Category: Ride Round Up

A mass gathering of Honiton Spinners celebrated the end of the summer season at the UKCycling New Forest 100 on Saturday 14^th September. The first challenge was to find the entrance to the splendid grounds of Somerley House near Ringwood. Once the long, snaking gravel track was negotiated, bikes united with riders and the front of the long queue finally reached, 18 Spinners plus former members set off on a fabulous tour of the New Forest lanes, with the added interest of cars, horses, cattle, tractors and deer.

Liz and Rod completed the 100 mile Epic route in excellent times, Liz achieving a Gold time and Rod, having taken a wrong turning, only just missing out.

John secured a well-deserved Gold on the 59 mile Standard route, proving that there’s plenty of life in the legs still. Roger, Suzanne and Pete completed their first ever sportive in fine style and the group of 11 Spinners who rode together caused such a stir as they flew over the finish line together, that they were interviewed by the local press! 

Completing the line-up was Jackie who completed the 30 mile Short route with a friend. 

Everyone enjoyed the well-organised event – especially the jelly beans and cake at the food stops – although they were a bit bemused by mention of ‘hills’. Where were they?

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Craig Boyde is renowned in the club for riding extraordinary distances. Here is his account of the recent Brecon Beacons Devil sportive. 

Last year I challenged myself to the 200km long route; this year I just did the medium route which was no easy ride, but it was a lot more enjoyable. The Welsh countryside here is absolutely stunning to which makes the suffering worthwhile. 

Soon after the start the route took us over Gospel Pass (the long route also goes over the Tumble as well) and then an undulating ride around the lanes in Powys, passing Brecon and Builth Wells, riding up the Usk and Wye valleys and climbing Llanbedr moor at the end with the views at the top across England and Wales. It was no easy task with 25% climbs. In addition to the climbing, it was made tougher by narrow lanes where the road surface was rough with mud, gravel, debris from the rain and potholes.

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Payhembury was the venue for the second Honiton Running Club and Honiton Spinners inter-club duathlon, which took place on Sunday 2^ndJune. The big questions of the day were who would take First Lady and First Man as Sherrie and Marcus were unable to replicate their successes of last year, and who would win in a Spillers v Ferris re-match.

The routes took runners and cyclists around the undulating lanes around Payhembury. Despite the gloomy weather, the runners managed to stay dry for both the 6K (3.82m) and 3.5K (2.41) runs, but the cyclists caught a heavy rain shower during their 24K (15.42m) middle leg. There were 23 participants, the same as last year, with Rod Inglis, Katy Lancaster and Hannah Brown completing both the runs and the ride. There were also four female teams, four male teams, and two mixed teams. Although he had a leisurely chat during the transition, Rod stormed home to win the Solo Male prize and Katy managed to stay ahead of Hannah to win the Solo Female prize. Paula Ferris joined forces with Suzanne Spiller to win the Female prize, whilst Jay Sweetman and Mark Newson left everyone else far behind to win the Male prize. Meanwhile Alisdair, who discovered a few minutes before the start that he was competing in the first run and the ride, and Esme Moffett shared childcare duties and won the Mixed prize.

The two clubs kept up the tradition of providing delicious cakes and refreshments, which were served by Kathy, Angie and Oliver.

It was a fun, social occasion and thanks go to Roger Saunders, for all the organisation, supported by John and Jennie.

The two clubs will make a contribution to the school as a ‘thank you’ for the use of the playground.

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Tony Ballinger participated in the Exe Valley Triathlon. This was his first one, so he entered the novice event and came 4th overall. He was helped by his bike fitness and came 2nd fastest on the bike stage. Tony was justifiably pleased to come 1st in his age category. That’s impressive for a first attempt.

Craig Boyde is a long-distance man – the longer the better for him. He rode the Trans Kernow, which is a self-organised ride across Cornwall starting in Saltash and finishing in Plymouth, via Lizard Point, Penryn, Newquay & Bodmin . He did this over two days, covering 200 miles and nearly 20,000ft of climb.

“I’m still buzzing from adventure I’ve just had; it’s been tough, but it’s been truly amazing as well.”

On Sunday saw several Spinners, including John Burgess, Rachel and Tom Dunn, Rod Inglis, Mike Bowring, Kevin Goss, Jennie Sleeman, Malcom Street, Julian Gigg, Nikki Gigg, Rod Inglis, Kevin Goss, Jonathan Davies, Rob Conabeer, Mike Wilkins, Scott Rumens, setting off early to catch the 9.15 ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth. Nikki and Julian decided to catch the ferry from Southampton, so weren’t spotted on the island. The ride is a 65 mile circuit of the island where you follow the blue cycle route signs (if you spot them in time!), signing in to various checkpoints and food stops on the route. The roads were mostly smooth tarmac so a joy to ride, and there was 5000ft of climb to keep the heart-pumping. Spinners rode in various groups so it was great social ride and definitely a date for the diary next year.

Several Spinners tackled their first 100 mile ride in 2019 at the Velo Birmingham and Midlands 100, joining 17000 riders starting in Birmingham city centre. John Burgess, Lyn Pike, Sue Jones and Jennie Sleeman were at various start points early on Sunday. The closed road route took in cobbles in Coventry, scenic countryside and cheering crowds in the towns and villages along the generally gently undulating route. The sign at mile 80, advertising the lumpy last 20, certainly wasn’t welcomed by tired legs! It was well-organised, if rather busy at the food stops, but the event was marred by a fatality. Riders were able to offer their support for the family by contributing to the air ambulance charity.

At the weekend, Rachael and Tom Dunn took part in the The Somerset 100k starting at Westhay near Glastonbury. It is a non-timed Sportive, with 35m, 100km and 100m route options through quiet lovely Somerset towns and villages. Having completed the 100k (66.2iles) in just over 4 hours, averaging over 16mph this year, they recommend it and plan to return next year to do the 100 mile distance.