Back from East Africa - cool to be in the UK again

 Parliament Hill, Hampstead - Keir Apperley

Thursday 23rd December I arrived back in London from Uganda after an unexpected four day stop over in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. This was due to Heathrow airport being snow bound and closed. I took advantage of the opportunity to have a look around the city, meeting some interesting people along the way. 

One activity I found in Addis' that I'd recommend to our Ugandan cyclists was the practice of hiring out cycles to learn to cycle on or just simply for the ride. This was being done within eye sight and local people, young and old, were enjoying the chance to have a go on a bike at a small cost. I noticed two locations to find this, one in front of the Russian Tiglachin Monument and the other in the Addis Ababa Football Stadium car park, both in the city centre.

CCH Juniors Awards

'Twas a night before Christmas....

Saturday 18th of December saw the last training session of the year take place in the club. Whilst the snow fell thickly all around Harry took us all through the Russian steps - or is it Steppe? - anyway it got us all very warm.

Following this there was a party and awards were handed out to the riders - a full list of awards can be found here. For the riders who couldn't make it through the snow you can pick up your awards in the new year.

Andy leads the riders through a warm down

Riders with awards

Hackney Downs becomes the Russian Steppe

Saturday Training

This Saturday the 18th will be the last training session this year - the following saturdays are xmas day and new years day - we will start up again on the 8th of January. If the weather lets up get out there and cycle anyway here are some pic's of the Early Risers catching some air out in the frost at High Beech last Sunday.

Meeting the Ugandan Cycling Association and Paul Sherwen

 Sam Lebega (UCA general secretary) & Keir Apperley at UCA HQ
 

UCA President Sam Muwonge. Keir Apperley, Semakula Sebastion, 

Paul Sherwen & Lubega Bumali (Tour de Uganda)

  

Okello Steven (Lira CC) & Paul Sherwen

Today we visited Tour de France TV commentator and former TDF rider Paul Sherwen who also lives in Kampala. We spoke about cycling in Uganda and what can be done to help speed up progress and create better opportunities for improvement. Paul suggested that top level local cycling athletes need to be found to act as exciting role models leading to attract more interest. He recommended following Jock Boyer's approach of performance testing riders to find sure talent. Jock is currently doing a fine job of leading the coaching programme in the neighboring country of Rwanda. Mr Sherwen agreed that a regional grass roots programme for development would be effective as well. He was interested in the outcomes of the 'Cycling in Uganda' meeting set for next Saturday 11th December at Kampala's Makerere University.

     

Gary Wins South-East & Eastern Cyclo-Cross Championship

Gary Lingard wins the Vet's 40-49 category race.

The South-East & Eastern Cyclo-Cross Championships were held at Hog Hill on Sunday December 5, with CCH represented in all races bar the seniors and womens. Best result of the day was a first place for Gary Lingard in the veterans category where he led from start to finish.

The conditions were extremely boggy with most of the snow having melted in the overnight rain - so lap times were going to be slower than expected. The day started with Logan and Frank going well in the Under 12's followed By Kai and Leonard in the Under 10's.

Logan with snowy backdrop.

Frank looking stylish.

Leonard and Kai looking pleased with their efforts.

Plenty of snow around but Ned's feeling the heat.

Dan completing another lap of the 2.6km circuit.

Alex and Ned on one of the many sections where pushing the bike was quicker than riding.

In the youth race Dan lead home Alex and Ned, whilst CCH's biggest contingent was in the veteran's with Andy, Gary, Harry, Peter and Neil riding the slippery circuit to the common refrain of "come on dad". Congratulations to all those who took part - especially Gary for his excellent win- making sure CCH gets plenty of notice.

Andy at the top of the hill.

Full results and some pics here.

More pics here.

The racers were were well supported by other CCH members.

CCH 2010 Agm minutes and report

You can now access the CCH 2010 AGM minutes from the meeting held on the 10th of November and the Secretary's report here. Treasurer's report to follow.

Results & clips and pics from the 5th Dec 2010 TT Hill Climb in Kampala

Our race was a good start and we'd like to thank all who turned up to make it happen especially the volunteers, staff and supporters. Special mention must be made for Benidicta Nabingi Nanyonga of the Kinawataka Womans Initiative who was our guest of honour - she presented to awards so well. Also thanks to Katka Benokova representing Red Chilli Hideaway who was ver helful on the day and provided a prize. Some fine riding was witnessed up the 1.3km climb, but really it was Tippa (heavy single speed bike) rider; Ronnie Mubiru who stole the show with an unbelievable second place close behind David Matovu who is fresh from the Tour de Rwanda and riding a light racing bike.

KPC Race For Hope 4th Dec & Mbuya Barracks Hill Climb 5th Dec

Come, the weather here is luvvly!
Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

Non Stop Winter Training

The cold weather didn't deter the CCH youngsters from turning in up in large numbers at the club this morning to take part in some indoor training. Twenty riders put the spinners, turbo trainers and rollers to good use in between running sessions round the Downs and core fitness sessions on the mats. There were no complaints about the cold after all that. In attendance today were two new members who race for the Southwold Primary School team - Bici-Club en Southwold - Klaudia and Nikola - so welcome to them and hopefully they'll be joined by more of their team mates. Bici-Club en Southwold has already produced two strong CCH riders in Shiva and Noah and as the schools race league progresses we look forward to welcoming more riders this way.

Ned gets to grip with the the rollers

Who needs central heating?