Brighton & Hove Clarion Cycling Club  
 

 

Dear fellow members and friends

10 February 2005

Just a reminder – and a couple of bits of news

The Next Ride 
These things can change but at the moment the weather forecast is 'mostly sunny' with no rain.

Sunday 13 February  
Clayton – Plumpton – Plumpton Green – Hassocks.
 
only 15/16 miles
A mile along the urban/suburban road towards Hurstpierpoint then down the little road that goes past Danny Park to Clayton. Follow Underhill Lane (being careful not to run down stray Hobbits) past the foot (emphasise foot) of Ditchling Beacon to Westmeston – continue on to Plumpton  then north to Plumpton Green. More country lanes to the outskirts of Burgess Hill then down to Keymer and back to Hassocks station.

Catch 10.58 from Brighton Station or meet at Hassocks Station at 11.08. Aiming to return by 15.38 from Hassocks arriving Brighton at 15.50. Both Southern trains. No changes.

See previous circular for details of the scenic delights.

Bob in action again!

Sunday 6 February was cold but dry and almost sunny on Houghton Hill, between Houghton  and Arundel – a climb Joyce will recall – when Brian, reporting the race for the Argus, and Ian (chauffeur) watched Bob Harber, our new Racing Secretary, flash past ( well almost – it was steeply uphill) in the 2nd leg of the GS Stella Time Trial. Sunday's event was 42 km which Bob did in 1.16.56 in a class field. He didn't manage a podium place but told our reporter at the finish that he'd thoroughly enjoyed himself. Next time we will remember the camera.

And since then the Section has received official notification that Bob will receive the Veteran Time Trial Champion 2nd Place Medal at the Clarion Meet Dinner on Easter Sunday in Ashbourne. Well done, Bob! [I would like to be there to join in the applause, but I will be in France. Any member who would like to attend the Meet will find details in the January Clarion.]

New Forest Weekend

At the AGM there was support for Joyce's suggestion of a weekend of easy cycling in the New Forest. The best date was thought to be Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April.  Joyce is now keen to make definite bookings. Please e mail her – Joyce.Edmond-Smith@brighton-hove.gov.uk during the next couple of weeks if you're interested. In the meantime she sends the following details:-

Burley Youth Hostel - situated in the New Forest. About 5 miles Brockenhurst station, or from Sway. Two and a half hours by train from Brighton – Brockenhurst station has the disadvantage that there is no lift, so bikes have to be carried up the stairs.

Accommodation in bunk beds – sheets and duvet provided,  small charge made for laundry, can bring own sheets if wished. 'Family' room with 4 beds available for £40 per night – Otherwise dormitories single sex. Lounge, dining room, self catering kitchen, meals available (usually very cheap) at breakfast and evening meal – picnic lunch available also. Showers, drying room and camping grounds – also bike shed.

Reception open 5 pm.Would be better to go Friday evening (but would cost an extra night) – otherwise early Saturday – about  2 1/2 hours by train. Cost per night Adult £11. YHA membership £14 per year but if we want we can get a group membership (only available for 'declared and formal groups' and over 5 people) – that would cost £14 and we would need to get it asap. Sheila and I are already members and there may be others. But a group membership would seem the best idea.

NB:  Burley opens on 5 March, but it gets booked up very quickly and bookings are open now. It would therefore be sensible to do a group membership and have some idea of numbers as soon as possible so that we can book. I would like to get a booking in by mid February (we may be able to add people later).

Joyce Edmond-Smith

Boots!

Ian

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