CXNE Regional Cyclo Cross

Stuart B. has been competing in the regional cyclo-cross league. The latest (CXNE) event was held in Durham where the regional event on Saturday preceded Sundays National Event. Stuart finished well up and his recent running training in paying dividends. Al MacD. who was taking part in his first event of the season, failed to finish, puncturing toward the end of the event.  Link on the British Cycling site. There are also NECCL events locally (See TLI cycling site).
 

Children in Need

Congratulations to Ian S who spent 5 hours on the saddle in the foyer of the Morpeth Leisure Centre where he was raising money for Children in Need. Nice one.

New Gothic dreamwear...Order going in soon.

Orders for the new Gothic 'away' strip being taken now. Don't delay as order going in very soon.

Gothis at the Virgin Cyclone 2013

Four riders appear under the SC Gothic Banner for this years epic 104mile Virgin Cyclone. The sportive takes in some major climbs through Northumberland. Steve Beattie improved hugely from 2012, finishing in 6hr05minutes. Ian Carter finished in 8.06 and Gavin Bayne and Bob Sewell got round together in a time of 8.19. Nice one lads. (Photos of Gav and Bob at the first refreshment station!)

Wooler Wheel 100km Sportive

Ian S and Ally Mac completed the Wooler sportive at the weekend. Entered in the midi-event, a 63 miler with 5000ft of ascent, the event is centred on Wooler and the course makes it's way south through Ingram to Thropton, then kicks back north through Glanton and Eglingham. 
The lads grafted south into a squally and wet headwind and moved onto the Big Ring at Alwinton, passing through the feed breaks at high speed and stopping only to sample the delights of the jelly baby cup and delicate slices of flapjack.
Good fun and all finishers were treated to a slap up feed of pasta and bolognaise. Some of the lucky ones even got a 10 minute leg massage.
Photos soon at http://donkjnr.wix.com/andersondrummondphotography

Goths up for Duathlon

Those doughty lads, Gav B and Stu B flew the flag in this years Morpeth Duathlon. It was Gav B's first outing and reports indicate that it was a tough (and cold) test. Stuart B is well versed in the dark art of 'transition' and looked to be enjoying the Easter treat. It was great to see the Goth jerseys out, mixing it with the regions best athletes. Well done lads.

National Team Time Trial - Marshalls needed

The CTT North East District is hosting the National Team Time Trial for 2013 with Tyneside Vagabonds being the host club. Ray Luckett is the contact and organiser. It is scheduled for Sunday 7th July 2013.   If anyone in the club is interested in supporting the National TTT with marshalling, please make contact with Ray Luckett.   His email address is raymondluckett@hotmail.com.

Thirsk Sportive to Kick Start the Economy

What you got planned on the 13th April?????
Doing your hair?....Nails.....having a wax?
Daffodils is a new Sportive for 2013, 3 routes of 36, 76 and 87 miles starting from Thirsk and heading to the World famous Farndale Daffodils.
The routes are on quiet scenic North Yorkshire Moor Roads, perfect to enjoy the spring and start your Sportive season.

Short Route £15
Medium and Long £20
(Group Discount Available)

All routes start from Thirsk YO7 1RZ. Entry details online at British Cycling (SPORTIVES).

Killhope Grimpeur

103km cycling event starting from Lanchester, near Durham. Controls at Allenheads and Nenthead.
 A circuit in the North Pennines from the start and finish at Lanchester via Blanchland, Allenheads, Nenthead and Stanhope. Climbs to over 600m at Killhope Cross. Free food and drink at finish. 24th March - DETAILS AT http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-265/

Daffodil Sportive & Velo 29

Cleveland based Velo29 have organised a number of events this year. Word has it there's a sportive sorted for April starting at Thirsk. Three distances on offer.
More info at Link:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events and key in the 'keywords' slot 'velo 29'

Club night

Subs night and club meeting planned at the Joiners, Morpeth on Wednesday 23rd Jan 8.00pm.
This year club subs set at £15. News on sponsors, affiliations etc. All welcome including new members. If you want to raise anything please let the club secretary know beforehand.

Kirkley Cyclo Cross (North East League)

Stu and Ally 'enjoyed' the latest round of the Kirkley Cyclo Cross League. It was mud all the way with some interesting switchbacks, cambers, climbs and testing descents that kept the onlookers entertained all through the race. If you didn't fall off at least twice, you just weren't trying.

Thanks to Tyne Vags. We'll see if Gothic can get one organised next time around. There are still some cyclo cross events organised by CXNE and NECCL (TLI) left and its cheap and fun...if a bit muddy. Cyclo Cross or Mountain bikes...as long as youve got good grippy tyres. Next up Eston on Teesside on Sunday, then Durham on the 20th.