The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding Cycling Club went down the traditional route as part of its 90th birthday celebrations last weekend.
As one of a number activities arranged to celebrate the landmark anniversary, Spalding members enjoyed group rides of 90 miles and 90km – with the halfway point being at Wicksteed Park.
In cycling, this is a usual way to celebrate a club’s birthday and it was also reminiscent of the early days at Spalding CC when rides to destinations such as Great Yarmouth and back were a regular occurrence.
Despite early morning rain, 18 members – new and old – turned out for the day.
With most opting for 90 miles, the weather had improved and the start from Gibbons Cycle Shop was dry. By the time the group reached Sacrewell Farm for a coffee stop and to meet the 90 km riders, sunny and breezy weather made it finally feel like summer.
The good weather remained and, once clear of Wansford, the rolling route through the Northamptonshire villages out to Wicksteed was enjoyed by all.
The return ride was, if anything, slightly faster with a helpful tail wind blowing the riders back across the Fens to the Fisherman’s Arms in Pode Hole for a celebratory drink.
While everyone had an enjoyable day, sadly this part of the event was ruined by an incident involving a club member.
The club wish that person a speedy and successful recovery and hope to see him back in the saddle soon.
Runs of this sort form the backbone of the club, although the usual distance is around 40 miles with a coffee stop. They are suitable for all ages – the oldest person on the 90 mile ride was 78 and the youngest 15.
Ideal for those training for charity rides or wishing to take up or returning to cycling, Spalding welcome new people to join them for this Saturday’s meeting, which departs Gibbons Cycle Shop (Spalding) at 9am.
- Another sunny and warm club run ride to the OK Diner (near Tickencote) also saw the return of the Gran Fondo Tour of Cambridgeshire, which some Spalding members took part in.
The day before, several had ridden the UCI Chrono time trial that precedes the massed start event.
The time trial was a qualification event for the UCI Chrono Championships so some very talented competitors were in contention over windy and rolling 16.4 mile course.
Spalding times: Andy Bowser 41.07mins, Andrew Gurney 42.32mins, Ross Mcgivern 42.52mins, Chris Bettinson 44.04mins, Mark Hills 44.08mins, Barry Drew (65-69 year category) 47.19mins and Sarah Bentley 50.15mins.
Neil Palmer, of Velo One, posted 37.22mins to finish fifth in his age group and qualified for the Championships event in France.
