Cycling Club Hackney

Cycling Uganda - 2nd Mbuya hill climb pictures

2012-01-25T21:10:00.000Z

Cycling Uganda Mbuya Hill Climb, images and some words can be found here.

First CCH win of the year

2012-01-23T13:58:00.002Z

James on his way to winning.

Well done to James Fairbank who won the Cat3/4 race in ELV's six days of winter crit' series at Hoghill this weekend on January 21st. This is CCH first win of the season let's hope there are many more to come. Ben Brown finished 12th in the same race - maybe we can get a report from one of the lads. Check out Jame's thrillingly tight win in a three man sprint for the line on this video footage here on UK Cyclesport .

All you riders and racers for CCH please remember to send in your results for inclusion on the blog and website. I don't have enough time to go looking for them...

Ben on the Hogberg

CCH juniors ignore frost to race

2012-01-17T21:34:00.000Z

Olivia and Harry line up

Some CCH juniors last week chose to ignore the frost and headed over to Hoghill for the 1st Crit' of the season - they were rewarded with a beautiful day and large fields leading to good racing.

Stan leading out

First up was Stan in the Under 8's where he rode well coming in 5th place. This was followed by Harry in the Under 10's where he finished 13th on his 1st outing in his new age group. In the under 12's Olivia was riding in her school team colours of Southwold - lets hope the kit order comes through soon.

Also riding in the U12s were Bede and Logan and Mostyn came 8th in the U14s - full results here.

Harry at the finish of the U10s

2012 National Cyclo-Cross Championships

2012-01-09T19:12:00.000Z

Ned crossing the finishing line at Ipswich

Saturday and Sunday last was the national Cyclocross championships held at Chantry park in Ipswich.

The relatively flat 3.5km course led to fast paced and close cyclocross racing with very strong fields and CCHackney riders in three of the races. Andy led the way in the over 50s finishing 39th in his race and 19th in his age category gaining a couple of BC points for his top twenty finish.

Andy loving the mud

Next up were Ned and Mostyn in the U14's, they both rode well and came in 26 & 27th respectively...

Ned and Mostyn in the Under 14s

Harry was next up in the 40+ race where he finished 77th and 36th in his age category of 45+.

Harry hareing round in the 45+

The lads did us proud - for a full race report and video etc see here.
If you are going to be racing or taking part in events this year please send in a report and results with a photo or two and we'll put them on the blog and the results on the website.

London Bike Show next weekend

2012-01-08T13:48:00.000Z

I can't guarantee there will be knitted bikes like these there but you never know...

The london bike show is on next weekend at 12- 15th January at Excel in the Docklands . Loads of stalls, stars on bikes doing tricks etc. Four under 16s can get in free if accompanied by an adult. BC discount on tickets on their website.
See details here - London Bike Show.

Olympic opening ceremony opportunity

2012-01-05T16:29:00.001Z

LONDON 2012 SEEKS CYCLISTS FOR THE

BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH

Think you could perform in front of an audience of one billion people around

the world? The search is on for volunteer performers within the Olympic

Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Artistic Directors Danny Boyle and Kim Gavin are searching for cyclists,

particularly with good upper body strength. To be eligible you must be aged

18 years or older on 1 March 2012 and able to meet the commitments for

rehearsals.

Previous performance experience is not required, just enthusiasm to perform

in front of a stadium audience and to millions of people around the world!

Don’t delay! To find out how to apply to audition and for full details on the

commitments involved please follow the following link:

http://www.london2012.com/ceremonies
If you could put the letter C in brackets (C) for CYCLIST at the end of the

family name field on the online form. and click ‘Get Involved’.

Closing date for applications is 9th January 2012.

Happy New Year in 2012 with CC Hackney

2011-12-30T00:20:00.000Z

Happy New Year in 2012 with
Cycling Club Hackney

CCH 2011 AGM - Monday 30th January 2012 - from 7pm @ CCH HQ

2011-12-29T21:30:00.002Z

All paid up members are invited to 1 Olympus Square London E5 0QJ for CCH's

2011 annual general meeting. The AGM - year review and election of officers.

Peter Catermolle is in support of Cycling Uganda

2011-12-27T23:35:00.001Z

27.12.11
Today I met Peter Catermolle, British Cycling London Regional Development Manager (and leader at Velo Club Londres) by Herne Hill Velodrome in south London. We had a talk about Cycling Uganda and building on specific support for cycling and cyclists on that side. Peter offered me some great advice about velodromes to carry forward. He also thought it was excellent that CC Hackney were sponsoring a young Ugandan racing cyclist (Ronnie). Peter was of the view that one sunny day it could be that many London cycling clubs will support individual cyclists in Uganda and even in other developing countries. Peter asked me if I could find a rider in Kampala for VCL to work with - well now we're on track, watch the space a follow-up is coming soon. After our talk I was generously handed items to take as prizes to hand out to competitors after the 2nd Mbuya Hill Climb on 8th January 2012.

It was really great of Peter to come out and give up his time to help the project along.

Mr. Catermolle - ya' large :)

Happy new year 2012

Keir

Magnificent Revolution power surge

2011-12-19T09:40:00.003Z

Magnificent Revolution are getting behind CC Hackney, Interlinkx CiC and Cycling Uganda.

After visiting lead person Adam Walker at Mag. Rev's base on Hackney City Farm. It was agreed that there is plenty of potential for interesting and productive partnership work in all three linked projects.

Adam presented me with one 24v motor to take to Cycling Uganda in the capital Kampala. It's ready to use, complete with the aluminum contact point for the rear wheel's tyre to spin that thing. This motor is the type used in electric scooters and can produce 300w of DC power (the scooters are not so challenging in my eyes now:))

Power produced in this way has many applications including, LED lighting, computer/phone charging, sound and vision.

Planning for partnership work and increased learning opportunities into 2012 with Magificent Revolution; this is something interesting to look forward to, happy new year in advance.

Keir Apperley

Wednesday 14th December 2011

Look Mum No Hands

CCH club fellows; Shaveh and Jace Daley joined in by revving the Magnificent Revolution generators to supply electricity for the Gorilla Film Magazine's short film night at LMNH. The evening was entertaining, thought provoking and pleasurable as well as being a bit of a work out for those who donated their leg power in watts for conversion.

L-R Adam Keir Shaveh Jac

Cycling Uganda link to the latest news

2011-12-17T23:20:00.011Z

CU Road Race 11.12.11

Stephen Okellow

Ronnie Mibiru Jarsen

Cycling Uganda (CU) has staged it's first public Road Race - it was organised by Stephen 'on the case' Okello and our supported rider Ronnie Mibiru Jarsen. The event went ahead very well and many turned up to sign on for the ride or to watch. Also en route was a huge cavalcade of motor cycle riders to add to the festival flavor. Ronnie can be seen in action in CCH colors and at the start line where he received the Tiffosi road bike that was sent out to CU by CCH.

I'm heading back to Uganda to be there early in the new year, following up on last year's visit, catching up with our partners and to meet some new heads who share our interests.

If any club mates and/or associates would like to donate anything considered useful to CU and our cycling friends in Uganda please bring along items to the club's xmas eve early social after the youth training session - 12 noon Saturday 24th December - CCH HQ 1 Olmpus Sq London E5 0QJ.

You name it; kitchen drawer stuff, selected bits and pieces.

Cheers

Keir Apperley

Hackney's World Record setting Cyclist

2011-12-16T19:25:00.003Z

Tommy Hall world record holder. Note the name Gordon Bennett up on the hoardings.

Hackney can lay claim to a World record beating cyclist in Tommy Hall - although born in Croydon, Tommy must have came up an earlier version of the Overground as he ended up in Hackney, finally parking his bike in Abney Park where I spotted his gravestone the other day. Hall was a professional cyclist between 1900 and 1914 and he broke the world motor-paced hour record on the 14th September 1903, distancing 54.34 miles (87.391 kilometres).

Tommy Hall - stayer

The following year he came 2nd in the European stayer (motor-paced) championship in 1904.

Hall died aged 72 in 1949, his grave lies in Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, London, a few feet away from the statue of Dr Isaac Watts up from the chapel towards Church Street.

Tommy Hall's gravestone in Abney Park

The headstone inscription reads:

William Thomas (Tommy) Hall

Who died April 26^th 1949

Aged 72 years

This memorial was erected

by his cycling friends as a tribute to

a record breaking and world famous cyclist

on road and track

A great rider and sportsman

An earlier stayer F. Gerger being led around by a scary looking contraption that I can't even name.

East & South East Champs Report

2011-12-08T17:52:00.001Z

Frank and Louis set off in the U12s.

The East/South East Regional Championship Cyclocross was held at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City last Sunday 4 December 2011. CCH were represented in almost all races.

Mostyn hurdles the extra high boards.

A chilly morning saw the Youth race first with Mostyn holding in the U14s his own a demanding and fast course to come home in 32nd place.

Molly in the U12s.

Louis starts another lap.

Logan cheered on by chilly CCH members.

In the Under 12's CCh had Molly, Louis, Frank and Logan. A large field on the shorter course led to good racing with Logan finishing in 8th place, Louis 17th, Molly 21st and Frank 22nd.

Bart in the trees.

Bart set off in the juniors moments before the Vetrans 40-49 started with Harry and Neil. Following a bad start involving me almost riding over Harry's head on the 3rd corner it became a game of catch up. The hurdles proved extra tough as they were on a rise in the course making the boards seem double the height.
Bart finished in 6th in the Juniors with myself 34th and Harry 35th in the Vets.

Harry going strong.

Neil wearing an off the knee look.

Overall it was good day out with an excellently laid out course suiting the speedier riders. Full results here.
For more photos see Mostyn's excellent slide show on the CCH Facebook page - see the link below left.

CCH sponsor riders

2011-12-08T00:05:00.001Z

Saturday 3rd December.
A midweek shopping trip to Decathlon was made for selected young CCH riders who were awarded winter kit by the club. The package included appropriately colored bobble hats, training longs, gloves and rain jackets for protection during the coldest months. This act was much appreciated by the group, especially after getting their hands into some decent warm gloves.

AYO

CC Hackney Coaching Club meeting - CCHCC-1

2011-12-07T10:08:00.003Z

The inaugural CCH Coaching Club meeting took place at 1 Olympus Sq on Monday 5th December. It was well attended with 17 members in the house on a cold night. We had an ice breaking game of CCH Q/A Bingo (won by Alex "I'm not too competitive" Peters) before getting down to why, what and how? It was agreed that those present were inside to pick up knowledge about how to become faster cyclists. By keeping it as simple as possible we set out to encourage and inform our riders by drawing from established methods and accepted practices and opening up the key principals of training and preparing to go faster on a bike.

On the agenda; Target setting, the year view, testing and recovery - AOB

Junior cyclist Alex Peters shared the floor and spoke about his take on self coaching. He has achieved a lot in two years and is keen to share knowledge and insight. Alex enlightened us on his approach to training, periods in the year, testing, resting and recovery. All contributing to the 'mind set' of a would be champion, be it a national womens track award, the highest placed master class cyclo-cross rider or a personal best time in a club time trial.

By the end of the talks some good outcomes were made in a short space of time, club mates became more acquainted to the 'mind set' of an athlete, willing and able to self assess and plan his/her year round training programme. During the session we divided into discussion groups and working units to begin identifying SMART sporting targets for 2012. The exact event dates, times and places to be revealed at the next step CCHCC2 which is set for 30th January 2012.

SIS talk last Thursday

2011-12-06T14:07:00.001Z

Peter and some CCH members at Core.

Peter Slijkhuis from Science in Sport delivered the second of Cycling Club Hackney's winter talks and coaching workshops last Thursday 1st of December at Core Arts. The evening was well attended and the audience were given a scientific break down on nutrition and hydration in relation to sports and cycling in particular. peter has more than one degree in sports science and competes in Ironman competitions so its fair to say he could back up what he was saying.

The presentation is available to download from the CCH website here - it makes fascinating reading and gives plenty scope for thought. Also included on it are a description of SIS products and their benefits.

Peter has also set up a discount code that all CCH members can use and will give them 25% discount off SRP through the web shop on their website www.scienceinsport.com until the end of January. If you fill in the code at check out you will receive the 25% discount automatically.

I will email out the code to all.

Next up we have James Clark leading a discussion on nutrition and how to keep the costs down - this Thursday 8th Dec' at CCH HQ.

Send off party for the Mitchell family 9th December at Core

2011-12-01T09:41:00.001Z

Winter Knees up at Core 9th December

Come celebrate the Mitchell's new adventure

Dear CCH friends

It is with sadness and excitement that I'm writing to tell you that Family Mitchell are readying themselves for a new adventure in north Bavaria (Franken to be precise) and would like to invite you all to the send-off party. They'll be live music, DJ's and a bar, so what else could you possibly wish for!

Put it in the diary:

7 - 11.30 Friday 9th December
Core Arts
1 St Barnabas Terrace
London E9 6DJ
www.corearts.co.uk

We do plan to stay in touch via all the latest technology (best speak to Edgar about details!) and are planning to set up a creative holiday centre, so in time we'll be ready to invite CCH for an introduction to a Frankish cycling experience.

Hope you can join us

Best wishes

Peter, Silka, Leonard, Edgar - update ****

Silka gave birth to a beautiful little boy on Tuesday and mum and baby are doing well. His name is Eric Bryn Mitchell and he looks forward to being part of the Mitchell pursuit team!

Leonard Mitchell winning a grass track race this summer

Pete, Silka and their boys have been stalwart members of CCH and helped to give it the friendly family atmosphere it is known for. The boys have had a fantastic season of racing this year - check out their palmares here- for Edgar and here for Leonard. The east end will miss the Mitchell brothers but we're sure they'll continue to fly the flag for CCH out in Germany. See you at the party.

Edgar Mitchell on his way to a win at Hoghill

Box Hill Ride and Penshurst Cross reports

2011-11-30T17:36:00.001Z

The top of the Penshurst course with the valley behind.

Sunday morning came cold, grey and windy and after the pre kit order session a group of twelve riders both CCH regulars and newcomers set off from club HQ and headed West to check out a few Surrey hills including the much talked about Box Hill due to feature (several times) in the 2012 Olympic Road Race. After an early cold shower and the loss of Tony due to a mechanical issue (and some rather spurious mechanical assistance by yours truly - sorry Tony) eleven riders continued on. The wind slowly dropped and the sun came out to play making for some great riding. After the stop start of the city the group settled into a comfortable pace as they headed out through Richmond Park and Kingston-Upon-Thames, past Sandown race course, over Esher Common and onto the back lanes of Surrey past Cobham.

At around mile 40 the group hit Staple Hill the first of three challenging climbs. At 610 ft and just under two miles this was enough to break the group up and at the top Daniels emergency stop due to a jammed cleat gave John (who was right behind him) the opportunity for a lay down on the verge! Once John had stopped messing around snoozing in the ditch and we had regrouped we pushed on deeper into the lovely woods and hills and after a long fast downhill and a tight hairpin found ourselves on Dunley Hill, the second of the days challenges and a short sharp shock of a hill rising up to 650 ft. After a quick breather and regroup we headed on over Ranmore Common and bombed down Ranmore Hill into Westhumble Village before the last of the days challenges the zig zag of Box Hill climbing up to 680 ft with spectacular views over the valleys below.

At the top we found the National trust Cafe in a state of upheaval as work has already commenced in preparation for next years event so after a brief stop and refuel on cake, pastys and chili sausage roll that both John and I were to rue ever eating (but that's another story all together!) we set off for home. After the second puncture of the day was swiftly fixed by a trusty Anglo-Italian-Japanese trio the pace was raised and after the Surrey Hills the way home almost felt downhill all the way back into London. We were soon once again back in Richmond Park and then heading home to Hackney. Total distance 85 miles, elevation gain 3500 ft, average speed 15mph, not bad for a Sunday club ride though we suspect that come 2012 the pro's may go a little further and a little faster. Well done and thanks to everyone for a great day, Isobel, Shaalan, Alex, John, Tony, Rachael, Daichi, Terry, Daniel, Gareth, Stefano, and Derek (who after navigating all the way there and back got lost in Hackney!).

P.s. If you fancy checking out a few Surrey Hills Derek will be leading out another Box Hill group ride Sunday 18/12/11 and monthly until Spring 2012. There will also be the opportunity to do a more challenging six hills at some point over Christmas. More information to come here and via the CCH Facebook page soon.-- Derek Mullan

Bart slip sliding downhill.

Harry going uphill

Meanwhile the Wednesday night cross training seems to be paying off as CCH riders move up the leader board in the latest round of the London Cross League. The 10th round of the Mosquito London and South East Cyclo Cross League was held at the very picturesque but extremely gnarly Penshurst Off Road Centre on Sunday November 27 promoted by Addiscombe CC. This cross season has been all about the heat - far too much of it for a winter sport... However last sunday we finally saw some mud. The twisting course wound its way down a slippery steep hill into the valley then climbed its way back up the start, clearly this was no race for a lack of concentration - check out the video here at Cross Crazy.

Logan lapping up the mud.

Logan went off first in the U12's and the shorter course was no less demanding than the seniors'.

The start of the tricky descent from below

The same decent from above followed by right angled left turn.

The long drag back up through the trees.

Happy to be finished.

Bart (Junior) Harry and Neil (vets) joined the 104 other starters in the seniors race. Six times we had to climb back up the hill into the sun making us wonder if we'd climbed further than our teammates over at nearby Boxhill. Full report and results here - Bart's is wrong he finished just in front of me. It's the Eastern and South Eastern Regional Championships next weekend at Welwyn - the bikes should just about be clean by then - bring it on...

Rob Sharman visit 2

2011-11-26T10:01:00.003Z

Last Thursday evening British Cycling's eastern region coach Rob Sharman delivered a fine talk entitled 'Pathways into Racing' that was well attended by CC Hackney members and also guests from East London Velo. Thanks and praise are due to the organisers and especially Rob as he had traveled all the way down from Derby to be with us.
The session was targeted at youth riders but was useful for all. We were informed about the many racing opportunities and locations in the and around the region as well as a simple and effective five day weekly training programme for young riders, beginners and anyone else pushed for time.

In short there is plenty of racing near by and it's all about preparation and speed :)

To follow this, the first of our 'CCH Coaching Club' open workshops (CCHCC) is set for Monday 5th December from 6.30pm at 1 Olympus Sq E5 0QJ. This session is open to all members who want to improve their training to become racing cyclists or raise their standard if they are racing already. Target setting, knowledge sharing and coaching the British Cycling Level 3 way will be the main areas of work.

No fee, just rock-up.

Rehydration and Recovery Talk

2011-11-22T23:24:00.001Z

Cycling Club Hackney presents a talk by Peter Slijkhuis from Science in Sports

on Rehydration and Recovery in Sports - all CCH riders and friends are welcome to come along and find out more about this important aspect for all kinds of cycling. There will be a question and answer session and Peter will be bringing along samples of SIS products. If you could let me know if you can attend so I can let him know numbers it'd be appreciated.

Date - Thursday 1st of December from 7-9pm

Venue - Core Arts 109 Homerton High Street, London E9 6DL.

This is the second in a series of winter talks and workshops CCH are organising - stayed tuned for further events to come.

Kit ordering T-minus...

2011-11-19T22:20:00.002Z

CCH members pre-kit order; item request session @ 1 Olympus Sq E5 0QJ from 7.30am - 8.15am Sunday 27th November (before the delayed early riser ride to Box Hill). This is to help us to put a sensible order together, additional stock numbers will be added as educated guesses.

New young riders Shaveh & Jac Daley alongside CCH old hand Joel Alarcon

2011-11-19T22:15:00.003Z

CC Hackney welcome the Daley brothers Shaveh & Jac (pronounced Jace) pictured here taking a break in High Beach Epping Forest. This was shortly before heading home to round off another decent Saturday club youth training ride. Out of this picture are their supporting cyclists Jason Evans & yours truly.

Shaquile has Bikeability

2011-11-19T22:07:00.001Z

Saturday 19th November 2011

Shaquile proudly holds up his newly acquired L2 Bikeability certificate of achievement. He earned this by attending the 'Young Hackney' sponsored training sessions that were delivered at The Bridge Academy earlier in November.

Hackney Sports Awards 2011

2011-11-17T21:25:00.001Z

Six members of CCH take to the stage for their awards from the Youth Sports Fund

As some of you will no doubt be aware through your Hackney Today newspaper it was the 2011 Hackney Sports Awards on the 4th of November at the Empire. CCH were well represented although we never came away with the main prize this year. Tao and Alex were second and third respectively in the Under 21 Sports Person of the year category. Bella and Alexander were both short listed for the under 13 Sport Person of the year, as the Dmochowski siblings were nominated for their fencing prowess it's maybe just as well one or the other never won the prize - swords might have been drawn. Bella did however receive a Silver award from the Youth sports Fund, whilst Tao and Alex both received Gold awards and Logan a bronze. Harry and myself had to take to the stage as well as we received funding for further coaching courses - it pays to get in there early Andy...

SOLD OUT - Senior_ National_Track_Championships_2011

2011-11-15T08:54:00.004Z

Tickets on sale from 9am this morning go to: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/11dkd1

pass code: HACKNEYPREPARES is SOLD OUT

Never mind the disappointment if you're ticket-less, it's much more real to do it than watch it; sports in general. Go for a ride, a run or a kick around, you'll feel better after.

Flying

2011-11-10T01:18:00.001Z

Cyclists are sometimes described as 'flying' when in great form...

FLYING :)

Clem Berrill & Rhys Howells ride for Team Orbea in 2012

2011-11-10T00:52:00.001Z

CCH wish Clem & Rhys all the best in 2012 season when they'll be riding for semi pro outfit Team Orbea. Good luck lads riding in/as a team will be a great learning opportunity, well done and congratulations.

"Both Clem Berrill and Rhys Howells join the team from the successful Hackney CC, a club that has a depth of young talent and has quickly become a hotbed for developing and encouraging young riders from this part of the region."

velouk.net

At this point racing additions in CCH colours for 2012 will be the riders; Thomas Smith, James Clark and Jason Evans. Also there will be the emergence of aspiring club racers Zoe Desclayes, Joel Alencon, Shaveh Sad, Liam Pegram, Bart Walbank and Sophie Powel.

Lordship Loop mountain bike and BMX pump track launch Dec 3rd

2011-11-08T22:39:00.002Z

The Trax mountain bike and BMX club are delighted to invite the local community of Tottenham and London, the wider bike community and all our members, friends and family to the official launch of The Lordship Loop bike park on Saturday Dec 3rd.

Lordship Loop is the exciting new 391 metre long pump track' style trail loop suitable for both mountain bikes and BMX in Lordship Recreation Grounds in Tottenham, London.

Event: Lordship Loop Mountain bike and BMX track launch
Date and time: Saturday 3rd December at 10am
Meeting Location: Broadwater Farm Community centre, Adams Road, Tottenham, London
N17 6HE (next door to the bike track)
The Itinerary is a fun packed day:

10.00am-11.00am The Trax Annual General Meeting and nominations and votes for committee roles. Volunteer opportunities and awards ceremony.

11.00am Official opening of Lordship Loop
- Rowan Sorrell and his Back on Track team will be there to anoint the virgin track for its first ride to show how the loop can be ridden

12.00pm they will run two sessions to let the youth use it first (only right). First are 8 – 10 year olds and then 11 – 16 year olds.

13.00pm open to all.

Loads on around the event like…

London Cycling Campaign (LCC) funded Dr Bike session.

Community and bike stalls.
- Evans Cycles bikes
  - Including a lucky dip (BMX top prize). All proceeds to club funds
- Mountain Bike Rider Magazine
- International Mountain Bike Association
- Lordship Rec Users Forum
- Friends of Lordship Rec

Games and fun coaching activities going on all day.

Face painting (All proceeds to club funds so nobody leaves until their face is painted)

“This much anticipated launch brings both a much needed community run facility for youth in Tottenham. The whole bike world and the local community are coming together to make this a sustainable venture. The launch heralds a new era of mountain biking as it is brought to a new generation of riders in an urban setting. Hopefully the first of many, we welcome all to come and celebrate this historic day.” Daniel Mintz Chair of The Trax

The Trax are delighted to announce our affiliation with the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) and their massively useful award of a tool grant as their kind support to ensure the loops and the clubs sustainability. The tools will be awarded on the day by Mark McClure, chairman of IMBA-UK. To find out more about the work of IMBA-UK or to join as an affiliate check out www.imba.org.uk

If you are interested in setting up a stall in the hall, or donating prizes for their launch activities or sponsoring our awards etc then please get in touch.

The bike world comes to the local Tottenham community on Dec 3^rd. Join in the fun. www.thetrax.co.uk

Daniel.mintz@yahoo.co.uk 07990577206

Be Safe Be Seen Event

2011-11-04T17:56:00.000Z

Be safe be seen and get your bikes tagged.

12th November - free bike tagging at London Fields Lido. At the same time Hackney Cultural services will be running a competition for two age groups 11-13 and 14-19 years old around graffiti art.
They will have a professional artist at the event who will go through the techniques of design and demonstrate how ideas are put together.

The winning designs will then be transferred onto porta cabins (at a later date) plus the winners will also receive a prize. Plus runner up prizes. The winners will also be invited to actively take part in the final design and add their signature

The initial event is on the 12th of November from 14:30 - 17:00 at London Fields Lido.

Beat the rush...

2011-11-03T23:09:00.002Z

UCI World Cup track racing - just down the road - head start tickets to go on sale:

Facebook - Cycling Club Hackney

2011-11-02T07:49:00.000Z

Cycling Club Hackney on Facebook it's official, spread the word...

Paris - Brest -Paris report

2011-10-28T19:26:00.002+01:00

Patrick with his five jerseys from the Paris Brest

Patrick Field completed his fifth Paris-Brest in August. Paris-Brest - also known as PBP - is the oldest bike ride still in the calendar, it runs from the French Capital to the Breton coast, and back. When it started in 1891 PBP was a race. The first victory - for Charles Terront, riding for Michelin - boosted public acceptance of the pneumatic tyre and helped launch the modern World. Today PBP is a touring event run every four years. Riders have 90 hours to cover 1230 km, that’s 770 miles in three and three-quarter days. Near the front it's a very long, gruelling road race - the first riders finish in under two days - but for most of the 5,000 starters it's more a test of efficiency and road-craft.

Patrick being chased down by the other 4999 riders in the peleton.

Patrick says:- "The Paris-Brest is the most fun I've ever had on a bike.Towns and villages along the way are in festive mood with decorated old bikes hanging from trees and pop-up front-garden coffee stalls. People stay up all night just to watch you pass and cheer you on. Half the riders come from outside France so it's also a big, international party.2011 was my easiest ride so far. I wasn't worried about a personal-best and was always safely ahead of the elimination time. Experience helped me make good decisions - like when to ride and when to sleep - and I was in my comfort-zone almost all the way round. I aim to qualify again in 2015 and am confident I can extend my record."

It's a good thing there isn't an elimination time on getting the report in though Patrick

- still - slowly slowly catchy monkey....

Rapha Super Cross

2011-10-26T17:43:00.001+01:00

Frank and supporters

CCH turned out in numbers for the finale of the Rapha Super Cross series at Alexandra Palace last Sunday 23rd of October. A beautiful autumn day combined with a demanding course and spectacular venue bode well for a great day of racing.

Artie crossing the finishing line.

In the first race of the day - the Under 10s - Artie rode to a storming third place - a crash being the only thing that stopped him finishing higher.

Logan on his way to third

Frank and Logan were up next in the Under 12s with Logan gaining another podium place for CCH finishing third.

Andy taking a leap

Next up were Andy Harry and Neil in the seniors and veterans race with Bart riding at the same time in the juniors. The organisers really put the riders to the sword with the course rising up all the way to the palace- however just when you thought you had reached the top of the hill you had to dismount and carry your bike up a large flight of stairs. I'd love to say this got easier with each lap... it didn't.

Bart pushing on

Harry steps over the hurdles

Neil's horse impersonation

Following this was the elite race and the crowds had swelled to cheer them on - Paul Oldham the current National Champion won the race with Hope Technology being the winning team in the series. The large crowd included Hackney's two current National Champions - our own Keir Apperley arrived fresh from a 2nd place in the SERRL winter league - see previous post - and Norman Bright the current wearer of the over 70s jersey - see here for more info.

Norman and Keir - over 120 years worth of cycling expertise.

CCH were even represented in the Barista stakes with Rhys sorting out the java on the Rapha Mobile club stall.

Ned gunning it on the home straight.

Ned went well in the final race of the day that saw the Under16s/under 14s ride at the same time as novice adults. This event was a great crowd pleaser as the organisers had thrown in a rather nifty shortcut for those adults brave enough to take it. The Tequila shortcut cut out a 100m section of the course with a rather dodgy hairpin bend on an adverse camber. However in order to take the shortcut riders had to drink a shot of tequila. The fact that a set of hurdles awaited the riders just ahead made for a very entertaining finale, especially for those riders that had opted for the shortcut more than once.

Artie gets his prize for third place U10s.

Logan with cash in hand for third in U12s.

Full results to follow.
Finally not to be outdone in the excitement stakes the Sunday morning club ride almost had a similar incident to this dude - when Derek was nearly taken out by a leaping deer.

CCH visit Gravesend Cyclopark 23.10.11

2011-10-24T10:03:00.003+01:00

Charlie Scott and I visited Gravesend and the newly opened Cyclopark. We were there to participate in the first of the SERRL Winter series races. The weather was too kind for the time of year and we felt fortunate to be racing in shirts and shorts come late October. This said there was a fair old easterly breeze blowing in from the English Channel.
At the start line about seventy riders lined up for the one and half our challenge around the full circuit, two thirds of which were 3/4 cat riders. Charlie took off with them while I waited for a minute to proceed with my group of 1/2 cats. After a few laps of the course (great to ride btw) two riders clipped off in pursuit of the 3/4 bunch, I followed two more up the road and caught the chasers, chasing. In the end a gang of four stabilized to maintain a reasonable lead, working well to eventually catch up with the 3/4s. The ensuing race within a race lead to a confusing bun fight of a sprint where it was hard to tell what happened. Apparently I arrived in second place according to the sensor chips we were issued with. Charlie finished well but just out of the top ten.
Great course, good race shame about the mix-up at the end. I'm looking forward to heading back there next year, doubtful about doing any more winter stuff, Charlie and Andy O'Reagan may go for some more. It's half hour by car, an hour by train - well worth the trip I'd say. Pictures

Keir Apperley

Tao accepted onto the Olympic Development Programme

2011-10-13T21:21:00.000+01:00

Tao on the boards at Manchester

CCH rider Tao Geoghan-Hart has seen all his hard efforts of this year come to fruition with a place on British Cycling's Olympic Development Programme. This is a big deal for Tao and great for the club.
Tao said - 'To be selected for the Olympic Development Programme is a real honor, and although it is just the start of the next phase of my cycling; racing at a Junior level, it is going to be fun as well as tremendously hard. Past riders on the programme have gone on to do massive things and I really hope to follow in their footsteps, but for now its up and down Lea Bridge Road everyday! I am really looking forward to riding for and representing the ODP and CC Hackney next year.'

Well done Tao and we look forward to hearing all about the ODP, meanwhile don't spend all your time on the Lea Bridge Road - use the downtime to get on with the A levels :-)

Stands the Church clock at ten to three? And is there honey still for tea?

2011-10-13T14:55:00.002+01:00

Tea at Grantchester

The women's ride to Cambridge set off last rainy Sunday morning with the rest of the early risers. We split from the main group at High Beech, led by Anna with a very large scale map torn from a small motoring atlas and the hazy memories of last years ride. The adventurers were three women's ride regulars Anna, Liz and Isobel, and three eager recruits, Prosper, Bede and Ned.

The weather improved as we rode north, the temperature being ideal for a pleasant ride. Our route took us around Harlow and onto Much Hadham through Stocking Pelham up to Barley, then more or less straight north to Cambridge. Our ride into Cambridge took us via Grantchester where we stopped for a very welcome lunch at the Green Man, by this time Prosper was ready to eat a whole goat!

We then took the scenic route to the station for the train back to Finsbury Park.

It was a great ride, thanks to everyone for coming and especially to Anna for being a great leader.

We look forward to planning more rides further afield to vary our Sunday outings and to make the Cambridge ride a club fixture. - Liz

Blog Title from Rupert Brookes - The Old Vicarage, Grantchester

A dude takes a hit from the side

2011-10-11T13:12:00.002+01:00

A unique event captured on film in the African Savannah

Stay free, stay safe :)

Clubmark status is awarded to CC Hackney

2011-10-06T11:18:00.001+01:00

Monday 3rd October at I Olympus Square London E5 CC Hackney held a social event in order to officially receive their Clubmark certificate. Guest of honor Maurice Burton, seen above with a cold drink in hand, holds forth during question time. And yes our man did once beat the great Eddy Merckx in a professional track race.
Maurice was welcomed with other guests including his son Germaine, Mark Hardie of Access Sport and Peter Catermole from British Cycling & Velo Club Londres.

Club coach Harry Moore is presented with the Clubmark certificate from Maurice Burton.

Reminder - CCH members social event

2011-09-28T23:39:00.001+01:00

Well done Neil Irons for creating this cool poster. It's flagging up our next members social event to acknowledge our new Clubmark status. Monday, 3rd October from 7pm @ 1 Olympus Square London E5 8PL

Ride Around London

2011-09-26T21:57:00.002+01:00

CCH atop a misty Box Hill

Around seventeen riders made up the CCH contingent for the inaugural Access Sport Ride around London. A beautiful autumn morning saw the group set off from the newly resurfaced Herne Hill Velodrome into deepest south London heading to Waltham Abbey via Box Hill, Windsor and the Chilterns along a 115 mile route. The pace was pretty rapid through the suburbs until the north downs were reached. Before we knew it we were heading up the famous Box Hill which will feature in next year's Olympic Road Race. I kept waiting for it to kick in but then we were at the top at the first food stop. Derek had to have his snapped front derailleur removed at this point which would mean for some adjustment in his riding techniques thereafter to stop his chain bouncing off at the front. Shortly after setting off again we had a bad incident involving a car trying to overtake the bunch and nearly colliding with a car coming head on in the other direction. Unfortunately Alun Gordon came off badly with the bunch breaking heavily and had to be taken to hospital with a suspected broken larynx. I've since heard he's making a recovery so I'd like to wish him well on behalf of all at CCH.

The ride was winding it's way round some of Surrey's lovely leafy lanes on way to the half way point in Windsor when I came a cropper thanks to autumn's habit of dropping branches onto roads... I limped on in to meet the rest at the Windsor feed point where my calf muscles were in spasm resembling some scenes from the Alien films so that was me out of the ride. Thanks to Access Sport for getting me a lift to the train station.

I'll let Andy tell the tale of the rest of the ride from there -

When we left Windsor as a big group we experienced some strong westerly winds but once we turned eastwards it gave us some assistance ........ The roads were fairly flat until we reached the Chilterns, where we met with some steep hills albeit on quiet country lanes which made them slightly more pleasurable. We all stayed pretty much together up to the 3rd feed station at the 85 mile marker, although some of us were finding the going quite tough and were glad of a refuel stop..... Justin and Tony didn't stop as Tony need to get back to London to catch his train back to Bath ( some would say that they were going like a train anyway ! ).

Justin powered his way around helped by previous knowledge of the course.

We left the last feed stop with the sole intention of finishing as quickly as possible, everyone was suffering in their own way which meant that we split up into 2 groups. On the front were Dave Carr, Charlie KC and myself. The second group contained Harry, Kevin and Derek (who had ridden all the way from the bottom of Box Hill with only half his gears after his front derailleur had broken) and Paul.

As we encountered more climbs Charlie and I started to pull away from the others until we were on our own. We kept up a pace that suited both of us and I think we didn't want to slow down for fear of stopping and not being able to get going again !!!

Andy and Charlie at the finish

We eventually arrived at the finish and were both relieved and proud of our achievement. We completed the 120 Mile ride in 6Hrs 50 Mins with an Ave Speed of 18mph.

At the finish we were met by lots of the CCH younger members who had made the finish line their home and cheered for all the riders crossing the line but especially any rider from CCH.

I would like to thank them and all the wives and Prosper for their support...

Access Sport organised a great event with plenty of food and drinks along the way and I will definitely take part again...

CCH juniors spread the word.

Mark Cavendish is the 2011 Professional World Road Race Champion

2011-09-25T17:53:00.003+01:00

Top step for Mark Cavendish in Copengagen who today became the UCI 2011 Professional World Road Race Champion. This was following an amazing race long team effort when super Cav delivered on the line after 266km for GB. Our team riders sure held their collective nerve - phew :) Tom Simpson was Britain's last professional RR champion back in 1965. This day is a big one for Mark Cavendish and for British cycling in general.

CCH social event at 1 Olympus Square

2011-09-20T17:08:00.000+01:00

CCH at the Tour of Britain 2011

2011-09-19T12:53:00.000+01:00

Many CCH riders turned out to enjoy the final stage of this year's Tour of Britain - either just to watch or to take part in the day's activities. Following the morning's Time Trial - won by Alex Dowsett of Sky the CCH juniors took part in a Go-ride team criterium organised by Peter Cattermole from British Cycling on the Embankment opposite the London Eye.

Preparing for the race.

The riders each took part in one of five heats with the top four advancing to the final and the next four to the mini-final. Points were awarded for the best places ten riders in each team and CCH finished in fourth place so well done to those who took part. All riders had to use MTB's provided by British Cycling.

Kai has overall winner Freddie looking worried.

Well done also to Peter and Jason for organising this - as the riders who took part will know from the race briefing, the object of the event was to have fun and to persuade the Tour of Britain organisers to allow juniors to race on the TOB circuit before the pros and hopefully to build this into a full criterium as part of the event every year. Hopefully it will be successful in persuading them as well over a hundred young riders from the London area participated. So thanks once again to the CCH juniors who

took part - showing that we are a club willing to stand up and be counted.

Sam leads Joe around the corner.

Other CCH riders young and old enjoyed participating in the Prostate Cancer Charity Ride around two laps of the full circuit, helping to raise awareness and money for this important charity.

Louis going for it.

As is their custom the junior's spent the bulk of the day hunting for goodies and autographs - top prize went to Kai who cam away with Thor Hushovd's water bottle complete with rainbow stripes.

Leonard - chasing after Mark Cavendish.

Thanks to Fabio for all the fantastic photo's here I particularly enjoyed the one at the top juxtaposing Geraint Thomas with the billboard for Dreamboats and Petticoats...

Let's go and get some bottles.

CCH women do very well in the Cycletta South

2011-09-11T23:45:00.002+01:00

Anna Hart, Isobel Siddons and Sophie Powell took part in today's Cycletta South that was organised by Sky Ride. The picturesque route was out and back from Whipsnade Zoo. Our riders performed very well in their first event of this type placing 10th, 11th and 24th out of 900 riders (this must have been the best team effort surely?). Anna did really well as she was taking on the hilly course on her trusty fixie and Sophie got her top ten result despite a fall and finishing with damaged handle bars. But the question remains; did any of our group beat Victoria Pendleton?

Well done Anna, Isobel and Sophie, inspiring stuff and you're looking set for more fine results in future.

Herne Hill back on Track

2011-09-05T19:51:00.005+01:00

Herne Hill Velodrome's newly resurfaced track is to re-open this weekend on Sunday 11th September for racing with the Dave Creasy Memorial The A Madison category is full, but there is entry on the line for the non-madison B category, and under 12 racing. This is set to be the track event of the year, with beer tent, music, jumbles food and more – so come along even if you’re not racing.

After the meeting they are having the prize presentation for track league, so stick around for a burger and pick up your prizes. After that Save the Velodrome are running an open air film night at the track, so spend the whole day there.

See here - davecreasymemorial for more information.

The final standings for the track league are also up on the Herne Hill website - see here for youth and here for seniors - some good performances there from CCH.

Also this Wednesday night there is a Go-Cross meeting for those interested in trying out Cyclocross for the first time see here for more info'.

Hackney Grass Track League Finale

2011-08-27T22:33:00.006+01:00

The final meeting of the Hackney Grass Track League 2011 took place at Hackney Downs on Saturday 27th of August. The sun shone in between heavy bouts of rain long enough to allow a full program of events to take place producing some close racing once again.

What rain?

The Under 8s Scratch race gets underway.

Fastest time for a flying lap went to Shaquille -22.65 secs followed by a tremendous effort from Leonard 23.94 secs, both of them making light work of the longish wet grass and a home straight headwind. Next up came the Scratch races with first places for Edgar, Leonard, Bede and Shaquille. With the results in the Roadie Pursuit and Devil races going pretty much the same way.

Once again we had tandem racing - this time a father and son race - won by Wotjek and Alexander against a plucky Gary and Stanley - lets all hope Stan's knee recovers soon. We were also treated to an exhibition Pursuit to the Death race featuring Category 1 racer Clem versus fresh from The National Track Championships Tao - with Clem's technique of laughing all the way round not working, allowing Mr T to catch him eventually.

The winners on the day and overall 2011 League winners outside CCH HQ.

Prize giving took place back at CCH HQ as the rain came back on. Overall winners for the League were - Under 8's -Robbie, Under 11's - Kai and Logan jointly, Under 15's and overall points winner _ Shaquille.

Full results here.

Alex Peters rides The Junior Tour of Wales

2011-08-26T19:26:00.003+01:00

Alex Peters has headed west to compete in The 2011 Junior Tour of Wales. CCH wish him well and hope his condition is extended from his Tour de l;Ain effort and he has good form in this target event for Junior champions.
To follow his progress over this bank holiday weekend, reports and stage results can be found here. An event preview can be read here.

Tao Geoghegan Hart grabs national silver in the Junior Points Race

2011-08-25T20:00:00.001+01:00

National Junior Men's Points Race

GOLD Owain Doull Hargroves Cycles 35 pts
SILVER Tao Geoghegan Hart CC Hackney 32
BRONZE Jonathan Dibben Hargroves Cycles 30
4. Samuel Lowe Raleigh RT 28
5. Christopher Latham Planet X 27
6. Robert Lambton Brooks Cycles 22
7. Daniel Pearson Port Talbot Wheelers 22
8. Matthew Haase Cardiff JIF 13
9. Mark Stewart Discovery Junior CC 10
10. Zachery May Cardiff JIF 8

Well done Tao from all at CCH, great ride Mr T.
BC report here.

Holiday Racing

2011-08-24T18:16:00.006+01:00

Whilst some of our senior members were away winning the team prize in the Tour l' Ain - see below - some of the juniors have kept themselves busy by finding races to compete in on their travels.

Logan using the Towy Racers to tow him up the hill.

Logan claimed first place in the Under 12 boys race at the Cardigan Championship Street Races in Wales. The large crowds were desperately trying to find shade from the hot sun all the way around the fantastic town centre circuit including plenty bends, a hill, some cobbles, a castle and a river- and they were treated to some very good racing. It made me really want to see a similar street crit' here in Hackney.

Logan picks up his prize for coming 1st -pity he's not welsh or he could have been welsh champion.

Rhys Howells later raced in the E/1/2 Welsh championships but missed out on the crucial break. Full results here. Some footage here.

The fastest traders in the west race.

Meanwhile Elliot was racing up in one of the heartlands of British cycling - Lancashire where he competed in the Vanilla Bikes Salt Ayre League and came second in the U10s. Full results here. He was impressed by a young six year old racing in Sky colours and met this young chap's dad after the race who is something of a keen cyclist too.

Elliot with Bradley Wiggins - note the wide angled lens needed to fit them both in picture.

Both Elliot and Logan raced alongside the Mitchell brothers at the Whitewebbs summer crit' at Hoghill last weekend. Leonard claimed 3rd place in the U10s with Edgar getting first place in the U8s - having to time trial his way around the course almost. Results here. Well done to them all for putting more points on the board for CCH and if you got up to any interesting cycling activities over the holidays please let us know.

2011 Tour de l'Ain CYCLO round up - le pain sandwhich - CCH win team prize

2011-08-18T00:07:00.019+01:00

CC Hackney have won the team competition in this year's Tour de l'Ain CYCLO, the organisers were not 'just being nice' to us after all.
Culoz at the foot of the Hors Category Grand Colombier, stage race riders; Alex Peters, Clem Berrill, Iain Cook & Keir Apperley were all called away from their dining table to visit the podium after the final stage and summit finish to pick up the best team award. People must have shifted on the fourth and last stage because CCH had been in third place since the end of stage one, the title came as an uncertain but welcome surprise. We were presented with an interesting trophy (complete with a gold goddess) to bring home, the carrier of which would deserve an additional award if the art comes all the way back in one piece.
Thursday 11th August - Stage Two was challenging in different ways to stage three, with the longest distance to cover at 153km and it's string of shorter but steeper 4th and 3rd cat. cotes and cols to negotiate on the way to the town of Belingnat. it was hot too, perhaps is was this combined with the lumps that broke up the field enough to reshape the general classification again. Alex 5th 4:07:53 @ 3m 15s Clem 39th 4:10:22s Keir 72nd 4:22:32s and Iain 95th 4:32:45s.

Cycle races leave tales left untold but not those of the cyclists from East London. Stage Three started in Nantua and passed over two 2nd and and two 1st category climbs on the 131km road to the ski station of Lelex. Alex Peters and Clem Berrill both finished close together on this day in the leading groups of 'red number' (full 4-day racers). Clem and Alex served notice that they mean business and matched the attacks from the leaders over the first three climbs and then Alex 'the leaf' Peters went on the offensive half way up the final 1st cat. climb of the Col de Menthieres. On the decent he was joined by a small group of riders who knew the roads better and acted to guide the leading groupetto quickly and safely down to the final 10km run into Lelex. Clem came in with another group shortly after. There were five cyclists up the road at the time but although impressive, all in this group were black number single day riders, a lesser species in the event to confuse but actually make more of it. Keir finished half way down the field but good enough to keep the team in the frame. The team competition is based on the first three rider's times over the line as per Le Tour de France.
Alex and Keir were both out to do a ride on Stage Four all be it at a good distance apart for 80% of the stage. Alex the youngest attacked the first minor hill to no real benefit to himself, he was twitching to go again at the next opportunity which meant sitting around all the way to the climb of the 2nd category Cote de Thezillieu. The moment came and off Alex skipped, he was soon joined by a clutch of high black 'day trip' numbers (1000+) who refused to work claiming no interest in GC. Committed, isolated but not one to dodge a pedal stroke the 'leaf' pushed on with his shirking entourage in tow. By now our boy was the virtual race leader on the road and had pulled together a gaggle of motorbike out-riders and the Lead Car plus the race director. 3m 30s behind the other race contenders were massing and sharing the workload along the valley road to Culoz and the foot of the Grand Colombier. It was all or nothing as far as Alex was concerned, he imagined a shock solo victory with enough time in hand to take the overall win along with the stage. Nice idea but It was not going to happen. The beyond measurement mountain is a 17km brute with long sections at a 20% incline to really trouble the fittest and snarliest of legs, it did so for Keir's pins too however he manged to improve by nine places to make it to 50th on GC. Alex ran out of ammo under 10km to go and could fire no more on the fierce, reared up ramps of the climb. He blamed his minimal Weatabix breakfast which had something to do with it along with a tactical error. Happily Alex finally remounted after a ten minute halt, a drink and a bite to eat that was provided by a roadside couple. This was enough to get him going to the finish and actually save the team effort. His opponents had passed him by a little bemused but relieved this 'scary new English Contador' was no longer a problem.
A photographer and journalist for the sponsoring journal Le Progress had taken notes and a picture to go to press.

Camping and caravaning like new age travelers there's a question if all would have made it to the last stage if it had rained hard like it often dose in the part of France we were in; the Jura mountains. We were truly blessed by good weather and also the fine logistical, moral and water bearing support from Mr Paul Merry and son Jack (Hackney Homes Alpine Challenge original members) - THANK YOU PAUL AND JACK, STAY WITH IT LET'S DO IT BETTER AGAIN (:

Paul at the wheel en route to the next water bottle hand up point

The full results lists can be found here.

A voyeur of pain and suffering? Pictures can be found here.

Tour de l'Ain web site here.

Respect and deserved appreciation is due to the Tour de l'Ain sponsors and organisers for running things so very well and giving so many competitors a safe and amazing ride - vive la Tour de l'Ain. Also a very special thank you from all who traveled and benefited goes out to our part sponsors for this 'excursion': Hackney Homes Alpine Challenge Team and Access Sport. This journey was a truly exceptional learning experience for all, on and off the bike.

Tour de l'Ain up date

2011-08-10T20:20:00.008+01:00

Clem Berrill will be wearing the best climbers jersey during tomorrows stage 2 from Parc des oiseaux to Bellignat. Today, in the first stage from Meximieux to St Vulbas he was combative, initiating the break that 6 other riders joined for most of the stage. In the end Clem was unfortunate to crash out with less than 10km to go, he still finished ahead of the peloton. If there was a prize for being the most active rider in this stage it would have been Clem's.
The team are now in third place on general classification. Riders taking part in the timed sportive are; Alex Peters, Clem Berrill, Keir Apperley and Iain Cook (Guest from VCL) with VCL's Joseph Alberti as an individual competitor.
More on this story to come with 3 stages to go.

The picture above doesn't show the applause from those gathered for the presentation after stage 1.

International Tao Geoghegan Hart & 1st category status for Rhys Howells

2011-08-06T21:40:00.004+01:00

Tao Geoghegan Hart has made his mark at international level by achieving a fine fourth place in the European Youth Olympic Festival cycling Time Trial event; the race of truth.
Our lad was 0.7 of a second away from a bronze medal - ouch - perhaps a pair of deep section wheels would've made the difference and lifted Mr T onto the podium? Sometimes it can be about the bike as well.

Riding in British Cycling Talent Team colors and given leave by CCH from this year's London Youth Games, Tao found his regular racing trips to Belgium a good grounding for this excellent result.

THURSDAY 4th August 2011

Rhys Howells, noted and well known for his esoteric brand of teamwork during races, finally got to where he wanted to be at last Thursday's Hog Hill Summer League event; 1st place and 1st category in one night. Punctures ruled out two of Rhys's breakaway companions leaving one rider left to deal with. Foolishly this guy decided to attack with one lap to go, Rhys clawed his way back on the way round to cruise past the 'bye now' spooked 1st looser to win.

Maybley Green Grass Track – Go–Ride Racing Hackney Grass Track League 2011– 3

2011-08-06T19:02:00.008+01:00

Now with it’s newly attained Clubmark status Cycling Club Hackney ran the third round of their Grass track League as a Go-Ride race alongside the Festival of the Bicycle at Maybley Green on the 31^st of July 2011. The venue is a short sprint from the 2012 Olympic Velodrome and we can only hope for similar beautiful weather this time next year. Cyclist’s came out in large numbers to enjoy the festival and the racing – with fifty riders ignoring the heat and getting down to some serious and not so serious racing.

The start of the MTB scratch race won by Murray Cohen.

The races were ran in four age groupings – Under 8’s, Under 12’s, Under 16’s and 16 plus. The club provided track bikes for those with ability to ride a fixed gear and trained up rider’s who had never tried the purest of cycling disciplines. For those unsure of having no breaks on a tight 200m circuit separate races were ran on mtbs.

Wojeck and Alexander led out the first tandem race but were beaten on the back straight by Matthew and Rachel.

The riders had a variety of races in which to shine, beginning with a flying lap time trial from which riders could be graded for the 3 lap Scratch, Roadie Pursuit and Devil races. Interspersed with this 16 brave souls rode two separate tandem races both of which were very close and pulled the spectators away from the many stalls at the Festival of the Bicycle – just as well as the festival organiser – Sophie Powell – was powering one of the tandems. Alongside food and bike related stalls there were also all- ablility bikes for anyone to try out and a track stand competition.

The final races were Team pursuits that comprised of mixed aged teams with 6 in each team. The teams were led out for the 1st lap by an under 8’s rider, 2^nd lap an under 10’s rider, 3^rd lap U12’s rider, with the final lap leaving each team with three riders made up of U16’s and 16+ riders. The teams were under strict orders not to overtake the three lead-out members, which made for very close racing.

8 and Under Roadie Pursuit podium l-r Joshua 3rd, Alfie 1st, Robbie 2nd.

Following this Go-ride certificates and medals were handed out along with a variety of prizes generously donated to the festival including two free entries to the upcoming Cycletta events for women. All agreed it was a very successful event . Full results here and more images here.

Keir Wins National Championship

2011-08-03T16:35:00.012+01:00

Congratulations to Cycling Club Hackney's club manager Keir Apperley who took the coveted red, white and blue jersey and the title of National Champion in Sunday's National Master's Road Race in Surrey against a quality field from across United Kingdom.

Links to report,pictures and preview

Ronnie's racing bike and Stephen's lap top are in their hands

2011-08-02T08:15:00.004+01:00

Ronnie Mibiru Jarsen is equipped to represent in CC Hackney in Uganda. The consignment arrived in Kampala last week and our contacts there are very happy to receive such support.
A special race is being planned to mark the delivery, here is an extract taken from an email from our good fellow Stephen Okellow (Cycling Uganda & Lira CC):

1st August 2011

04:18

Hullo Keir,

Hope you are fine, since the last meeting with Ronnie, that is the day we assembled the bike and even before the Tifosi Road bike reached together with other things: Ronnie suggested that he is organising a simple race of about 20 participants of the people he rides the bike with in that Salama Road area of his (the place where he comes from). And it is on this day that after the race we shall officially hand him the bike and also show the people of the works of Cycling Uganda in the country and those who did not know will also know about us on that day.

However, the race will only involve Tipper bikes and mounted bikes only, the race of mainly the disadvantaged group of cyclists. There after, i will give a speech on CU hand him the bike, the CCH kit and also the other stuff. So know the question comes, how do you see that idea, is it fine with you?

stephenokelloawany@gmail.com

Yes Stephen - this is fine with me, keep doing what ya doing.

Greetings to you and Ronnie from all at CCH.

Keir

2011 National Youth Circuit Race Championships

2011-07-26T19:03:00.005+01:00

Five CCH riders rode in the 2011 National Youth Circuit Race Championships last Sunday 25th of July. The event was held for the ﬁrst time in Lister Park in a very hot and sunny Bradford. The 1.85km circuit ran right around this lovely park and had a great surface with some testing corners and a tough hill which helped to thin out the large fields in each race.

Tao heads up the hill in The Youth A.

First up for CCH was Tao in the Youth A race. The 100 riders in this strong field were quickly whittled away by a strong five man break made up of Tao, Germain Burton Chris Lawless , Jacob Scott and Jake Kelly . In the end it came down to Tao and Chris - with Chris taking the sprint and national jersey, making it the second year in a row a CCH rider has come 2nd on the podium.

Tao, Chris and Scott on the podium being applauded by Dean Downing and Tour de France legend Brian Robinson.

The three riders who placed on the podium had to leave straight afterwards to fly out to the Youth Olympics in Turkey, vindicating the Team GB selection.

The boys line up for the Youth C race.

Next up for CCH were Bede, Isaac and Logan in the Youth C race. The boys all rode really well and gained a lot from the experience with Bede finishing top out of the three having ridden round with our fellow rider from the youth games Theo Modell from ELV. Dan Tulett was the run away winner but may have had to settle for 2nd had Tomos Owens chain not snapped on the last lap. In the Youth C girls our friend from VCL Charlotte Cole-Hossain won a very tight sprint to take the champions jersey.

Bede leading out Theo.

Ned leads the motorbike outrider up the hill.

Last up for CCH was Ned in the Youth B race. In a field of 80 plus riders an accident was highly likely - unfortunately for Ned the accident happened right in front of him at the very start of the race, which held him up. As per usual though he gave it his all and will no doubt come back stronger from the experience. Louis Modell from ELV did very well placing 9th in a bunch sprint at the finish. All the Hackney contingent agreed it was a grand day out.

Artie and Robbie took in many of the activities on offer including roller racing.

Full report and results here.

Two up TT in Normandy - September

2011-07-14T22:14:00.006+01:00

If any one is interested in entering this unique end of season two-up time trial event in Normandy please contact; keir@cyclingclubhackney.co.uk

Distance 50km, closed roads, town centre finale and the professional race to watch in the afternoon. Date, 18th September; place, Marigny, Normandy.

If there is enough interest we can plan to accommodate a CCH contingent to travel.

East London Velo's Louis Modell and our Alex Mckerrell standing with their winners medals after the U16's 2-up TT at Hog Hill last week. A possible pairing for the 2011 Duo Normand?

CCHackney Rider Selected for Great Britain in Youth Olympics

2011-07-14T21:35:00.004+01:00

The British Olympic Association announced the athletes selected to represent Team GB at the 11th European Youth Olympic Festival in Trabzon, Turkey between 23-30 July. Tao Geoghan-Hart has been selected to ride for Great Britain in the road race alongside Christopher Lawless and Jacob Scott. Details here. Let's all wish Tao well in his endeavours to bring back a medal - the picture shows him after winning a race in Belgium the other week.

Final results from Lvycc summer series

2011-07-14T21:12:00.003+01:00

Robbie and Edgar line up in the U8s.

Last saturday was the final day of racing in the LVYCC Summer Series crit' races at Hoghill. Once again many of our junior racers turned out to race. edgar and Robbie came fifth and sixth in the under 8s, Leonard was third in the U10's, followed by Artie, sam and Ewan. Logan was second in the U12's whilst Jessie was 1st in U12's girls, following this Jack and Ned raced in the U14s. Full results here.

Bede leads out the U12s.

Many of our riders featured in the final league standings - collecting cash prizes for their efforts - best results were Jessie - 2nd U12s girls, Edgar 3rd U8s boys, Logan 3rd U12 boys. Full standings here.

Logan congratulating the winner Michael Parry.

Cycling Uganda up-date & track stand competition

2011-07-14T10:45:00.004+01:00

Cycling Uganda up-date:

http://cyclinguganda.blogspot.com/

Also FYI:

Saturday 16^th July 2011

We will be holding a Track Stand Competition as part of the Shoreditch Festival 2011 on Saturday afternoon (2pm – 5pm) come on down to the Orwell Estate (on the Canal between Broadway Market & Queensbridge Road) and show off your skills, bikes will be available.

The rules:

1 minute two hands/two feet

30 secs with one hand off

30 secs with both hands off

30 secs boths hands off & one foot of pedal

As long as you can with both hands off and both feet of pedals (np)

Plenty of other things going on including Table Tennis, lots of stalls and a Music Stage. Check out the Festival website

www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk

Club coach Harry Moore is our lead on this one.

CCH Bulmer Road Race last May - video

2011-07-10T18:32:00.001+01:00

SEE VIDEO HERE

Camera & editing - Paul, Giuliana and Maximo Molinari Monks

2011 London Youth Games report extra and racing license upgrades

2011-07-08T19:25:00.005+01:00

After two years in our hands, the Eileen Gray London Youth Games cycling trophy was handed to Richmond who were second last year and are worthy champions for 2011. I was proud of the commitment and effort that our youngsters put in and the support they all gave to each other before, during and after the racing. The future dose look good for Hackney's young racing cyclists though and I know they will be back next year to challenge again. All one year older and wiser with 12 months worth of growth and development, bigger, fitter and even better for 2012.
Our own Alex McKerrel was riding for Waltham Forest and was the 4th fastest rider in the u16s age group with an impressive time of 3m51s.
Members have been wondering over whatever happened to Bryan Koko? It's a pity, he suffered a muscle strain (by sprinting up stairs) two weeks before the LYGs and had to withdraw after all his hard work in preparation. Also during the day I was asked by numerous people of the where abouts of our previous years big hitters; Alex Peters and Tao Geoghegan Hart. Both were given special leave by CCH from the main youth team event of the year to compete at their respective Junior & Nation level competitions in Newcastle and Blackpool. Alex did very as it turned out with a significant 4th place as a 1st year junior in the British Cycling National Junior Road Race. Tao did not do quite so well in his event but still put in a sterling performance as usual.

More racing news:
Herne Hill Velodrome. Andy O'Regan notched up three track wins in one meeting as a B rider in last Wednesdays track league including the result he has been long time longing for, a 1-2 over yours truly in the two lap sprint - hehe well done Andy.

Because of racing points amassed there have been three license up-grades lately:

2nd category to 1st - Clem Berrill & Alex Peters
3rd category to 2nd - Keir Apperley

London Youth Games 2011 report

2011-07-04T21:45:00.006+01:00

Hackney came a very good 5th overall in this year's London Youth Games- to quote the team manager Keir Apperly the two times winners "may have lost the cup but we won the future". Keir was referring to the fact seven of the eight team members "rode up" in the two age categories - 13, 14, and 16 year olds in the Under 18's and three 11 year olds and a 13 year old in the under 16's.

Hackney turned up en masse with a large vocal support...

and some odd sights...

Bella started it all off for Hackney with a time of 4.23 before dashing off to compete in the swimming.

Bede set a time of 4.19.

Logan on his way to a 4.16.

Theo set a time of 4.20.

This was a huge gamble for the 2009 & 2010 champions to take however the team management focused on the word Youth in the competition title and decided this year's event would be used to develop a squad for the future.

Liam on his way to an 8.34 for 4 laps.

Ned gears up for his 9.54.

Louis on his flying 8.11.

Kyroah turning an 8.43.

All the squad members who turned out for the three trials over the spring, those who made it to France at half term and the team members and reserves who rode at Crystal Palace last saturday deserve all the credit due to them. All the riders times improved considerably as they put in serious efforts in training and racing - we're not just saying this - we've got the times and results to prove it -full results from saturday here.

Hackney's supporters racing from one part of the circuit to another to cheer their team on.

The team and club members, family and friends later had a party on saturday evening at Core Arts venue on Homerton High Street.

Haggerston Park Grass Track Results

2011-06-30T22:14:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday 26th of June was the 2nd round of the 2011 Hackney Grass Track League. The venue this time was Haggerston Park and the riders braved extremely hot temperatures to produce some fine racing in front of the many sunbathers. Many new faces were in attendance with Tom Bardill -U8s and Otto Steiner U11s catching the eye with great racing displays. Full results and league positions here.

Under 11 Devil heat gets under way

Connor

CCH Social Event - This Saturday 2nd of July

2011-06-27T21:41:00.003+01:00

This Saturday the 2nd of July is the London Youth Games - our squad have been training hard to try and ensure a hat-trick of victories for Hackney. Come what may we have decided to have a social event to celebrate all the efforts our members and friends have put into CCH over the past year. You are invited to party with us at Core Arts 109 Homerton High Street, E9 from 6.30 - 11pm. There will be food and drinks, music and dancing, cycling films and imagery of club members and events, awards and roller derby racing. So come on down, bring all the family and meet your fellow cyclists.

Thursday Night Racing

2011-06-19T18:38:00.004+01:00

Whilst some of us were enjoying spectating at the finale of the Tour Series at Canary Wharf last Thursday 16th of June - our own top riders were putting on a great show not a million miles away at Hoghill in the ELV Summer Series number 5. The evening saw Alex take 1st inthe E/1/2 with Tao - fresh from winning three races at Herne Hill the previous night - coming 2nd and Clem Berrill coming 4th after winning the prime. Full results here.

CCH juniors with with Tour Series Team winners Rapha-Condor-Sharp's Ed Clancy.

CCH juniors with with Tour Series Team winners Rapha-Condor-Sharp's Dean Downing.

Bede on his way to 2nd at Hoghill on Saturday 18th of June.

Jess on her way to 1st place at Hoghill on Saturday 18th of June.

Saturday's training session saw two newcomers come along to the club with another to start next week - welcome Frank and Joshua. Meanwhile racing was on at Hoghill with Jess and Bede doing well. After this some of us wandered over to the basketball courts on Hackney Downs to try our hand at bike polo - great fun but not to be tested out on a fancy road-bike as its pretty much no-holds bar. Hackney Downs will host an international Bike Polo tournament at the end of July so watch that space for some top teams.

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th there were Bike Polo taster sessions in Hackney Downs - picture shows Logan and Louis in a game.

Day and Night - CCH races on

2011-06-14T19:17:00.006+01:00

Saturday 11th of June was the final trial for the London Youth Games. Eleven riders rode over to Hoghill to undertake the 4.6km individual time trials that we have been using as a gauge for final team selection. The riders did not disappoint with everyone posting faster times than previously.

The Under 12's race

This was followed by round 3 of the LVYCC summer series crits, with CCH riders racing in the U8s, U10s, U12s and U14s. Full results here.

Magnus Backstedt of Team UK Youth meets the Hackney youth.

Later in the evening a large group of CCH members turned out at the Smithfield Nocturne to cheer on Tao and Rhys in the Cat2 support race.

Tao attacks on the Smithfields circuit.

The boys did well - always showing at the front end of the race and attacking on the tight circuit.Results here. It was great night of racing including Penny Farthings - scary - and was enjoyed by all.

Saturday 11th June 2011 - two events of note...

2011-06-05T18:08:00.005+01:00

Good morning 1.
CCH's third and last Hackney 2011 London Youth Games cycle racing trial.
See image for contact details regarding this session:

Good afternoon 2.

http://www.londonnocturne.com/

Training Camp Pas de Calais 2011

2011-06-03T13:57:00.004+01:00

Some of the Hackney squad for the 2011 London youth games attended a training camp in the Pas de Calais from Sunday 29th of May to Thursday 2nd of June. The riders cycled to Victoria train station, then caught a train to Dover, followed by a ferry to Calais then a short ride to `Les ferme des Amis in Andre.

The road up to Liques

The first day of training started with a hill climb time trial on the route to Liques at just over 2km long and with a small descent then a rise of 90m it proved a real test in the heat but all the riders performed well. Following this the group was due to split with Alex and Clem heading off for a long ride unfortunately Clem's shifter broke leaving him with a choice of two gears. The rest of the group recce'd the next days steeper hill climb at le Val before it started raining.

The bottom of the Le Val hill TT.

Day 2 and it was up early and straight into the 1.3km 130m rise of the Le Val hill TT with riders setting very good times. The afternoon saw them doing a 2.3km TT on a very flat straight road alongside the Calais St Omer canal, followed by a long ride in glorious sunshine taking in the beach between Dunkirk and Calais.

Bryan goes up Le Val.

Out in the flat lands

Day 3 and with the whole group together they took a long route to get to nearby Nordkerque for another flat 2km TT on a demanding course, which the riders took in their stride. After lunch they headed back out to Le Val for another go at it. However following a wobble going up the Liques which saw a certain rider's helmet being imprinted by a. n. other's front wheel a few opted just to ride up and watch the other's in action. With Alex and Clem battling for the quickest time up the hill, once again the TT produced results leaving the coaches confident for the upcoming LYG. The final night we had a bbq back at base with Liam proving once again he can eat enough for 18 people by himself.

More photos in full here.

London Bicycle Music Festival and Bikefest 4-5th June

2011-05-26T09:28:00.000+01:00

London Bicycle Music Festival and Bikefest 4-5th June

The Hackney Bike Workshop and Film Society in association with the
London Greenfair and Camden Cyclists are pleased to announce the second
London Bicycle Music Festival.

A free music festival held over two days in Regents Park on the 4 and
5th June

A music festival with a difference all the power is provided by people
pedalling bicycles attached to generators providing power for the sound
system.

Following last years very successful Bicycle Music Festival (pictures of
the event can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/funny_cyclist/sets/72157624019686535
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/funny_cyclist/sets/72157624019686535> ) we
have decided to put it on again this year with more bands but only one
venue, Regents Park as part of the London Greenfair

Bands will play from 1:00 in the afternoon till 7:00 in the evening with
music for all tastes and lots of space to hang around on the grass with
friends and family.

Additionally this year at the same venue and time we are bringing you,

The London Bikefest

Attractions include

A Bicycle Tournament with

Tallbike Jousting!

Bicycle Gymkhana games!

BMX Tossing!

Fit the 20 inch marathon plus on an extra wide bmx wheel contests!

Best Freakbike Contest!

Ultimate footdown!

Texas Twins!

Dr Bike provided by Camden Council

Bicycle Repair lessons provided by Hackney Bikeworkshop

Bicycle demonstrations by local bike shops and stalls from bike related
groups

Links:

London Bicycle Music Festival â€" BMFLondon
BMFLondon@gmail.com> @gmail.com BMFLondon@gmail.com>
tel: 07940 121 513

BMF Facebook -
http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/London-Bicyclemusicfestival/10000236191\
4017
<http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/London-Bicyclemusicfestival/1000023619\
14017>

London Greenfair - http://www.londongreenfair.org/
<http://www.londongreenfair.org/>

Hackney Bikeworkshop - http://www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk/workshop.htm
<http://www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk/workshop.htm> and
http://hackneybikeworkshop.com/ <http://hackneybikeworkshop.com/>

Well Street Common Grass Track Results

2011-05-24T22:36:00.008+01:00

The 22nd of May 2011 saw the start of the CCH Hackney Grass Track league with an event at the Well Street Common Festival producing some close racing by young and old at the end of a very busy weekend for CCH members.

After the individual timed laps the Under 8's line up for a scratch race.

There was a large field and good racing in the under 10's - photo Peter Gettins

Leonard and Kai battle it out in the Devil - - photo Peter Gettins

There was some close racing in the Under 12's - photo Robbie

Shaquille puts in another super strong performance to win his third race. - photo Peter Gettins

Whilst some of us were racing on home soil Tao was off winning again in Belgium and for those youngsters who wonder how he manages to do that remember he started off racing in Hackney's parks too. Full results and league placings here.

CCH-Bulmer Road Race big success

2011-05-22T23:31:00.009+01:00

The start of the 1st CCH road race at Bulmer

The CCH- Bulmer Road Race held on Saturday 21st of May was hailed as a great success by all involved - the riders loved the race and course, the ERRL and BC were impressed with the organisation of the event - see here - and the locals were more than pleased with the whole days events put on by CCH. A great big thank you then to everyone who made it happen.

So many CCH members and friends made it out to Bulmer to help set up the cyclist's breakfast and juniors event on the green -

some members then rode the course before the race

whilst others got busy setting up the catering at the HQ at AFC Sudbury's ground.

Many members were involved in setting up and marshalling the course

The racing took place in lovely countryside in very warm conditions

The winner Mark Howard of PCH - full results here.

All photos by Pete Mitchell - more here

if you have more photos of the event bring them into the club on cd.

Thanks to- in no particular order

Giuliana, Anna, Isobel, Liz, Silka, Louise, Liz, Sally, Fran, Lesley, Tina, Martine, Paul, Sean, Oliver, Gary, Dave, Peter, Joe, Fergal, David, Alex, Rhys, Clem, Prosper, Colin, Richard, Alex, David, Stephan, Ned, Artie, Bede, Logan, Jack, Frank, Fabio, Isaac, Kai, Cameron, Elliot, Leonard, Robbie, Edgar, Ruben, Morgan, Owen, Andy, Justin and Mick on behalf of the organisers - Keir, Harry & Neil.

CCH NEEDS YOUR HELP

2011-05-03T20:33:00.007+01:00

Important message to all members and friends of CCH - your help is needed for our innaugral road race at Bulmer near Sudbury on the 21st of May. The race starts at 2.30pm but we will be out there from early morning assessing the course and laying on a breakfast for the villagers of Bulmer. CCH juniors will be doing some exhibition racing on the village green and then there may be time to ride the 13.6 mile course before the race starts. We have any number of jobs that need filling by club members - from line judges and marshalls to catering and driving. Please let us know if you can make it on the day as soon as possible. It is our intention to really put CCH on the map through a well run race that is well attended by the locals. Our riders Clem, Rhys, Alex and Ben in the Eastern Road Race League have already gained CCH a lot of notice through their fantastic efforts lets help them along by putting on the best show.

The second group return from the 4th Round Chelmsford for a pint at the Princess of Wales

Also well done to all those who rode the Round Chelmsford - remember to take up your membership of CCH if you haven't already done so. See left for form.

4th Round Chelmsford 01.05.11

2011-05-02T19:04:00.002+01:00

Riders gather in front of the Lea Valley Ice Centre before the start of CCH's fourth edition of the annual Round Chelmsford ride.

Lead group cyclists head down the road towards the big climb of the day, Little Baddow's North Hill. CCH rider Clem Berrill (pictured in front here) will be back this coming Sunday to take part in the Lea Valley CC road race when North Hill will be climbed eight times but at race pace.

Good luck Clem...

Tao wins in Belgium with British Cycling's International Talent Team

2011-04-27T14:18:00.003+01:00

Great job Tao well done lad, not to forget all the BC Talent Team who annihilated the field in the Kermesse. The harder they come? Not many much more than Hackney's ace youth rider Mr T. But today Tao Geoghegan Hart is back in school working hard for his certs!
See the BC report here.

Saturday and Sunday racing and events

2011-04-18T22:16:00.003+01:00

Liam rides in his first cat'4 race.

CCH riders turned out again in force for the Eagle RC spring criteriums at Hoghill last Saturday 16th April taking part in large fields - which may account for the results still not being posted as o yet. Photos here on Andy's flickr stream.

Rider's queue up to take part in a Go-Ride skills test.

The following day saw CCH organise a bike event at Stoke Newington Common run by the users group SNUG. Around thirty children took part in a Go-Ride skills test against the clock with the winners getting prizes and certificates. With all the fantastic facilities for cycling opening up or coming soon to our neighborhood it's easy to forget that the majority of cyclists started off in a nearby park. By supporting grass roots initiatives such as this CCH will do its bit to ensure the Olympic legacy facilities have ready and willing users.

Some of the prize winners.

Hackney Cycling Squad Trials - London Youth Games 2011

2011-04-15T18:28:00.001+01:00

Good Friday Open Day - 22nd April

2011-04-14T22:07:00.002+01:00

Over 100 years of tradition lives on at the Herne Hill Good Friday Open Day. A totally free faster day for all the family. See here for more details.

A Busy Weekend of Racing for CCH

2011-04-11T17:21:00.005+01:00

Clem heading off down the Hogberg.

Last weekend - the 9th and 10th of April saw a busy weekend of racing for CCH riders. Out west Alex Peters was riding in the 2011 Junior Tour of Bristol, he came 5th on the 1st stage and 3rd on the second to claim 4th spot overall just 37 seconds off the winner - full details here.

The juniors turned up en masse on their bikes.

Meanwhile close to home 14 of our Juniors and Youth racers rode in the East London Velo Rumble at Hoghill across all categories, top spot being leonard Mitchell's 3rd in the U10s. Later in the afternoon three shall we say older riders rode in the cat' 3/4 followed by a very good showing from Clem Berrill taking 3rd place in the E/1/2 race.

Full details here.

Sunday found Rhys Howells working hard in the National B - E1/2/3 road race as part of the ERRL league. Rhys was showing strongly in the lead group of around 20 riders in a very strong field. Unfortunately a mechanical problem saw him dropped after 80km of racing. A quick look at the Eastern Road Race League standings shows CCH still top albeit on equal points with St Ives CC. Our top riders are off to a flyer this season and with more riders from CCH soon to join them and our upcoming race on May 21st in the league we have a lot more to look forward to this season.

BMX pump track is open - Haggerston Park

2011-04-05T00:15:00.001+01:00

Olympic Velopark Legacy – Eastway Users call to action

2011-04-04T09:54:00.002+01:00

Following last wednesday's meeting on the Olympic Velopark Legacy the eastway users group have put together their thoughts on the matter you can find these on London Cycle Sport .com - See full article here on how to object or email eastway7506@btinternet.com

Would you like to see the raising of the cycling game in Uganda?

2011-04-01T12:36:00.014+01:00

Introducing CCH's new rider residing in Kampala, Uganda, 'Rockin' Ronnie Mubiru Jarsen writes:

Is It in many minds that at one time the cycling game in Uganda will live up to our dreams?

If you've got cycling dreams like me, please waste no time, start now to do what ever you think can make your vision happen. Everyone has a way to lift our game, even I have mine. First I think it's a good idea to follow in the foot steps of Cycling Club Hackney. How? Better to talk and ask, me too I'm gonna find an answer. When ever I visited CCH's site, so real it was how I admired how to build from the beginning, at the grass roots. To prove it we keep it here with www.cyclingclubhackney.co.uk

Ronnie direct: mjarsen@gmail.com

CCH Membership event - this Saturday 2nd April 2011

2011-03-30T13:29:00.001+01:00

CCH members, you are invited to attend our annual membership session on Saturday 2nd April 2011 from 10am at 1 Olympus Square Nightingale Estate London E5 0QJ.

Annual subs cost £10.00 for U18s and £20 for adults.

If you are unable to reach on this day there is another session scheduled for the following Monday evening at the same place from 7pm.

Olympic Velo Park - Your stake in the future

2011-03-28T18:33:00.002+01:00

Open Meeting Wednesday, March 30 7-9pm
The ODA Planning Decisions Team has also accepted an invitation from Eastway Users' Group to attend the open meeting. The letter of invitation also sets out some of the issues and it's worth reading if you're at all concerned about the New Eastway.

The open meeting will be your best chance to decide what's best for you and the cycle sports we all want to see thriving back on the site when London's Games are done.

It really is the decision of a lifetime for the New Eastway - Be part of it, or forever put up with what you get.

Eastway Users' Group open meeting about the Alternative Velopark Plans
Date: Wednesday, March 30.
Venue: Methodist Hall in Approach Road , London E2 9JP
Time : 7pm – 9pm

Tube - Bethnal Green
Rail – Cambridge Heath
Cycle – Just off routes 1 and 16 by Victoria Park
Ample on-street parking nearby

Flyers for two more events coming up

2011-03-23T14:54:00.001Z

Roller Racing Derby this Friday 25th at Southwold School

2011-03-23T08:51:00.002Z

Roller racing derby this Friday 25th March at Southwold School, Detmold Road E5. All funds raised go to the Hackney Primary Schools Cycling League Fund - all welcome.

The Mitchell brothers Go-Ride at Higham's Park

2011-03-22T09:29:00.002Z

Edgar and Leonard Mitchell took part in the Highams Park Go-Ride sessions on Saturday 19th March. They had a chance to try out in a time trial, keirin and scratch race against six other riders ranging in age from six (Edgar) to a boy of 14. Leonard came second in the time trial and keirin, only to be beaten on the line in the handicapped scratch, just ahead of his little brother who took a very respectable third place. A big up to Edgar who was racing for the very first time and can't wait to join CCH! It was a fun afternoon and the boys happily resisted being poached by two other clubs!

Go-Ride and Go-Race sessions are a great way for young riders to gain experience in cycle sports

- details of upcoming events can be found on the British Cycling website.

Cycling boss wants sport revamp & reveals 10-point plan

2011-03-20T23:39:00.001Z

Cycling boss wants sport revamp & reveals 10-point plan.

BBC news article here.

Race results

2011-03-20T21:55:00.004Z

Tao G Hart, he's a 1st year youth rider in 2011, his name is written in bold; 1st place in the March Hare, beating many senior 1st and 2nd category riders to record another win above his weight.

New CCH youth recruit Liam Pelgrim won 1st prize in his category in the Hainault Hilly TT. Keir Apperley was fouth over all, winning the vets event too. (vet meaning seasoned fellow, not animal fixer)

*STOP PRESS*

Today Rhys Howells and Clem Berril executed another 1-2 in the latest ERRL event over in Ipswich, Suffolk. Rhys 1st and Clem 2nd after Rhys followed Clem's attack, breaking away in the last 6klm to hold the bunch off by 15 seconds on the line.

Same day, same latitude, different country and 200 miles to the west, our 1st year junior rider Alex peters was 2nd in the Cadance Junior Road Race. This is part of the national series with a field of 100 riders taking part in Brecon South Wales. After a photo finish it was revealed that Alex lost to his break away companion Jonathan Dibbin by a minuscule margin. This was a big race, the boy done good and his effort will not go unnoticed.

A fine start for CCH then, well done lads - when is the next race?

Cycling Club Hackney to sponsor Ugandan cyclist Ronnie Mubiru Jarsen

2011-03-16T12:44:00.002Z

During yesterday evening's CCH committee meeting it was confirmed that Ugandan cyclist Mubiru Jarsen (Ronnie) is to be sponsored by the club, soon he will be training and racing in CCH colors. In addition to this Ronnie will be sent a renovated racing bike with parts and spares to keep him on the road. Ronnie has been invited to contribute to this blog with news items, reactions, race results, pictures and reports. His role is to be an active figure helping to raise awareness of the Cycling Uganda project, the accompanying youth exchange and of any related developments in this area.

Pictured here by Stephen Okello's house in Kinawataka

Mr Jarsen on his way to 1st in his class and 2nd overall during the Mbuya Hill Climb on Sunday December 5th 2010.

Useful web site:

2011-03-13T19:54:00.003Z

HERE

CCH give time to get training to become accredited road race marshals

2011-03-12T21:55:00.001Z

Saturday 21st May 2011 is the date of CCH's inaugural road race promotion within the Eastern Road Race League. This will take place on the roads around Bulmer on the Essex-Sufolk boarder. CCH has entered this league so that our eligible club member racers can take part in the season long series and get plenty of opportunity to enjoy real road racing.

All participating clubs must promote and deliver at least one race and also send two accredited road race marshals to at least five races per season. A step towards this has taken place recently when three of our gallant coaches; Harry Moore, Neil Irons and Keir Apperley gave up a day plus home work to complete their training to become fully accredited road race marshals...with special powers...(?!)

Rhys Howells, Clem Berrill and Alex Peters are three of our cyclists who have been entering the ERRL series events already this season with young Alex achieving a worthy third place ('without trying') in the Crest RR last week.

Scary urban downhill mountain biking!

2011-03-05T18:40:00.002Z

This video from Valparaiso Chile featuring Urban downhill mountain biking is too good not to share -
http://vimeo.com/9970489

Although I am left wondering who did the risk assessment? Thanks to Mick for finding this one.

LVYCC Winter Series Round 3 at Hog Hill

2011-02-27T16:53:00.004Z

Logan, Isaac, Frank, Artie, Jessie and Sam wishing the starter would hurry up and get them moving...

A very wet and blustery Saturday didn't deter CCH juniors from turning out in force for Round Three of the Lee Valley Youth CC Winter Series at Hog Hill on the 26th February.

Isaac, Logan and Louis on the lower circuit.

First up were Artie and Kai in the U10s with Isaac, Logan, Jessie, Frank, Louis and Sam in the U12s. Jessie was the 1st place girl with Isaac and Logan coming in a creditable 7th and 8th.

Jessie on her way to 1st place.

Following them in worsening conditions were Garvey, Mostyn and Ned in the U14s and Alex in the U16s.

Ned and Garvey enjoying the rain.

Full results of Round 3 can be found here.

More photos here.

Later on it was the turn of the coaches to suffer the rain as Andy and Harry had a ride in the 4th Cat' San Fairy Ann Spring Circuit Race 1- for a report and results click here.

CCH cycle racer Rhys Howells achieves BC 2nd category status

2011-02-23T09:39:00.005Z

Rhys Howells's has picked up enough British Cycling racing points already this season to gain his second category license. He's done this by braving the weather and getting stuck into the winter series races over at Hog Hill. Notable scores were a 2nd and a 1st place win. Full results and more pictures can be found here.

Big Rhys will be using his serious power output to target open individual time trial events this year. Also on the open road (CCH are now members of ERRL*) our man will be entering Eastern Road Race League events and joining CCH's team in Hackney Homes's Alpine Challenge fund raising effort in the Tour l'Ain four day stage race. 10th - 13th August. Other riders to enter so far in this testing contest will be the aspiring Alex Peters and Clem Berrill.

* Saturday May 21st 2011 is the date for CCH's 1st Road Race in the ERRL. Regional B for 3rd & 4th category riders. Distance 54m. Four laps around the Bulmer course on the Essex Suffolk boarder. Members are invited to help deliver this open race successfully. A meeting to go over this event and assignment of duties will be called in due course.

Nicola Baboneau's Learning Trust leaving party

2011-02-18T14:57:00.004Z

Nicola Baboneau had her leaving do last Wednesday night at The Learning Trust. The event was very well attended, all gathered together in recognition of Nicola's work and dedication in Hackney over the years. She has been instrumental in many community initiatives, one of them was managing the relationship between TLT and CCH.
I presented my manager for two years with a CCH club shirt in honor of her excellent support to the club from day one. Since then I've heard that Nicola is planning on training for cycle races...she was warned that our shirts have a stimulating effect. I'm very happy that Nicola has joined our club, a great signing, a real and proven asset.

Keir Apperley - CCH

CCH backs 'Cycling Uganda' initiative

2011-02-15T22:34:00.001Z

For information about 'Cycling Uganda' and news coverage of a linked youth exchange project set to run from 2011-2012 check the link here.

http://cyclinguganda.blogspot.com/

Juniors at Highams Park

2011-02-14T20:58:00.007Z

Leonard wins his heat in the Under 10's.

Saturday 12th February saw the CCH juniors out in force again for Round 2 of the LYVCC Winter series at the tight Higham Park circuit. After an enjoyable ride over in the sun via the Crooked Billet and the old dog track the riders got down to racing in earnest on the 550m circuit at Highams Park School- where its small size meant larger fields had to race in heats then a final.

Ewan in the under 10's.

Leonard, Ewan, Elliot and new rider Cameron went well in the Under 10's with Leonard winning his heat and getting 4th in the final.

Isaac on his way to 9th place.

Bede, Logan, Isaac, Joe, Jake, Sam, Louis and Frank rode the Under 12's where Bede got a fifth place in the final. Unfortunately Frank found that netball and cycling don't mix when he had an accident whilst warming up and had to retire early but he may have invented a new sport...

Mostyn in his heat.

Mostyn and Jack rode in the Under 14's whilst Alex placed 8th in the under 16's.

Alex on his way to 8th.

The smallness of the circuit means spectators can see almost 90% of the racing and nearly all of the crashes where riders ran off the tight corners - making for exciting if nervous viewing for watching parents.

Full results here. More pictures here.

Tao wins his first race in 2011

2011-02-06T09:19:00.001Z

Saturday 5th February

Tao Geoghegan Hart has won the 2nd & 3rd category adult race held at the Hog Hill racing circuit in Redbridge. The conditions were very windy as illustrated by the taught and horizontal flag flying next to the finishing area. Tao crossed the finish line arms out stretched looking like the Angel of the North, an equally notable achievement given that he stayed upright and was not blown over, saving himself an embarrassing moment.

Well done Tao!

Keep Racing on the Roads

2011-02-03T19:14:00.003Z

Keep Racing on the Roads - February 2011

British Cycling's campaign to secure the future of road racing in the UK continues. They are lobbying parliament with a view to changing the outdated laws concerning road races for cyclists and trying to find a way to reduce policing charges. Read the full article on the British Cycling website here.

Meanwhile over at the London Cycle Campaign the 'No More Lethal Lorries' appeal aims to reduce road danger to cyclists. This is extremely pressing as yet another cyclist is in a critical condition after an accident involving a lorry at Dalston Junction this week. The five point strategy is as follows -

1 Cyclist-awareness training for drivers -All city lorry drivers should be have ongoing cycle-awareness training, including on-bike experience.

2 Drivers must take more responsibility- Authorities must recognise driver responsibility for doing everything practical to reduce risks. Blaming a ‘blind spot’ should be an admission of guilt.

3 Safer design for London lorries - Lorries designed for off-road use should be taken off city streets. The best mirrors, cameras and sensors should be fitted as standard.

4 Higher standards from lorry operators - Quality-assurance schemes such as London’s Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) should be mandatory, and the police encouraged to crack down on rogue operators.

5 More responsible procurement - Companies must only buy haulage services from reputable firms, with government taking a lead in encouraging best practice.

Plus: Better education for cyclists -Cyclists must be given the most accurate and up-to-date information on riding safely around lorries.

Neil will leave copies of the petition at CCH HQ for you to sign.