CRABWOOD NEWSLETTER CHRISTMAS 2023

Hi Crabbies. It’s been a while, so here is the occasional newsletter that I’ve cobbled together.

MINCE PIE RUN

 Mince pie run 17^th December. Meet at Eling at 10.00 for those daft enough to cycle. For the sensible people meet 12.00 at The New Forest Wildlife Park, Deerleap lane, Colbury SO40 4UH. Free mince pies and mulled wine

CYCLOCROSS

The Geoff Shergold memorial cyclocross Southampton, Sports centre. Sunday 21^st January. So, if you like the cold and the mud it’s the place to be. Volunteers needed not only on the Sunday but also for Saturday 20^th to help set out the course. Please contact Kerie for details 07850 172929  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PRIZE PRESENTATION

The annual prize presentation and buffet lunch will take place 18th February 12.30 pm, at The Empress of Blandings, Southampton Rd, Copythorne, SO40 2PF. Tickets £15 pp. There will be a club social ride before the lunch leaving the Empress of Blandings at 10.00am.

2024 subs remain at £10 for a full member, £5 for social or 2^nd claim.   Subs for those with at least 20 years of continuous membership (same members as 2023) are waived.  For those members - please confirm to Roy This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  whether you wish to remain a member for 2024.

Can be paid by cheque (payable to Crabwood Cycling Club) to Roy Budd, Whitethorn, Winsor Road, Winsor, Southampton, SO40 2HP.

Or direct to:- A/c:  CRABWOOD CYCLING CLUB,  Sort Code:  309873,  Account Number:   00393934  (please give your surname and initial in the reference)

You can include payment to reserve tickets for the prize presentation lunch at the same time.

Can you send Claire your best results for any TT event club or open events, also the number of TTs ridden. Please could you also return any trophies to Claire or any member of the committee by the end of December please.

The Presidents cup.

As you can see from the results Pat has fluked the presidents cup again. He didn’t manage a clean sweep of victories; he was pipped by yours truly in the last TT. (That’s only because he rode his mountain bike.) We also ran a hill climb at Bramshaw in September. That was won by Mike Marsh from Sotonia 02.22. Pat L 02.29. Dave Ricketts 02.34, Stuart Martingale Sotonia 02.54, Myself 02.56.

John S Bisson 03,10, Skye Martingale (Wjuv) 03.12. Dave England 03.45. After the hill climb, we Cycled to The Cuckoo for ale and pies.

Crabwood Holiday 2023

Thanks to Claire we enjoyed another holiday in the Alps. This year we stayed in a chalet at the bottom of a valley, so it was an easy ride home. Grand – Aigueblanche near Moutiers. We enjoyed? some rather long climbs, Val Thorens , Col De Madeleine. But there was a particular memorable climb that went up to Meribel, which was ok, But the fun started - a goat track that had been surfaced a turned into a cycle lane. Carried on for another 7km. There sections reaching 20% (1 in 5).            

I would like to thank all the people who helped at our events the cyclocross and the time trials, without those willing volunteers we wouldn’t be able to run any of our events. So, thank you.

The club will be running some club TTs throughout the summer, let’s see if anyone can topple Pat.

And we will visit the Le Tour again, with a new area to explore. The Massif Central

Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy new. Alan.

CRABWOOD NEWSLETTER CHRISTMAS 2022

Hi Crabwood. It’s been a while since the last newsletter. So, I thought it was time for another one. After a nice long hot dry summer the weather has finally gone back to normal, combined with not many hours of daylight it really is a fun time to go out on your bike.

      The club events went well this year with Pat, Colin, Claire and myself running 2 events each. This worked very well and spread the workload around. How-ever number of entrants was quite low, with one event just having two CCC riders. 

      The club trip to Le Tour took place this year after a two-year absence. We had a very hot week in the Pyrenees. The climbs were long and tough (or am I just past it?). With the Peyresourde finishing me off with the temperature on my Garmin hitting 45C. We all had a good time in a really nice location (well done Claire)

                                      Lake Genos, Loudenvielle.  Our chalet 2^nd one on the left.

The Mince pie run 18^th December. Meet at Eling Toll Bridge at 10.00 for those daft enough to cycle. For the sensible people meet 12.00 at The New Forest wildlife park, Deerleap lane, Longdown SO40 4UH.

The Geoff Shergold Memorial cyclo-cross at the Sports centre 22^nd January. Volunteers please. Contact Kerie for details. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07850 172929

                                                                                WHY?

Our Prize presentation lunch is on Saturday 4^th March, 12.30pm, at the Empress of Blandings, Romsey Road, Copythorne  SO40 2PF (upstairs function room).  Tickets are £15pp to include a buffet lunch.     

Please could anyone with club trophies, return them to Claire.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Bah Humbug.  Alan.

CRABWOOD NEWSLETTER CHRISTMAS 2021

Hi Crabwood. It’s been a while since the last newsletter. I don’t think much has happened! Apart from being confined to barracks. Speaking for myself I had a few weeks away from work...wonderful. Plenty of time to spend hours out on my bike on lovely empty roads, except for the suicidal walkers that were now out of their cars still thought they owned the roads. I also caught up on loads of decorating and gardening. Unfortunately, things are back to normal, and the roads are full of lunatics again. And even worse I am back working. So, I hope all of you who are still working enjoyed your time off.

Welcome to new member Colin Witt, plus new 2^nd claim members Martin Napier and Martin Balk.

On the racing front there hasn’t really been much at all.  A few time trials.  Hopefully things will be back to normal next year.

                                                                           EVENTS

The club events will be back next year, and as usual we will need some volunteers for marshalling, etc. Dates to follow in the next newsletter.  The return of the Mince pie run 19^th December. Meet at Eling at 10.00 for those daft enough to cycle. For the sensible people meet 12.00 at The New Forest wildlife park, Deerleap lane, Longdown.

Also returning is the Geoff Shergold Memorial cyclo-cross at the Sports centre 16^th January.  Volunteers please. Contact Kerie  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  07850 172929 if you can help with setting up the course on Saturday 15^th,  or in any way on Sunday 16^th, even a couple of hours’ marshalling would be welcomed.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Alan.

DECEMBER 2019 XMAS NEWSLETTER.

Hello Crabwood members, it’s been a while since my last newsletter, a few IT issues and apathy on my part have led to a bit of a delay.

NEWS.

The club and I would like to wish Pete Betteridge a speedy recovery from his recent heart surgery.

On a sadder note Roger Bacon president of New Forest cc recently passed away, the club and I would like to send our condolences to Roger's family, friends and clubmates.

MINCE PIE RUN.

It’s time for that annual cold, wet a windy ride around The Forest. Yes, it’s the Mince pie run. So, clear your diaries for 22^nd Dec. Meet at Ealing at 10.00 for those daft enough to cycle, and the sensible people in cars meet at 12.00 at the New Forest wildlife Park Deerleap Lane, Colbury.

Cc

CYCLO-CROSS.

The Geoff Shergold Memorial Cyclo-cross Sunday 26^th January   

Southampton Sports centre.                                                           

Volunteers required for setting out on Saturday 25^th and helping/marshalling etc on Sunday 26^th. Please contact Kerie   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel 07850 172929..

Ee

Even the best gets it wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n8uL3WFdKY

SOCIAL RIDES.

19^th January. Cuckoo, Hamptworth

8^th February. The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge

29^th February.  The Hunters, Romsey. Next time we can ride on a leap year Sunday is 2032

Meet at Redbridge 09.30, The Plaza Romsey 10.00 or at the pub 12.00

Club Dinner

Will again be held at Wellow Golf club, guest speaker TBA.

Saturday 15th FEBRUARY 2020

Wellow Golf Club, Ryedown Lane, E Wellow nr Romsey SO51 6BD

       £25.00 per person

Starters

1. Homemade Spicy Parsnip Soup with Crusty Bread

2. Goat’s cheese, leek and Walnut tart

C. Smoked salmon with capers and wholemeal bread

Main Course

D.   Sirloin steak with Lyburn Cheese & Mushroom sauce

E.   Maple Glazed Roast Chicken Breast, Garlic & Herb Stuffing and Pan Gravy

F.   Baked cod Loin with Parmesan Crust & Roast Tomato Sauce

G.  Vegetarian Nut Roast

(All served with a selection of fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes)

Dessert

H.  Exotic Fruits Brioche Bread & Butter pudding

I.   Fresh Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Syrup  

J.  Trio of Local Cheeses and Biscuits

*****

Freshly Brewed Coffee and Mints

Please indicate your menu choices below and return to Roy by 3^rd February with payment. 

Alternatively you can make payment electronically – please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let him know of any payments you have made, and names/menu choices as below if applicable.

Please note Roy’s new email (IMPORTANT as the old one no longer works!).

Account Name:       CRABWOOD CYCLING CLUB

Sort Code:                309873   

Account Number:   00393934

Reference:               Please enter your surname and first initial.

Club Subscriptions 2020

Full Membership £10.00……….           Social £5.00………..      2^nd Claim £5.00……….

Name and Address in BLOCK LETTERS…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

To – Roy Budd, Whitethorn, Winsor Road, Winsor, Southampton, SO40 2HP

And finally I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas.     Alan

NEWSLETTER  MARCH 2019

CLUB DINNER 2019

 Guest speaker Roger Hammond presenting trophies to the usual suspects.

 The annual club dinner was held at Wellow Golf Club. This year’s guest speaker was Roger Hammond ex pro rider and Directeur Sportif of the Madison Genesis team, I think we were very lucky to have Roger as our guest, as I think he doesn’t normally speak at dinners. Roger gave us a very interesting speech on his career and his links with CCC. I would like to thank Claire and Roy for organizing another successful dinner.

GEOFF SHERGOLD MEMORIAL CYCLO-CROSS.

It was a dry, but with a chilly wind. Sam Allen (Pedalon) won the men’s event to retain the GSM CC trophy, with Amy Perryman (Hargrove’s Montezumas) taking the ladies title. I would like to thank Kerie for organizing another successful GSM cyclo-cross, I would also like to thank those of you who helped throughout the weekend. To save me copy and pasting, click on the link below for race report and results. 

http://www.wessexcyclocross.co.uk/2019/round-14-southampton/

 Time Trials

 It’s nearly time to get the book of excuses out, it’s too windy, it’s too cold, my bike was playing up or my legs didn’t feel good. Yes, I have used them all. With first CCC TT 11^th April P164 7.00pm. P164 events use Park Pale car park as HQ.

Crabwood Club TTs 2019

See link below for the rest of the local club events.

http://www.southdc.org.uk/cev_cent.htm

We also have a new trophy for The Jens two up, for the 2019 season (hard luck Dave) Kindly made and donated by Brian Grierson of Sotonia CC

HEATH ROAD RACES

Road races Tues 4^th & 18^th June, 2^nd July, 7pm start, HQ Applemore College. 

Please put the dates in your diaries – lots of marshals needed!  Organiser is Pat Lafford.

 Social Rides.

 17^th March, The Hunters, Romsey.

7^th April, the Star, East Tytherly.

28^th April, The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge.

19^th May the Cuckoo, Hamptworth

Meet at Redbridge 09.30, The Plaza Romsey 10.00 or at the pub 12.00

The committee and myself would like to wish Glenn Longland a speedy recovery from his recent tumble, where his bonce took a bit of a bashing.

 And finally, for those of you who don’t know. I had a mishap on my skiing holiday in February, which resulted in a broken Tibia and Fibula. So I will stuck on the settee for a few more weeks, hoping to get back on the bike in May.

Alan.

A very enjoyable Crabwood club dinner was held on Saturday at Wellow Golf Club, attended by a large majority of our members. We were very honoured to have one of Britain’s most successful pro riders, Roger Hammond, as our Guest of Honour, and he made us all feel very proud of our club which Roger attested had played a big part in his career development over the years.

After his speech, Roger presented the 2018 awards – some of the award-winners having been presented their awards by Roger the last time he was our Guest, in 1994!
Thanks to Steve Curtis for the photos.

CRABWOOD CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2018

Merry Christmas Crabbies.

News

I would like welcome 2 new members Lorretta Stringer and Stuart Grace. Stuart joins us as a 2^nd claim member. For those of you who don’t know Lorretta she lives somewhere a bit warmer than cold soggy Hampshire, Oman. I would like to congratulate Lorretta, she recently rode the Oman 100k national road race and was 2^nd woman and getting a rather nice prize of £600.

At the club AGM Dave Radcliffe was press ganged into joining the committee, congratulations Dave, I hope you realise it is a job for life. All other committee and president positions remain unchanged. At the meeting it was decided to run some more Heath Road Races. So, dates for your diaries 4^th, 18^th June and July 2^nd, with Pat Lafford drawing the short straw to be the organiser.

The committee and I would like to wish Brian Coupe a speedy recovery, from a stroke he recently suffered, hope to see you out on the bike soon.

Cyclo-Cross

The Geoff Shergold memorial cyclo-cross (including the club championship) will be held at The Southampton Sports Centre Sunday 27^th January. The setting out of the course and the running of the event requires a lot of man/womanpower, anyone who would like to volunteer to help please contact Kerie  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel 07850 172929.

Club kit, we are hoping to put an order in for some club kit, but we need a minimum of 5 items for an order. If you want any, please contact Claire.

Mince pie Run

Mince pie run 23rd  December. Meet at Eling tide mill 10.00am for a gentle ride around The Forest. With lunch at the New Forest Wildlife Park, Deer Leap Ln, Ashurst. At 12.00.

Social Rides.

13^th January, The Black Horse, West Tytherly.

3^rd February, The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge.

24^th February, The Cuckoo, Hamptworth.

17^th March, The Hunters, Romsey.

Meet at Redbridge 09.30, The Plaza Romsey 10.00 or at the pub 12.00

Club Dinner

CRABWOOD CYCLING CLUB DINNER

Saturday 9th FEBRUARY 2018

Wellow Golf Club, Ryedown Lane, E Wellow nr Romsey SO51 6BD

       £25.00 per person

Starters

A. Homemade Spicy Parsnip Soup with Crusty Bread

B.  Puff Pastry,Chicken, Bacon & Woodland Vol Au Vent

C. Duet of Honeydew & Cantelope Melons with Mango Sorbet

Main Course

D.   Roast Topside of Local Beef, Yorkire Pud & Red Wine Gravy

E.   Maple Glazed Roast Chicken Breast, Garlic & Herb Stuffing and Pan Gravy

F.   Grilled Sea trout Fillet with Crust & Herb Butter

G.  Vegetarian Nut Roast

(All served with a selection of fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes)

Dessert

H.  Steamed Ginger Marmalade Sponge Pudding with Creamy Custard

I.   Summer Pudding with Red Berry Coulis & Vanilla Ice Cream   

J.  Trio of Local Cheeses and Biscuits

*****

Freshly Brewed Coffee and Mints

Please indicate your menu choices below and return to Roy by 29th January with payment.  Crabwood has now come into the 21^st century and you can make payment electronically – please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let him know of any payments you have made, and names/menu choices as below if applicable.  Account details:-

Account Name:       CRABWOOD CYCLING CLUB

Sort Code:               309873   

Account Number:   00393934

Reference:              Please enter your surname and first initial.

Club Subscriptions 2019

Full Membership £10.00……….           Social £5.00………..      2^nd Claim £5.00……….

Name and Address in BLOCK LETTERS…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

To – Roy Budd, Whitethorn, Winsor Road, Winsor, Southampton, SO40 2HP

That’s it for this edition. Bah Humbug. Alan.

CRABWOOD NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER  2018

Hello Crabbies, yes autumn is here and nothing to look forward except cold dark miserable days for the next six months, and not mention Christmas bah humbug.

Crabwood cc club 10 September

Jens with Team Crabwood, he’s the one that looks like a proper cyclist.

We were again graced by Jens Voigt’s presence at the Crabwood September club 10. And again, there was a raffle with a chance to ride a two up with JV. And the lucky winner was Dave Radcliffe. All proceeds from the raffle going to the Epilepsy Society and Canine Partners. This was Dave’s first ever time trial, and he managed to tow Jens round to post a 27.21

As usual on the P164 course, it was windy, and as usual it was a south westerly and it was the usual fight against the wind from Ipley to the finish. The wind didn’t seem to hamper Nick Tarmey of VC Venta who posted 21.30. Pat Lafford was the fastest CCC rider, who was wearing his go faster black Speedsuit (reminded me of a spent match) posted a 24.44.

I would like thank Pete and Jacky Betteridge, Dave Crocker and Roy Budd for time keeping this season, Colin Smith for pushing off, David Hanbury and everybody else who helped with marshalling.

http://www.crabwoodcc.org.uk/index.php/results

Presidents Cup

Congratulations to Pat Lafford on winning the cup again, with Brian Coupe second and Alan Bigwood third.  http://www.crabwoodcc.org.uk/index.php/results/96-president-s-cup-2018

We need to find some younger riders who can give him a run for his money

75th Anniversary Heath Road Race Series

Well done to John Winchester and the many helpers from Crabwood and various other clubs, on a  successful and well-received series of road races.  Results and many more photos on our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/crabwoodcc

Other news

NEW MEMBERS

 We have not just one, but two new members. I would like to welcome Ken Parmenter and Dave Ricketts to the club.  Ken who at the age of 80 is planning to return to time trialing, it will be nice for Claire to have someone of her own age to compete against.  And Dave, a work colleague of Dave Radcliffe and a member of the Sunday morning Hedge End cider drinkers. 

Dates for your diaries.

Club AGM Tuesday 6^th Nov, 8pm, The New Inn, Hounsdown.

Geoff Shergold memorial cyclo-cross 27^th Jan, Southampton sports Centre, Helpers required – please contact Kerie  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Club dinnerSaturday 9^th Feb, Wellow Golf club, details to follow in Xmas newsletter.

Social rides

21^st October Black Horse, West Tytherley

11^th November, Cuckoo, Hamptworth

2^nd December, The Hunters, Romsey.

Meet at Redbridge 09.30, The Plaza Romsey 10.00, or meet at the pub 12.00.

The Mince Pie Run

23^rd Dec Mince Pie run, New Forest Wildlife Park, Deerleap Lane, Colbury

Riders meet at Eling Mill 10.00, all welcome at the Wildlife Park 12.00.

I’ll have a P please Bob.

Since things turned sour with my wife a fortnight ago, I’ve taken to ride 50 miles a day to clear my head. I’m now 700 miles from home and feel much happier.

That’s it for now, Xmas newsletter out in December

CRABWOOD NEWSLETTER

MAY  2018

NEWS

The new kit has finally arrived!

After many weeks of waiting, the new kit has arrived, and for once we look like a proper club. With the exception of Tweety Pie in the middle.

We are not keeping supplies of club kit, but If you would like to order any please contact Claire.  Once we have enough (5 main garments) we can place another order.

We have a couple of new members - Colin Yeates, and Ollie Hollister, welcome to the club.  John Tunney has also rejoined the club after a couple of years’ absence, welcome back John.  John and Colin have also turned up and  ridden a club 10 this year.

Now some very sad news.  Andy Stevens’ wife Taryn has recently passed away, aged  just 62.  Taryn used to support Andy at races and attend our social functions. The club would like to send their condolences to Andy and daughter Holly.  Thanks to those members who attended the funeral.

Birthday tea.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Pat and Helen have kindly offered to host the birthday tea again. This will be held on 17^th June at 3.00pm. There will also be a club ride in the morning, stopping for lunch at The Cuckoo.

Heath Road Races.

To celebrate the clubs 75^th birthday, the club with the help of David Lloyd Gym are promoting a series of road races. The HQ is at Applemore College with the races taking place on the following dates.              12^th and 26^th of June and the 10^th and 24^th of July. We, as always need volunteers help out with marshalling, judging etc. Please contact Claire to advise which dates you are free to help.

TT news.

The first event 12^th April, for once the wind was in the right direction, which produced a very fast time - Matt Downie TAAP Cervelo Racing 20.45.  CCC riders Pat 25.33, Simon Wheeler 27.24 and John Tunney on his return 29.20.

The second event 26^th April, was a chilly evening, perhaps that’s why there were no CCC riders there, that is also my excuse. With James Fox of VC Venta posting the fastest time 22.28

The third event 3^rd May. A bit of a cross wind to the first turn followed by a tail wind to Ipley, and then as usual a headwind to the finish. It finally looks like Pat has some competition with new member Colin Yeates posting 24.28 beating Pat by 28 seconds, I struggled round with a 27.26 and Brian Coupe 28.01. Winner Mitchell Webb Halo Sports CT 23.26.

Unfortunately the 24^th May event was cancelled due to poor weather and only one brave rider turning up.

I would like to thank Jacky and Pete B and Dave Crocker for time keeping. John SB, Dave Hanbury, Dave England and Claire for their help. And finally, Colin our pusher off, push off Colin.

The next club TTs. 7^th June P164 15, 20^th June Club 25 Championship P128 HQ Lay by Bartley, 3^rd July NFCC interclub P164, 25^th July Club 10 Championship P164.

Social rides

17^th June The Cuckoo, Hamptworth

8^th July The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge

Meet at Redbridge 09.30, The Plaza Romsey 10.00, or meet at the pub 12.00.

*    *    *

How not to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDks8SU_Pa0

Beware if Colin is in his car.

https://cpofficial.com/watch-race-commissaire-runs-over-riders-bike-after-crash/

On Saturday morning, a roadie gets up early, as he has for so many Saturday morning rides, and softly slips out of the bedroom. He dresses quietly in the next room, grabs his helmet and water bottle, and goes out to pump the tyres. As the garage door opens, he’s confronted by an icy, windswept rain.

He’s ridden before in these conditions. He doesn’t like it, but when it’s Saturday morning he never misses. He ponders the dismal conditions and then retreats to the kitchen to tune a small TV to the Weather Channel. The forecast only sounds worse. This is one Saturday when he just can’t summon the determination. With a sigh, he slips off his shoes, quietly returns to the bedroom, undresses and slips back into bed.

There he cuddles up to his wife’s back and whispers: “The weather out there is terrible.”

To which she sleepily replies: “Can you believe my husband went riding in that crap?”            

That’s it for this edition. Alan