Category: Shortcodes

None of us really knew quite what to expect, but when we arrived we were greeted by organisers Holly Seear of Spring Cycle Coaching, Cat Benger from ABC Pure and Julie Chasin, the Chair of London Women’s Racing, and were made to feel right at home.

Soon the room was buzzing with 30 women participants plus several coaches and experienced time triallists, including Mac, the local South East area British Cycling coach. There were a wide range of experience and abilities: from people wanting to hone their existing TT skills, to complete beginners. Likewise, with kit, it ranged from full TT bike setups to clip on bars to standard road bikes.

After a short introduction, we were ushered out onto the track to get started with the British Cycling recommended warm up: 20 minutes, starting with spinning gently in the small ring, building up gradually to 30 second full power efforts.

Once we’d warmed up, the coaches organised a number of really useful exercises, interspersed with short briefings and Q&As. First they asked us to ride round the track, practicing getting into an aero position, and getting confident taking a drink and putting your bottle back without looking down or stopping pedalling. Sounds easy, but we all agreed it was really worth practicing for general riding as well as TTing!

This exercise was followed by bottle pick-ups and drops, and held starts where we had the opportunity to hold someone else up as well as getting used to being held on the bike ourselves.

One of the most useful things we covered was cornering, and this was where we really felt the advantage of being out on the track without having to worry about traffic. They talked us through the key points to think about: looking through the corner to where you want to go, keeping the weight on your outside leg and not braking while turning.

The track session was rounded off with some Team Time Trial practice, and a 3 lap TTT race, which was great fun!

We headed inside just as it started sleeting to find welcome cups of tea and cakes ready for us and sat down for a presentation and Q&A session.

Everyone we spoke to seemed to really enjoy the afternoon and get a lot out of it. Riding on the track was a great experience: think smooth tarmac, lovely banked corners and no cars! The training was really well run, and the coaches and other women were very friendly and supportive.

I’d definitely recommend taking part in this session, or any other training that Bella Velo are offering. Whether you’re thinking about your first TT or race, or have done a few and want to improve, I think you’d find this training useful. As a bonus, many of the skills we worked on are transferrable and will help with general riding ability and confidence too. Plus it’s just awesome to be riding and training with 30+ amazing women!

A big shout out to all the Condor women who took part, it was really fun having a big contingent there. And huge thanks to the organisers and helpers: Holly, Cat, Mac, Julie, Jill and Helen!

The next Bella Velo training session is on Sunday 25th March 9am – 12.30pm and will cover outdoor practical exercises including:

• Warm up
• Basic Group Riding Skills
• Advanced Group Riding Skills
• Riding in a bunch
• Starts
• Advanced Cornering
• Sprints
• Mock Racing

Book tickets on Eventbrite using password Marchraceskills – make sure you grab a place soon! You can also check out some further information right here.

Tell us a little bit about your role and what is you’d most like to achieve this year?

I’m the club’s Time-Trial secretary for the 2017/18 season.  My role this year is to provide a challenging and competitive but – most importantly – fun Time Trial and Hill climb series for everyone in the club in 2018.

My main objective is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to try or practice the discipline, and I’d love to find someone who’s passion for TT’ing has been ignited by the spark of the 2018 club series.

What would you say attracted to you to the Cowley Road Condors in the first place?

I was cycling a lot with a small number – literally you count them on a single hand – of like-minded friends, and it was difficult to organise regular and spontaneous rides, given that such a small number restricted the opportunities available. I was also looking to get fitter, stronger and faster, and the club provided me with the opportunity to ride with people who were fitter, stronger and faster than me – to help me in my development.

My thought was – and still is (both privately and professionally) – if you want to improve, you’re not going to get very far by being the best in the room. Put yourself in the mix with people who are better than you, and work hard to beat them!

I was sitting in Atomic Pizza with a friend, and someone in full pink and black rode past. You bet I googled the club straight away, and was out on my first ride the next week. So, whoever you were, you definitely set the wheels in motion (sorry about the pun*). *I’m not sorry.

Describe your absolute favourite moment since joining the club?

My favourite moment since joining the Condors was Silverstone 2017. Getting an opportunity to race in the Men’s B team, and standing alongside 44 other condors along the Silverstone pit-lane was an amazing sight, so much so that people started applauding and taking pictures!

The day was made all the sweeter when the first corner after the finish turned pink and black as teams finished.  All the racers waited for the other teams to finish, and congratulated each other as people rolled up. 

So, what’s your main interest outside of cycling?  It’s OK to not have any.  Cycling rules!

I’ve often been told that this is quite unexpected, but I’m a massive adrenaline junkie.  You name it and I’ve done it, or it’s on the list. Skydiving; scuba diving; motorsports; aerobatics; ski racing…

I really want to go base jumping, and try skydiving in a wingsuit one day.   It’s not just adrenaline sports I’m into, I’d also like to learn to play ice hockey!

What three words immediately spring to mind when you think about the Condors, or bikes, in general?

1. Pink
2. Diverse
3. Can Cheryl’s laugh count as a word? Yeah…. that. 

Lastly, which Velominati rule do you fully support and will always abide by?!

Oh damn, that’s a tough one, there’s too many! I’m going to say #17:

RULE 17: Team kit is for members of the team. Wearing Pro team kit is also questionable if you’re not paid to wear it.  If you must fly the colors of Pro teams, all garments should match perfectly, i.e no Mapei jersey with Kelme shorts and Telekom socks

…but I’m definitely an advocate of everyone following

#1 RULE 1: Obey the rules!

Thanks for your time, Mr Ross! Do reach out to Philip if you would like any further information on club TTs, or any advice on TT-ing in general.  There’s also lots of information within the TT section of our website.

For those new to TTs the theory is simple. All riders ride a pre-approved course setting off at 1 minute intervals. The person who completes the course in the fastest time wins – spin to win. What is great about TTs is that anyone who has a bike in good working order can take part. 

As has been tradition the past few years, the club will be hosting monthly TTs over the spring and summer, kicking off on April 22nd with a running of our regular 10 mile Stadhampton course – here’s hoping it doesn’t snow at the start line this year!  New for 2017 we also have courses at Oakley and a hill climb at Brill (Muswell Hill) as well as some fresh new rider numbers… yes they even have a Condor logo on them.  See below for a full schedule of the clubs TT events.

This year’s TTs

* updated in May 2017 from Stadhampton to avoid clash with the Ben Owen Memorial TT

Oakley

A flat(ish) 10 mile anti-clockwise circular route which has also been used a race circuit starting and finishing just west of the village of Oakley.  Largely quiet back roads route (beware of tractors).  Some of the course dips into the village of Oakley so beware you will need to beware of the usual hazards.

Muswell Hill

Definitely not a flat course. At 1.4 miles in length this is our new hill climb for the year.   The course features a double ascent of Muswell hill, with the first section containing the steepest ramps before finishing atop of Brill and…conveniently…next to the pub.

Entry

For this year, we will also be asking for a small entry fee – £2 club members, £5 non-members. This will directly cover costs associated with running these events through CTT.   

Team Time Trial

While most TTs are solo pain caves of you v the watch, the club will also be hosting a 3-up 10 mile TT.  This will be on 23rd May in the lead up to the Silverstone 9-up TT.  For those hoping to ride Silverstone, this will be a great opportunity to get used to riding with team members in a competitive timed event.

Local TTs

Of course you don’t have to wait for our monthly club TTs to have a go at competing in a TT.  Any given week there are a number of other local clubs run regular events.  Special mention here to Bicester Millennium who will once again be running their popular weekly closed circuit TTs at Weston on the Green starting Tues 28th March. 

For a full list of TT events in the local area check the Cycling Time Trials list (Condors are part of the London West district)  And keep your eyes on the Condor Facebook page for regular updates on upcoming local events. 

Volunteering

Vital to the successful running of the club TTs are on-the-day volunteers – quite simply the club TTs wouldn’t be able to take place without them.  Whether its marshaling at one of the junctions or starting riders off, event volunteers are key to keeping these events running.  Whether you’re a seasoned TT vet or new to riding these events, we are always appreciative of those who offer their time to help out.

Questions?

If you have any TT related questions drop [email protected] a message and see you on the 22nd – keep spinning!

With the clocks going forward, this means more light further into the evening, which also announces the arrival of the Time Trial (TT) season!

For those who’ve never taken part in a TT before, the theory is easy. All riders ride a pre-approved course, setting off at a predetermined interval. The person who completes the course in the fastest time wins! If you own a bike that’s in good working order, you can take part!

Similar to previous years, there will be monthly TT’s over the spring and summer, and the season starts on April 7th, with the Club’s traditional Stadhampton course. New for 2018, we have 6 rounds, with two new courses – one in Abingdon and one over in Brightwell, towards Wallingford.

The Hill Climb course that’s been declared to CTT (the governing body of Time Trialling in the UK) is Muswell hill, which finishes at the top of Brill, right next to the Windmill.

See below for a Full schedule of the Clubs TT events:

Abingdon

This is a mostly flat route, however after the gradual climb out towards Cumnor, you get to reap the rewards by flying back down the A420. The A420 is a main road link between Oxford and Faringdon (and beyond), so can be quite busy, however it’s wide, and offers plenty of space for you to be passed by traffic safely.

Brightwell

Reported to me by my friends at Didcot Phoenix, this is a fast course. Starting just West of Wallingford, it follows the Wallingford ring road to the last roundabout, and then heads back.

Entry

As with last year, we are asking for a small entry fee from participants – £2 for Club Members, £5 for non-members. This isn’t for the club, we have to pay a levy to CTT for every entrant who take part in one of our events.

Team Time Trial

Most TT’s are a solo effort, putting everything you have on the line to get the best time you can, there are also two 3-up 10 mile TTT’s (Team time trial) featuring in the 2018 series. The first is in late April, and is a great way to learn the art of TT’ing with other people. It’s also planned to feature in the selection process for the Men’s Silverstone Teams.

The second Club TTT takes place later in the year, so plenty of time to practise the TTT technique.

It’s worth noting, these events are not just restricted to teams. If you’d prefer to ride solo, that’s absolutely fine!

Local TTs

If you’re a seasoned TT’er, or want to get your eye to hit the Club series with a bang, there are lots of events nearby, run by other local clubs. Notably, Bicester Millennium are running their popular weekly event at Weston on the Green. This is a closed circuit around the airfield, but be warned, it is an active airfield, and if the RAF need to use it, the event will take place on the Chesterton circuit.

For a full list of TT events in the local area, check the CTT event list – Condors fall under the London West district. Keep a lookout on the Facebook page for updates on upcoming local events.

Volunteering

Like a lot of our events, these TT’s won’t be able to take place without on-the-day volunteers. Jobs on the day include marshalling at junctions, holding riders on the start line (my speciality) and noting rider finish times. Whether you’re an experienced TT’er, new to these events or just want to help out, we’re always appreciative of those who offer the time to help out.

Questions?

If you have any TT related questions, please don’t be afraid to drop me an email via [email protected]

See you all on the 7th!

Philip Ross

Cowley Road Condors are extremely pleased to confirm we’ve been allowed to enter a fourth team for Silverstone, and as originally planned this will be a second women’s team. This means we will have two men’s and two women’s teams representing the club at this fantastic time trial event organised by Bicester Millenium CC. This is a really important milestone for the club as we move closer towards 50:50 male/female membership within the club and help change people’s perceptions of what cycling clubs are like.

Friday 10th June, start times are:
19:19 Women’s A
19:20 Women’s B
19:21 Men’s A
19:22 Men’s B

The full line up is currently as follows, though there may be last minute changes if people become injured etc.

Men’s A

Andy Wilde, Arran Curran, Jamie Kirby, Jonny Revis, Mike Devaney (C), Nick Sanderson, Rob Freshwater, Tim Jones, plus one other – still be be finalised

Mike Devaney didn’t get his quote to us on time, so we had to imagine what he would have said.
Our main goal is to bring some serious watts and deliver a solid, smooth smashfest. Last year the Men’s A team got round in 24:01. Let’s see if we can beat that.
On the day I’m most looking forward to ripping everyone’s legs off while calling them fatties – I might even video this. Don’t cry.
I love riding with the club because everyone was fully supportive when I went vegan for a while.

Men’s B

Ben Jack, Berwyn Jones (C), Chris Jones (2iC), David Holland, Jamie Clarke, Jon Harle, Mark Glendinning, Ollie Jaques, Stephen Johnson

Berwyn Jones had these words of Welsh wisdom to share:
Our main goal is to beat the Men’s A team at the ‘boat race’ later in the evening. Our secondary goal is to put in a competitive time on the track and hopefully beat a few of the other B teams.
On the day I’m most looking forward to seeing everyone giving it all for the team – pushing themselves further than they ever thought they could go.
I love riding with the club because… it’s such a weird and wonderful group of people – definitely the friendliest bunch of folk I’ve come across 🙂

Women’s A-mazing

Aimee Fenwick, Caz Kinash, Cathy Naylor, Heather Lang, Helena Coker (C), Josie Eade, Kristen Lovelock, Tyra Rivkin, Vivien Hanson (2iC)

Teenage lookalike Helena Coker had this to say:
I’m so honoured to captain a team of such strong and experienced riders, especially when I’m a newbie to racing.
Our aim is to smash it…but we can only do this by respecting each other’s’ abilities and listening carefully. I’d like us to stick together as a nine for as long as possible and use calm and clear communication to keep the pace steady. After Silverstone, I really hope that the team will race together at other events.
On the day I am most looking forward to to pulling on a Condors’ jersey for the first time! This club has been brilliant for me and my development as a cyclist. I particularly appreciate the support for the women from the men, both on and off the road. I have never felt discouraged from joining a ride and that can be the make or break for a newbie.

Women’s B-rilliant

Al Bell, Becci Curtis, Cheryl Reid (C), Fi Walton, Fuz Dudhwala, Jacqueline Robbins, Kat Young (2iC), Kirsty Tizzard, Sarah Clarke

El Presidente Cheryl Reid had this to say:
Our main goal is to showcase what the Condors do best – being friendly and inclusive. This means our aim is to get all 9 riders over the line together. To achieve this we will need to push ourselves and work hard as a team but I’m confident we can do it. KT9U! #teamfriendly
I’m most looking forward to the giant pissup afterwards
I love riding with the club because I’ve found a safe outlet for my colour co-ordination OCD

After taking four teams to Silverstone for the annual 9-up team time trial last year, we were all set to up that to five teams for 2016. Sadly we found out this week that it won’t be possible after all.

Silverstone is the highlight of many clubs’ calendars so to make sure all clubs get the chance to enter teams, BMCC (who do an incredible job running this each year) have decided to limit it to three teams per club.

The Condors Board met and discussed this yesterday and agreed that we would enter two men’s teams and one women’s team for this year’s event. 

We know this will be a huge disappointment to many members who were looking forward to having a go this year. Selection for the squad will be based on the Prologue (20th March) and the first two TTs (16th April and 10th May). You’ll need to log a time in two of the three events to be considered.

And for all those still eager to get a taste of team time trialing, the consolation is that we can enter as many teams as we want at the ORRL Weston TTT – which is still a lot of fun!

After a great 2015 season, we have five club time trials and the annual hill climb scheduled for 2016. If you’re new to time trialing, it’s a great way to test yourself alongside supportive club members, and with five TTs this season you can watch your self progress month by month. We’d really encourage all members to give it a go – this definitely isn’t just for the racers in the club.

New to this year will be a season long ranking and all sorts of prizes. The full schedule is below, but watch the Facebook group for updates on each one.

As with anything the club does, it can only run when club members help out. Please consider volunteering to marshal one of the events – there are points for volunteers as well as riders!

Please note, these are only open to paid up club members.

April 16th (Saturday) 10am – Stadhampton 10 HCC118
May 10th (Tuesday) 7pm – Stanton Harcourt  10 HCC140
June 16th (Thursday) 7pm – Chesterton-10 HCC260
July 16th (Saturday) 10am – Charlgrove-Stadhampton H50km/18
August 18th (Thursday) – 7pm Stadhampton- 10 HCC118
September 17th (Saturday) – 10am Watlington Hill Climb HHC007.

See you out on the road!

We are very pleased to confirm that there will be 4 teams at Silverstone in June this year, congrats to all the riders who entered the pain cave to show their mettle and bagged a space at this prestigious event.

If you have been selected for one of the teams (check here) then you need to pay for your spot (£27.77, a very slight increase from last year) no later than the 3rd of May 2015.
Please use the following paypal link;

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7XCQHWGKDFWSE

and drop a quick confirmation email to [email protected]

Look out for contact from your team captain for info about training sessions and further info about the event which will come out nearer the time.

Dearest Condors, 

We are pleased to announce the Cowley Road Condors 2015 TT Calender. This calender comprises  a mixture of distances, days of the week, and courses. 

All levels of Condors are welcome to participate and we welcome all sorts of aero equipment as well as standard road bikes. Just bring your lovely self and a well rehearsed pain-face. 

Volunteers Required!

While we are all extremely excited (yes we are!), events like these require a lot of Condor power to organize and run safely and efficiently. All members participating in TTs, road races, or other club events are expected to volunteer for at least one event in turn. 

With this, could you please write in the comments below if you are available to volunteer in any of the TTs this season. 

Please find the list of events below:

• 30th April (Thursday) 10 miles
• 30th May (Saturday) 25 miles
• 30th June (Tuesday) 10 miles
• 30th July (Thursday) 10 miles
• 30th August (Sunday) 25 miles
• 19th September (Saturday) Hill climb plus social

xoxo

-CRCC TT Committee