Hatch Warren & Beggarwood Cycling Club
Last April the club became an official British Cycling affiliated Club and we now have a terrific 138 local members!!!! Just because we an official club there is no need to be a pro. We have a range of rides for all adult levels, you just need a bike in safe working order and a helmet.
Club sessions this winter have not dipped too far, despite the cold and rain. We expect this to increase over summer as hopefully we get nicer weather. We are therefore investing membership funds in training more British cycling qualified leaders.
A large group of riders headed off in different pace groups over to West Meon for breakfast/cake a few weeks ago. This was one of a number of longer rides planned as an ad hoc cafe event. We have a set list of regular rides, supplemented by extra events of different types to help cover a wide range of riders and mix of member preferences. Many of those on the longer trip are part of a group training to head out to Flanders to ride 82 miles of cobbles and hills. We wish them all the best.
You may have spotted some much older bikes out and about a few weeks ago. The “bone shaker” ride included people who had spent time restoring some classic bikes and on a lovely sunny day took these out as a group ride of about 18 miles over to a nice cafe.
Don’t let the sound of these long distances put you off, we also have rides for just 8 or 10 miles were we try where possible to stick to the flattest parts of the town. We really strive to be all ability and have a “no drop” policy so no-one will ever be left behind. We hope part of the 2017 expansion will be to open to 16-18 year olds. We have more structure to put in place and safeguarding regulations to meet, but watch this space if you know those who would like to ride in that age group.
All ability also means we need something to push and challenge those at up the top. So this year we have launched a monthly Strava segment challenge, for some friendly fun. The winners of the first two months of uphill riding have been Ben Naylor and Anousjka Selders. This month is a flatter section over towards Oakley, so we shall see if this turns the tables and if others can out pace our current champions on flatter ground.
It not all about time actually cycling, we have some rides to cafes or with pub stops. Next week a number of riders are attending a free evening seminar about correct bike fitting and preventing musculoskeletal problems when riding. This is in conjunction with SoPhysical physiotherapy team in Faraday court, Rankine Road. We are looking in April and May to hold some more first aid for cyclist evenings and basic bike maintenance for beginner nights at St Marks School for our members.
After the success of a club curry night at The Towers, a club meal over in Cosmo in Reading and a pub night at Portsmouth Arms. Some further social nights will be added to the calendar too. Our summer family picnic or BBQ plans are also getting underway. This was popular last year.
We allow all new riders some guest rides to see if they like the club and it suits them before signing up. Just come along and let someone know you are new and we can give you a guest card. Membership is £15 a year and allows you to come to club rides, talks and social events. Club kit is optional. Our friendly leaders will take you around different routes each week and help you to enjoy the lovely countryside we have close by.
For more information, please see our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HWBcc/ (Hatch Warren Beggarwood Cycling) or visit our website: www.hwbcc.org
Come Ride With Us.
