Faces of the Cyclone

Some sharp shots taken by Stu B. Results and split times are on the Sportident website and a range of official photos on the marathon photos website.

Virgin Money Cyclone

There was a good turn-out yesterday for the Virgin Money Cyclone. The long course for this sportive around Northumberland is 104 miles long with 7800ft of ascent. A couple of shorter events were organised as well. The route takes in Rothbury, Otterburn Bellingham and Wark and some perky climbs peppered along the way.
Blessed with reasonable weather, club members had a good day out although every body had their own tale of derring-do and the trials and tribulations that come with a chunky bit of mileage.

No doubt more reports to come with the results soon. In the meantime some snals (thanks Mrs M). Well done all.

Ken Laidlaw Sportive

For those who fancy a day out this August. The Ken Laidlaw Sportive is based in Hawick and taking in the Scottish Borders. Its on the 19th August.  There are two routes. The long course is 104 miles in length with 10 good climbs and 2400m of ascent; the shorter is 46 miles with 5 climbs and 1557m of ascent. Details at:

http://www.kenlaidlawsportive.co.uk/index.html

Lal White

An interesting story of someone you might never have heard of
http://www.cyclesong.co.uk/lals-story.html

Rockin' in the Lakes

Stuart B flew the flag for 'the Gothic' at today's Salomon Mountain Festival Keswick Triathlon. There was nothing easy about the bike course.
Summer made an appearance, which was nice, as the place fairly heaved with 'outdoor' types doing sportives, triathlons, openwater lake swims, trail runs and other stuff. Nice one.    

Calling all Mountain Bikers...

Starting on Monday 21^st May Barnesbury CC are organising the first weekly MTB league to be held in SE Northumberland. The league which will run for 10 consecutive weeks will include races for youths as well as senior riders. Racing will start at 6.30pm (youths) and 7.30pm (approx) for senior riders at Gallagher Park, Bedlington (closest post code NE22 7LA) – access is adjacent a detached house opposite Tesco car park.  The senior sprint league will start at 7.30pm (or after the youths have finished). The weekly race will last for 40 minutes based on a short lap of around 2km around the pit heap area. Cost is £6 per race. Registration closes at 7.15pm. Riders must compete on a recognisable mountain bike. No cross bikes allowed.

Classy Time Trials

This on the Vags. Website:

...The 57th edition of Tyneside Vagabonds Mountain Time Trial in Northumberland sees a rematch between last year's top two riders - 2011 MTT winner and National 24 Hour record holder Andrew Wilkinson (Port Sunlight Wheelers) returns to defend his title against Rapha Condor Sharp professional Richard Handley who finished just 22 seconds behind in second. Also challenging for the top spot will be the Blumilk.com riders, former winner John Tuckett and man-in-form Jon Sturman who recently defeated Andrew Wilkinson in the Teesdale MTT.
Other former winners of the event are also riding this year. With a field of 82 riders this year, the race is once again one of the biggest events in the North East time trial calendar. Due to roadworks in Rothbury, the course has been amended to start and finish just outside the town, but retains the classic route over a shortened 45 mile course through the Northumberland hills. The racing in various age and ability categories will be hotly contested.

(Should be a good one to catch).

Also A reminder about a tasty event next month:  The N&DCA - Stay Classy / Well Handled RT 10 mile time trial is on soon - its promoted for and on behalf of Cycling Time Trials under their rules and regulations. The event will count towards the 2012 N&DCA BAR (Best All Rounder Competition). This event will be run on the 15th June at 7pm on the M101 course, and headquarters is the Bebside working men's club.

(We're not in the N&DCA (yet) but if you think we should, let us know..and soon)