though Iwasn't fit for work the next day.

The book is essentially a light hearted account of my cycling life but naturally over thecourse of four decades there have been sad times. Throughout the many good years and afew inevitably difficult ones, the tandem remains a constant thread.."Life In Tandem: Tales of Cycling Travels" by Jackie Winter is available from Amazon on

Kindle (£1.99) and in paperback (£8.31) Copies can also be purchased from Jackie.thorntandem@btinternet.com Phone 01929 459207

On 21 June 2015 RotaryInternational are inviting everyRotary club across the UK andIreland to organise a Rotary Day,consisting of a sponsored bike ridefor members of the public in aid ofProstate Cancer Awareness. Theywould like to get every Rotary club

in the country to organise a Sponsored Cycle ride around the area in which theyare based, and at the same time want to arrange for all the coastal based clubs toorganise a simultaneous cycle ride to the next club, in a clockwise direction,around the coast of the UK and Ireland, and by the end of the day we will havecircumnavigated the whole of the UK and Ireland, with each group doing theirsection.For their June ride, the PHSG Group plan to take part in the route whichwill run from Sandbanks to Corfe Castle.

Keith

Cycle Ink #175 22

OBITUARY"Little" Ron Lewis 29th January 1918 - 22nd September 2014

Born in London, Ron joined hisfirst cycling Club in Ealing in 1932and worked as a cycling order boyuntil being called up into the ArmyCatering Corps in 1939. After thewar he worked for LondonTransport and never learned todrive. He moved to Dorset in 1983,joining Bournemouth section in1985, cycling with most of thedifferent groups and working hardto lead some of the rides. Hecycled until his 90th birthday andstayed part of the Dawdlers SocialGroup until he was too frail to getout. He was one of the Club'sgreatest characters and we willmiss him but always remember him.

Jeanette King

The Club is still offering kit at heavily subsidised prices. Quality kit at bargainprices! Take a look at the website under For Sale and check out the order form  tosee what's available.

Go to: www.bournemouthctc.org/clothing.htm to download the sizing chart andorder form. Get your order in while the offer is still on !

CTC WESSEX CLOTHING By Ralph Huckle

The Gridiron Controllers at Hythe

www.onyerbike.co.uk | www.onyerskates.co.uk

>> Over 600 Bikes In Stock.>> MTB | Hybrid | Road | Electric | BMX | Kids.>> 0% Finance Available *Details on Request.>> Open 7 Days a Week.>> Cycle Retailer 20+ Years.>> Cyclescheme.co.uk Approved.

SALES - RENTALS - REPAIRS

Phone: 01202 31585588-90 Charminster RDBournemouth BH88US